Music Technology in Education

First of all, my apologies for not posting anything for the last few weeks. I am in the middle of finishing my book on copyright law, and nearly every free moment is spent writing and researching. More to come on that next week….

The folks at MakeMusic have just announced the release of Finale 2009. This powerful new music notation program has some pretty nice enhancements to the 2008 version, including a larger sound palette, multiple page editing, and a better set of shortcuts. I have installed the demo version and I applaud MakeMusic for a pretty solid new edition. Here is a list of new features that I have copied from the MakeMusic site:

- Streamlined workflow
The creation, entry, moving, and editing of dynamics, tempo indications, and other text and markings has been reinvented and streamlined.
- Garritan sounds
Finale now includes more than 300 world-class instrument sounds from the makers of Garritan Personal Orchestra. Free new sounds include baritone saxophone, vintage electric piano, electric guitar, handbells, and more.
-Aria Player: the next generation
The Garritan Aria Player is included FREE and is fully integrated into Finale 2009. The level of custom integration is unsurpassed and offers superior sound, more control, and a vastly improved user playback experience.
-Expanded SmartMusic support
Finale 2009 makes it easier and faster to create assessable SmartMusic accompaniments with support for linked parts, repeats, and more.
-Tapspace Virtual Drumline™ sounds
Finale also includes more than 100 instrument sounds from Tapspace Virtual Drumline, the world’s most powerful marching and concert percussion software instrument featuring the world-champion Santa Clara Vanguard percussion section.
-Multiple page editing
Now you can simultaneously view and edit as many pages as you choose to view on your monitor.
-Full VST/AU instrument support
Finale is now compatible with all VST/AU instruments, providing users with unlimited sonic possibilities. Plus you can now specify which VST/AU plug-ins load, eliminating conflicts and assisting troubleshooting. Finale also checks plug-ins for compatibility before loading, and tracks which plug-ins were previously checked for better performance.

I urge you to download the demo today (especially if you are a current Finale user) and check it out. Pricing is pretty affordable. Retail is $600, although educators can get it for $350. The SoundTree Educational Web Store will be selling it for $249 beginning next week (including free shipping).

For a recent (and vibrant) discussion on readers views about Finale and Sibelius, click HERE.

As always, I welcome your comments and suggestions.