Author: Stephanie Devlin, Blogger in Residence

In this blog post I wanted to talk briefly about notation. Notation is a part of composing that I lack confidence in, and I often feel humbled at how much I still need to learn when it comes to how I should present my work…

Why is notation so important?

Well, as a performer, you want to pick up a piece of music and know instantly what the composer wants you to do. That piece of paper that records your music is often the only communication you have between composer and performer, and therefore it must be an accurate representation of what the composer intends the piece to sound like.

Many of you, like me, will have first composed while at school. At GCSE and A Level Music in my school we were encouraged to use Logic Pro X (on Apple Macs) to write and record our composition projects. Logic is great because you can instantly hear what you’ve written with realistic software instrument sounds, and you can play your notes on the piano keyboard and the computer will automatically notate them on the score for you, while also recording a performance of the piece for you. However, there are also many limitations to Logic. It’s hard to create an accurate score when you’re playing parts yourself, and in many ways Logic is more suited to electronic music than acoustic. Other schools may choose to encourage you to use Sibelius, Finale or other software programmes as your primarily tool, and each will bring its own benefits and limitations.

When I came to university, my use of software changed somewhat. I still used Logic sometimes, but it was more in relation to a module called ‘Creative Music Technology’, where we were composing specifically electronic music and editing recorded sounds. For acoustic composition modules, we were encouraged to use Sibelius.

I often find Sibelius to be a hard programme to use, but ultimately it is very useful in helping you to create a presentable score to give to performers. Sibelius has some clear limitations to be aware of. Although it appears simple to use, and it is on a basic level, even after several years of using it I will rarely be able to write a piece without googling how to do something specific! More and more, the updated versions of the software are enabling more freedom in notation, but still it remains difficult to create anything on Sibelius that is not in strict time, with standard note stems and heads, and using their pre-set instruments or key signatures. When it comes to wanting to notate in a freer way, Sibelius requires a lot of time and effort to format, and a lot of creativity to think outside the box.

When I compose freely, I normally begin by scribbling ideas on blank paper and then handwriting on manuscript, then bringing it to Sibelius at the last minute. Occasionally I use Logic early on to get an idea of what some of the different parts sound like together. I think in using the software at a later stage, it allows you to control the software, rather than the software controlling what you write. Starting your composition with a blank sheet of physical paper is the most freeing way to write music, because there is no set agenda, structure or format to follow, it’s completely up to you and your creativity. Notation is definitely something I still don’t feel hugely confident about, but that’s ok, because each time I do it I’m learning more and more about what works and what doesn’t.

Here are a few of my top tips, whatever way you choose to notate:

Always print your work to proofread it… you notice so much more that way,
Put yourself in the shoes of the performer… it should be clear what sound and effect you want by how you have notated it,
Take time to format your work neatly and clearly… presentation is key for how performers will view your piece- I’ve learnt this the hard way!
Ultimately, let notation help you rather than hinder you. Embrace the limitations full on and go with the attitude that there will always be a way to notate what is in your head.

In relation to this blog post I’ve no specific pieces for you to listen to you this week, but I’ve recently been listening to ORA Singers’ recent album on repeat, so I’d encourage you to do the same… it’s so beautiful! My current favourites are the Jackson, the Grier and the Dove…

Desires: A Song of Songs Collection

I am the Rose of Sharon- Gabriel Jackson

Dilectus meus mihi – Francis Grier

Vadam et circuibo civitatem – Jonathan Dove