Best notation software for GCSE Student (Music)

Hi! I want to get a better software program for writing my compositions on as Finale, the free version is annoying me. I'd like to spend less than £100, and am doing Music for A Level to, so, it would need to be good enough for that level.
What do people think of:
Cubase?
Sibelius Student Edition?

All other comments welcome, thanks!

Reply 1

musicbloke

17

NickiM

Hi! I want to get a better software program for writing my compositions on as Finale, the free version is annoying me. I'd like to spend less than £100, and am doing Music for A Level to, so, it would need to be good enough for that level.
What do people think of:
Cubase?
Sibelius Student Edition?

All other comments welcome, thanks!

Can I recommend a pencil and paper. This is the best method for composing and tools like sibelius and finale should only really be used to write things up neatly. You must get used to a pencil and paper (oh yeah, and a rubber) if your compositions are going to be any good. In terms of typing the, up sibelius student edition should be pretty good. I only know the full version and don't really know what the difference is though.

MB

Reply 2

NickiM

OP

14

I do compose on a piece of paper, and use my flute to help me, it is just easier to write up neatly, and I can hear it back and my head. If I am doing a flute part with piano, it is also easier to hear whether the notes clash, and I don't have to make a simple piano part (can't play the piano that well) so I can hear whether the notes sound right.

Reply 3

Lidka

13

I'd reccomend Sibelius... a lot of my friends are doing Music GCSE and they all say that's the best...

Reply 4

NickiM

OP

14

Thankyou!

Reply 5

fasterpurple

I compose with pen and paper for solo/duet work, but most of what I do is orchestral (I'm a conductor) so I find that Sibelius is best. You have to have an idea of what it's going to look like on paper anyway to get it to be properly notated though (sometimes the flexitime capture comes out REALLY strangely).

You can buy it through your school and get an education discount :wink:

Reply 6

NickiM

OP

14

You can also get Sibelius Student edition and I am not sure how it compares. Thanks for the information though :smile:

Reply 7

fasterpurple

I use Sibelius 2 - I've never heard of the student edition! I would look into detail as to how they differ :smile:

Sibelius 3 is the latest version of the main program, which we use at college, and it's really good.

Reply 8

NickiM

OP

14

Well our music department is rubbish, it doesn't have any computers. I wish they had Sibelius at school!

Reply 9

dhutch

17

My Dad, who is very musical, and is i a few bands, and does a lot with my sister.brother/cosins. Uses Mozart.

- He composes on paper, but use it Transposing music, and printing out neat copys.

- I costs just under £65, and there a fully working trial (it just prints "printed on mozart trial edtion" all over the printouts till you pay)

Daniel

Reply 10

NickiM

OP

14