Tutorial 6: Playback

It may be that you’re more interested in using Finale as a notation-based pseudo-sequencer than as a notation program. If so, this tutorial will introduce you to some of Finale’s special playback and MIDI capabilities. If you don’t plan to play back with Finale, skip ahead to Tutorial 7.

One of Finale’s strengths is its versatile playback and MIDI editing capabilities. You have extensive of control over broad-scale playback effects, and of course, the most minute details. For example, you can choose to playback using professional GPO instrument sounds, indicate your piece is to be performed in a Reggae style with Human Playback, and then adjust the volume and panning in real time with Finale’s mixer controls. Then, if a section doesn’t sound exactly as you like, use the MIDI Tool to rework the most subtle detail.

This chapter will first guide you through the easy ways to get your music sounding great, and then delve into some advanced MIDI editing topics for the perfectionists.