“I really need Microsoft Office, because this free office suite is too buggy. I need technology that I am more familiar with.” This is the gimmick that a lot of people have bought into when it comes to software. Too often I come in contact with a colleague or person who becries the open-source software… Continue reading Why I Love LilyPond: Freedom
Syntax: the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language. Every program, whether it has a GUI or not, has a syntax, a code of operation and understanding. Think of syntax as a language with which you speak to the program in order to communicate effectively. Many would consider a program like… Continue reading Why I Love LilyPond: Simplicity of Syntax
Foretaste/Background I wrote a paper at one point examining engraving and typesetting practices in music in the past 500 or so years. In it, I examine how up until about 40 years ago. engraving and typesetting was a time honored process. It took time, years of experience, and training into details that was a lifelong learning process.… Continue reading Why I Love LilyPond: Simplicity of Use
Ever since I was in high school, I’ve used commercial engravers. And by that, I mean professional (paid) programs specifically for publishing sheet music. It started when my band teacher loaned me a copy of Finale 2002 to try out on my own. He told me if I liked it that I could buy it… Continue reading Why I Love LilyPond: Introduction
Recordings: A timeless tradition and innovation of western music. We record great performers, actors, and we store them… permanently. But it isn’t music. “But sir, why would you say that? I listen to recorded music all day long!” I realize this; we need recordings, and we can enjoy them, but we should avoid them. When… Continue reading Musical Pictures
Josh Nichols 