The tempo you set with this procedure is the default starting tempo Finale uses when it plays back your score by “reading” the notated, quantized music. If your score is a transcription of a performance you recorded with the Transcription Mode, however, you also have the option of hearing a playback with the actual tempo of the original performance, including any fluctuations. For a complete discussion of this process (capturing MIDI data), see To specify playback parameters.

To set the initial playback tempo

1. Choose Window > Playback Controls. Playback Controls appears.
2. Click the expand arrow. The Playback Controls expand, offering additional controls.
3. Enter the starting tempo in the Tempo text box. The number you type here is the standard metronome setting (beats per minute). Use the pop-up menu to set the note value—quarter note, for example.

Note. Expressions defined to set the playback tempo (such as those created with the Create Tempo Marking plug-in), override the tempo set in the playback controls.

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