Finale, the music notation software widely used across the professional theatre industry, including Broadway, is being discontinued after 35 years. Music technology company MakeMusic announced on August 26 that they are shuttering the program and its lesser sub-products, PrintMusic, Notepad, and Songwriter. Greg Dell’Era, the company President, writes in the announcement, “Today, this software is no longer the future of the notation industry—a reality after 35 years — I want to be candid about this. Instead of releasing new versions that would offer only marginal value to our users, we’ve made the decision to end its development.”
This means Finale will no longer be updated and will no longer be available for purchase.
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The software will continue to work on devices where it is currently installed. However, beginning in August 2025, it will not be possible to authorize or reauthorize Finale on new devices.
MakeMusic recommends customers move to Dorico, a competing notation software available for Mac, PC, and iPad. They have arranged for Finale or PrintMusic owners to purchase the top version of Dorico, Dorico Pro, for $150, a savings of roughly 75%.
Finale software’s closure impacts industry
The challenge is that files created using Finale will only open in their own format. It is not easy to completely convert these files into other platforms. While Finale can export files into the open-ended MusicXML format readable by most notation software, many parts of the original file, notably page layouts for print and PDF editions, are not included.
This news was met with dismay among Broadway composers. Tony Award winner Marc Shaiman wrote, “To all my compatriots freaking out about today’s announcement, um, it was right there in the name all along. FINALE! As Maya Angelou said, ‘When someone tells you who they are, believe them!'”
The move will likely kick off a troubling period for music departments on Broadway and beyond, with many Finale files having to be converted for use with other programs.
It may begin a stressful transition for the theatre industry, as Finale has enjoyed wide use at major music preparation houses. MakeMusic has posted a FAQ regarding Finale’s sunsetting. The company’s remaining products include the online service SmartMusic, business management software for music teachers and studios and virtual instrument libraries.
Noah Nguyen is a multi-talented developer who brings a unique perspective to his craft. Initially a creative writing professor, he turned to Dev work for the ability to work remotely. He now lives in Seattle, spending time hiking and drinking craft beer with his fiancee.
