MuseScore, a well equipped replacement for Notepad
We always used to plug Finale Notepad as a free and well-equipped music notation software package. Unfortunately, Make Music have decided to charge for this product (only $9.95 though). So, what are the freeware alternatives that could be used on either Macs or PCs. One good looking alternative is MuseScore. This was mentioned recently on MusTech.net and there is a good review there. There is also a good comparison between Notepad and MuseScore here by David Bolton. So, thankfully, there are still open source solutions for a world dominated by Sibelius and Finale.
Unfortunately, there is no Mac install package, so you’ll have to revert to the Linux version at the moment. 
Jonathan,
Thanks for continuing the dialog about MuseScore. I agree, I am very disapointed in Finale’s decision and I do think they will find it is going to adversely affect them over the long haul.
Best,
J. Pisano
J. Pisano
8 Oct 08 at 8:53 pm