MakeMusic (http://www.finalemusic.com) has announced the simultaneous release of Finale NotePad 2011 and an updated, free-of-charge Finale Reader. Both music notation software packages support current operating systems and provide compatibility with files created with Finale 2011, MakeMusic’s music notation software program.
Finale NotePad 2011 is available as a download for US$9.95, or purchased on disc for $19.95, It lets you create, play, print, save and share music notation. Notes can be entered with a mouse, a MIDI keyboard, or by opening MIDI files. Music plays back with nuance thanks to a Human Playback feature and can be heard via the 128+ included sounds or through an external MIDI device. NotePad also fosters collaboration as it can edit, play, print and save files created with other Finale music notation products.
In addition to Finale 2011 compatibility, NotePad 2011 includes several new features, including:
° Enhanced lyric spacing — lyrics, and the notes they’re attached to, are automatically spaced with engraver precision;
° Improved lyric entry — lyrics instantly appear exactly as they’ll print out;
° Expanded multi-user support for music labs and other networked environments.
The Finale Reader is a free download that can open, view, print and play files created by Finale and other MakeMusic products. This updated version provides compatibility with files created by Finale 2011.