Notation

1. Notation

2. Notation programs • Even with notation programs, there are still many things you should make sure you check before giving parts and score to performers and conductors:

3. Spelling • Sharps upward • Flats downward • Mixed: consistency (vertical & horizontal) • Avoid E# and B#, Cb and Fb • Avoid x (dbl #s) and bb (dbl flats) • Cautionary accidentals should be in “()”s • Avoid over doing the above

4. Ranges • Stay clear of extremes unless you know what you are doing (possible does not necessarily mean probable)

5. Rhythm and meter • Enunciate main metric subdivisions (3 in 4/4, 4 in 6/8, etc.) in both notes *and* rests. • Beam notes by beat not by measure parts. • Justify upbeats at end of piece • Avoid using repeat signs of any kind.

6. Clefs • Make sure you know what clefs an instrument uses to keep notes roughly on the staff. • Other clefs or 8va etc. should be used when notes exceed the third ledger line on either top or bottom of staff.

7. Measure numbers and letters • Measure numbers should begin each new system or line in score and parts. • Letters can also be used at important junctures in the piece to help in rehearsals. These are not mandatory, only suggested. • Make sure to use a font and size that is *readable* (I use Palatino 14, italics) • Be careful of multiple-measure rests in parts so that they don’t cover too much territory or skip important rehearsal letters.

8. Tempo • A soft double bar for every tempo change • Use metronome markings wherever possible • Avoid Italian markings (e.g. Allegro, etc.) as they are vague due to different meanings throughout music history

9. Language • Be consistent • English or Italian but not both • It’s dim. Not decrescendo • It’s rit. Not deaccelerando

10. Bowings • Use whenever counterintuitive • Demonstrates you know what you want

11. Slurs • Small - breaths and bows • Large - phrasing • Make sure you make your use clear

12. Rests • As mentioned already, I suggest demonstrating the third beat in 4/4 time (except of dotted half on down beat), etc! The same goes for held notes. • Whole rests fill any metric bar - whole notes do not. • In 3/4 meter follow quarter note with two quarter rests, but, precede 3rd beat quarter with a quarter note.

13. Hairpins • Make sure you give new dynamic at the ends of hairpins

14. Dynamics • Find your range and stick to it. • Avoid fff and ppp or at least avoid ffff and pppp. Things can get our of hand quickly.

15. Articulations • Every note should have an articulation or be part of a simile.

16. Effects • Avoid unless you’re absolutely sure you need them - they get old fast on relistening. • It’s pizz. not piss. • Make sure you get back to normal using arco or normale. • In brass, be sure to indicate type of mute (straight, whisper, cup, etc.).

17. Differences • Between div. and solo. tutti corrects div. and unis corrects solo. • Check for possibility of all double, triple, and quadruple stops on string instruments • Make sure you know when markings should be once at the top of score (as in tempos) versus on every line of the score. • Same for parts, where everything should be in all parts.

18. Cover • Score and parts should have covers with the name of the work, composer name, and instrumentation. • A notes page is a good idea and should contain date of composition (on first page of music if not here) including day, month, and year, special instruments of techniques used, and/or stage layout (if any).

19. Parts • All parts need title page and any special instruction pages. • Watch out for page turns (rests needed) and try to stagger turns among players as much as possible. • Make sure you test out staff size with a performer before printing all parts • Page numbers essential • Advise title of piece and your name as a footer on each page • Page turns between movements!

20. Check all parts after printing • It is easy to place dynamics, hairpins, etc. such that they appear in the wrong parts. • Consider the first printing of parts as a test not the final product. • Make sure all parts have tempos, etc.

21. Listen to performers • Make notes of every suggestion and then change score and parts as necessary. • Don’t be afraid to ask performers questions. • Be polite no matter what! • Ensure their contributions by paying them something (anything - donuts, candy, etc.) • Thank them often and mean it.

22. Dress • Consistent and logical dress code for performances is crucial! • Make sure you designate the best dressed one to hail you from the audience after the performance, and then be sure to smile no matter how bad it was.

23. Afterward • Collect score and parts after the performance and use them to help make additions and corrections in the next edition of your work.

24. Save • Save multiple copies of your final version in places you will remember - on different machines, in different locales, etc.