For Those Considering Switching from Finale to Dorico: Intensive Dorico Course for Finale Users by a Steinberg Certified Training Partner (Online, Pro/Elements Compatible) – 10th Term, May 2026 Course
- tarokoike
- May 25
- 9 min read
Registration is now open for the 10th Term (commencing May 2026) of our practical, hands-on curriculum, brought to you by a dedicated team of music notation software support specialists.
To everyone who has long relied on Finale:
Do you feel anxious about making the switch to Dorico?
To dispel these worries, in October 2025—immediately after technical support for the Japanese edition of Finale completely ended—we co-hosted a seminar titled "The Complete Switch from Finale to Dorico: A Detailed Explanation by Experts of Both Products" in collaboration with Yamaha Music Japan Co., Ltd., the domestic distributor of Dorico.
Why do so many Finale users stumble when transitioning to Dorico?
Here are some of the common concerns we have heard:
"The workflow and interface are more different than I expected, and I feel lost."
"I accidentally try to operate it using my Finale habits."
"When importing via MusicXML, the layout falls apart and I don't know how to fix it."
"I'm too busy with daily work to sit down and properly learn a new system."
We believe that Dorico is not just a "successor product that you can somehow manage using Finale know-how," but a completely new music notation environment built on a fundamentally different product concept.
This "Intensive Dorico Course" serves as the definitive, practical extension of the aforementioned Steinberg Seminar. However, the curriculum goes beyond a simple feature-by-feature explanation; it is carefully structured to help Finale users fundamentally "shift their mindset."
Our team thoroughly understands Finale through years of hands-on experience in the development and technical support of the Japanese version. Today, as a Steinberg Certified Training Partner, we operate as a specialized educational institution for Dorico. Based on this unique curriculum tailored specifically for former Finale users, we offer meticulous guidance in ultra-small classes (maximum of 6 participants, typically 2 to 4). We will provide you with the exact know-how needed to overcome this steep learning curve with minimal effort and in the shortest time possible.
Counting from our very first session in October 2024, the schedule for the upcoming 10th term is detailed below. Spanning 6 sessions totaling 12 hours over approximately 2 months, the course covers everything from absolute beginner to advanced topics, allowing you to master Dorico intensively in a short period. Sessions are held bi-weekly on Wednesday evenings from 19:30 to 21:30 via Zoom Online, allowing you to participate from anywhere in the country.
[Intensive Dorico Course: Class List & Term Schedule]
Basics I (Wed, May 27, 2026 | 19:30-22:00): Creating New Projects, Migrating via MusicXML, and Dorico + Newzik
Basics II (Wed, Jun 10, 2026 | 19:30-21:30): Fundamental Operations and Creating Lead Sheets
Basics III (Wed, Jun 24, 2026 | 19:30-21:30): Practical Piano Score Creation ※
Advanced I (Wed, Jul 8, 2026 | 19:30-21:30): Understanding Dorico's Product Design ※
Advanced II (Wed, Jul 22, 2026 | 19:30-21:30): Scoring for Various Ensembles and Styles ※
Advanced III (Wed, Aug 5, 2026 | 19:30-21:30): Score Creation and Playback
※ Some content is not supported by Dorico Elements.
※ The Basics I session on May 27 (Wed) will be extended to cover advanced techniques for combining Dorico with the digital sheet music reader, Newzik.
Please apply via the page below. The class size is strictly limited to 6 participants. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 26, at 17:00. Due to the small-group format, registration will close as soon as all seats are filled. Click the button below to proceed to the application screen.
We sincerely hope this course will facilitate your smooth transition from Finale to Dorico.
---
[Testimonials from Participants]
"I loved how this course connected all the scattered pieces of information I had previously gathered from asking around or researching on my own into a cohesive, comprehensive understanding. Because we get lifetime access to the review videos, it's going to be an incredible asset for my future self-study." (Female in her 30s, Corporate Employee)
"I was in an absolute bind when Finale stopped launching, but thanks to this course, I was able to switch to Dorico immediately and put it to work right away!" (Male in his 40s, Composer/Arranger)
"In Finale, I only ever used the few features I already knew. Because of that, I was terrified of switching to Dorico. However, learning how to use it properly and systematically made me feel, for the first time, like I can freely control a music notation software." (Female in her 60s, Piano Teacher)
"I was able to learn detailed features that I never could have found on my own. It was also incredibly helpful that the instructors immediately inquired with Steinberg regarding technical ambiguities and bugs on our behalf." (Male in his 70s, Music Engraver)*
---
[Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)]
Q: What kind of course materials are provided?
