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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 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.