Music Notation Software Alternatives to Finale in 2024
With the news of MakeMusic™ discontinuing Finale, the flagship notation software of most of the Broadway and commercial music industry, users of the 35-year-old software are quickly scrambling to find an alternative to the juggernaut program. The good news is that there are many options available to start fresh. These are in no particular order, and as we've experienced, this list could change at a moment's notice! Here are the pro’s and con’s of each notation software.
Sibelius
PROS:
User-Friendly Interface: Sibelius offers a sleek and intuitive interface that’s great for those who are used to working in a visually-oriented environment. It’s known for its ease of use, especially for those who need to create scores quickly.
Cloud Sharing: Sibelius allows users to share their scores easily with collaborators or clients via cloud services, which is a huge advantage in a remote working environment.
Integration: Sibelius integrates seamlessly with other Avid products, such as Pro Tools, making it a strong choice for users already invested in the Avid ecosystem.
CONS:
Subscription Model: Sibelius operates on a subscription model, which can be a turn-off for users who prefer to own their software outright.
Limited Customization: While Sibelius is great for quick notation, it can be somewhat limited in terms of deep customization and advanced features compared to Finale.
Learning Curve: Though user-friendly, Sibelius may still have a learning curve for users transitioning from Finale, particularly in navigating different workflows.
Dorico
PROS:
Advanced Features: Dorico is lauded for its deep and powerful features, particularly in terms of its support for complex notations and detailed engraving options.
Flow Concept: Dorico’s unique approach with “flows” allows for multiple sections or movements within a single project, making it ideal for larger works or projects with varying sections.
Regular Updates: Steinberg, the company behind Dorico, frequently updates the software, adding new features and refinements based on user feedback.
CONS:
Price Point: Dorico can be quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some users, especially those who are just starting out or are looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Steep Learning Curve: Dorico’s extensive feature set can be daunting for beginners, requiring a significant investment of time to master.
System Requirements: Dorico can be resource-intensive, requiring a fairly robust computer system to run smoothly, especially with larger projects.
MuseScore 4
PROS:
Free and Open Source: MuseScore is completely free, making it an accessible option for anyone looking for powerful notation software without the cost.
Active Community: The MuseScore community is vibrant and active, constantly contributing plugins, templates, and support for new users.
Improved Features: MuseScore 4 has made significant strides in terms of user interface, engraving quality, and overall functionality, closing the gap between it and its paid counterparts.
CONS:
Limited Advanced Features: While MuseScore has improved greatly, it still lacks some of the advanced features and polish found in paid alternatives like Sibelius or Dorico.
Less Professional Support: Being a community-driven project, professional support may not be as immediate or robust as with commercial software.
Occasional Bugs: As with many open-source projects, occasional bugs or stability issues may arise, though the community and developers are usually quick to address them.
LilyPond
PROS:
High-Quality Output: LilyPond is known for producing some of the most beautiful and professional-looking sheet music, with an emphasis on traditional engraving quality.
Text-Based Input: For users comfortable with coding or scripting, LilyPond’s text-based input can be a powerful and precise way to create scores.
Open Source: Like MuseScore, LilyPond is free and open source, which makes it an attractive option for those who don’t want to invest in commercial software.
CONS:
Steep Learning Curve: LilyPond’s text-based input system can be intimidating and requires a significant learning curve, especially for those used to graphical interfaces like Finale or Sibelius.
Less Intuitive: The lack of a traditional graphical interface can make LilyPond less intuitive, particularly for users who prefer to see their changes in real-time.
Limited Integration: LilyPond does not integrate as seamlessly with DAWs or other music production software, which could be a downside for users looking for a more holistic workflow.
This is going to be a time of trial and error for those on Finale who are shopping around for the best option. My choice is Dorico as the functionality of multiple Flows within one project file is a large time saver with regards to Musical Theatre scores!