Learn the essential tips, tricks, and tactics you need to know to get the most out of Finale 2008. Readers will find a concise overview of Finale's framework followed by a guide to the everyday tricks and shortcuts that make using Finale a breeze. Author Mark Johnson draws from his many years of experience working with composers, educators, engravers, and students, giving you the expert guidance you need to get the very most out of Finale.

Chapter Overview

1. Getting Started
   Get acquainted with Finale's framework and learn the important skills crucial to every project.
2. Beginning a New Score
   Quickly setup a new score and then learn how to customize any element generated with the Setup Wizard.
3. Note Entry, Articulations, and Expressions
   Learn how to use a mouse, computer keyboard, or MIDI keyboard to enter notes efficiently. Then, master the techniques necessary to add articulations, dynamics, tempo markings, rehearsal letters, and other expressions.
4. Advanced Note Entry, Chords, and Lyrics
   Record your music to the staff in real-time with HyperScribe, then learn the essentials for entering chord symbols and lyrics.
5. Clefs, Key Signatures, and Time Signatures
   Learn how to add or edit these elements with ease.
6. Slurs, Hairpins, Other Shapes, and Repeats
   Slurs, crescendos, brackets, lines, glissandos, trill extensions, ottavas, D.S. repeats, codas, and more.
7. Multiple Staff Scores
   Learn how to properly manage scores of any size.
8. Alternate Notation, Staff Styles, and TAB
   Slash notation, rhythmic notation, percussion, tablature, and guitar markings.
9. Editing Your Music
   Learn how to copy, clear, change, transpose, and space your music.
10. Fine Tuning: the Details
    Master general alignment and positioning, and then learn to customize beams, stems, noteheads, accidentals, ties, and other elements.
11. Measure Numbers, Graphics, Layout, Parts, and Printing
    Wrap up your score by finalizing the layout, perfecting your linked parts, and tailoring the printout.
12. Specific Projects and Composing with Finale
    Piano scores, figured bass, chant, handbells, cadenzas, piano reductions, range checking, jazz charts, automatic harmonizing and more.
13. Customizing Finale, Scanning, and Education Tips
    Templates, document styles, program options, scanning sheet music, exercises, and other tricks for music educators.
14. Playback, Audio, and the MIDI Tool
    Using Garritan instruments, human playback, playback techniques, customizing MIDI, and adding audio.
15. Finale, the Web, and Other Programs
    Sharing files online, MIDI files, audio files, and taking advantage of third-party plug-ins.