My finale (Print music 2007) has stopped working after I installed a full 2002 version given to me by my trombone instructor. He didn't give me a serial # so I found 1 on the net, and now both finales say that the maestro font is missing, when it's still actually there. I have tried EVERYTHING, nothing is gonna make it work again, I've reinstalled everything 987789658765 times.

So I have been trying to compose in FL, guitar Pro or by hand. Im kind of new to a classical approach in any one of these, so any suggestions?

you might want to uninstall the programs, look in your c:\windows\fonts\ folder, delete any .ttf file with the word "maestro" in it, then reinstall. Unless you've tried that already. Writing by hand isn't hard but it is a pain in the butt. You can get spiral bound notebooks of blank music at music stores. Try to be neat so it photocopies well.

EVERY musician should know how to write notation using pencil and paper. While a notation program is easier and cleaner, you will become a better musician doing it by hand.

As far as notation programs, Sibelius just released First. You can download a fully functional demo for 30 days after which you can unlock the program for $129 retail and $99 at most major music stores (Guitar Center, Sam Ash, etc.). You can also check out Sibelius Student (no demo but is more geared to the student composer).

www.sibelius.com

I know how to write by hand, I have blank staff paper.
I just write by hand more for like cord charts more often
Its not that I can't Im just not accustomed to it
and up until recently (put on ADD medicine) my handwriting sucked pretty atrociously