MuseScore is an excellent piece of notation software with a slew of great features. The program is available as a free download, and is compatible with Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems. The program allows you to place notes and rests on staves, just as if you were writing music on a piece of sheet music. Users can pick from a variety of virtual instruments, time signatures, keys, and dynamics while writing their masterpiece. Any music you create can be played back in real time. Four voice polyphony is possible with each staff, and the number of staves you include in a piece are limitless. In addition, you can import MIDI files into the program, or export your piece as a MIDI file. Once you're happy with a song, you can print it out and share it with your friends.
Finale NotePad is a music notation program similar to MuseScore. NotePad is updated on a yearly basis, and wonderful features are always being added, such as the ability to drag and drop musical expressions like tempo markings and dynamics. The program is compatible with Finale 2009 and is available as a free 30-day trial. If you decide to keep Finale NotePad after 30 days, you'll only have to pay $10.
Many free recording programs are available over the Internet. Although the feature lists of these programs are generally limited compared to those of expensive recording programs like Pro Tools or Digital Performer, many of these programs will be extremely useful to home recording enthusiasts. Audacity is a perfect example of a free recording program. Like MuseScore, Audacity is a available for Mac OS X, Linux and Windows.
The software includes a full-featured sequencing device, where you can edit and splice MP3, AIFF, and WAV audio files. You can also record live audio using the program in conjunction with the built-in microphone on your computer or with an external microphone and recording interface. People looking to upgrade their tape or vinyl collection into a digital format will be able to pursue that as well by using Audacity.