After an extraordinary 35-year run as one of the top music notation software solutions, Finale has officially reached its finale. In a decision announced in August 2024, MakeMusic confirmed it will no longer develop or sell Finale, PrintMusic, or Notepad. This marks a significant shift in the music technology landscape, especially for professional musicians, composers, and educators who have relied on Finale to create, edit, and publish their musical scores.
For those deeply embedded in the world of digital notation, this news presents both challenges and opportunities. As we explore what this means for current users and the broader music community, we will also delve into why this may be the perfect time to consider transitioning to other powerful platforms like Sibelius or Dorico.
The End of an Era: What Happens to Finale Users?
For decades, Finale has been a powerhouse in the world of music notation software. Launched in 1988 by Coda Music Technology, it quickly became the gold standard for creating intricate, professional-level scores across multiple musical genres. However, the software has faced increasing challenges as modern operating systems evolve and the demands of musicians shift to cloud-based and cross-platform solutions(
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As of now, Finale users will still be able to run the software on existing installations, and MakeMusic will offer technical support for version 27, its final release, until August 2025. However, no further updates or new versions will be released, and after 2025, users will no longer be able to authorize Finale on new machines(
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This poses a significant problem for composers who have spent years building large libraries of Finale files. While there are tools like MusicXML to convert Finale files to other notation programs like Dorico, the conversion process is not always seamless. Formatting and engraving details may be lost, leading to hours of extra work when transitioning files(
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Why MakeMusic Partnered with Steinberg's Dorico
Recognizing the gap left by Finale’s discontinuation, MakeMusic has partnered with Steinberg, the creators of Dorico, to offer Finale users an exclusive crossgrade discount on Dorico Pro. This partnership is seen as a lifeline for Finale users seeking a future-proof solution that can handle complex notation with ease.
Dorico is a state-of-the-art notation software developed by the same team that originally built Sibelius. It offers a modern interface, efficient workflows, and robust features designed for today’s professional musicians and composers. MakeMusic’s President, Greg Dell’Era, expressed confidence that Dorico represents the future of the notation industry(
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For Finale users, this crossgrade discount provides an attractive incentive to make the switch, but the transition may not be easy for everyone. While Dorico offers many powerful features, its user interface and workflow are different from Finale, which could present a learning curve for long-time users(
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Is This a Good Time to Explore Sibelius?
While much of the conversation around Finale’s discontinuation has centered on Dorico, this is also an excellent time to consider Sibelius, another industry-leading notation software. Known for its user-friendly interface and versatility, Sibelius remains one of the most widely used notation programs globally.
Unlike Finale, which is now being phased out, Sibelius continues to evolve with regular updates. It is particularly popular among composers who prefer an easy-to-learn platform that still offers advanced notation capabilities. Additionally, Sibelius boasts a rich ecosystem of plugins that can dramatically extend the software’s functionality. For example, plugins like “Dynamic Parts” streamline the process of generating instrumental parts, while tools like “Magnetic Layout” automate spacing and placement, saving composers valuable time.
Now is an ideal moment for Finale users to consider transitioning to Sibelius, as its intuitive design makes the learning curve more manageable than some alternatives. Furthermore, many Finale files can be exported as MusicXML and imported into Sibelius with relatively minimal loss of formatting(
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Finale Alternatives: Choosing the Right Notation Software for Your Needs
For composers looking for an alternative to Finale, the choice between Dorico, Sibelius, and other options like MuseScore depends largely on their individual needs:
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Dorico: Ideal for those seeking cutting-edge notation software with a robust feature set and flexibility. Its intuitive engraving tools, support for virtual instruments, and frequent updates make it a top choice for professionals.
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Sibelius: Known for its ease of use and extensive plugin library, Sibelius is a strong option for those looking for a balance between power and accessibility. It is an excellent choice for users who prioritize efficiency and straightforward workflows.
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MuseScore: While free and open-source, MuseScore may not have the advanced features required by professionals. However, it is a good option for students and hobbyists looking for a cost-effective solution.
Conclusion: The End of Finale Is Just the Beginning
While the sunsetting of Finale marks the end of an era, it also opens the door to new opportunities for musicians to explore modern notation software. Whether you choose to crossgrade to Dorico, embrace the user-friendly features of Sibelius, or dive into the open-source world of MuseScore, the end of Finale signals a shift in how we approach digital music notation.
For those considering a switch, this is also an excellent time to revisit the growing ecosystem of Sibelius plugins, which can expand the software’s capabilities far beyond its base features. With options like Dorico and Sibelius continuing to push the boundaries of what’s possible in digital notation, the future is bright for composers ready to embrace change.