I have a question for all you composers about music writing software. Have you found any good free programs for music composition? I want to use it for orchestrations and arrangements.

I know this has probably been asked before, but I am not sure I have seen it.

I dont know of any free apps, but...
You can score orchestral music with NoteWorthy Composer,
do a lot with it, and it's dirt cheap, like $40 or something.

But it's not as robust as Sibelius, Finale, etc.

Thanks, PatHardy. I am out of work so would like to know about the free stuff, however $40.00 is pretty cheap. Does it give you a way to play back the composition as you are composing?

yes, midi playback, and you can save to midi in any number of configurations.

http://www.noteworthysoftware.com/


I get no commission I use it for piano/vocal scores , small ensemble ( & string arrangements ) and such, but I've seen full blown orchestral scores done with it, and heard them played in the app, it's great, including dynamics,accented notes, tempo changes, retards, etc. But, of course, real score finessing you need Sibelious or Finale.