Music Notation Software

Every music teacher is not a piano major. Some are voice majors while others focus on strings, brass, or percussion instruments. When these teachers are expected to start a choir, they may have problems finding an accompanist or feel inadequate when it comes to proficiency with a keyboard. Sometimes a music score will add a an instrument in addition to the piano accompaniment, like a flute, French horn, violin, or double bass. Unless, you are well-connected in an urban city, it is highly unlikely that teachers will find a professional to play these parts while they conduct the choir. Ideally, that is what would happen in the ideal situation.

When the ideal situation does not exist, music notation software is the next best alternative. The major two companies are finale and Sibelius. Both companies offer educational and professional versions of their software. Teachers can either input the notes by hand, play the piano part from a synthesizer connected to the computer, or scan the music into the computer. Next the teacher would choose the appropriate instrument to play the staff, choose the sound (s)he likes, set the tempo, and deal with any dynamic changes. In addition, voice parts can be played with the voice parts or without to be used during rehearsal. Just a little bit of preparation can make a music teacher's ensemble rehearsal that much easier.

finale software includes finale, finale Allegro, finale PrintMusic, finale SongWriter, finale Notepad, and finale Reader. http://www.finalemusic.com/default.aspx

Sibelius professional software includes Sibelius 6, Sibelius First, Sound Libraries, PhotoScore Ultimate 6, AudioScore Ultimate 6, Scorch, and Sibelius Internet Edition. Educational software includes Sibelius 6, Sibelius Student, Sibelius Student Network Pack, Groovy Music, Sibelius Instruments, Sibelius Starclass, Sibelius Compass, Musition 4 and Auralia 4. http://www.sibelius.com/products/index.html