Notation solution?

[Gargamel314]

So, Cakewalk is coming out with their newest version on Dec 8th, "Sonar X1." Once again, they haven't done a thing with the notation view feature of the program (which has remained relatively untouched since like Sonar 2.0. I'm entirely dependent on this program for sequencing and a number of other small functions. On occasion, I've had the need to transpose a piano part or two for a pianist, and usually ended up writing the darn thing out by hand (which takes FOREVER) because their notation feature looks terrible when you realtime-record parts instead of clicking the notes in with the cursor. It would be by far easier to sequence it, and transpose it, and print it out, but I would need a separate program for that.

The obvious best solution is to buy a program like Sibelius or Finale and import a SMF from Sonar into that to print it out, but those programs are very expensive. Does anyone know of a notation program that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and handles MIDI Data --> Notation reasonably well? I don't need to to write vast instrumental scores... just maybe a piano and vocal staff and have it look semi-professional. Something like "Encore" from the mid 90's (although i'm pretty sure that's discontinued...pretty buggy, anyways). Thanks for any input you have. You people are pretty smart so i figured i'd ask the pros...

[Sam CA]

So, Cakewalk is coming out with their newest version on Dec 8th, "Sonar X1." Once again, they haven't done a thing with the notation view feature of the program (which has remained relatively untouched since like Sonar 2.0. I'm entirely dependent on this program for sequencing and a number of other small functions. On occasion, I've had the need to transpose a piano part or two for a pianist, and usually ended up writing the darn thing out by hand (which takes FOREVER) because their notation feature looks terrible when you realtime-record parts instead of clicking the notes in with the cursor. It would be by far easier to sequence it, and transpose it, and print it out, but I would need a separate program for that.

The obvious best solution is to buy a program like Sibelius or Finale and import a SMF from Sonar into that to print it out, but those programs are very expensive. Does anyone know of a notation program that doesn't cost an arm and a leg and handles MIDI Data --> Notation reasonably well? I don't need to to write vast instrumental scores... just maybe a piano and vocal staff and have it look semi-professional. Something like "Encore" from the mid 90's (although i'm pretty sure that's discontinued...pretty buggy, anyways). Thanks for any input you have. You people are pretty smart so i figured i'd ask the pros...

I've been using Finale for many years now, but I 've always used the full version, because i write or edit big scores, but I know Finale has cheaper and simpler versions. You might look into those, and i'm sure you'll find the right price for your need.

[Gargamel314]

thanks! I will look into that! Thanks for the advice