seeking recommendations for sheet music software

I have looked thru several hundred posts under a Search in this forum for "Sheet Music," so please forgive me if I haven't unearthed a thread that will answer my question.

I would like to find an application which allows one to type in the notes and produce sheet music which would also play on the computer. We have a free version of one called "FinaleNotePad," but it doesn't quite do everything Hubby wants (eg, change time sigs in the middle of a piece). To get the actual package is around $500. Way too pricey for me! It's geared more toward music teachers, I think. We aren't pros, just amateurs who play for our own amusement, so don't need a whole lot of fancy features.

I probably wouldn't pay more than about $125 for this, so maybe I'm only dreaming.

Do any of you have experience with full-fledged programs like that, in which you can type in complicated music and have it transpose automatically, as well as play along at different tempos on the computer so one can practice along with it? Any you'd recommend? Any you'd warn about? I know I can google "music composition," but I'd prefer talking to someone who actually uses this stuff to learn about the ins and outs, ups and downs.



Thanks!

 

Many years ago, I used a program such as you're talking about, and it wasn't all that expensive I don't think. I hate to say though, I don't recall the name of it or much about it, except that you could do everything you mention and more.

I know that's not much help... I think Google would be a great resource in this situation.

 

Finale!
Their servers are under construction right now. It is free. you need to get a key from the finale website, which is free.