PURCHASE GUIDE FOR REQUIRED
SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE
HARDWARE:
1. COMPUTER: You will need to use your own computer for this. If you do not have one, and need to use the school’s, contact me. It is likely that you will just use the old version of Finale in the classroom/lab. At the end of this list, make sure that you check the operating system requirements for your computer in the “Operating System Compatibility Requirements” below. Also, ensure that your computer has enough USB ports (3) so that you can plug in everything you need, unless you plan on using BlueTooth devices. Otherwise, you might need to get a USB Hub.
2. QWERTY KEYBOARD WITH NUMBER PAD: If you have a desktop computer, you’re set. If you have a laptop, you need to acquire one of the following two:
1. Buy a full keyboard that has a number pad.
OR
2. Buy a USB number pad to place next to your laptop, such as:
a. USB Sample
b. BlueTooth Sample
3. MOUSE: If you don’t have one, you’ll want one.
4. MIDI KEYBOARD: The type you get will depend on how much of an investment you want to make. For this class, I think you’ll only need a 25-key USB keyboard for note entry. If you think that at some point down the road and beyond this class, you’ll want to get into things like synth ensemble programming, or performing with virtual piano sounds, contact me and we’ll talk about things you should consider (# of keys, control wheels and knobs, foot pedals, weighted keys, etc…)
Here are some models that you might consider getting. If you find something else, email me so I can see it before you buy it:
1. Alesis $79
2. Akai $69
3. Korg BlueTooth $119
4. M-Audio $120
5. Nektar $50
6. Nektar with more controls $110
7. Native Instruments $169
SOFTWARE:
Before the start of classes, or during the first class meeting, we will determine the software for this course. There will be one of three scenarios:
1. Everyone uses Sibelius Ultimate
2. Everyone uses Finale Version 26
3. People choose between the two.
Whichever the case, your will use extant YouTube instructional videos to become familiar with the software.
Finale Version 26: Go to this link and select the “University/College Student (New Purchase or Upgrade)” option for $99.
OR
Sibelius Ultimate: Go to this link (Sibelius | Ultimate, Education Pricing):
Choose between the three options:
1. $99.00 1-Year Subscription—Education Pricing, Paid Upfront (Download)
2. $9.99 1-Year Subscription—Education Pricing, Paid Monthly (Download)
3. $299.00 Perpetual License—Education Pricing, Paid Upfront (Download)
Operating System Compatibility Requirements:
Ensure that your computer can run the software:
FINALE OS REQUIREMENTS:
Finale for Windows® (v26.2)
Windows 8 or 8.1/Windows 10 (64-bit Intel or AMD processors only)
4 GB of RAM minimum
1280x800 minimum monitor resolution (high resolution displays not currently supported)
Internet connection for installer download and authorization
1 GB hard drive space required for software with an additional 8 GB hard drive space required for Garritan Instruments for Finale
ASIO, DirectSound, or WASAPI audio support
Finale for Macintosh® (v26.2)
macOS 10.12 Sierra/10.13 High Sierra/10.14 Mojave/10.15 Catalina
4 GB RAM Minimum
1280x800 minimum monitor resolution
Internet connection required for installer download and authorization
1 GB hard drive space required for software with an additional 8 GB hard drive space required for Garritan Instruments for Finale
CoreAudio or ASIO audio support
SIBELIUS OS REQUIREMENTS:
Sibelius Ultimate for Windows
64-bit Windows 7 (SP1 or later), Windows 8.1 (not Windows RT) or Windows 10
1+ GB of RAM
1 GB hard disk space for Sibelius software only
Internet connection required for software download and activation
Sibelius Ultimate for Mac
macOS 10.12 or 10.13, 10.14, 10.15
1+ GB of RAM 1 GB hard disk space for Sibelius software only; 36 GB additional hard disk space for the Sibelius Sounds library (optional installation)
NOTE: the following storage device format is not supported
APFS (Case-sensitive)
APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)
Internet connection required for software download and activation
Sound Libraries that come with the software:
This software comes with sound libraries that use a lot of storage space. You are not required to use these libraries for this class, but you should know about their existence. We will talk about sound libraries in class.
Recommendations for the Sibelius Sounds library*:
Windows
4+ GB of RAM
36 GB hard disk space (SSD preferred)
ASIO compatible audio interface or sound card
Mac
4+ GB of RAM
36 GB hard disk space (SSD preferred)
NOTE: the following storage device format is not supported
APFS (Case-sensitive)
APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)
*You can use Sibelius Sounds if your computer doesn't meet the recommended requirements, but you may find that you cannot use as many sounds simultaneously, and that sounds take a long time to load.