Blog #3: Noteflight

http://www.noteflight.com/scores/view/302518b5ee5dd829b36891b0eb6685a8f09fa22c

For 8/30/2009

Pasted above is the URL to my first Noteflight composition (A Bycicle Built for Two). Noteflight seemed extremely easy to use and the videos provided were very helpful. I have not used composition software in quite some time. At Allegheny College, we were taught how to use Sibelius 3 and when I first came to Case I was given a brief introduction on how to use Finale. However, it has been much time since I have used either program so I was slightly intimidated when first logging on to Noteflight. I encountered few difficulties, however. It took me a little while to figure out how to enter text, particularly the “Moderate Waltz Tempo” explanation at the top of the piece. How to add text was not discussed in the videos or the printed tutorial. However, I was able to navigate the program quickly. At one point I had to move all notes in the piano treble cleft back one measure due to my own mistake. It took me a minute but I solved this problem as well. The option of adding a vocal part did not seem to be available at first. I used a staff for “flute” and then relabeled it. A voice feature might be helpful especially if the computer could assume that a vocal part will eventually require text with it.

I think that this program will be a great asset to music teachers. Many schools may not be able to afford Finale or Sibelius for their music staff. A music teacher needs no additional hardware and no CDs sent in the mail to use this program. One simply needs a computer and internet access to start creating music on Noteflight. Ensemble directors often need to excerpt different selections or transpose them for various sections. For example, a director could want the tuba section to be exposed to the melody of a suite that the band is playing so that they have a clear understanding of the phrasing being used. He/she could write out the melody for the tubas and any other section in the same situation and print it from Noteflight. Directors could also create their own warm-ups through this program. It is fairly easy to place all instrument parts on one large score so that each musician can see what all other sections are playing throughout the exercises. It’s good to know that this program is available and I hope to practice and become a little faster at entering the notes.