Slashdot Mirror
Music Software for Mac OS X?
tengwar writes "I'm an organist, and I sometimes have to prepare sheet music. I'd also like to do a bit of composition. I'm looking for music software for the Mac centered around standard notation. Playback would be nice, but it's not as important as a user interface that doesn't get in the way of plonking down notes on a stave fast enough for me to remember what I was trying to do. If possible I'd like something that will allow me to add the words for voice parts for hymns. Any advice?"
I've seen recommendations for Finale, which is available for Windows and Mac platforms. Is there any open-source software that also does the same thing, for the Linux/BSD crowd?
Overrated / Underrated : Moderation
I teach a graduate level notation course in which students use both Finale and Sibelius, and I own a music publishing company. Both Finale and Sibelius are good. Both need constant tweaking.
If you're looking for something quick, choose Sibelius, as the learning curve is easier.
If you're looking for publication-quality, or if you might go that direction in the future, then choose Finale. It has the ability to tweak more parameters, particulary in-depth manipulation of slurs, that make it the only viable program for the professional. Finale has a steeper learning curve, but if you learn it now, you won't have to learn it after Sibelius has let you down for engraver-quality work. OS X Native version is due to ship 10/20 -- and yes they're REALLY behind Sibelius in that.
If you're never going to need engraving for publication, then Sibelius will be the better choice.
As for the other programs, if you wander into twentieth-century notation, stick with the two big guns.
I've used a number of notation programs and I feel I should chime in on the Sibelius vs Finale argument.
Firstly I've dealt with publishers and for the most part they use neither Finale nor Sibelius, but specialized and sometimes inhouse alternatives. IME they are particularly critical of Finale's copy, and feel that it's not up to snuff for publishable work. Sibelius does fare slightly better in their eyes. In side by side tests Sibelius produces nicer copy, at least IMO.
Secondly Sibelius IS easier to learn and use than Finale.
Most importantly, it is a myth in my experience that Sibelius is a less powerful program than Finale. YES, you can set MIDI channels. YES, you can manipulate slurs in extreme ways. Read the manual people. Easy to learn doesn't mean everything is obvious. I've had many discussions with hardcore Finale users, and in every case the features which they felt were unique to Finale are implemented as well or better in Sibelius. (Could be some I'm not familiar with though; any candidates?)
In conclusion I'd say go with Sibelius, sounds like it's more than adequate for your needs, and you'll be happier in the long run.
Your perspective on Logic is a little extreme - I use it every day and find it an extremely powerful program. You are correct though that while Logic includes a very powerful notation function, it has a severe learning curve and a really really crappy manual.
To put "really crappy manual" in perspective, Logic is at version 6, and my manual is a poorly organized version 4 manual with a version 5 addendum and a version 6 addendum. Yes I upgraded from version 4, but even people who buy the new version get this truckload of books.
For this reason alone, I cannot recommend Logic since the author seems to be asking for a "no-nonsense" approach to notation.