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

Hey Sue,

wish I had such a great training. Worked a bit on arranging by myself, mostly from Berklee books and classical scores. But I became lazy and run now for cover when I have to 'write' on a score, lol! Use Cubase and my ears now ... but glad to know a bit of theory when it comes to select a chord inversion, add a counterline or clarify a rhythmic pattern
I think everyone should learn as much as they can about all aspects of music. And style is prominent: as they taught me at school, the most important thing is not what you do, but how you do it!

Best, Yann

Writing is a fun and necessary aspect of being a musician; at least for me. Playing saxophone in various groups where there are no charts or lead sheets, and being able to write-out horn parts that someone is singing to you is a tremendous help. Being able to write notation is a win for everyone in that it saves time when you have music to refer to.

I know Mikes post Is an old one but it's very relevant


I think it's essential that writers do this especially

when the current song is near completion


Every morning I go to my Word Doc and do exactly that

Top Line Accompanying Chords usually one verse and

a chorus. Those songs are listed now and I am not

going to forget the original melody

Okay of course next comes the hard bit Working on that

song Maybe a Key Change as the vocals evolve properly

Tempo trying out various tempos with a Drum Box

Who are we aiming this song at of course must be a big

consideration Some of these songs will be abandoned

Others will stay current

I also find that looking at The Dots so to speak I can

see where the song needs a slowing of flow or a speeding

of the flow One big point at the front of all my writing

is dont let the song bore the socks off of the listener

Have I got the right amount of Contrast and the right

amount of repetition

It goes on and on