I sometimes use the demo version of Sibelius to compose things. It's really convenient- the ability to see what I'm writing in notation lets me think about the music in different ways and usually results in better melodies. Also, the midi playback lets me hear things as I write, so I can hear how all the parts work together. I can focus on composing a piece, instead of remembering it. It's a hassle to have to write things out with a mouse, but the benefits more than outweigh the costs.

But the demo version can't save and it only prints the first page. This is a goshdarn hassle- I compose something good, I only have access to it as long as my computer stays on. If I try to print something longer than a page (i.e. anything I've ever written), I have to go through a VERY tedious cut and paste process. This takes a long time and generally destroys my faith in humanity.

This all brings me to my question: does anyone know of a free (I'm quite broke) compositional software that lets me make, save and print multi-instrument compositions? MIDI playback (or equivalent) and flexibility with things like time signatures are both musts. Guitar tab is nice, too.

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Member of the Grammar Nazis.

Tele

French Toast > Milk Box > Bad Monkey > DD-20

Blues Junior

http://www.purevolume.com/alexbirdsall

Quick note: I use a mac, so PC-only software is useless to me.

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Member of the Grammar Nazis.

Tele

French Toast > Milk Box > Bad Monkey > DD-20

Blues Junior

http://www.purevolume.com/alexbirdsall

It's not free, but look for the "musicwrite" software. It Does most of the things that Sibelius does, but it's not where near as powerful. Costs about $40usd for a basic version of it.

Also the 2005 of finale notepad woud work, BUT you can't change time signatures, cleffs or do any cool stuff. But it does save, and print. It's free

Both of those should have versions available for Mac. Finale will for sure, but musicwrite may not.

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-Chris Davis


Wants to buy
-nice tube head (maybe mesa something)
Selling (maybe)
Mesa Boogie 50/50 power amp

Thanks, I'll look into those.

(And out of curiosity, where in Iowa do you live?)

__________________
Member of the Grammar Nazis.

Tele

French Toast > Milk Box > Bad Monkey > DD-20

Blues Junior

http://www.purevolume.com/alexbirdsall

I have the full version of Sibelius 3 with Kontakt Player Gold! Its amazing and worth evry penny!

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