How to Compose using Finale Notepad 2003

1. First you need to Download Finale NotePad
2. The first time you run you will be asked to enter your serial number
3. Once the program starts there will be a window explaining other versions of Finale that you can purchase if you want more features. Click continue if you are not interested.
4. The "Wizard" will help to get your piece started
   1. Think of a Title for your piece (you can always change it later)
   2. You are the composer so enter your name (or names if you are working in a group)
   3. You probably don't want to change the page size, so just click "Next"
   4. You can choose up to 8 staves to compose with (some instruments like pianos use 2 staves) Decide what instrument(s) you want to compose for and "Add" them. When you are satisfied click "Next"
   5. Choose a time signature
   6. Choose a Concert key signature (remember, not all instruments notes sound the same) You can change it later if you make a mistake
   7. Click Finish
5. You can change the Key with the Key Signature Tool
6. Decide how long you want the piece to be and use the measure tool to select measures to delete.
1. Click the first measure you don’t want
2. While holding the <shift> key click the last measure you don’t want
3. Go to the “measure” menu and choose “delete”)
4. You can always add or insert measure later
7. Start placing notes with the Simple Entry Tool
1. You can select from a variety of note values and rests
2. If you make a mistake, select the “Eraser”. Just click the point of the arrow on top of what you wish to delete
3. You can also add accidentals (Flats, Sharps and Naturals)
4. The tie connects two notes of the same pitch. (If you want to slur that is a different tool)
5. The tuplet tool is used to play three notes where only two would normally be, and vice versa.
8. The Smart shape tools allows you to make Slurs, Crescendos and Decresendos
1. Double click where you want the shape to start (on a note in the case of slurs) and drag to where you want the shape to end
9. The Articulation tool allows you to add dynamics and articulations.
1. Click a note you want to assign a marking to.
2. Select the marking you wish to place
10. The Repeat Tool lets you create repeats where you want them
11. Use the Lyric Tool to add words to your composition
1. Remember that you can only have one syllable per note
12. The Text tool lets you change the title, composer or add musical directions (i.e ritardano, or A Little Faster)
13. You can have the computer play your composition for you (notes only) by pressing the green play button
1. You can change the measure the computer will start the playback by clicking the up or down arrow
2. You can also change the tempo and what note value should get the beat
14. Save your composition
15. Print and perform it (or find someone else to perform it)