We talk all about that fundamental task that is essential to using music notation software: getting the notes into the program in the first place! There are actually lots of ways in, and it’s worth knowing about them all so that you can use the best method depending on the situation.

If you like to point-and-click your way around a staff, try the keyboard — and we mean both the computer and musical varieties. Step-time? Flexi-time? HyperScribe? Simple? Speedy? Pitch-before-duration? Duration-before pitch? What about importing MIDI and MusicXML files into your score? Even if you think you’ve mastered this basic element of working in notation software, we’re sure you’ll learn something from what we discuss, or at least “take note” of the many ways to fill your page with music.

More on Scoring Notes:

Where in the world is…?
Pitch before duration note input in Dorico
Re-input pitches in homophonic music
Simplifying Simple Entry in Finale
Speeding up Speedy Entry in Finale
Getting the hang of HyperScribe in Finale
Use the semicolon to input grace notes in Sibelius; save time
Stick to it with sticky tuplets, slurs and lines
A quick guide to note entry methods in Sibelius
Tips for quicker and easier note editing