A: As downloadable materials, we provide individual PDF lecture notes created specifically for each of the six classes (Basics I–III and Advanced I–III), accompanying demonstration files, the Dorico Handy Guide containing general information useful for switching from Finale, and supplementary PDF memos summarizing each day's lecture.
Additionally, after each session, you will receive a review video of that day's lecture, complete with a table of contents to make searching for specific topics easy. You will have indefinite access to these videos. Together with the PDF notes, you can review everything at your own pace after the course ends, ensuring steady skill advancement even if you have a busy schedule.
Q: Do you take individual questions?
A: Yes. To fully accommodate individual questions, we limit class sizes to a maximum of 6 participants. Furthermore, since sharing answers to individual queries is often beneficial for all attendees, we will address them within the lecture time as much as possible, ensuring fairness to everyone. Any questions that cannot be covered during the live session will be answered later via email.
Q: I can already use Dorico to some extent. Is it possible to take individual classes, such as just the Advanced sessions?
A: Yes. Single-class registration is available, allowing you to take only the lectures you need.
Q: I missed the start date of the term. Can I still join midway through the course?
A: Yes. Depending on the schedule, it may be possible to cover the missed lectures through a separate makeup session before joining the regular live classes. Please contact us for details.
Q: I use the mid-tier Dorico Elements rather than the professional-grade Dorico Pro. Can I still attend?
A: Yes. Users of Dorico Elements, as well as the free Dorico SE, are more than welcome to attend. However, please note that the course covers many features exclusive to Dorico Pro. For details, please check the "Intensive Dorico Course Syllabus" below. (Click here to see the differences between Dorico Elements and Pro.)
Q: I am using an older version (Dorico 5 or earlier) instead of the latest Dorico 6. Can I still take the course?
A: Yes. Users of Dorico 5 and earlier can certainly participate. However, please note that the curriculum includes many features exclusive to the latest Dorico 6. For details, please refer to the "Intensive Dorico Course Syllabus" below. (Click here to explore what's new in Dorico Pro 6.)
Q: Does the course support both Mac and Windows?
A: Yes. The course supports both operating systems. (Unlike Finale, Dorico looks and behaves almost identically on both Mac and Windows.)
Q: Do you cover the iPad version of Dorico?
A: No. We do not explicitly cover Dorico for iPad. However, because the core logic and characteristics of the software are identical—the only major difference being touch-screen input—those who only own the iPad version should still be able to grasp the overall structure of the software through this course.
Q: I haven't purchased Dorico yet. Can I still join?
A: Yes, you can take the course before purchasing the software. Since we provide review videos with indefinite access, you can rewatch them and follow along once you get your copy of Dorico. Additionally, Steinberg offers a 60-day free trial that includes all the functionalities of the retail version. While it won't cover the entire duration of the course, utilizing the trial version first is highly recommended.
▼Download Dorico 60-Day Free Trial (Links to the Steinberg Official Site)
For information on how to purchase the Dorico Crossgrade version, please visit the following page:
▼Notice Regarding the End of Support for Finale and PrintMusic Japanese Editions
---
Please find the detailed syllabus for each of the six classes below.
Basics I: Creating New Projects and Migrating via MusicXML
Content:
Two methods for creating new projects (using templates vs. the feature corresponding to Finale’s "Setup Wizard")
Creating a simple, new melody sheet in Dorico
Migrating via MusicXML (editing layouts, cleaning up symbols, etc.)
Objective:
Learn to create a simple melody sheet from scratch in Dorico.
Understand common issues and solutions when migrating data from Finale to Dorico.
Details:
First, we will explore the workflow from launching Dorico to starting note input, focusing on how to navigate the Steinberg Hub—which corresponds to Finale's Setup Wizard.
Next, through the creation of a simple melody sheet, we will walk through page layout settings and the absolute core fundamentals of note entry.
Furthermore, we will tackle one of the biggest concerns for Finale users: "How do I successfully migrate my existing Finale files into Dorico?"
