What Happened to FINALE?

MakeMusic announced on Monday 8/26/24 that they'll be ending upgrades and support for Finale. All Finale users received this announcement and several subsequent clarifications later in the week. These emails explained that you can still reinstall existing versions on new computers, but they don't plan to make accommodations if future versions of MacOS or Windows have compatibility problems.To help existing Finale users through the transition, they'll give free upgrades to Version 27, and they're also offering deep discounts on "crossgrading" to Dorico engraving software which is one of the competing brands for notation, midi, and audio production. I'm writing on 8/30/24, and the situation is still evolving. MakeMusic has shared helpful webpages showing how to export Finale files to the MusicXML format which is a code language that can be opened by Sibelius, Dorico, and other notation software. For these tips on exporting from Finale to use other programs, go to makemusic.com and search for MusicXML; there are tips on how to convert files in large quantities as well as by file or by project. Many experienced users are also sharing this conversion help on their own websites and on social media. The ScoringNotes website has shared this fascinating and well-researched article which talks about MakeMusic, Finale, the other notation companies, and a whole lot more. I recommend this article to anyone who wants more of the big picture.

What should we (composers/arrangers) do?

DON'T PANIC! You won't be stranded!! While it's a shocking surprise to read about, there are no immediate problems. Version 27 becoming the last upgrade is not in itself a problem, and MakeMusic won't end their support for one year. A year from now, they might have second thoughts about supporting new MacOS and Windows versions. A year from now you will have had lots of time to convert all your Finale files to MusicXML, which is not time-consuming with the tips and scripts offered online. And a year from now, you might find that your friends' experiences with Sibelius and Dorico will lead you to a great new solution. You can be sure that all the notation companies will be competitively courting Finale users, which can lead to better prices, tutorials, and other incentives. There may be some temporary inconveniences as you transition, but as long as you have the MusicXML files, you'll be able to re-open all your work in other programs.

Any recommendations about choosing Dorico, Sibelius, or other notation programs?

Yes! Just like buying flutes, cars, and sneakers, there's no single answer or best program for everyone. If you start looking around now (via websites and friends with the other programs), you'll develop a sense of which program suits your own needs. We all have different preferences or needs regarding learning curve, fast engraving vs. refined and complicated engraving, midi sounds, audio editing, types of interface, and more, so try various software to experience which suits you best. All the large publishers and most smaller publishers are equipped to receive files from any of these platforms, and MusicXML helps facilitate that. Every program can produce beautiful and well-spaced results if you devote some time to tweaking, and no program prevents user carelessness. If you shop around for awhile and have MusicXML files, you'll be ready to change software next year or later, and you might not even have to.

Daniel Dorff
Composer/Performer
VP of Publishing, Theodore Presser Company