Rhythm, Technique, and Expression Markings

Rhythm and Beaming

In general, use tie notes to make beats clear, especially the strong beats (first and third in the case of a 4/4); if possible, try to make weak beats clear as well. Doing so makes it much easier for the orchestra to understand the rhythm.

Bad	Good
The downbeat of beat 3 occurs in middle of quarter note	The quarter note between beats 2 and three split into tied eighth notes; downbeat of beat 3 is clear

There is one common exception to this rule: sequences of two dotted quarters followed by a quarter note (or dotted eighths followed by an eighth) are a common enough idiom that it is fine to not split the second dotted quarter, as long as you’re consistent about it.

Dotted quarters (both ways OK)	Dotted eighths (both ways OK)

For syncopated rhythms, use beaming appropriately to improve readability. Example:

Fermatas

On fermatas, make sure that it is indicated on all instruments, even those that are not playing.

If a fermata occurs while some other instruments are holding a note, split the held note into two tied notes. For example:

Slur Lines

Draw slurs until the end of tied notes.

Bad	Good

Slur lines mean different things for different types of instruments. For strings, a slur generally means that the slurred notes should be played in the same bow motion, while for winds it generally means there should be no tonguing/articulation in the slurred notes. As a rule of thumb, string slur lines are used to denote emphasis, while wind slur lines are used for phrasing.

If you are unsure, don’t add slur lines; ask someone who plays the instrument to add them for you.

Repeat Bars

Utilize the Repeat Bar(s) notation for saving space, like this. Reserve repeat 2 and 4 only for saving space or other special reasons.

Dynamics and Expression Text

Dynamics are marked using Expression Markings, ie. ctrl + E (cmd + E on Macs). Dynamics and expressions should start on the first note to which the dynamic is applied, not a rest. Make sure you bold the dynamics by pressing ctrl (cmd on Mac) while typing.

Additional Comments

Additional comments for expressions goes below the dynamic marking in italics.

Example:

Dynamics After Rests

If there are somewhat long rests (around 4 measures) between passages for a part, put dynamic markings for clarity, even if the dynamic does not change.

Example:

Technique Markings

General playing techniques (or instructions) are marked using the Technique marking, ctrl + T. See the instrument-specific pages for examples.

If multiple “techniques” are used together write them on two separate lines.

Example:

Solos

Use “solo” to mark the beginning of the solo. On the note where everyone comes in together, write “tutti”.

Example:

# of players for a phrase

Use “div.” to mark the beginning of the divisi. On the note where everyone comes together, mark it with “unis.” or “a2”.

(For winds, divisi is implicit and explicit markings are not necessary.)

Example: