I saw it I tried it. It's for real If you have a need to write notes on a staff and hear them played back.
http://www.fortenotation.com/en/lp/giveaway/
Until Sept 14, you can download this version of Forte notation software for free. I gave it a 5 minute trial and I can tell it will help me when I try to write out a rhythm. It will play back what I've written so I can hear if it sounds right.
I also use Finale. They have a free version also. I upgraded to the full version because they sent me an offer to buy it for $100 and that gave me a few extra features. Editing music is a bit tedious the OCR works but not very well. Once you have it input it is great to ba able to instantly transpose and cut and paste just like a word processor. I can print things out E size for Slo Jam where 10 musicians read off the same large sheet. The synths are good for showing the young musicians in the boy scout band I lead what the music should sound like, especially the rhythm.
The purpose of the free version is to let you try them out. Why not download both and see which one is easier for you to use? I chose Finale bu that was a couple of years ago and I don't know how things compare now. I don't use it all that much.
I use the full version of Finale. Finale also has a lite version of band in the box. Finale is a sequencer and a full blown professional notation program. You can do simple lead sheets or full orchestrations. You can also save the individual instruments as audio tracks and load them in to programs like pro tools or digital performer and then record live tracks and do your final mix. This track uses Finale and the built in band in the box for the percussion. The harmonica was recorded with digital performer and the Finale tracks.
