In this post, I review the iPad apps for reading and playing back your Finale or Sibelius files and how to turn your pages using a foot switch from AirTurn.

For an overview of the Finale iPad app SongBook and the Sibelius iPad appScorch, see my previous post:
http://tomrudolph.berkleemusicblogs.com/2013/03/26/notation-software-for-the-ipad-as-of-march-2013/

iPad app for Finale: Songbook

After spending some time with SongBook, here are my thoughts on the pros and cons.

Pros

  1. The app for iPad is free
  2. You can include both Finale .mus files and PDF files
  3. You can create Finale files for free using Finale Notepad.
  4. Allows you to make set lists of songs.
  5. You can adjust the Tempo
  6. Can access individual parts from a score

Cons

  1. Cannot change the key
  2. No mixer to adjust volumes of individual staves
  3. Cannot  edit the Finale files on the app – just play and change tempo.
  4. Sometimes crashes when playing older Finale files (pre Finale 2007).

 

iPad app for Sibelius: “Scorch“

Below are my reactions to the Scorch app.

Pros

  1. You can include both Sibelius .sib and PDF files.
  2. Can adjust tempo and change the key signature of Sibelius files
  3. You can adjust the Tempo
  4. Can access individual parts from a score
  5. Mixer option to adjust volumes of individual staves
  6. Can download and purchase music right from within the app.

Cons

  1. The app is not free – costs $1.99
  2. Cannot create setlists.
  3. Cannot  edit the Sibelius files on the app – just play and change tempo.
  4. You must purchase one of the Sibelius software computer software options to create files. There is no free option.

Hands-free Page Turning

Both SongBook and Scorch  can be operated with a hands-free page turner. The one that I have used is by Airturn.

The AirTurn BT-105