Donna,

I used to have the same problem. I've used Finale Printmusic since 2006 and Finale 2012 now. Through trial and error, I've learned to set all the dynamics within Finale range from about Mezzo Forte to Fortissimo (instead of say, ppp to FF as written) and about 120-127 velocity within the "instrument" list. Otherwise there is too much dynamic range for one volume setting to work all the way through. Once "Exported as Audio File" (WAV or MP3), they are loud enough to burn straight to CD for rehearsal. I usually make individual part emphasized tracks from the same finale score making velocity and panning adjustments before each "Export to Audio File" and then sending the mp3's as email attachments to each choir member.

 

I hope this helps,

 

Craig

 

You can also bump up the volume somewhat in iTunes.  It's a simple fix, but limited in how much gain or reduction you can acheive.  

 

Click on the title in your iTunes list, type command-I (info) and click on the "options" tab.  There's a slider to adjust the overall volume for that piece.  Can be helpful if you are burning several pieces to a CD -- as it sounds like you are -- and want them all adjusted so none will be too loud or too soft.  

 

Good luck,

 

 

Hi Donna:

 

If you have a Mac, save your Finale files as midi files and slide them into Garageband.  You can then manipulate them to sound like you want them to and export them to Itunes.  I don't know the Audacity program previously mentioned, but it likely does the same thing.

Audacity is an audio editor, no midi involved. Just open the exported wave file into Audacity and find the effect "Normalize" to set the volume at maximum gain. You might even add some compression effect to avoid great danamic differences.

The decribed iTunes slider option looks like an easier option however.

Bas

I have the same problem when I send Garage Band files to iTunes :-(