question about finale 2007

[pianistimo]

pianowolfi was so kind to show me a demo.  i really like finale - but one problem i've had is that if i input words before i put ALL the music in - everytime i get to the end of the line - another measure is added and it changes the rhythm of the words so they are not under the notes that they should be anymore at the end of the line.

*question - is that what most composers do - wait until all the music is inputted and then put the words in?

[quantum]

If you want to enter lyrics before notes, use the Edit lyrics box.  Then afterwards use Click Assignment to assign syllables to notes. 

I find it easier to enter notes followed by lyrics, because then you can enter the words with the proper syllable divisions (the hyphens between words).

[timothy42b]

While I have finale notepad, I use Noteworthy Composer much more, so I'm not sure how much this applies.

I always do the notes first.

Then I use the lyrics command.  This works really well.  Entering notes can be slow especially if there are large chords, but typing lyrics is easy. 

[pianistimo]

thank you all for your advice!  was inputting a line at a time (but after i did the words - the next line would mess the first one up).   but, i will input all the notes and then use the 'click assignment' feature - i didn't even know that was there.  just using the icon at the top with the capital A - which inputs the lyrics - but not syllable by syllable.  was wondering how to do that.  thank you for telling me.

i'm glad this is just for an elementary musical project and not some major one, yet.  wow.  i can't see people trying to read the lyrics two beats ahead of where they show up on paper.  my husband, being a singer, hates it when the words are scribbled in. at least they'll be typed.  but, this way - i can redo it and make it more easily followed.

[quantum]

If you enter notes first, you don't need to bother with click assignment.  Just type one syllable per note.  Use "-" and it inserts a hyphen for you and moves on to the next note, otherwise use the space bar to move on to the next note. 

The most important thing is to keep track of what lyric you are entering.  There are 3 types, and each type can have a number assigned to it. 

If you are entering in Verse 3, you cannot edit Chorus 1.  You have to change the selection to Chorus 1 to edit it. 

If you are entering in Verse 5, you cannot edit Verse 1.  You have to change to Verse 1 to edit it. 

If you entered your notes in Voice 1 Layer 1, you have to enter your lyrics with Voice 1 Layer 1 selected.  If Layer 2 is selected, the lyrics will apply to layer 2. 

Be attentive to keep the layer your working on always selected or you may end up with a couple words in Layer 1 and other parts of the sentence in Layer 2. 

Don't panic if word extensions (those lines that extend after a word), get wierd.  Fix it up only after you have entered all lyrics. 


Some suggestions for added work efficiency:

Enter one set of objects at a time, from beginning to end of piece, before starting another.  It is usually best to start with all notes.  You could then follow with all lyrics, all articulation & dynamics, then all chord symbols. 

As you enter new items, adjust the score elements accordingly.  Creating a really big space between two staves from the get-go is easier than constantly moving the staves every time you get lyric collisions.  You can always shrink to fit later.

Do object entering in scroll view, do layout and positioning in page view. 

[pianistimo]

how do you create a really big space between staves.  btw, thank you for all your help!  this is with finale 2007, right?  i will try the "-" for separating syllables.

[quantum]

I'm using 2006, but the concepts should be the same. 

how do you create a really big space between staves. 

Go into Scroll view, select staff tool.  Click and drag the staff you want.  If that doesn't work, look at the beginning (far left) of the staff for handles (square boxes) you can drag. 

[pianowolfi]

Now I have a question myself. I just updated to Finale 2007 and now I have this problem with two differtent layers:( Argh) this was not the same in Finale 2005. It would now always notate double accidentals like the natural signs here. In case of flats there it would make double flats. And I can't remove the second accidental with for instance "control/shift/-" what to do?