Here's their summary of NWC: Summary: We found Noteworthy Composer a difficult program to use with a confusing staff set up and inaccurate note placement. For half the cost, you can purchase the Silver or Bronze award winning products.
When I followed the links for Silver and Bronze, they went to programs costing $99.00 and $399.00 respectively. Sounds like a marketing motive lurks behind the scenes. As was reported, there are a number of software products such as Cakewalk and Finale among others, which are not even mentioned. Also not mentioned is this community which is invaluable to the user in problem solving and workarounds.
Hey John, One of my faves too. How about posting it for us? Or maybe on the Scripto? My son (the drummer) is totally into Buddy Rich. I ought to learn it so we can play together.
Yes Rick, I also have recently run into the Error message and didn't know what to make of it so I shut everything down and ran away! I'm very afraid of things that I don't understand in the pc realm. So when the message comes up asking continue?, there is no harm in saying OK?
n-tuplets are a nightmare for the mathematically challanged. I wish we didn't have to figure them out. Luckily I haven't actually had to employ any that weren't triplet divisible but I know that the day will come sooner or later. Somehow I thought that computers could do all that computing stuff automatically. I know it's been on the wish list for some time. Who knows, maybe someday!
Christian, after re-reading my post I realize that I came off rather badly. I don't mean to be discouraging. I must say that I rather like your 3rd part. The back melody is much easier to follow while the other ornamentation adds interest. I can get my head around it so to speak. My first thoughts on the first part is that it seems muddy which may be a function of the instrumentation, or the main melody may be too nebulous, or there simply may be too much going on or it might just be me. It seems to me a bit difficult to follow. We all have our likes and dislikes. I am partial to a good melody over intricate (or baroquie?) intertwinings of parts, (not that Baroque music can't be melodic), where someone else may be more attracted by harmonies, good lyrics, beat or textural complexity. All music is rendered good or bad by opinion so it is good to ask the opinion of others and hopefully they will be honest in their estimations. I think that a study of the fugue can be very fruitful to the composer of any type of music. Keep up the good work! In my opinion you have improved greatly already.
In order to get percussion sounds, open the file and put the cursor on the staff you want for percussion. Press F2 and under the Midi tab, in the dialogue box you will see where you can change the channel for that staff. Change it to channel 10. Within the same dialogue box check to see that your playback device is what you want it to be. Also check the volume adjustment (not in the box but on the top of the page on the task bar). The little speaker will take you to the volume adjustment. Sometimes the volume is changed to zero somehow. I am copying the following part from the help file for sound configuration - Hope this helps. After NoteWorthy Composer 2 is initially installed onto your hard drive, it is immediately able to open and print score files with no further adjustments. The scores cannot be played back, however, until NoteWorthy Composer 2 is told which sound device(s) should be used for play back. When it is first installed, the MIDI Mapper will automatically be selected as your default play back device, unless you have already some other device in a prior version of the program. If you do not have any sound hardware on your computer system, NoteWorthy Composer 2 can still be used to create, edit, print, and save score files, but NoteWorthy Composer 2 will be unable to play the scores back so that you can hear them.
The following steps can be used to configure NoteWorthy Composer 2 for sound, so that you can hear scores on play back:
Step 1 : If not open already, start the NoteWorthy Composer 2 application
Step 2 : Open the menu titled Tools and select Options
Step 3 : Select the Midi tab from the group at the top of the dialog.
From within this dialog, follow the instructions as specified in the help section for this tab (see Midi Tab Help)
If there are not any devices listed in either the Available Devices or Devices Used for Play Back list box, then you either do not have sound equipment on your computer or the device has not been configured within Windows. Refer to the documentation associated with your sound card for information on setting up the device in Windows.
Hint : If there are many devices listed and you are not sure which one to select, chose the Microsoft MIDI Mapper, if it is listed. This will allow NoteWorthy Composer 2 to play songs using the same configuration that Windows uses in its own multi-media players. In general, it is a good idea to use only one device for play back. If you move more than one device into the used list, you may get unpredictable results, depending on whether your system really supports multiple, simultaneous MIDI sound sources.
Not to beat this to death but... I am not a marketing strategist and I am sure there is some validity to what you say. Some potential buyers will be intrigued by the viewer capabilities and will purchase the product. I think that is the job of the shareware version but you're right, not everyone is looking through that particular venue. My point though is, why buy the cow when you get the milk for free? If the viewer does everything you want it to do, you most likely will not buy the product. For example, I use an evaluation program for unzipping large files. I have used it for years and will continue to do so because it performs the function I need for free. The makers of that program in my view have cut their own throats. If there were serious limitations attatched, I would be forced to make a purchase if I wanted that particular functionality. As it is, they will not likely see any of my money. And let's be realistic, it's all about the money! - I am not familiar with the abbreviation CPDL so I cannot comment on that part of your post.
