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PLAY
MUSIC REVIEWS
As
written in AARP Play
Music Play Music is an easy-to-use
music notation program that amateur musicians and music lovers of all types
will find irresistible. Whether you want to compose hymns for the church choir,
put together a small band, teach your grandchildren about music, or document
that song in your heart, Play Music will meet your needs. Notation Technologies' Play Music is a 24 staff, 8 voices per staff, entry-level Notation Program that includes over 31 templates. Notes can be inserted by using a midi-keyboard or other midi-device. When using this type of interface the notes simply appear on the staff on the screen. You can also compose by
using the mouse to choose the type and placement of the note on the staff. As
you place the note on the staff, you hear the note played which is a big plus.
If you make a mistake you can just drag the note, listen for the note that you
want, and let go of your mouse button at the proper position. Play Music lives up to the phrase printed on the front of the box: "Everything you need to compose, play, and print your own sheet music!" It is an easy-to-use program that will serve beginners well, but is also powerful enough for intermediate users. I play the piano and have a good, solid music background, but would definitely consider myself a beginner in the world of music notation. After perusing the program
and the seventeen page manual that I printed, it took me only about an hour
to create my first simple masterpiece. While you don't really have to know music
theory, a musical background is beneficial. Expect to spend more time for complex
compositions and to really get to know how to use the programs many powerful
features. Play Music is surprisingly powerful. You can add lyrics. If you use a midi-keyboard, you can play your composition back as a violin, guitar, bass, flute, tuba, steel drum, or any sound you have on your keyboard! If you don't have a keyboard, you can still choose to play back your composition with any sound that can be provided by your soundcard. You can also import MIDI
files and have the Play Music program automatically write the music for you.
Then you can edit the MIDI files and save them with your changes. If you are
more advanced, you can easily compose for several instruments and voices. A
free demo version is available so you can try the program before you buy. This small piece of software is an excellent tool for educators, composers, and recording artists, but it is also great for music enthusiasts, beginner musicians, and even home schoolers. If you have
always wanted to create and to feel the essence of music, this program is for
you.
Click Here To Return to Play Music Product Page
Percussion
Technology
Play Music is impressive with a 24-staff capacity, including a percussion staff and the ability to put eight percussion parts per staff with either non-pitched and/or pitched parts. You can even customize the note heads. Only 30 minutes will get your first composition created, saved and printed. It is simple to use and very powerful for an entry-level product. This product
is a definite "best buy" product for entry-level notation users, including
free updates.
Click
Here To Return to Play Music Product Page
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