AboutGabriel Expertise I answer a variety of MIDI & computer related questions. I have multiple music degrees and years of experience in the field.
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Question Two members of our church compose good music but cannot write it, nor can I, the pianist. Our church has a Casio PX-310 and it has been suggested we use Finale with our Dell computer / Windows XP. What is the connector we need (and do you think non-computer-whiz people could operate Finale?) Thank you, Kathie
Answer Hello,
I am not very familiar with that particular model (PX-310) Casio keyboard though from a quick search for it online it appears to support MIDI and/or USB for use with separate hardware (such as a computer).
You will need a MIDI cable(s) or, if it supports USB, you could probably use a USB cable instead. Either of those cables will connect the keyboard to the computer. If you are using a MIDI cable or cables you will need a sound card on the computer that supports MIDI connections - some sound cards have breakout cables while others simply have MIDI I/Os (inputs/outputs) built-in. Almost all computers come USBs.
Once connected, you may use software such as Finale to automatically notate the music that is played on the keyboard. Be sure to read all manuals that are available to reduce any complications or chances of confusion with properly connecting cables and/or setting up the software to properly transcribe the music from the keyboard to music notation on the computer. You can also print the sheet music directly from the Finale application or export the sheet music into a universal format (I believe PDF format).
Regarding:
"Do you think non-computer-whiz people could operate Finale?"
Yes. Luckily it's not an overly complex piece of software that requires a degree or certificate to operate. However, you will greatly benefit from reading any manuals (digital or hard copy) that you receive with the software.
