Sibelius for iPad has arrived. We take a comprehensive first look at what you can expect from the experience, including multi-touch gestures, the revamped Create menu, and new pitch correction and chord input tools.
Reviews
Our expert take on the newest product releases, with in-depth coverage, pros and cons, pricing and availability information, and more.
Dorico arrives on iPad
Dorico for iPad has arrived. This major release for Apple’s tablet platform brings over all the familiar elements of the desktop music notation software program, along with some new features and ways of working.
Finale version 27 review: SMuFL and MusicXML 4.0 support
A review of Finale version 27. Headlining the new features are deep support for two open standards: Standard Music Font Layout (SMuFL), and MusicXML. Tighter SmartMusic integration, playback improvements, and user interface enhancements round out what’s new.
Your search is a command in the Sibelius 2021.2 update; M1 Mac support under Rosetta [updated]
The Sibelius 2021.2 release continues the ongoing evolution of the Find in Ribbon function into an increasingly comprehensive launch bar, now called Command Search. This update also expands Sibelius’s scripting and plug-in capabilities.
MuseScore 3.6 focuses on engraving upgrades, new fonts
MuseScore has released version 3.6. This release is primarily focused on engraving improvements and also introduces a new, SMuFL-compatible music font called Leland, designed by Martin Keary and Simon Smith, inspired by the legendary SCORE program.
A review of optical music recognition software
A review of four leading optical music recognition, or “music scanning” apps, and how they work with music notation software: PlayScore 2, ScanScore, PhotoScore Ultimate, and SmartScore 64 Professional Edition. Plus links to sample files from each app that you can download and test yourself.
Direct Sibelius file import headlines 2020.12 release
Sibelius 2020.12 is available. The new feature in this release is the long-awaited ability to import Sibelius files directly into an existing Sibelius file or template. There are other improvements in the areas of plug-ins and fonts.
Sam Solomon on writing for percussion
Samuel Z. Solomon’s book “How to Write for Percussion” is a wealth of information, guidance, opinions, and reference material on an important subject, accompanied by nine hours of quickly-paced companion videos.
Name Mangler and Moom productivity apps
Learn about Name Mangler and Moom, two apps for Mac users that automate common tasks of file renaming and screen re-sizing.
The focus is on staves with the Sibelius 2020.9 update
Sibelius 2020.9 is available with enhancements to the Focus on Staves feature, enabling new layout and formatting workflows for scores and parts. There are other improvements to MIDI and MusicXML importing, ManuScript, and accessibility.