Music and the Mac
http://www.ilovemymacthesong.com/ Copyright ©2006 Daphna
Application Software for Songwriters, Composers and Musicians
by Daphne Kalfon
Most of the software that gets attention, has to do with recording and performing music, such as programs like digital audio and MIDI sequencers and editors, effects plug-ins, virtual instruments, samplers, CD-burning software and such. While these software programs are invaluable tools to any songwriter, composer or musician of any level, there is a lot more to it all besides recording and performing. In my column this month, I will look at a few of the types of software programs in the ÒotherÓ category. The good news is that there is a virtual treasure trove of shareware and freeware available, and at the end of the column I will also mention some websites where you can find more.
It is important to keep in mind that no program does it all. Each one has its own strengths and weaknesses and it is up to you to decide what you most want to get out of that particular application. One way to find out whether or not itÕs what youÕre looking for, download the 30-day trial version and actually use it during that time. This will save you the cost of buying the software package outright and also save you the time it would take to otherwise transfer or enter all of your data into yet another application. Try downloading just one trial version at a time to avoid confusion, especially between similar applications. When you have finished your own assessment of one application, download the next one and repeat the process. Once you settle on an application and become accustomed to using it, you might begin to wonder how you ever managed without all of its helpful tools.
I did a Google search to help better identify those sites that deal with applications specifically for the Mac and the one that proved most helpful in this regard was the Hitsquad Musician Network. The reason for that is once you arrive on the site, you can actually specify your search by platform as well, which is really important when you have a Mac!
The first page lists all the various music software categories. Click on the one that interests you, choose for which platform, and itÕs as easy as that.
Clicking on a software title sends you to another page to view other information about the application such as its full name and version, who created it, license conditions, system requirements, release date, as well as links to view user comments, related software categories and developer updates. And of course there is the option to download the application.
The first category I clicked on was Òlyric writing toolsÓ and I was taken to this page:
Four programs are listed, one of which I have mentioned in a previous column where I focused specifically on lyric-writing techniques. The application goes by the name, ÒMasterWriterÓ. I must say that my numerous Internet searches kept coming up with MasterWriter, so I can only conclude that it is one of the more widely used and preferred lyric-writing tools on the Mac. There is a demo version available, and the other three mentioned are freeware, shareware or donationware.
There is a link that takes you directly to the MasterWriter website: www.masterwriter.com. A tour of the program is available and a free 30-day trial can be downloaded, which as I mentioned earlier, is the best way to go when you are considering purchasing any software application.
There is an application, not mentioned on hitsquad, but that kept coming up in my searches and looks quite interesting. It is from WriteExpress and is called ÒRhymerÓ, with a byline that reads ÒUnblocking WriterÕs Block.Ó There is plenty of information about this application and this one comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which I think is a real bonus. Check it out here:
Next I clicked on the link that said ÒMusic Theory/TuitionÓ and was taken to this page:
Again, these are all applications for the Mac. Going by the number of applications in this category, IÕd say it is certainly one of the more popular and in-demand ones. There are so many listed in this category that it really is best if you check it out for yourself, and depending on what you are looking for in particular, you can make your selection.
There is everything from theory teaching software, ear training software, learn how to read music notation, learn piano playing basics and learn basic guitar method. They are freeware, shareware, or, as in the case of MasterWriter, are indicated as being ÒdemoÓ, which means that those particular programs are for purchase, but that a free demo is available.
Next I clicked on ÒChordsÓ and what came up seemed to be applications leaning mostly towards those who play the guitar, although definitely not all. All except for one are shareware. You can find the list of these applications here:
Next I picked the ÒEar TrainingÓ category and I was surprised to see such a long list of applications come up. Although it indicates that these are all applications related to ear training, learning to play by ear, learning to identify notes when you hear them, and developing musical skills in general, it looks from the short descriptions provided for each application in this listing, that some also deal with things such as instrument tuning, the study of jazz related chords, help with writing and playing music, learn to recognize scales and modes, learn key signatures, musical intervals and more. As far as being demo, freeware or shareware, this category is definitely a mixed bag.
Here is the direct link:
In the ÒNotation SoftwareÓ category, there is also a very large selection to choose from, and it just depends on what you are looking for. This collection of application software is for reading, writing and understanding musical notation. Programs here vary from the very simple to the very sophisticated, and again, is a mixed bag in terms of being shareware, freeware or demo:
IÕve used Encore, Finale and Sibelius, the last of which is my favourite. Also listed are versions of notation software for the guitar.
It seems that in all of these listings there is somewhat of a crossover, which means that some of the applications that came up in previous searches are coming up in this listing as well, so keep that in mind as you conduct your own search. For instance, in the search results for ÒNotation ApplicationsÓ, there are also listed applications which aid in learning to read written music, provide music theory training basics, transcribe recorded music, teach sight-reading, how to produce, print and read lead sheets and more.
Another category, which I thought was kind of cool was, Òslow down musicÓ. These are software applications to slow down music and in most cases, without affecting the pitch. This application is helpful for transcribing recorded music, working out a tricky solo or riff and for other uses such as accompanying a dance performance. About half a dozen programs are listed and all are shareware.
If you would like to dig a little more, here are a few sites to check out:
IÕd like to also make mention of the option to take online music courses, and in that category again, there are numerous choices, with some definitely better than others. I would start by first checking out the two below. Berklee is a highly regarded college of music in Boston and offers their online courses for those who are unable to attend in person:
As an aside, I also recommend bookmarking www.songwriter101.com for all the interesting and educational articles which are presented in a fun and concise way. Besides that there are feature stories, news, books, links, interviews, FAQ, a forum and much more.
In this column I have just touched on what is available. The variety and number of applications can be a little overwhelming but the fact is that for any one of the myriad of things having to do with music, there are a wealth of non-recording software tools available to the music maker. Always try to have some fun along the way, and remember that it is still all about the music!
