There are lots of ways you can manipulate a notation file for playback purposes. Philip Rothman and David MacDonald continue a two-part discussion about playback and music notation software, and share the tips and tricks we’ve learned over the years to make the most of the programs’ capabilities.

We talk about general concepts common to many applications, like score setup with separate staves for playback and notation, and how you can apply these concepts to everything from a Bach cantata to jazz rhythm charts to get music that both looks and sounds its very best. Speaking of rhythm, we drum up a discussion about percussion maps and how they roll, and we apply the concepts of expression and articulation assignments to other instruments. We look at some specific features in each of Dorico, Sibelius, and Finale, and finally wrap it up by visiting StaffPad, which might just be the best of all the options when it comes to marrying the score to the sound in a notation software app.

More from Scoring Notes:

“Playing” with notation software, part 1 of 2
Inside the “Scoring Notes” theme
Manual staff visibility in Dorico
Graphical MIDI Tools plug-in brings sequencer-like capabilities to Sibelius
NotePerformer 3.1 update: Big improvement with Finale integration
StaffPad acquired by Muse Group; audio support planned

StaffPad demo video: An evening with StaffPad