NOTION3 is the latest release of the musical notation software from NOTION Music. At its base, NOTION3 is a software program used for creating sheet music. It does for music notation what a word processor is to writing. As their tagline reveals, with this latest version, the goal is in "Redefining Notation Software"
This type of software allows you to input, edit, and print musical notation from your computer. The amount of flexibility you have is really dependent on the complexity of the program itself. It can range from being able to create simple songs, to the ability to handle the complexities of orchestral arrangements. NOTION3 falls in to the later of these categories.
In working with notation software the music can be entered via the mouse, computer keyboard, or MIDI device. With NOTION3 you can also scan your sheet music as well. Along with printing your score out is the ability for NOTION3 to play back your compositions on your computer using virtual instruments giving you the ability to hear your score.
What do you need to run NOTION3?
• Windows XP , Vista, MAC OS X 10.4 or higher.
• 2.0 GHz Core 2 or Intel Mac
• 2 GB RAM
• 1024 x 768 with 16-bit color (1280 x 960, 24-bit color or higher)
• 16 GB Drive space; DVD Drive
• MIDI Interface
• Audio Interface
Using NOTION3 you work within two primary windows. The main music sheet interface contains your score. Then there is the new pro-audio mixer interface that has faders, volume meters, and peak indicators that give you the ability to fine tune your composition.
To create your score you begin by opening a template. There are seven templates and they correspond to the type of score: full orchestra, chamber orchestra, string orchestra, big band, jazz combo, rock band, and lead sheet. You can also customize the templates with the "in-document" score setup.
Next you choose an instrument from the available instrument groups and add it to the score. Using the entry palette you can begin to enter the notation to the page. As an alternative you can also use the MIDI interface to enter your music. By using Step-Time Entry mode, you can select a note value with a keyboard shortcut and press a key on your MIDI keyboard and the note will be added with the corresponding rhythmic value.
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