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SCORE CHECK
TEMPO MARKINGS
Dynamics
Words
It is very important to have a tempo marking and expressive text at the beginning of your score. Many composers happen to forget the expressive indication because their notation software doesn't change its performance regardless of it being there. They will only have a "♩ = 65" indication. It's extremely helpful to the performers to have a expressive text to help us interpret the piece. Allegro is much more helpful to us than "♩ = 135."
Make sure that your score is full of all the dynamics that you want. When we come across a score that has few dynamics indicated, we go through and add some of our own to make the music as interesting and expressive as possible. If you want a stagnant dynamic, make sure to indicate that on the score as well.
Make sure that the words in your score are correct. We often come across discrepancies between parts when it comes to the words and then we wonder if it was an artistic choice or a mistake. Every time we must contact and ask the composer a question, it delays your recording. Sometimes we may not catch an error until a singer is in the studio and then we must make a choice, usually defaulting to what was written in the score. Please make sure your lyrics are without errors.
It is also important to make sure your lyrics are readable, with proper syllabic separation and that they don't squish together or end up on top of each other. Again, the more you stick to conventions and traditions, the more easy it will be to ready your music and focus on just singing beautifully, rather than time wasted deciphering your intentions.
Beaming
No syllabic beaming! This is a dated practice that not only is unusual to vocal singers today, it's confusing and difficult to read. Not just singers, but any instrumental player would have an equally difficult time reading complicated rhythms over syllabic beaming.
Also, make sure that your beaming reflects the meter. This means that your beaming should always show the beat duration note value. This makes your music significantly easier to read and sing and probably our biggest tip for those new to engraving!
Piano reductions
Spacing
Words
If your score contains a piano reduction for a cappella singing, ensure that your reduction and your vocal parts match. We almost always default to the vocal lines in the event of a discrepancy, but we prefer to not have to make that call!
It's generally recommended that your music be as sight-readable as posssilbe. This is not just for RMCC but it is a good rule of thumb for all scores. Using conventional techniques makes your score accessible to all musicians. Especially important for spacing, make sure that it makes sense. 8th notes that are spread out or half notes squished together trick can trick the eye and confuse the mind, generally making your score look confusing at best and unprofessional at worst.
Make sure that the words in your score are correct. We often come across discrepancies between parts when it comes to the words and then we wonder if it was an artistic choice or a mistake. Every time we must contact and ask the composer a question, it delays your recording. Sometimes we may not catch an error until a singer is in the studio and then we must make a choice, usually defaulting to what was written in the score. Please make sure your lyrics are without errors
Piano reductions
This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.
Piano reductions
This is your Education description. Concisely describe your degree and any other highlights of your studies. Make sure to include relevant skills, accomplishments, and milestones gained. Don’t forget to adjust the timeframe in the subtitle.