Conference napalm::commusic_v1

2732.0. "entry-level notation and sequencing for Macintosh" by COSMIC::DEVANE () Thu Sep 26 1991 15:38

I'm trying to select some sequencing and notation software.  I'm on a
really tight budget, at least until I see how serious my interest is.

I have a Mac SE/30 with 5MB, an HP DeskWriter and a very cheap MIDI
keyboard (Casio MT240 - $60 on clearance).

I want to be able to enter and print music in standard notation.  I'd
like to be able to play it back on my MIDI keyboard.  The keyboard is
multitimbral but doesn't support expressive functions like key
velocity, so being able to play music through the Mac with more
dynamic variation would be great.  (Seems like the SE/30 should have
enough horsepower to do some interesting things.)  Although my
keyboard skills are negligible, I would like to enter some things from
the keyboard.  I don't know whether I'd prefer to do arranging in
conventional notation or "sequencing" format.

My needs are not very sophisticated - I don't think I need a lot of
staves, or a lot of voices, or a lot of tracks, etc.

Packages like Trax, EZVision, Deluxe Music Construction Set, and
Concertware+MIDI are in the right price range. From poking through the
notes files CW+MIDI sounds really interesting, but a salesman told me
it was really buggy (I think he was trying to sell me MusicProse or
Finale).  I've also thought about DMCS+Trax as a combo.

I'd like to hear comments on how appropriate any of these packages are
for my purposes.  Any other packages to look into?  Also, I've noticed
several people have upgraded from one of these to more expensive
software - anybody interested in selling your old software?

thanks,
ch

    There are a variety of keywords ("GETTING_STARTED", "SOFTWARE", "MAC",
    etc) that will point to a number of topics that could answer your 
    questions. If they don't answer your questions directly, feel free to
    post any new questions in an appropriate topic. I'm sure the wizards
    in here will be glad to help...
    
    I don't mean to throw a blanket on your party, but a conference this
    size really doesn't need another "Where do I start?" entry.
    
    Edd
    
    COMMUSIC Co-mod...

    
    The August ('91) and September issues of Electronic Musician have
    excellent articles on Sequencer and Notation Software for all kinds
    of computers.  Sort of a Buyers' Guide.....
    
    Here is their phone number:
    
    415-653-3307

    Thanks, this sounds really helpful.  I haven't been able to find copies
    of these issues; would anyone be so kind as to loan them to me?  I
    promise to treat them nicely and return them speedily.  Contact me by
    mail, please.
    
    thanks,
    ch
    
    ps I found a good review of Concertware+MIDI 5.14 in the Oct issue of
    EM.

>    Thanks, this sounds really helpful.  I haven't been able to find copies
>    of these issues; would anyone be so kind as to loan them to me?  I
>    promise to treat them nicely and return them speedily.

Better still, I can make copies for anyone interested in the Electronic 
Musician articles.

Kris..