Klarinet Archive - Posting 000573.txt from 1995/09

From: Tom Ascher <U15310@-----.EDU>
Subj: Re: Music software
Date: Wed, 27 Sep 1995 17:21:38 -0400

One more comment about using Midiscan. Yes, you do need a flatbed scanner.
But this doesn't necessarily mean you need to purchase one. I use one at
work, copy a number of pages at one time, copy the scanned images to
diskettes (1 page/diskette) then bring home to place on computer and do
translation. A bother. Would be much more convenient if I had my own.
But, a possible work-a-round if you have a scanner at your place of
employment. Also, if you purchase Midiscan, shop around. I believe you
can get an educational discount if you buy direct; also a considerable
discount from places that specialize is selling music software through the
mail.

The results are dependent on the midi software you translate to.
Initially, I tried working with the converted midi files using QuickScore.
Had many problems which I eventually learned were with the QuickScore, not
with midiscan. I suspect that the quality of the scanner may also
influence your result. I REALLY like using Encore 4 for midi editing,
playing of scores. It's so easy to edit, make changes, change keys, tempo,
extract parts, etc.

Of late I've been transcribing piano/voice of opera arias, transposing the
voice up for Bb or A clarinet, then extracting the part to play while
listening to the music, or playing with a friend who is a pianist.

You can, of course, also create scores that have the piano or orchestral
part in original pitch, but just the clarinet part transposed, so you can
play with someone from the same score. You can also set your computer to
keep playing the same phrase over and over, vary the tempo, etc.

A great learning tool; also probably more palatable for my wife to listen
to my practicing when she can hear the piano or orchestra along with what
I'm doing. Might also be useful for practicing 2nd clarinet :)