Finale: A Useful Tool for Music Theory Instruction
Stewart Carter, Wake Forest University
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Tip 1:
Alternatively the exercise shown in Example 1 could also be created using 2/4 time, entering the given note of the interval in layer 1 as a quarter note on beat 1, followed by a rest (which can be hidden by using the "speedy note entry" tool), and the other note of the interval as a quarter note on beat 2, preceded by a rest. This method allows for playback of the two intervals in closer proximity-without changing the speed of playback.

Tip 2:
A word here about entering verbal instructions in Finale: while general instructions are best entered using the "text block" tool (Figure 2), instructions for each item can be entered using either this tool, or the "lyrics" tool (Figure 2). The lyrics tool has certain critical limitations: it cannot be used to enter text in measures containing no notes, and spaces between characters are not possible. The lyrics tool is still valuable for entering instructions that require just a few characters, such as identifications of keys and chords. Chord symbols requiring numerals that must be aligned vertically are best entered with the lyrics tool, since this tool allows for adjustment of numerals with the "adjust syllables" function.

Tip 3:
Bass figures can be entered with the lyrics tool. This is a simple procedure when a single arabic numeral -- i.e., "6" for a first-inversion triad-is attached to a bass note, but more difficult when there are two such numerals-i.e., "6/4," for a second inversion triad. In the latter case, one can enter the "6" in verse 1, the "4" in verse 2 (using the "specify current lyric"option under the "lyrics" menu; see Figure 3). As these two figures are typically aligned vertically, some adjustment may be necessary after both have been entered (using the "adjust syllable" option from the "lyrics" menu; see Figure 3). If the student is expected to analyze the chorale, Roman numerals can be placed in verse 3; again, adjustment of alignment may be necessary.

Tip 4:
As chorale assignments such as the one in Example 3 are typically written on a grand staff, with soprano and alto in treble clef, tenor and bass in bass clef, students may need some special instruction in order to enter notes properly. In Example 3a, all bass notes have been entered with stems down. This can be done by opening the "special tools" menu, and selecting the "stem direction" tool (Figure 4). The easiest way to enter the other voices, with stems going in the proper direction, is to enter soprano and tenor, both of which should have all stems up, in one layer, and the alto, which like the bass, has stems down, in another layer. Obviously in an exercise in which it is not necessary to hide any of the voices, alto and bass can be entered in the same layer. Stem direction can be frozen in one direction for a given layer by opening the "options" menu, then the "document settings" submenu, and finally the "layer options" submenu.

Tip 5:
Open the "lyrics" tool, and under the lyrics pull-down, select "specify current lyric." This allows the upper numbers to be entered in "verse 1," the lower numbers in "verse 2." If numerals in three different vertical planes are required, three verses may be used. Alignment can then be adjusted, using the "adjust syllable" option under the 'lyrics" menu. A disadvantage to using the lyrics tool for this purpose is that spaces are not possible: all characters assigned to a single note within one verse must be entered successively, with no spaces.

Tip 6:
All stems within one layer can be frozen in one direction. From the "options" menu, choose the "document settings" submenu, and then "layer options." Follow the directions in the dialogue box that appears.

Tip 7:
An easy way to create an alternative version of a melody for the type of exercise illustrated in Example 6 is to use the "mass mover" tool. First, create the blank measures, then open the mass mover tool. Highlight the entire melody and drag it onto the blank measures. Create variations in version 2 by altering individual notes. An entire measure (or a partial measure) can be transposed up or down using the mass mover tool. Select the mass mover icon, highlight the measure, partial measure, or region to be transposed, then select "transpose" under the "mass edit" menu.

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