Question: Piano Roll composing

Chords, scales, harmony, melody, etc.
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In the past I've used Cakewalk / then Sonar quite a bit and generally composed using the notation capabilities of that program. After some time away from it all I've returned but have begun working with Live. However I'd really like to have the ability at some point to print out my compositions for musicians to read. Are there are programs out there for converting, I guess what would be midi files ??? to standard music sheets ?

TIA
SA

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StuartAmbient wrote:In the past I've used Cakewalk / then Sonar quite a bit and generally composed using the notation capabilities of that program. After some time away from it all I've returned but have begun working with Live. However I'd really like to have the ability at some point to print out my compositions for musicians to read. Are there are programs out there for converting, I guess what would be midi files ??? to standard music sheets ?

TIA
SA
Yes, many notation programmes can do this. Even some sequencers can do it (I don't know about Live).

At the high end of the scale are programmes like Finale and Sibelius, which are expensive, but deliver professional looking scores and parts. But there are a lot more option, some of which are very cheap, some of which are free.

Do a search for Noteworthy Composer. Other people may be able to recommend additional options.

The problem with converting MIDI files into notation is that it is often problematic. Certain things aren't always recognised properly (or at all), rhythms may be reproduced too mechanically and pedantically, instruments may not be recognised correctly, the split on keyboard instruments between right and left hands doesn't always work the way you would like, articulation and dynamic markings are usually not reproduced, and there are other problems too.

In other words, you will probably need to spend a little time tweaking the score to get it to look right. The time that this requires varies between scores.
Unfamiliar words can be looked up in my Glossary of musical terms.
Also check out my Introduction to Music Theory.

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JumpingJackFlash wrote:The problem with converting MIDI files into notation is that it is often problematic.
You don't say :wink:

But yeah, exactly what JJF said. In my experience though it's not as bad as you may think; the hard part, getting all the notes and accidentals and stuff, is done. Adding articulation marks is usually just a few right clicks from there.
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Cool guys. I searched here after posting :) charming huh. Found the hitsquad list of notation software. I'm off to search for Noteworthy!
btw, Live to date does not have notation / notation plugin.

SA

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