Finale Software Tutorial
Finale is a music notation program for songwriters that allows you to compose and play music on the computer. Finale is like a word processor for songwriters. The software can handle everything from the simplest lead sheet composition to the most complex orchestral and band arrangements. Learning to use Finale isn't a difficult process and can help save you time during composing and arranging your song compositions.
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Instructions
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Click the Finale icon to open Finale. Select the Setup Wizard to help you prepare the type of score you want to write. Choose the type of ensemble you want to write for from the selections on the left of the dialog box. Select the style of music score from the right, then click "Next."
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Select the instruments to include in your music score. Finale offers a wide range of instruments. Choosing from this instrument category will arrange instruments automatically on your sheet music score. Click "Add" to add instruments to your score and then select "Next" to continue.
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Fill in the title of your score, composer, arranger and lyricist names, and the copyright date of the composition in the predefined fields, then click "Next" to continue.
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Choose the key signature, time signature and tempo markings for your piece. Click each element, then click "Finish" to bring up your score for editing.
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Select the note and rest values from the colorful floating tool palette, then move your mouse over the music staff. The note you've selected will be visible as you drag it to the location on the staff where you want it to appear. Click the line or space on the staff to place the note, rest or symbol. Finale will automatically adjust the measures for you as you add them. Backspace or use the eraser tool to remove something from the staff.
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Add chord symbols or lyrics to your song composition. Find these elements on the "Tools" menu. Click "Chords" to add guitar chord symbols above your music staff. Select the chords from the chord palette and click above your music staff to place them. Select "Lyrics" to add words beneath your top staff. Type the lyrics under the appropriate melody line notes to place them correctly.
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Play back your composition at any time to hear how it sounds. Use the audio player controls located at the top of your music score. When you are satisfied with your composition, go to the "File" menu and select "Print." Finale prints the music staff with your composition.
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