> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/musictech/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://benjohansen.gitbook.io/musictech/2022_fall/projects/notation.md).

# 4. Notation FINAL

The key learning outcome is: gain guided experience properly using Dorico most **efficiently and effectively**. In my opinion, Dorico is the best professional notation software. Depending on your future needs, you may decide it is worth the money to purchase Dorico rather than use MuseScore ... I want you to be able to make an informed decision based on experience.

## Requirements

* software = Dorico
* input a score that has a **minimum** of 3 instrument and/or vocal parts and a **minimum** of 1min of played music
  * Note: there is no pressure to do a "classical" work, you can do a folk song, an arrangement of a popular song, or even something you have originally composed but have never put in Dorico.
* ideally, use royalty free ([public domain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain_in_the_United_States)) music ... if you want to use popular music or something composed on or after [Jan. 1 1927](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain_in_the_United_States), you must credit the original composer/creator and know that you may have issues with the Synthesis and Music Video projects (for example, YouTube may not allow it so you may have to upload your Music Video to Box in order to embed it on your portfolio site for grading)

### How to Turn In

**Upload the following files to your GitHub repository and create links to each on your class projects portfolio website so they can be downloaded without any login required:**

1. Dorico file of the score (it will be a file with a `.dorico` file extension)
2. MusicXML file of the score (it will be a file with a `.xml` file extension)
3. MIDI file of the score (it will be a file with a `.midi` file extension)
4. Dorico generated PDF of the score (it will be a file with a `.pdf` file extension)

## Tips

{% content-ref url="/pages/-MlGjmsmLnB8GDOktGi4" %}
[Dorico Reference](/musictech/2022_fall/appendix/dorico-reference.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Remember: ["For experienced users, for whom the commands are stored in what we often call muscle memory, using the keyboard is always faster than using the mouse."](https://www.codementor.io/@igorpejic/it-s-time-to-stop-using-the-mouse-hg895pcbh)

**So, for notation software = it's all about the caret!**

[Here's a helpful resource about efficiency.](https://www.cowirrie.com/blog/efficiently-write-sheet-music/)
{% endhint %}

![](/files/-ML8nnxEXlpY65sqfoYT)

{% hint style="success" %}
Here are some scores for learning during class:

* [Abide With Me](http://openhymnal.org/Pdf/Abide_With_Me-Eventide.pdf) (from openhymnal.org)
* [Fugue in C major by J.S. Bach](https://imslp.org/wiki/Fugue_in_C_major,_BWV_952_\(Bach,_Johann_Sebastian\)#IMSLP323148) (from imslp.org)
  {% endhint %}