The best notation software available (Sibelius)

Member Name: dcmbarton

Product:	Sibelius
Date:	11/01/09 (54 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Has a large range of capabilities and features

Disadvantages: Expensive upgrades seem too frequent

I have used the Sibelius Music software now for around six years. I now have version 5 of the software (I think I started with version 3).

I have found the software exceptional for its purpose. Over the years I have tried other software including Sibelius' main rival Finale, but have found none of them to have the same capabilities that Sibelius has.

That said, when I recently upgraded from Sibelius 4 to 5 I found a lot of trouble in getting used to the new layout. Changes had been made and I'm not altogether sure that they are very user-friendly. I have found the integration of virtual instruments to be particularly difficult now. Like most things, I guess it takes time to get used to these new things.

Sibelius is expensive but is worth it. I find the cost of the upgrades to be too expensive for what you get. They are also quite frequent, so in a year or so's time of purchasing the software, you may be expected to pay another £200 or so to upgrade. Be careful of this.

Summary: Excellent

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