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
Basics II: Fundamental Operations and Creating Lead Sheets
Content:
Creating lead sheets (setting key signatures, time signatures, clefs, note entry, lyrics entry, and chord symbol input)
Types of various musical notations/symbols and how to input them
Objective:
Understand where Dorico's essential setup menus are located, and become capable of creating a brand-new lead sheet complete with key/time signatures and clefs.
Details:
Once you understand how to migrate your existing Finale files into Dorico, you will naturally want to learn more about creating brand-new files directly within Dorico.
In Basics II, we use the creation of a simple lead sheet as a practical example. We will compare Dorico's file creation methods with Finale's, guiding you through the initial score setup (such as key and time signatures) all the way to entering notes, lyrics, and chord symbols.
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
Basics III: Practical Piano Score Creation
※ Some content is not supported by Dorico Elements.
Content:
Font configurations
Creating piano scores
Page layout options (※)
Exporting files and printing
Objective:
Become capable of crafting practical, well-formatted piano scores using expressions, articulations, and advanced layout adjustments.
Details:
By the end of Basics II, you will be able to write basic melody sheets and lead sheets in Dorico.
Building upon that, Basics III utilizes a classical solo piano piece as a case study. We will demonstrate how to make full use of expressions and articulations, while diving into techniques for generating practical, highly legible layouts.
※ Within the page layout features, advanced functions like Page Templates are exclusive to Dorico Pro and are not available in the streamlined Dorico Elements.
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
Advanced I: Understanding Dorico's Product Design
※ This content is primarily geared toward Dorico Pro users.
Content:
Dorico's unique product design (The 5 Modes, Players, Flows, and the locations/functions of frequently used dialog boxes)
Customizing chord symbols and other elements
Objective:
Understand Dorico’s distinct design philosophy in contrast to Finale, and gain an overview of various functions required for advanced editing.
Details:
Upon completing the Basics series, you will have mastered the entry of notes and symbols as well as general layout operations. To truly make Dorico your own, however, it helps to understand its underlying product design.
By "product design," we mean the arrangement and interrelation of the various operating systems. Comprehending this allows you to navigate Dorico far more intuitively.
In Advanced I, we temporarily step away from case-study songs to survey the diverse editing tools Dorico provides for professional engraving, aiming to organize and master them. Specifically, we will focus on questions like:
What feature corresponds to Finale’s "Advanced Tool Palette" (Special Tools)?
What feature corresponds to Finale’s "Staff Styles"?
What feature corresponds to Finale’s "Chord Suffix Editor"?
What feature corresponds to Finale’s "Libraries"?
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
Advanced II: Scoring for Various Ensembles and Styles
※ Some content is not supported by Dorico Elements.
Content:
Scoring for various musical styles (Part 1)
Objective:
Learn how to generate scores and individual parts for large ensembles, including orchestra, concert band, chamber music, and choir.
Details:
Having mastered basic notation in the Basics series and acquired knowledge of sophisticated editing features in Advanced I, Advanced II serves as the culmination of this know-how.
Here, you will learn the core techniques for engraving multi-part music—such as orchestral, wind ensemble, chamber, and choral works. This session will also dive deeply into the proper creation of instrumental parts.
※ Users of the streamlined Dorico Elements will not have access to some features introduced in Advanced II, including the Engraving Options dialog box.
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
Advanced III: Score Creation and Playback
Content:
Scoring for various musical styles (Part 2)
Playback configurations and utilizing external sound libraries
Objective:
Learn to create specialized scores, such as guitar tablature and drum notation, as well as educational materials requiring non-standard notation. Understand the architecture and settings of the playback functions within Dorico’s "Play Mode," and learn how to configure external sound engines like NotePerformer.
Details:
As a continuation of Advanced II, Advanced III covers specialized notation such as guitar/bass tabs and drum charts. It also explores methods for creating educational music materials, which require concepts and expressions distinct from performance scores.
Additionally, Advanced III provides a comprehensive overview of Dorico's playback capabilities. With recent leaps in sample library quality, professional productions increasingly rely on notation software playback for reference tracks (mockups) rather than re-sequencing them in a DAW. Consequently, the demand for high-quality playback control is expanding.
Against this background, we cover everything from basic playback settings to setting up external sound engines like NotePerformer, assigning patches in Play Mode, and mastering advanced techniques using the Mixer and Key Editor to control and polish your playback.
Duration & Tuition:
2 hours | 16,000 JPY (tax included)
