What keyboards and software do Broadway composers and music directors use?

[darquegk]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 3:22pm

I've always wondered about this, but with Finale and Sibelius being the main composition and templating software, which one do Broadway professionals use? I would assume few of them write their music on paper by hand anymore. Then I suppose the orchestrators do their thing, with whichever software THEY use, and then the licensing houses re-set the score in THEIR house standard program. Does anyone know which is which?

Also, is there a certain type of keyboard that Broadway composers or pit musicians tend to use more than others? I have been looking closely at the Fantom G8 lately, and I'm wondering if that gets any major use in the theatrical world.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 3:26pm

This is really something you'd need to figure out on a composer by composer basis. To find out how to do that, I recommend TheatricalIndex.com. It's what we use when we need to get a number or a name.

Click here to view.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 6/18/14 at 5:04pm

darque, I cannot answer on behalf of any Broadway production team or orchestra but the standard software for keyboard programming is MainStage (which already includes the library and plug-ins). Shows that require more complex programming, say WICKED for example, most likely build their own programming software and consoles.

[Springley]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 9:44am

I do know from an interview video with John Kander from the Legacy Project that he uses Finale, and I believe he says it is the industry standard. Although I imagine it doesn't really matter, it is all about individual preference.

[tazber]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 9:54am

Most of the composers I know use Finale.

In regards to your specific question (i.e. composers who have had shows on Broadway), two of them have had their work on Broadway and they both use Finale.

[trpguyy]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:07am

The New York standard is Finale. Always Finale, every step of the way.

As more and more shows are going towards software-synth, Mainstage and MOTU's Mach Five are pretty popular, usually paired with a Yamaha keyboard (as the action of the Yamaha is widely preferred by players). Kurzweils used to be the norm in pits because of how powerful they are, and the PCK8 is still found in some Broadway pits and on tour - this will vary depending on the keyboard programmer.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:38am

Agreed that Yamaha is more used and widely accepted as being the better keyboard to program with Mainstage software.

[leefowler]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 10:54am

Finale is always used for Broadway shows. I'm told Sibelius is the choice for London West End shows and movies on the west coast. Occasionally a Broadway composer will use Sibelius, which causes complications, since those files will have to be converted to Finale.

And God forbid one member of the music team uses a newer version of Finale than the rest! This forces everyone to upgrade, which can get ugly.

[Liza's Headband]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:03am

leefowler - preach the truth, brother! The file format conversion between Finale upgrades absolutely SUCKS. You'd think such a successful software company would work a little harder on making universally compatible file formats...

[trentsketch]

Posted: 6/19/14 at 11:34am

The conversion is the worst part. Frankly, I just use Musescore for my own work at this point. I only bust out Finale if I'm working with someone else who insists on using Finale.

[Ensemble1684304095]

Posted: 5/17/23 at 7:16am

I also needed software for business. Not something super serious, but it would be nice to automate the workflow a bit. I think to find something from already ready software. Still, it will be easier, faster, cheaper.

[Ensemble1729501195]

Posted: 10/21/24 at 10:04am

darquegk said: "I've always wondered about this, but with Finale and Sibelius being the main composition and templating software, which one do Broadway professionals use? I would assume few of them write their music on paper by hand anymore. Then I suppose the orchestrators do their thing, with whichever software THEY use, and then the licensing houses re-set the score in THEIR house standard program. Does anyone know which is which?

Also, is there a certain type of keyboard that Broadway composers or pit musicians tend to use more than others? I have been looking closely at the Fantom G8 lately, and I'm wondering if that gets any major use in the theatrical world." 

From what I've seen, Broadway composers and musical directors often use Finale and Sibelius for composition, as you mentioned. Both seem to be widely popular, depending on personal preference. By the way, if you are interested in software development https://ddi-dev.com/blog/case/how-weve-created-an-hris-human-resource-information-system/ here is an interesting practical example of creating an HRIS system. Orchestrators may use other software, such as Logic or Pro Tools, for more complex arrangements. When it comes to keyboards, the Fantom G8 is definitely the leader, but other models such as the Yamaha Motif and Korg Kronos are also widely used.

Broadway composers often use Finale, Sibelius, and Logic Pro. Keyboards like Yamaha and Roland Fantom are popular in pit orchestras. Thanks for saying!

Updated On: 10/23/24 at 10:04 AM

[darquegk]

Posted: 10/21/24 at 10:25am

All of this is both ten years old, AND now likely obsolete because of the recent Finale acquisition by Dorico. Dorico lacks Finale's beloved "speedy entry tool," meaning that unless you are a one-noter, your entire compositional workflow has likely been altered.

[g.d.e.l.g.i.]

Posted: 10/21/24 at 1:39pm

Actually, the most recent Dorico update (5.1.60) has addressed this and put in the equivalent of a Speedy Entry tool. All you really need at this point is to re-program a few keystrokes for Finale muscle memory and you're mostly good to go.

(I also recommend the in-depth Udemy course on Dorico. Fantastic way to learn the ins and outs!)