Music Tech Tutorials: Third-Party Solutions

Why does the latest and greatest software also seem to be so challenging to figure out, with a hundred new keystrokes and pull-down menus? Do these companies really think that three-inch-thick manuals of well-hidden information will help get people up and running? No wonder great technology goes under-utilized, especially in this era of budget crunching. But wait! The business world brings new software online all the time. What’s missing in this picture for the music education world?

The more I teach music technology, the more I realize the value of third-party tutorial resources. To answer my wife’s question on this subject: the first party is the vendor manufacturer; the second party is you, the user; and the third party includes all of the incredible training materials and tutorials available in the form of books, eBooks, YouTube videos, blogs, CDs and DVDs. For this article, I have reviewed 14 new third-party music technology/tutorial resources that can speed up the software learning curve.

Ace Martin, the instrumental music chairman at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts in Jacksonville, Florida, understands that sometimes you have to pick your battles when it comes to learning new software. He also notes that there is a wide array of resources designed to help bring educators up to speed. He says, “Over the years of teaching technology, I have learned you can’t expect to be up to speed on every new upgrade or software used in my music technology classes. I rely heavily on clinics at music conferences, especially at TI:ME conferences, to get updates on new approaches. I have gone to YouTube to find a tutorial or lesson on Logic Pro. For example, sfSonicNinja does great tutorials on using Logic. Third party DVDs from ASK Video and macprovideo.com tutorials on MIDI are a sample of the wealth of information available. Tom Rudolph has done a wonderful job with his books on Sibelius and Finale to dovetail with the variety of online videos available to the users of these notation programs. With time and budget concerns, third-party tutorials are a must for all users and teachers teaching music technology. Most universities now have a component of music technology as a requirement before graduation; so it makes sense to use these tools to keep up with the every changing world of music technology. I certainly will continue to make use of every tutorial I access to help myself and my students keep up with those every streaming changes in software.”

Music Notation Training

Attempting to master all of the critical features in music notation applications can be stressful, as the learning curve for this software can be steep for entry-level users. Fortunately, third-party books, videos and Internet resources are around to help. Here are some excellent publications to consider.

1. Finale 2011: A Trailblazer Guide by Mark Johnson, published by Penelope Press, 2010, 440 pp.

A Finale Trailblazer Guide is both a method for how to approach learning Finale, and a reference that includes all the essential tasks you need to know to make the most of it. The goal of this publication is to distill Finale into the most concise, easy-to-follow, yet comprehensive guide possible, and this latest revision is a big step forward. Their 2012 edition will focus attention on the latest features found in Finale 2012. New users can start from the beginning, while existing users are welcome to reference the “What’s Changed” section descriptions for new features from older editions. All readers can use the book as a reference, consulting the comprehensive index to jump to the relevant topic.

Through many revisions over five years, the content has been continuously crafted in response to the latest features and feedback from readers. Mark Johnson repeatedly clarifies steps, improves the figures, and adds new tips and tricks.

2. Building Successful Finale ‘Chops’ by Mavis Kallestad, published by Finale Training, 2011, 195 pp.

This publication consists of 19 practical step-by-step Finale 2011 tutorials. It represents a solid curriculum for any Finale Level 1 or 2 workshop. The book is divided into two sections: getting started for navigating the software, the Launch window, tool palettes, layback controls, MIDI keyboard setup, note entry methods and Simple Entry basic commands; and the second section for tutorials. There is a free eight-page tutorial PDF download for anyone wishing to try out one of the tutorials. All of the other tutorials in the book are similar to this one, with a short musical example and the step-by-step directions on how to create it. All of the tutorial topics are listed on the website, www.finalietraining.com, so you can see the different score formats and topics covered in the book. The text is compatible with Windows and Macintosh platforms. Many MakeMusic clinicians have successfully used this resource over the past few years. Several have submitted testimonials you can read at this website. What I particularly like about the book is the concise step-by-step directions for executing Finale moves. You’ll also find help creating music education worksheets, tests, flash cards, 5,000 warmups, customized SmartMusic accompaniments and much, much more.

3. The Finale Projects: The New Approach To learning Finale, Second Edition, by Tom Carruth, published by GIA Publications, 2010, 307 pp.

Looking for a thorough, hands-on notation tutorial? This project-oriented book teaches you how to master Finale rather than trudging through Finale tools. Its easy steps and simple language are paired with over 600 illustrations and graphics to make the start-up process quick and efficient. An enclosed CD-ROM augments the text with step-by-step video demonstrations. The second edition book covers Finale 2009, 2010 and 2011 and is appropriate for Mac and PC users. Topics include just about every major skill from inputting notes to producing tests and worksheets, and scanning to producing demonstration recordings.

