This summer I will be upgrading to Cubase 5 (I currently use Finale 2008). There are some short-term setbacks to this decision of mine...it may take a few weeks to figure out how to use this new program, and probably won't be composing as much music as a result. I'm also investing in a 49-key midi controller, probably this one:
http://keyboards-midi.musiciansfriend.
com/product/MAudio-Axiom-49-49Key-USB-
MIDI-Controller?sku=706314
If anyone has advice on which midi controller to purchase, I'd be glad to hear it!
In the long run, these additions will dramatically boost compositional efficiency and music quality, bringing you higher quality orchestral music in a shorter amount of time. This will all happen most likely within the next month, so in the meantime I will still be writing quite a bit. Thank you, and enjoy the music!
hzlancer
i bought a full range midi keyboard designed for live performance so i can record in real time if i want. if you're dropping finale in favor of cubase, maybe this might be useful for you too.
on the other hand, why drop finale at all? your scores are much too complex to be composed in cubase. better to just score in finale and produce it in whatever audio suite you want to use, yeah?
JeffHeim
I considered just using Finale for a while longer. I've gotten relatively good at using the new sounds with Finale despite the few nagging compatibility issues, but the real reason behind switching to Cubase 5 would be to broaden my knowledge of media composition. I think it's better to be good with many programs rather than great with just one.
As for the midi controller, I'm looking for something slightly smaller- 49 keys is perfect I think. Thanks for the advice, I'll look into several different options before making a selection :D