Just for the heck of it I would like to know how many other notation software companies offer any kind of free player or viewer, (and I'm not speaking of trial or shareware intended to hook potential buyers). I'll bet there aren't many, if any. If my choristers use the program to the point that they can't do without it, and if my hornist doesn't want to go through 149 measures before his part begins, then they really should purchase the full version. I have to agree with David, (whether or not he wants to be associated with my point of view), there are wish list items that need tending to. I find it amazing that those recipients of a free program would ask for "improvements". In reality what they are asking is that the people at NWC work for nothing. 'Winning the admiration of many' alone doesn't cut it in the business world. I'm surprised that with all the talk on this topic, no one else seems to see the real issue here, or maybe they just don't want to speak out. (Of course it's possible that I could be wrong).
You know "Cool" from West Side Story (Leonard Bernstein) is a fugue. Not to take anything away from JS Bach, but personally I would rather listen to a jazzy fugue than a dirgey ( yeah, not a word, I know) one. The style is certainly worth delving into, but while there are certain things intrinsic to a fugue, it is not as limited ( or strict) in form as usually comes to mind. Almost anything Bach is quite formal and strict to its type, but certainly any genere, wether classical, jazz, or hip-hop can fugue. (I think!)
Alright David, I threw that one out just to see what I could catch. I should have learned my lesson. Sorry. I know you would never do such a thing. Love ya man!
David, it sounds to me like that method won't work because the notes that are blocked out on the 1st verse are also blocked from carrying lyrics on subsequent verses. I might be wrong about that. Haven't had time to try it out.
To me, wether you use the program for composing or for practicing parts makes no difference. If it does what you want it to do, you should be willing to pay for it. I'm a little surprised at the notion that it is easy to hijack the freeware. This is not a major purchase, and besides, one may find that they have some talent for composing that they didn't realize they had. The beauty of the player is that I can send my compositions to someone who is not a musician, and they can view the lyrics and hear the tune. How nice is that?
I'm sure that the behavior of the viewer is intentional. After all, our friends at NWC need to make a profit from all of their hard work. I think it's very good of them to make the player and viewer available for free. Perhaps it is time to purchase the product. At such a nominal cost for such a great program, I don't think you will regret it, especially if it is something that you use all of the time. Then you will be able to edit and print any parts you want or even write your own music. Quite a bargain!
Ouch! Thanks for the heads up gpollen. That's good to know. Nothing would irritate me more than to have the sound messed up. Very important stuff to us NWC users.
I thought we were having a healthy discussion, not an argument. A difference of opinion doesn't require an argument but words like "fools" can kindle one up pretty quick. "A whole lot more humility and charity, and a whole lot less criticism and pontificating is in order!" Hmmm...
Mat 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Tim, lets not forget that the same Spirit uttered these words as well:
Heb 12:6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives."
Heb 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
David, you can "get used to it" if that suits you but "we" don't have to get used to it. There's a difference between a typo and running yourself off a cliff. You couldn't catch that many typos with a butterfly net (if indeed that is what they are, which of course they are not). If you strive for nothing, you will never be disapointed but alas, Erich said he wanted to learn. Why then do you feel the need to stop him? You do no favors when you allow such nonsense. What you are effectively saying is 'If you want to be a dope, be a dope'. If he is looking to improve himself, let him. And please. don't try to blame the typewriter or the keyboard. That is really alarming! The beauty of word processors is that you can fix your mistakes before printing or sending. I'm sure its inventor would be appalled at your suggestion that the keyboard is at fault. How about a little responsibility? Keyboards don't type anything, people do. If we teach our children to be sloths, we will soon have a generation of sloths to deal with. I don't think I'm being "picky", and the question was not asked of you in particular, but was directed to me and anyone else reading the forum. "Picky" might be defined as zeroing in on "monemt", while ignoring a string of unintelligable garble. You can lower your standards if you like but please don't speak for me or "we".
Since i really read the sheet like a book, i need to look up each word. Sorry Archive. No clue! If you know what that sentence conveys, good for you. I don't! No exaggeration. By the way, there is software out there that teaches one how to read music. A quick stop at your local library is probably all that is necessary to get started however, it is my contention as a self-taught musician that it is far better to spring for lessons than to do-it-yourself if you want to get serious about the craft. My own children, after taking lessons for only a short while, are quickly gaining ground and will far surpass my musical knowledge and skill in jig-time. There are a lot of people who use this forum who are a wealth of knowledge and are willing to take the time to share it with others who need help. I have been on the receiving end of their kindness many times and have learned a lot from other peoples inquires. I just think that if you are asking for help, you could take a monemt to gather your thoughts and be a little more concise. As you can see, I am not as articulate as some, and I don't expect perfection. Just a little more effort.
