Finale Forum

I've used Finale a bit in the past. Now have to use it for a jazz composing and arranging class. What is the best way you found to learn Finale? Is it using their tutorials?

Finale 25 on MacOSX

Do you have access to Lynda.com? They provide excellent tutorials, including Finale. Your educational institution may offer access.

It would seem to me that if the class requires it, the school should be teaching you how to use it... Unless, of course, "familiarity with Finale" was one of the prerequisites of the class.

I would start with the tutorials, and if that isn't enough, Lynda.com.

There's no better way than attempting a project of the kind of work you plan to do in the future.
Press buttons wildly. Select stuff. Click on stuff. Right-click on stuff. Look at all the menu items. Dive into nested dialogs upon nested dialog.

The Quickstart Videos are surprisingly good. The Help pages with the "Metatools" and keyboard shortcuts are invaluable.

https://usermanuals.finalemusic.com/Fin ... 1483540984#

BTs idea of starting out with a project is good, except that it can lead to a lot of frustration. You really need to know the basics, before jumping in and pushing the buttons.

Watch the Finale videos, work a couple of the tutorials, and then you can begin the project. Feel free to ask for help with specific problems, once you have the general idea.

dankreider wrote:Do you have access to Lynda.com? They provide excellent tutorials, including Finale. Your educational institution may offer access.

Thank you for this. I've thought about this to improve on Logic Pro too, and Lynda.com seems so reasonable in price

miker wrote:Watch the Finale videos, work a couple of the tutorials, and then you can begin the project. Feel free to ask for help with specific problems, once you have the general idea.

Finale has sent me emails with links to training occasionally since I've bought the latest version. I'll plunge in.

Hey Everybody! Thanks for this warm welcome of good advice!! I'll tell you how it all goes.