I've been meaning to get more intro transcriptions to help with my playing/understanding, but I'm having trouble getting started with the notations! How do you like to transcribe? Using a Keyboard, midi controller or a mouse?
I've started to go through Berklee's online Finale tutorials, but it takes me 10 minutes to input a simple line of drumming, and typically my computer chirps at me and won't allow me to place another note with the mouse. Any help/direction would be greatly appreciated.
I'm using Finale Printmusic
Help getting started with Finale
- samnmax203
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Re: Help getting started with Finale
samnmax203 wrote:How do you like to transcribe? Using a Keyboard, midi controller or a mouse?
Pen and paper. Sometimes pencil and manuscript.
- samnmax203
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:09 pm
Re: Help getting started with Finale
DSOP wrote:Pen and paper. Sometimes pencil and manuscript.
Of course, but what type of paper? Size? Lined or unlined? Traditional or mechanical? What size lead? Do you use/have you used a pen? What color ink? Have you tried quill?
I know a drummer that used Bic pens for over 30 years and recently switched to a Swiss Quill manufacturer, he says he had "no idea they made such instruments."

Re: Help getting started with Finale
Start with pencil and notebook paper for 2 or 3 line charts. If you're going to go deep into larger kit transcriptions, staff paper may be in order.
- samnmax203
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Re: Help getting started with Finale
Riddim wrote:Start with pencil and notebook paper for 2 or 3 line charts. If you're going to go deep into larger kit transcriptions, staff paper may be in order.
I must have not been clear in my using of the computer notation software 'Finale' as the media for transcription. I can transcribe material fine to pen and paper, but I am interested in using computer software for notation.
The reply to DSOP was sarcastic
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Re: Help getting started with Finale
samnmax203 wrote:
I must have not been clear in my using of the computer notation software 'Finale' as the media for transcription.
You asked "How do you like to transcribe?"
I answered.
Granted, software and printer will give you a nice, legible end-result, but no way is it as simple as the manual process. Unless you're planning to create lead sheets or charts for others to read, I wouldn't bother.
But, you obviously purchased the software and want to make use of it, so I'll just shut up now.
I'm actually thinking of getting this sort of software to create charts of my own compositions from midi files. Is that even possible?
- samnmax203
- Posts: 81
- Joined: Mon Nov 15, 2010 2:09 pm
Re: Help getting started with Finale
DSOP wrote:You asked "How do you like to transcribe?"
I answered.
Granted, software and printer will give you a nice, legible end-result, but no way is it as simple as the manual process. Unless you're planning to create lead sheets or charts for others to read, I wouldn't bother.
But, you obviously purchased the software and want to make use of it, so I'll just shut up now.
I'm actually thinking of getting this sort of software to create charts of my own compositions from midi files. Is that even possible?
It is very possible to import midi files and use for transcriptions. One of the ways I've been told to use the software is with a midi controller to tap out the parts in sequence, but I was trying to figure out how to do it using a mouse as well. Try one of the finale versions with midi usage; you can try for free for 30 days to see if you like it on their website!
Re: Help getting started with Finale
samnmax203 wrote:One of the ways I've been told to use the software is with a midi controller to tap out the parts in sequence, but I was trying to figure out how to do it using a mouse as well.
Ooohhhh! That's what you were talking about! I thought you had to enter the notes in manually, like a word processor!
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- Odd-Arne Oseberg
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Re: Help getting started with Finale
I use Sibelius.
Because it's all I've had I've mostly just used a 17" laptop and because I'm used to it I'm fairly quick with that. With a separate number keys and knowing most shortcuts that's all I need. It's nice to have a keyboard in addition though, for certain things. Whatever toy choose, the thing you get used to working with, is the quickest and easiest.
Because it's all I've had I've mostly just used a 17" laptop and because I'm used to it I'm fairly quick with that. With a separate number keys and knowing most shortcuts that's all I need. It's nice to have a keyboard in addition though, for certain things. Whatever toy choose, the thing you get used to working with, is the quickest and easiest.
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