What is a piece of software that allows me to write for instruments that are transposed? Like, if I were writing a piece in Bb major, and I want to see an Eb alto sax part in G major but have it play in Bb major? Or a Bb trumpet part be seen in C major? Thanks.

Nevermind, I found Finale.

Finale is a great program, but don't ever forget about Sibelius. If you can ever afford the upgrade you will very glad you did.

I use Sibelius, my piano teacher uses Finale. From what I can see both programs do everything most of us would need. Would be kinda weird to play a cheap digital piano so you can afford a $700 notation program.

I use Finale but yes NEVER butt sibelius out. But, as Arjen said never choose software over a new piano. Sibelius offers a little bit more than Finale but is more expensive.

Sibelius is a lot to splash out on I agree, so obviously if you cant afford it or you dont want to compromise on a crappy piano then put it off. But don't forget it completely. I have used both extensively, and have found Sibelius to be superior in almost every aspect.

Both Finale and Sibelius are good. Notion (http://www.notionmusic.com/) has also been making waves lately - the performance side of it is particularly good.

Usually when people ask me for suggestions, I tell them to get Allegro or PrintMusic. 99% of the people on the planet will, quite simply, never need all the advanced features of Finale and Sibelius, so the lighter versions of Finale are a much better value for most people.

That being said, I actually prefer Sibelius and do all my own work with it, but Sibelius doesn't currently offer a budget or light version (except for students - the new student edition is great.)

I am looking for recording/mixing/composing type software. As you can tell by me trying to describe what I am looking for, I'm not a techy. That's the problem! Currently I have a Yamaha AW12 muli-track digital recorder. It is the most frustrating thing to operate! I am looking for a recording program that is user-friendly where I can loop EASILY, delete tracks, EASILY, and Punch in and out what I want, EASILY. Is there such a computer program or devise that will allow my creativity to flow?!
Have any ideas?

Sib beats Finale.... but only just.

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF FINALE HAS THE CHORD THE FEATURE OF ADDING CHORD SYMBOLS LIKE SIBELIUS?

DOES ANYONE KNOW IF FINALE HAS THE FEATURE OF ADDING CHORD SYMBOLS LIKE SIBELIUS?

Yes. It's on page 65 of the tutorial book for version 2006. If you have an earlier version, just check the index.

UHHH...PAGE 65 TALKS ABOUT SPEEDY ENTRY

I have the tutorial book for version 2006 right in front of me. Half way down page 65 it says "Chord Symbols" in bold print. It's an entire tutorial on how to use the Chord Symbol tool.

Like I said...check the index if you have the book. Otherwise, take my word for it, it is very easy to do chord symbols in Finale.

For what it's worth, I've been using ScoreWriter 4 from GenieSoft. It's only $59 and right now it does everything I want from a notation package. It probably doesn't stack up to Finale or Sibelius, and I'm not sure if it will do what the OP asked, but if you're short on money it's worth looking into.

I have purchased both Finale and Sebelius, and there is no comparison in the "ease of use" between the two programs. Get Sebalius! Finale is just too difficult to use. Sebalius is much more intuituitive and contains the same power, or more, in the compositional tools.

I have purchased both Finale and Sebelius, and there is no comparison in the "ease of use" between the two programs. Get Sebalius! Finale is just too difficult to use. Sebalius is much more intuituitive and contains the same power, or more, in the compositional tools.
Finale is just too difficult to learn!

Everyone I know uses Sibelius...they say that it is really great.

Me? I'm not quite sure, but I haven't really tried my hand at composition yet. I'm planning to, most definitely, but the standard way:

Writing it down on manuscript paper.

Good luck!