Get the Notion -- Full Featured Composition Software for the iPad, Mac, and Computer

Notion Music, Inc has created what I believe is destined to be one of the most defining songwriting products available for Mac, PC, and iPad. Notion is a full-featured song composition tool that offers everything previously only available in products like Finale and Sibelius. The really cool thing, though, is not only does Notion offer these capabilities on Mac and PC, it brings the same full features to the iPad -- something even Finale and Sibelius have not been able to do.

With Notion (whether you use it on Mac, PC, or iPad), you can compose, arrange, and playback your music using real sampled instrument. Note input (which can be accomplished by clicking on the staves or using interactive tools like the keyboard, fretboard, drum pads, or chord library) is easy. There's also a range of articulations and tools that allow you to fine tune your scores exactly the way you want. You can add or remove instruments, add lyrics, make notes -- there's nothing left to chance here.

I use Notion on my iPad. Here are some of the features the app and the computer software offer:

• Enter, edit, and playback notation, tab, or both
• Orchestral samples by the London Symphony Orchestra recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
• Piano, keyboards, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, electric bass
• Clean and intuitive user interface
• Interactive piano keyboard for fast entry
• Export/Email audio
• Real-time/step-time MIDI entry
• Retina Display
• Audition/Entry Modes
• Interactive 24-fret guitar fretboard
• All instruments and functions from Progression are in Notion
• Interactive drum pad
• Quick and simple selection palette
• Distortion and reverb effects
• Full audio mixer
• Full range of orchestral functions and articulations including: Staccato, Flutter tongues, Trills, Vibrato, and much more…
• Full range of guitar functions and articulations including: bends, vibrato, slides, hammer on, pull off, mutes, whammy bar techniques, bass slap, harmonics, and more…
• Drag and drop cursor option
• Switch Instruments
• Transposition
• Insert text
• Lyrics
• Chord symbols and diagrams
• Quick “Undo” and “Redo” functions
• Chord and melody modes
• Easy delete and erase capabilities
• Enter and edit title and composer information
• Convenient file sharing
• Import .notion, MIDI, MusicXML, GuitarPro 3-5 files
• Email .notion, PDF, MusicXML, or MIDI files
• Import from Dropbox
• Search for tabs, MIDI, or MusicXML online from within the app
• In-Store app to add more instruments and gear
• Help Files

Notice you can purchase additional instrument sounds. Don't let this scare you away. There's no need to purchase extra instrument samples unless you want some of the more obscure instruments or you are composing huge orchestral pieces. For most users, Notion comes with all the instruments you'll ever need.

Not only can you compose and playback with Notion, you can record your song, mix it down, and export it in PDF, MDI, or MusicXML files. There's a range of import features as well, allowing you to bring in scores you're working on elsewhere.

If you're a songwriter or arranger, this is truly the only app you will need on your iPad or the only software you will need on your Mac or PC. Best of all, if you want the power of this app on your iPad, it's only $14.99 in the iTunes app store. You can't beat that.

NOTE: Notion Music, Inc. also makes Progression, which is tab songwriting software for guitar, bass, and drums. Progression can be purchased as stand-alone software or app, but it's included in Notion.