Finale+Notepad

· Finale Notepad · Publisher: MakeMusic, Inc. o http://www.finalemusic.com/ · Copyright 2006 · Runs on both Wintel and Macintosh Computers · Requires no peripherals · This software is recommended for all levels of students, and there could be lessons developed for all of them. · One could use this program for any number of classes, but it would most likely be used in a General Music class, or a Music Theory class.
 * Citation and General Information**

· One can find materials from the Finale Notepad Instruction Manual which is located online and under the help menu. · Finale Notepad is the free version of the Finale series and does not offer a great deal of teacher support options.
 * Teacher Support**

· Finale Notepad is a notation software program that allows users to choose eight instruments from a list of about fifty. The eight staves is the limit for Notepad, but can be upgraded if the user would like more staves.
 * Instructional Content**


 * There is MIDI playback, which could be used as an instructional aid,


 * It is possible to create worksheets or other such resources, but there are no templates on the program to set up your own.

· National Standards: o Standard 4. Composing and arranging music within specified guidelines. o Standard 5. Reading and notating music.

· This teaching strategy is appropriate for any age students. The ability to write out music and have it played back is a useful tool for young students and adults. Even a professional composer/arranger could use this program and find good aspects to it. This program can be used by students of any age. As students gain more musical knowledge, they will be able to advance to corresponding techniques within the software's capabilities. · There are a number of options for the user to choose from, but it is pretty clear what each option uses. · As long as students are kept on task, and given clear directions and instruction about the areas they will be using specifically, there should be no problem with difficulty in use. · The graphics used in this program are minimal, but are useful. There isn't much which could distract students, and each symbol has a purpose within the program. · User has control of movement within the program and can move at whatever rate he or she wishes. · Program Structure o Discovery o Drill and Practice · Sequence of Materials: Good · Pace of Instruction: Excellent · Quality of Interaction: Excellent · Motivation for Students: Good
 * Instructional Design and Pedagogical Soundness**


 * Overall Evaluation**
 * ·** **Finale Notepad is a free program available to anyone. It is a notation program. It has limitations that the Finale programs that cost money can cover. As a notation program it is easy to use. Some of the more advanced techniques are more difficult to implement, but easier once you've found shortcuts. The help menu has a list of keyboard shortcuts to help the user along. The help menu is extremely helpful, providing an instructional manual to help get users going on the right path. For an amateur arranger and composer, this would be an ideal program. A professional could also find many uses for this program when they are writing chamber pieces. In a classroom setting this program would be extremely useful, especially in learning notation and basic theory, as well as composition and arranging. Its limitations could potentially be a plus in a classroom for younger students. It gives them less pitfalls to find while working with it.**


 * ·** **Rating - * * *** *

Reviewed by Ken Stray 4/4/7 Updated 11/01/10 by Grace Elliott