Music notation is becoming both easier as the day goes by but also increasingly complex. Here we have a range of courses for everyone.
What do we use?
We have experience in MuseScore, Finale and Dorico, from folk song arrangements to compositions for a full orchestra and choir.
New to notation software? Then, take the Introduction to Notation course. The other courses extends the Introduction to address specific function or requirements.
Notation in 4 hours?
Yes, but that is the basic.
You need to set aside a few hours more, ideally 10 in total at least, to learn the fundamental parts of any of the notation software. You can then be able to work on your own.
Syllabus
For beginners and advanced users, these courses will get you further with what you want to do in music notation.
A) Introduction to notation
Once there are enough materials in your music, you can then give us instructions on what to do to complete: this is usually copying music parts, transposing, and filling in gaps.
B) Creating your first score
Following your instructions on what to look for we can correct and improve the notation. For example:
- parts that are beyond the register of an instrument or voice,
- alternative chord sequence on the guitar,
- accidental consistency (e.g. not D# and Eb at the same time),
- transposing instrument issues, e.g. trombone
C) Ten common features and how to use them
Page size A3, letter, A4 or another format you require.
Set up enough margin on the page, clear gaps between the system for ease of reading, and correct clarity for all the signs.
Where individual parts are required, we will also apply page settings for each. We can provide the parts page different from the one for the score, e.g. one is A3 or A4.
We make the best effort to set your file up for production.
D) Formatting score and parts for print
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E) Extra: new symbols, modified notes, graphic scores and more
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Discount available
- The fees for “Introduction to notation” is waived if it is booked with one course B, C, D or E and paid in a single transaction.
- 20% discount applies for booking B, C, and D and paid in a single transaction.
- 25% discount applies for booking B, C, D, and E and paid in a single transaction.
Note that fees is per person: interaction, exercises, questions and answers etc. is with one person.
Music notation lesson fees
| Lesson title | What this covers | Duration | Suitable for | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to notation | What notation software can do for us, why use it, what are the requirements. | 1 hour | Beginners: no experience required | £50. This is waived if booked with at least one other course here. |
| Creating your first score | Setting up 3 pieces and you learn setting up key and time signatures, inserting bars / measures, notes and rests, chords, adding title, saving and exporting in PDF. | 3 hours | Introductory: have done the Introduction to notation course or have similar experience | £150 |
| Ten common features and how to use them | Students will have a chance to select the common features to learn. These include entering chords and grace notes; moving notes between staves for keyboard instruments; setting up coda, bridge and multiple repeats to playback correctly; copying large section of music; generating parts; splitting out or combining multiple parts or voices; and etc. | 6 hours in multiple sessions | Intermediate: being able to set up a score with 2 parts. | £500 |
| Formatting score and parts for print | Students will work on several scores so that they are in formats suitable for performers and for print. This is an advanced topic since you will need to adjust the music. | 6 hours in multiple sessions | Intermediate: being able to set up a score with 2 parts. | £500 |
| Extra: new symbols, modified notes, graphic scores and more | At the end of this lesson, students will be able to use highly modified music notes and other symbols in a traditional score and a graphic score. They will be able to score for multiple percussionists and set up changes of instruments om the score and playback. They will also learn how to combine a score with a title page and other pages. | 6 hours in multiple sessions | Intermediate: being able to set up a score with 2 parts. | £500 |
FAQs with answers
Where is the lesson held?
Online. Lesson conducted in your location or a convenient venue is possible. Overnight accommodation is required for to 6-hour lessons since this is spread over a day.
I don't have software, what should I do?
MuseScore, Finale and Dorico have trial version of their software which covers most of the features you need, or all features available with time limit.
What is the format of the lesson, I am afraid it is difficult to keep up
That’s a fair point. The Introduction last 30 minutes, there is plenty of time to ask questions.
The format in general is that a topic is introduced, and then the trainer will demonstrate to highlight the steps and options available. There will be ample time for each student to do exercises, and the trainer will have time for each student.
Following a few topics, there will be break time. The trainer will be available throughout the training time.
I have booked, what happens next?
We will check your booking and contact you for payment and to arrange dates and times.
A few of us want to attend at the same time, is there a discount?
Yes.
Can I cancel after I have booked?
Yes.
Must I start with the "Introduction"?
No, you can take any course you like.
How many students in a class?
The best case scenario is 2 or 3. This ensures each student gets maximum attention from the trainer, and plenty of time for discussion amongst everyone.
What equipment do I need for the notation and online teaching?
A laptop / desktop computer made in the last 5 years should be adequate for running both the notation software and and online teaching program.
A good way to test is to do the following all at the same time on your computer (a) use your internet browser to play a video, (b) check email using your email program or web browser, (c) run Zoom, or Google Hangout, and (d) transfer files from your mobile phone to your computer or vice versa. Or other similar tasks.
If your computer does well with the above, even if it struggles a little bit, it will be fine.
The fine control of notation software
Setting up a score takes a lot of time. We have worked on many pieces covering a wide range of unusual or complicated styles. However, we will want fine control of placement of notes, margins etc. Click below to see what we have managed to do.
Fine adjustments for your score
You might need specific settings in your score. Here are examples of what we have achieved.
- Firstly, the margin might be too wide or narrow. Changing it might affect other pages or parts. What should I do?
- Then, we might prefer the notes to be smaller than how it is shown on the computer screen. But the notes on the individual parts should be larger than that on the score.
- Is tremolo possible? How about writing out cadenzas, long series grace notes or the “wind whistle” effect on the harp?
- We might want more space for the chords and then reduce the vertical space for the chorus since that is the same for all verses. Which software is this possible?
- Musical terms like accel, con sordini, are too small when printed. Can this be changed?
There are many, many more adjustments to make. This takes time, and many of these are repetitive. We will adhere to your instructions to do this for you.
Music notation lessons application form
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