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.

Songwriting and Recording at Home

The cool thing about being a songwriter today is the ability to record studio-quality songs in the comfort of your own home. Musicians are turning their computers (and even tablets) into full-fledged recording studios to create music that used to cost a fortune to make in professional studio settings. There are a number of ways this can be done, depending upon your budget and the level of quality you want to achieve.

I record some great stuff with my iPad, an iRig, and a couple of different recording apps. The process for me is pretty straightforward. I begin by writing my songs using either Songwriter HD or Notion (which allows me to notate music like Finale or Sibelius does on the computer), then I start laying down my tracks. The order depends. I might lay down a guitar part first, then the vocal. I'll mix those and then start adding the other parts, either by plugging into my iRig and playing or by using virtual instruments.

I like to keep my workflow as streamlined as possible. The least amount of software and hardware I can use to accomplish the task at hand. It's taken me a couple of years and a little money (my wife will tell you otherwise on the money part) to find the software, apps, and hardware that work best for my specific needs.

I'll be doing a series of posts in the upcoming weeks to discuss and review in detail some of the various music software, apps, and hardware I use for writing and recording. Hopefully my posts will help those of you who are struggling to find what you need to accomplish your own goals, and maybe my experiences can save you a little time and money in the process.

Some of the reviews I have planned are Finale, Finale Songwriter, Songwriter HD, Sony Acid Music Studio, Pro Tools, Notion, MusicStudio, the various iRig packages, and loop packages. Keep an eye out.