…the old days…

It’s interesting how we get so entrenched in one way of doing things. We become hardened (maybe even defensive?) against change, preferring the comfort of what we know. This is the point of an article referred to on the excellent Sibelius Blog. (By the way, if anyone knows of a Finale blog that is similar, please let me know in the comments field.) We think Finale is best or Sibelius is best, depending on which one we happen to use. We think this way about our computers (Mac or PC?), our cars (foreign or domestic?), our wines (red or white?) and so on.

But this way of thinking prevents us from learning and growing; we don’t try new things — we don’t even consider it. Even within that very software program we use everyday we become inured to change, entrenched in our way of doing things, and we gloss over helpful new features.

Of course the parallels to composition need hardly be spelled out by me. We should all engage in a little relearning every now and then. I highly recommend this blog entry.

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How to hyphenate apple

I had to do this just today with the word “scholar” for an Emily Dickinson poem. Is it “scho-lar” or “schol-ar?” A quick look at the widget reveals that the second option is correct.

It’s a tiny detail, but those who make money in score copying can distinguish themselves by paying attention to these little extras. It lends your score an extra sheen of professionalism.

PC users, is there a similar option? Let us know in the comments section.

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