Did it come with the advent of the internet, or are our schools really that bad? I have heard the excuse that we don't bother with capitalization and punctuation so that we can write faster. Hogwash! It may have been faster for Erich to write his question but for the one trying to decipher the code, it's more trouble than it's worth. Your punctuation is the least of your problems. I think Erich that you would do well to get a grip on the english language before trying to tackle musical notation. If you are only willing to give it the same effort you have shown with the written language, you will never become a musician worth bothering with. I seriously couldn't even figure out what you were trying to say. Learning the position of the notes on the staff is not something you should be trying to avoid any more than sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. No musician is going to try to interpret your musical thoughts unless you are willing to write them in the standard fashion which is precicely what this tool NWC is for, just as the word processor is the tool used to convey your thoughts, ideas and queries. Your question should "read like a book", not like the Rosetta Stone. I know that this sounds harsh, but someone's got to say it! A modicum of effort on your part if you don't mind.
Kahman, your instructions can be shortened considerably. Simply go to the end of the top staff, press "b" (for barline), and check "force system break". Done!
True enough Lawrie that trills have changed over time but if you didn't like the "native" one, you could still make your own. It would be nice if at least the tr. text (as well as other musical text symbols id est, - mordents, arpeggios etc.), were built-in. Again thank you for your font suites that make all of that so easy.
If you only want to send the sheet music, you can save the file in a Word document and send it that way. Then your recipient does not have to have NWC to look at it or print it.
In this country (USA), it's becoming a criminal act to say this, but I feel compelled to say it anyway. Merry Christmas! There! I feel much better now. Best wishes to all and may God's Spirit guide us through the New Year.
Funny, I have the same problem with the Russian keyboard. Sometimes, and again, I don't know what causes it to switch over, strange things happen while using the keyboard shortcuts which immediately alerts me to the fact that I need to change it back before something drastic happens!
Glad you thought of that Rick. I have had to move chord names up on a couple of songs and it is really quite a pain to move each one seperately. Thanks.
Hi Lawrie, I didn't even consider the line in/out thing. I guess that would be a problem to contend with. I think the hard line would be OK, but the virtual might cause some difficulty. My reasoning is that when I write on the computer, I would like to know how things will sound when played on the keyboard since the sounds don't always match. I know that you have had this problem yourself with renderings from different sound cards, ( I'm thinking of the "clap" instead of "pounding bass drum" in "Hangin' on a Tree" which doesn't work at all). While the keyboard generally has better sounds, it is not always true. What is written on the pc doesn't always translate into better sound on the keyboard as the midi instrument channels do not always match. (I'm speaking of using the keyboard to play the song via floppy disk). If the sound cards matched or had the same sounds on the same channels, the renderings would be closer. I suppose that it would be easier just to have the Yamaha and use it for everything. Just wondering though. About which particular sound card, I'm not sure. I'm trying to talk our music committee at church into purchasing a Yamaha PSR 3000. It would be nice to get the same card that is installed in that machine if that is possible. I don't know. Any suggestions?
Is it possible to have more than one sound card working on the same computer? I am thinking about getting a new pc and would like to have a Yamaha sound card installed. Is it possible to have a soundblaster as well and go back and forth?
You two guys are like me and my brother. He's left-handed. If we were to pick up a couch and needed to move it thruough a doorway, I would rotate the thing to the left, fighting him rotating it to the right every time. Only problem is... he's stronger than me. But there's always more than one way to skin a cat as they say.
Hey Doc., Another possibility is to submit your creation to the Scriptorium where it will be made available for others to hear (and see), or there is also ( I believe it is available to you without an upgrade), a way to post music one staff at a time, as clip-text. Other users of NWC can then copy and paste the staves into NWC and review the results. I do not think that lyrics will translate, although I am not sure about that, and I believe that there is a limitation on the number of clip text entries per post. The way clip-text works is: First, highlight the staff you want to transmit, then copy to your clipboard, (Ctrl/C). Then paste to the forum reply, (Ctrl/V) for each staff. For the other option, go to: http://nwc-scriptorium.org/ It will take a few days to see your work posted there as that work is done as a labor-of-love by Rich the Scriptoman, who does a wonderful job and who we thank for his efforts and service.
Thanks guys. I was wondering about that G flat. I was thinking that because there was a flat in the key signature that I should stick to flats, but looking at the piece, I didn't even follow my own incorect line of thinking. The F sharp definately makes it easier to see. And yes Ewan, there is a fourth measure and the next chord is a Gm7, and you are right again, there are two chords in the 3rd measure Dsus4 to D7. The song is already on the Scripto, so I probably won't make the minor change there. It's called O Sacred Head Now Wounded. Thanks again for the help.
I'm hoping someone can help me. I would like to add chords as text in a song, but I am having trouble figuring out what their correct names are. The piece is in the key of F and I am attaching a portion that shows the chords in question. The first one is tied from the first measure to the second. The other one is in the third measure. I'm pretty sure about the second one, but it's probably best to check with someone who knows. Thanks - D.
