Setting the initial tempo

Finale offers a number of ways to set the tempo for a piece. For example, in Tutorial 6 you’ll learn how to make tempo markings such as Allegro, Presto, and ritard actually control the playback tempo. For now, though, we’ll set the tempo the quick way.

1. Once again, from the Window menu, choose Playback Controls. The Playback Controls reappear. On the Macintosh, click the expander triangle on the left side of the Playback Controls. On Windows, click the speaker icon.
2. Double-click the Tempo text box, type 200, and press Enter. You can also click the small up and down arrow buttons to increase or decrease the number in the Tempo text box. If you want the tempo to be measured in half notes per minute—or any other rhythmic unit—choose the value you want from the Tempo drop-down list.
3. Click the Play button. Finale plays your song back at a more sprightly tempo.
4. When you’re through listening, click on the File menu and choose Save. It’s always a good idea to save your work at the end of a session. If you wish, open the file “Tutorial 1b” and compare your results to our version.

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