Notation software

[HapiCmpur]

Does anyone in this forum have a favorite notation software that will...

1. take notation from a keyboard performance,
2. allow some drag 'n drop on-screen editing,
3. print the results on staff paper?

Oh yeah, and...

4. one that's also really intuitive to use?

I've read about Finale's PrintMusic, and it seems like a really good value. But I want to get other opinions before going that way.

Also, am I correct in assuming that if I purchase PrintMusic or similar software, all I need in addition to that is a midi cable that will connect my keyboard to my laptop? Or is there more to it than that?

 

[TimOBrien]

Try the demo of Harmony Assistant or Melody Assistant at www.myriad-online.com

I find it easy to use, cheap ($20) and works on PC, Mac & Linux.

 

[HapiCmpur]

Thanks, Tim, I'll take a look at it.

Also, I forgot to mention one more characteristic I'm looking for in a notation software, and that's a high degree of polyphony. I've never seen notation software demonstrated before, so I have no idea how many notes of a keyboard performace they can typically choke down at a time. If someone (not me) were to blast out a few measures of a Rachmaninoff piano concerto, for instance, would most of the notes get captured by a decent notation program, or would most of notes get misplaced or lost entirely?

 

[TimOBrien]

No, that is not a problem in modern computers. They have no problem keeping up with any number of MIDI events.

 

[andydeedpoll]

the only problem would be that the program would notate it incredibly accurately. which is generally a bad thing because it'll write stupid measures for notes, if you're even the tiniest fraction of a second before or after the beat.

generally, notation software is for notation - actually writing it onto the computer. some people like to play in, then edit the crazy rhythms it's written though.

hope that helps,

Andy