4. Finale 2010 by Tom Johnson, published by Hal Leonard, 2009, DVD.

Tom Johnson is the product specialist and guru of Finale notation. His video tutorials offer tips and techniques that will help you get the most out of the Finale. In one hour and 18 minutes you will be entering music, adding details, formatting, and sharing your music. Beginners and advanced users will benefit from learning how to make common tasks more intuitive and efficient.

5. Sibelius: A Comprehensive Guide To Sibelius Music Notation Software, Second Edition by Thomas Rudolph and Vincent Leonard, published by Hal Leonard, 2011, 460 pp.

This guide provides good, basic Sibelius instruction, plus new features such as using the Ideas window for composing and arranging, entering chords and notation with the onscreen keyboard and fretboard, using Magnetic A Layout to save time formatting parts and scores, and inputting Live Tempo so the score tempo follows the one played in real-time. Learn how to view pages vertically in Panoramic View, work with Sibelius Sounds for enhanced playback of scores, and sync Sibleius with Pro Tools or other DAW to work with notation and audio simultaneously. This book has a companion website, www.sibeliusbook.com, that includes files and templates to download and use with each chapter. Whenever there is a relevant file on the website, an icon is placed next to the text, which makes the book a dynamic learning environment. The layout is well orchestrated and the user-friendly text will guide any user, novice or advanced, to master the software in a straightforward manner.

6. Mastering Sibelius 6 by Gabriel Cobas, published by Course Technology, 2011, 430 pp.

This text covers all aspects of Sibelius, including setting up simple scores, using MIDI input, working with advanced formatting and using virtual instruments. It presents the instruction in a clear, concise way, offering simple steps and easy-to-follow tutorials for all experience levels. The book includes chapters on note input methods, editing and symbols, text and chords, playback and video and much more. Throughout the book, there are special notes and sidebars that highlight important information. “Essential Tips” give particular important information to watch for. They act as reminders of hat you must take away from each chapter. Skillful page layouts make the text easy to follow. The comprehensive index is very informative for looking at specific program features and facilitating review.

7. Learning Sibeliius 6 in One Hour by James Humberstone, distributed by Amazon. 2010.

This eBook is readily available to download for only $2.95 from amazon.com. For those who don’t have a Kindle or other similar device, don’t fret: there’s a free e-reader when downloading the book. The twelve chapters are organized with 12 free online videos, each about five minutes long, which show you everything you’ll need to be confident using Sibelius 6. The book guides users through easy-to-follow steps and the videos expand on the information, which is useful for those who want to learn beyond the basics. Feel free to visit the website (www.composerhome.com) to download and print out the score that can be copied into Sibelius. This book is written for an absolute beginner, but will also serve as good review for someone whose Sibeius skills are a little rusty or coming to Sibelius from another music notation software.

Music Sequencing Tutorials 

I can’t think of a technology with a more demanding learning curve than MIDI and digital audio recording sequencing. The applications are very powerful and can be so creative. I find these publications very inspiring.

8. Mixcaft for the Classroom, 2nd edition by Steve Riddle and Zig Wajler, published by Raimondo Business Services , 2010, 205 pp. as a PDF e-Book.

For PC users wanting an intuitive digital software application for classroom use, look no further than Mixcraft by Acoustica. It is the GarageBand for PC users. This eBook is a definitive teacher resource based on the input and feedback from educators an students for what works best in classroom technology learning. The lessons and activities provide an educator with enough content for a whole year’s worth of study, and also teachers interested in infusing technology into their regular teaching strategies. The book includes step-by-step software basics, interactive lesson plans for engaging, stand-alone activities, visual examples of student projects and software screen-shots, plus review mini-lessons. The content includes contemporary learning strategies with cross-curricular connections based on real world applications as extensions of the classroom. Students get to expand their skills by applying various strategies to produce projects such as original cell phone ring tones, public service announcements, virtual art galleries, archived historical events, original songs and instrumentals, math games and formulas, social studies themes, plays, poetry, commercial jingles/podcasts, scripts, music play-alongs, printed notation, archived writing, and even more.

