FINALE+TOP+TEN

=FINALE TOP TEN=



The following are the 10 Finale computer music notation topics most requested by participants in my courses and workshops:
__NOTE 1__: To download example files from the web on a Mac, control-click the link, then choose "Save Link As" or "Download Link As' from the drop-down ("contextual") menu that appears. __NOTE 2__: These notes use Mac OSX key commands. For Windows PC, substitute “command” key (⌘) with “control” key.

#1: “How can I scan my music into Finale?”
 * Scan **300 dpi** resolution, **1-bit (B/W)** color, and **TIF** file type
 * Simple scanners work best! (I've used a $60 Canon LiDE and a HP Photosmart C series to good effect)
 * Experiment with this properly scanned oboe part
 * Try to create a brass quintet arrangement using this scan of "Deck the Halls"

#2: “How do I export a graphic of music I've typeset to use in a Word doc?”
 * Graphics Tool, of course!
 * Double-click, hold, drag around selection
 * Graphics --> Export Selection (choose desired settings)
 * Drag-drop into MS Word, format
 * Try it! Export the melody from THIS FINALE DOC (download) into THIS WORD DOC

#3: “How can I get more realistic playback?” > = = #4: “How do I save/export my score as an audio file?” > = = #5: “Can I share Finale files with other notation programs, or earlier/later versions of Finale?” > = = #6: “What are the best shortcuts that can speedup my work with Finale?”
 * Human Playback
 * Softsynth/samples: Finale GPO (Garriton), Aria Player
 * "Conduct" Finale using Tap Tempo in Studio View (view Tap Tempo tutorial movie)
 * Export As Audio to Audio Program, add finishing touches (cymbal roll, gong hit, whip, etc.)
 * Use THIS FINALE SCORE ("Beautiful Michigan") to try some of the above.
 * Compare the above version of "Beautiful Michigan" with THIS FINALE GPO VERSION.
 * File --> Export to Audio File (choose AIFF, MP3)
 * If no choice, export as WAV, then convert in iTunes
 * Try it: save one of the Finale files with which you've been working as an audio file.
 * Use **XML format** to go between notation programs, including **Sibelius and Noteflight**!

= = #7: “Aside from composing/arranging, what are some of the ways that Finale can help me in my everyday music teaching?” > > = = #8: “I can find my way around a keyboard. Isn’t there a way to play my notes onto the score?” > = = #9: “How do I create a SmartMusic accompaniment from my Finale score?” > = = #10: //YOUR// QUESTIONS!
 * Slide show with warm-ups, exercises, fun song sheets, EZ flute start-up, music theory materials, etc.:
 * File --> Open Finale Worksheet… (& puzzles, games, flash cards, more)
 * YES: Hyperscribe!
 * Count-off? Set BEAT value and count-off measures (I like just 1).
 * Quantize: Set this to smallest rhythm you’ll play.
 * Click in measure where you want Finale to start recording. Stop playing to stop recording. Click off staff to stop Hyperscribe. (Hyperscribe works like “Punch In” recording)
 * Give HYPERSCRIBE a whirl using THIS: "Ode to Joy" in C Major
 * Or, perhaps THIS: "Musette"
 * File --> Export to SmartMusic
 * Select desired options