JPF Home Page Forums Musician Gear and Techniques Music Theory and Education Does anyone write notation by hand anymore?

I often write my music "by hand" - especially when I am "on the road". I did learn in the old days - with pencil and manuscript paper, and india ink and "onionskin" / vellum paper for final copies.

I cut my computer teeth on some of the first entries into the computer notation field, and now am equally at home with both Finale and Sibelius, and can navigate most others.

I do pretty much (98% of the time) use computer notation for the final print versions of my music, and my performers appreciate the "readability". But as was said - you've got to get your MIDI right - and quantize properly, and go back and do very precise editing to make it all perfect! This is especially true when writing for film!

I do love the act of simply writing the music by hand - it is somehow freeing and inspiring, and I often draft pieces that way - just enjoying a park, or spending time outdoors with my dog, or just finding a quiet spot somewhere and writing.Then I save the computer for final print versions, or for creating MIDI/sampled recordings of what I have written.