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From: brownd@agnes.acc.stolaf.edu (David H. Brown)
Newsgroups: comp.music
Subject: Re: MIDI for Mac
Summary: Sequencers help to notate
Keywords: Notation of MIDI
Message-ID: <11589@thor.acc.stolaf.edu>
Date: 3 Mar 90 21:08:31 GMT
References: <4169@ganymede.inmos.co.uk> <2939@PEDEV.Columbia.NCR.COM> <55830@oliveb.olivetti.com> <1990Feb28.171341.16104@hellgate.utah.edu>
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Reply-To: brownd@agnes.stolaf.edu ()
Organization: St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN
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[ In response to the question: how do you turn MIDI into a score? ]

     A sequencer is often the first step in converting raw MIDI information 
into a printed score.  Before the computer can turn the MIDI into 
recognizable notation, it must get the data into its memory somehow; a 
sequencer is, if not ideal, at least usable for this purpose.  One 
sequencer/notator package we use at St. Olaf is Mark of the Unicorn's
_Performer_ (Version 3.3) and _Professional Composer_ (Version 2.1).  
_Performer_ is a (rather good, IMHO) sequencer, which stores and edits MIDI 
data; _Composer_ is a notator, which stores and edits musical symbols on 
staves.  Each progam has an option under the File menu to save its data in 
a format suitable for the other's use.  Some information may be lost in the 
conversion process, but this is generally of little concern.  After all, 
you wouldn't want to see a different dynamic marking for each different Key 
On velocity, would you?

     There are a few programs which have, within one software application, 
the ability to manipulate both the MIDI data and the notational 
representation.  _Finale_, by Coda, is probably the most celebrated of 
these.  We are using the second version (the one that's still $1K).  In 
actuality, though, it uses an intermediary method of storage (called 
ENIGMA), which is easily converted either into MIDI or into notation.  The 
new manuals are worlds better than the old, but be warned... _Finale_ still 
has a steep learning curve.

(So, tell me... how do I read in my .sig from op? I'm used to vi.)                                                                                                                                                            

Dave (brownd@thor.stolaf.edu)