Notation software

[smuseby]

I am trying to write piano parts from jazz lead sheets. I would like to enter the melody and harmony notation from a fake book, and then fill out a piano arrangement on my computer, without a midi keyboard. I would like to be able to transpose the parts, have control over the presentation, listen to what I have created on my PC (Windows 2000), and print out the arrangement.

I have been using Band-in-a Box, and going crazy. It clearly was not designed for this purpose.

I would like something more powerful and suited to my purpose above. I am hopeful that someone may recommend a solution or two?

Thank you,
Bob

[Styrerra]

Cubase, Logic?

Someone who does both says Cubase is for musicians getting into computers
and Logic is for Computer people getting into music.

If so I should have gotten Logic But so far I am happy with Cubase.

Someone know free based ones?

------------------
Studio: 505 - ER1 - Cubase 5r7 - SB card (w APS drivers =8ms)
Win 98se - 600mhz - 512mbr - Advance 5/133E mobo - Via chipset (w 4in1 fix)

[PaulB]

Yipes. Trying to use Band in a Box for what you are trying to
do is like trying to hammer a nail with a stapler. Yes, it can
be done but its much more difficult than having the right tools.

You need a notation program and there are a bunch of them out there.
There are some shareware one's around. I also see some at the computer
stores starting at about $40. I have no idea what they do or don't
do.

Myself, I use Encore(gvox.com) but would not reccomend someone
buying it at this stage because its developer went bankrupt
in 98 and GVOX has done little more than talk as far as continuing
to develop it. I also use Finale, which has many more capabilities,
but is a bitch to learn, a very steep learning curve. Both
Finale and Encore sell in the $300 plus range but both have
"little brothers".

Finale has something it gives away on its web site (codamusic.com)
that you might try out. They all will transpose the notes so
that should be no factor. Good luck in sorting through all this.

Newsguyaa

[TimOBrien]

Melody Assistant from www.myriad-online.com (http://www.myriad-online.com)

Mac and PC versions, great WYSIWYG editing, nice printing and only $18. Will export to MP3, MIDI, WAV, GIF (great for sending other people pages).

That's what I used to write the CD I'm working on. They have a demo and manual you can download on their website to try before you buy.

Give it a try.

[scurra]

I have been using Coda Finale for about 8 years now. Thier latest version includes some nice Jazz fonts, auto harmony function for harmonizing the parts, as wel as a simple (yet powerfull) interface. I have used the software with and without a piano keyboard hooked up, and still find myself using a mouse for arranging. I recommend this software big time.

[KBMAN]

I agree, Finale is one hell-of-a program. It cost me around $150, cause I had a previous version...they sold me an "upgrade". They have good tech support and treat their previous customers great. If notating is your game, Finale is your name! cheesy!

Terrence