In response to the discontinuation of development and sales of Finale, we have decided to start a new course in October to support switching from Finale to Dorico.
Dorico is a completely new music notation software released in 2016, but its usability is quite different from Finale, so you may find it difficult to get started at first.
In this course, based on our experience of long-term involvement in technical support for Finale, we will compare Finale and Dorico and teach the most efficient way for Finale users to switch to Dorico.
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Dorico Intensive Course (Course starting in October 2024)
[Table of contents]
-Basics I: 10/2 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 10/5 (Sat) 10:00-12:00
-Basics II: 10/16 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 10/19 (Sat) 19:00-21:00 *
-Basics III: 10/30 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 11/2 (Sat) 19:00-21:00 *
-Advanced I: 11/13 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 11/16 (Sat) 10:00-12:00
-Advanced II: 11/27 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 11/30 (Sat) 10:00-12:00
-Advanced III: 12/11 (Wed) 19:00-21:00, or 12/14 (Sat) 10:00-12:00
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(*Each lecture has the same content, and is held on Wednesday night and Saturday morning. However, please note that this term only, Basics II & III will be held on Saturdays from 19:00.)
You can apply for each lecture from the link below. We hope you will consider taking this opportunity.
▼Dorico Intensive Course (Course starting in October 2024): Online booking
The details of each course that could not be included in the application page above are summarized below in the form of an addendum. It is a bit long, but if you are interested, please read it.
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Basics I: MusicXML Migrating and creating new file
[Contents]
Migration using MusicXML (editing layout, organizing symbols, etc.)
Creating new simple melody scores in Dorico
[Objectives]
Understand the issues and solutions when migrating from Finale to Dorico. Be able to create new simple melody scores in Dorico.
[Details]
First, we will tackle the theme that is of greatest concern to Finale users: "How to migrate the large number of files created so far."
The following four points are thought to be particularly problematic when migrating, and in Basics I, we will introduce an overview of measures to address these issues.
Changes in score layout: problems with vertical spacing between systems
Not enough transfer of symbols and styles: many symbols are not imported: expressions, articulations, smart shapes, styles, chord suffixes
Changes in symbol import category: some symbols are imported into unintended categories
Changes in notation: symbols may be reproduced in unintended ways, such as misaligned slurs
In addition, we will introduce the basics of creating a new file in Dorico.
We will suddenly introduce advanced settings, so it may be difficult to understand everything during the course, but don't worry. We will cover the details of each setting again from Basics II onwards. You can also review at your own pace by watching the review videos provided later.
(Back to table of contents)
Basics II: Basic operations and creating lead sheets
[Contents]
Two ways to create a new score (creating from a template, a function equivalent to Finale's "Setup Wizard")
Creating a lead sheet (setting the key signature/time signature/clef, etc., inputting notes, inputting lyrics, inputting chord symbols)
[Objectives]
Understand where the basic setting menus in Dorico are located, and be able to create a new lead sheet after setting the key signature/time signature/clef, etc.
[Details]
Once you know how to transfer the Finale files you've created to Dorico, you'll want to know more about creating new files in Dorico.
In Basics II, we'll take the creation of a simple lead sheet as an example, and explain how to create a new file in Dorico, from the initial setup of the score, such as the key signature and time signature, to inputting notes and lyrics and chord symbols, while comparing the method of creating a new file in Dorico with Finale.
(Back to table of contents)
Basics III: Practical piano notation
[Contents]
Font settings
Types of symbols and how to input them
Creating piano scores
Basic page layout
Exporting and printing
[Objectives]
You will be able to create practical piano scores with well-organized layouts, making full use of symbols such as expression marks and articulations.
[Details]
With the content up to Basics II, you will be able to write basic melody scores and lead sheets in Dorico.
In addition to this, Basics III will explain how to create practical scores that are easy to read in terms of layout, making full use of expression marks and articulations, using classical piano solo pieces as examples.
(Back to table of contents)
Advanced I: Understanding Dorico's product design
[Contents]
Dorico's unique product design (five modes, players, flow, the location and functions of frequently used dialog boxes)
Page layouts using "Layout Options"
Customizing chords, suffixes, etc.
[Objectives]
You will be able to understand the unique product design of Dorico in comparison with Finale, and then get an overview of various functions for advanced editing.
[Details]
At the completion of the Basic Course, you will have mastered inputting notes and symbols, and layout-related operations.
In Advanced I, we will move away from the sample songs and take a look at the various editing functions of Dorico that are available for more practical sheet music production, and aim to organize and master them.
Specifically, we will focus on the following.
What is the equivalent of Finale's "Toolbox Tool"?
What is the equivalent of Finale's "Score Styles"?
What is the equivalent of Finale's "Chord Suffix Editing"?
What is the equivalent of Finale's "Library"?
(Back to table of contents)
Advanced II: Creating scores in various styles
[Contents]
Score production in various styles (1)
[Aim]
You will be able to create scores and parts for large-scale ensembles such as orchestra, wind band, chamber music, and choir.
[Details]
By the completion of the Basic Course, you will have mastered the basic method of sheet music production, and after taking Advanced I, you will have acquired knowledge of advanced editing functions in Dorico.
In Advanced II, we will culminate these know-hows and learn the key points of creating scores for pieces with multiple parts such as orchestra, wind band, chamber music, and choir. We will also take a serious look at creating part scores.
(Back to table of contents)
Advanced III: Creating scores and playback
[Contents]
Creating scores in various styles (2)
How to set up playback and use external sound sources
[Objectives]
You will be able to create scores with special notation such as guitar tablature and drum scores, and music teaching materials. After understanding the mechanism and settings of the playback-related functions installed in Dorico's "Playback Mode", you will also be able to set up external sound sources such as NotePerformer.
[Details]
In Advanced III, as a continuation of Advanced II, we will cover the method of special notation used for special scores such as guitar and bass tablature and drum scores, and music teaching materials that require a different concept or expression from performance scores.
In addition, Advanced III will provide an overview of Dorico's playback functions. Recently, with the improvement of sample sound quality, the need for playback is expanding, with more and more professional production sites using the playback sound source of music notation software instead of recreating reference sound sources (mockups) in DAWs.
With this as a backdrop, we will cover everything from basic knowledge of playback settings, including how to use external sound sources such as NotePerformer, to advanced techniques for controlling and brushing up playback, such as tone settings in playback mode and how to use the mixer and key editor.
(Back to table of contents)
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The application link is posted again below.
▼Dorico Intensive Course (Course starting in October 2024): Online reservation
In addition, Dorico has a trial version that allows you to try out the same functions as the full version for free for 60 days. It does not cover the entire course of this course, but it may be a good idea to use this one at first.
▼Dorico trial version