MAKING PERFECT MELODIES WITH FORTE 6 PREMIUM (A Review)

It has been a while since a wrote a post here mostly because I tend to do more videos than actual writing. You can watch all Allnaijabeats videos here. Get inspired and produce better music!

Today I will be talking about a product that I insist that you all must buy not just because it is awesome (which it is!) but because it is essential for any serious producer who wants to make perfect and professional sounding melodies. Introducing (drum roll!)……Forte 6 Premium software.

Forte is very easy to use and while a knowledge of music theory helps, you do not necessarily need it to use Forte 6. All you need is an appreciation of what good music sounds like.

Getting Started
When you boot the software (it is standalone), you get a start screen which is intuitive and straightforward. Choose the option that says 'score wizard' and you will be taken to a blank page to lay down your score (or melody). You can also fill in details of the tune.

Laying down a score
Laying down a music score is as simple as choosing the note duration (quarter note, half note etc) and clicking on the staff according to the melody progression. You can also specify which instruments you want to use. There is a long list including pianos, organs, flutes and other orchestral instruments. I found the process of laying down a test melody in my head quite straightforward. I named it 'First Test' and used a xylophone an some synth strings.

What Next?
I know someone out there is asking 'Well…as a producer, how does this help me? What next?'. This is the good news: Forte 6 Premium lets you export the midi files of your compositions and import them into your favorite DAW (Cubase, FL Studio, Logic Pro, etc). Then you can now replace the channels with the right synth or sound that you prefer. This process is easy and seamless in most cases. I only noticed some minor problems with the naming of the channels which should not be a major issue since you can always rename.

Other functions
Forte Premium is quite powerful and has many functions related to music composition. You can change the design and layout of your scores as well as transpose the key, instrument or interval. Forte 6 also inserts rests for you automatically, and allows you to play back your compositions. You can group, copy, order, merge or split scores. The possibilities are endless!

How much and how do I get it?
Producers can purchase the software by visiting http://www.fortenotation.com/en/ and it costs $229. If you are in Nigeria, just use your Naira debit card or a PayPal account (which is free to create and link to your debit card).

Final Verdict
PROs: Excellent composition software, easy to use, attractive interface, affordable compared to alternatives
CONs: Midi handling could be better