9. Using Pro Tools in Music Education by Robin Hodson, published by Hal Leonard, 2010, 157 pp.

Learning and teaching Pro Tools can be challenge because the software is so powerful. Robin Hodson eases this difficult and complex process with hands-on tutorials for both teachers and students. The book introduces the basics of Pro Tools, addresses the details of music recording, editing and mixing and then presents six modules designed for classroom instruction. It is this six-module course for high school and college teachers that separates this book from all other Pro Tools books with strategies that quickly integrate complex software to any class technology program. The book also includes a DVD featuring 41 tutorial movies with three hours of instruction time that cover all major aspects of Pro Tools. Together, the book and its companion DVD make a formidable contribution in learning and teaching Pro Tools in the classroom.

10. Making Music With GarageBand and Mixcraft by Robin Hodson, James Frankel, Michael Fein, and Richard McCready, published by Course Technology, 2011, 263 pp.

This book provides a comprehensive guide to music production using two of the most intuitive, least expensive music software recording programs on the market today, all within a single book They both contain powerful tools to create professional productions. This book is far from a simple software guide. It covers the how-to use instructions for developing creativity and also guides the reader through into using these programs to composing, recording producing great music. There are 12 specific lessons for each program as well as lessons suitable for both platforms. Because this book is not limited to specific versions of GarageBand and Mixcraft the complete pedagogy that is included can be used in any music classroom from elementary school through college. The companion DVD includes bonus tutorials as well as audio and video exercises that correspond to the book’s chapters. Each chapter contains national standards with lesson objectives, class time requirements, teaching materials and instruction procedures. This is a particularly attractive and very user-friendly resource for music educators.

11. The Complete Pro Tools Shortcuts, Second Edition, by Jose “Chilitos” Valenzuela, published by Hal Leonard, 2011, 265 pp.

Most tutorials offer quality instruction, but learning shortcuts in Pro Tools can be a separate course of study. This publication is an indispensable guide with a complete list of over 400 shortcuts to get the most out of Pro Tools. Each shortcut shows the key combination needed on both Mac and Windows. What a nifty way to get up-to-speed and quickly start using the program like a pro! This is excellent for a visual learner because it has the most screen captures I have seen in any resource.

12. Pro Tools 101: Official Courseware by Frank D. Cook, published by Course Technology, 2011, 288 pp.

For more than 20 years, Avid has been developing Pro Tools training materials. This official Pro Tools book offers a comprehensive approach with hands-on tutorials for learning the fundamentals of multitrack recordings of live instruments, MIDI sequences, software synthesizers and virtual instruments. The companion DVD offers tutorial data files and videos to accompany the projects in the text. This updated edition reflects the exciting Pro Tools 9 with support for high-definition sample rates and higher track counts; enhancements offered with the Complete Production Tookit 2.

13. Pro Tools 8, hosted by Andrew Eosele, published by Hal Leonard, 2009, 175 minutes DVD.

This video tutorial works well with M-Powered, LE, or HD users of Pro Tools and is geared for beginners to get a great start. New to version 8 are virtual instruments, plug-ins with new MIDI features, and more. The video is organized in four segments: 1) navigating the new interface, 2) recording audio and MIDI, 3) working with the new virtual instruments and 4) arranging, mixing, producing techniques to enhance your recordings

14. Power Tools for Pro Tools 8 by Rick Silva, published by Hal Leonard Corp., 2009. 288 pp.

This publication is a comprehensive guide to using Pro Tools 8 with advanced tips and tricks for both the HD and LE-based systems. Its easy-to-follow examples help you learn the complex techniques used by professional Pro Tools operators. It teaches MIDI and audio sequencing, editing and looping, and coaches the Elastic Audio features and the entirely new graphical interface. The companion DVD includes audio examples or lessons in the book plus an array of QuickTime movies showing techniques of musicians, programmers, and engineers in action with Pro Tools 8.

Closing Comments

Looking for more resources? Additional information is readily available at the manufacturers’ websites. Using any Internet search engine, type in “music technology publications” and quickly come up a wealth of resources. On Yahoo, I found over 50 million URLs to peruse, as well as music technology books exclusively for music educators. I also searched “music technology tutorials” and found 39 million resources.

You’ll never run out of help for good instruction and your skills and teaching will always be fresh if you are willing to think creatively. Surprise yourself and discover what’s out there waiting to help you use these tools in your classroom.

Dr. John Kuzmich Jr. is a veteran music educator, jazz educator and music technologist with more than 41 years of public school teaching experience. He is a TI:ME-certified training instructor and has a Ph.D. in comprehensive musicianship. As a freelance author, Dr. Kuzmich has more than 400 articles and five textbooks published. As a clinician, Dr. Kuzmich frequently participates in workshops throughout the U.S., Europe, Australia, and South America.

For more information, visit www.kuzmich.com.