Some aspects of notation that can be created in Finale are not fully compatible with SmartMusic. Some of these detract from assessment accuracy, others cause problems with navigation in SmartMusic, others are not supported by SmartMusic altogether. Use the following guidelines to ensure your document is properly prepared for SmartMusic before exporting the file as a SmartMusic Accompaniment (File > Export > SmartMusic). If your file does not meet these guidelines, you will be prompted with the SmartMusic Accompaniment File Compatibility dialog box, which scans your file, lists all of the conflicts, and allows you to resolve them prior to saving the SmartMusic Accompaniment.
Here is a list of all the possible ways a Finale document will not be compatible with SmartMusic:
Conflict |
Compatibility Information |
Simultaneous notes in different layers |
For optimal assessment results, SmartMusic prefers to see a single melodic line on one staff. Assessment scores of 100% may not be possible when multiple simultaneous notes occur. |
Inconsistent pages |
For optimal scrolling results in SmartMusic, use one page size for all pages and one set of values for all page margins. |
Inconsistent system margins |
For optimal scrolling results in SmartMusic, use one set of system margin values for systems 2 thru the end. Ideally, setting up all margins in the "Page Format for Score" dialog box and applying a 'Redefine All Pages' to your Finale file will ensure best scrolling results. |
Hidden clefs |
All clefs, even hidden ones, will be displayed in SmartMusic. |
Nonstandard keys |
SmartMusic does not support non-standard key signatures |
Ossias/Mirrored Measures |
SmartMusic does not support Ossias or Mirrored measures. |
Staff Usage: Distance From Top |
For optimal scrolling results during playback in SmartMusic, set the 'Distance from Top' value to 0 in the Staff Usage dialog box. |
Page Format for Score: System Margins, Top |
The top system margin should equal the top value in systems 2-end. |
Hide Key Signature Staff Attribute |
SmartMusic will still display the key signature. To successfully hide a key signature in SmartMusic, create a Staff Style that has Key Signatures unchecked in the Staff Style Attributes dialog box. |
Chromatic Transposition |
Staves with a Chromatic Transposition must also have Independent Key Signatures selected. |
Independent Time Signatures |
SmartMusic does not support Independent Time Signatures |
See also:
Finale User Manual Home
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