The scope of all the things would be more appropriate for a textbook or a whole course, but a very brief overview of some common issues can be considered here.

• Harp

  • Harp can only play 7 notes at a time based on how the pedals are set.
    • Default are the 7 notes of the C major scale
    • Each note can be raised or lowered a half step by pedals
  • Make sure the music is playable.
    • Complex chromatic passages are possible with practice, but not idiomatic.
  • Pedaling may be indicated in the part or not. Harpists are able to figure out their own pedaling, but writing it in communicates that the composer at least thought about it!

• Timpani

  • 4 timpani, each has its own range so you cannot use 4 consecutive pitches at once.
  • Like harp, tuning can be indicated or not.

• Rhythm Section (for jazz/pop)

  • Consider if providing chord changes are more appropriate than notating the part in your mockup.
  • Drum kit - use repeats if the basic pattern continues, indicating hits, kicks, and fills.

• Strings

  • Soloists within a section:
    • Break out into a separate stave, labelled “solo”
    • Rest of the players labelled “gli altri”
    • When the soloist rejoins the ensemble, use the label “tutti”

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  II. 2. Additional Score Guidelines (mainly for large scores)

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  II. 4. Rhythm Section Notation