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MusicPrinter Plus version 3.2 DEMO 1
PREFACE
MusicPrinter Plus is a software program designed to make notation and
performance of a musical composition quick and easy. It is available
from Temporal Acuity Products, Inc.
300 - 120th Ave. NE, Bldg 1
Bellevue, Washington 98005
(206)462-1007 or (800)426-2673 (except WA)
A detailed 370-page instruction manual accompanies the program.
MPDEMO is a fully-functioning version of MusicPrinter Plus, with some
exceptions:
- The score and its associated MIDI data cannot be saved to disk.
- Part Extraction is not included.
- The score in memory is cleared every 30 minutes.
- The UNDO feature for Score Reformat and MIDI Real-time Input is
provided only if sufficient memory is available. The use of disk
files for UNDO has been disabled.
- For the Score Reformat function, handling of document overflow
to disk is disabled.
- Scores that you create cannot be printed. Instead, you should
execute the MPPRINT command to recreate one of our sample
printouts.
The purpose of this demo is to allow you to discover for yourself how
quickly and easily you can prepare score copy and play back what you
have written, and to show an example of the exquisite laser and
dot-matrix printed output.
While MusicPrinter Plus may superficially resemble other MIDI-based
printing and performing programs, it has several powerful features
that make it unique:
1. SPEED AND FRIENDLINESS IN CREATING SCORES. If you have struggled
with the many problems inherent in MIDI-based entry systems, you will
appreciate the word-processor environment emulated by MusicPrinter
Plus. A unique character-key selection system allows you to call any
musical symbol into the cursor by striking only a single key. With
the mouse or cursor keys, you can move that character to any point in
the score. You can then enter the character directly into the score
by clicking the mouse, or by pressing the space bar or Enter key.
Characters can be removed from the score in similar fashion.
The character-key selection system treats each key as a "stack," in
which several characters having similar function are located. Keys
are generally assigned mnemonically by category. For example, clefs
are stacked on the "C" key. Pressing "C" the first time creates
G-clef as the cursor. Pressing "C" a second time creates a bass clef
as the cursor. Pressing "C" a third time creates a movable C-clef
as the cursor. Next is a percussion clef. A fifth press returns
the cursor to the G-clef. All the clefs can thus be accessed quickly
through a single key. (Character key assignments can be determined
at any time by accessing MusicPrinter Plus's extensive Help screens.
Press the F1 key to bring up the Help screens.)
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 2
Since the character-key selection system requires only one hand on
the computer keyboard, the other hand is free to control the mouse,
cursor keys or MIDI keyboard to position the cursor itself. This
gives you fast, accurate control of all aspects of the notation
process.
For text entry, MusicPrinter Plus easily switches into true
word-processing mode, which allows you to use the computer keyboard
as a typewriter -- with four available text styles that may be freely
intermixed. There is also a lead sheet/chord symbol mode for quick
entry of jazz and guitar symbols.
During score entry and editing, the computer screen acts as a direct
window into the score. MusicPrinter Plus does not depend on
elaborate menus, icon selection or any other process that clutters
the screen with non-score information, or removes the user from
direct visual command of the score. The principle of
"what-you-see-is-what-you-get" is basic to MusicPrinter Plus, and
ensures maximum freedom in score design.
By opting for direct visual control of score entry and editing,
MusicPrinter Plus avoids the many problems inherent in sequencer
entry -- quantizing, strict time non-rubato performance (a problem
for many fine artists), horizontal approach to the score, and
inflexible notation decisions made by the computer, rather than by
the user. Since score entry and editing are the same in MusicPrinter
Plus, making changes is as simple as first-time entry. This means
that you can develop the score, both vertically and horizontally, as
you go along, experimenting with different combinations of pitch,
rhythm and instruments at will, while correcting false entries as
they occur.
More important, you do not have to approach MusicPrinter Plus with a
previously-completed handwritten score. You can do all your score
development, from sketch to final printed copy, entirely within
MusicPrinter Plus. This means tremendous time saving in overall
score preparation.
2. REAL-TIME SCORE PERFORMANCE CAPABILITY. MusicPrinter Plus
provides complete, accurate playback of all expressive aspects of the
score. Because it compiles its MIDI performance sequence directly
from notation, rather than from prior MIDI entry, MusicPrinter Plus
allows you to hear exactly what you have notated, including
expressive dynamics, rubato and articulation, as well as trills,
tremolandos, repeats and other performance directions. In addition
to providing you with accurate proofreading-by-ear, MusicPrinter Plus
is also a powerful tool for generating complex MIDI performances --
performances that are well beyond the technical capabilities of
conventional sequencer technology. No other program on the market
today begins to compare with MusicPrinter Plus's sophistication in
the area of MIDI sequence generation.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 3
3. PROFESSIONAL-QUALITY PRINTOUT. MusicPrinter Plus offers
high-resolution graphic printing from dot matrix printers, and full
300 d.p.i. resolution from laser and ink jet printers. Character
resolution for 9-pin printers is 120 by 144 dots per square inch, and
for 24-pin printers is 180 dots per inch. PostScript is not required
for laser and ink jet printing. MusicPrinter Plus fully supports
wide-carriage dot matrix and ink jet printers, and can print pages of
any specified length. This means that you are not limited to
letter-size paper for your music printing.
----------------------------------
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 4
GETTING STARTED
MusicPrinter Plus will save information about your system preferences
and MIDI performances on disk. To preserve the original information,
you should make a copy of the demo disks before running the demo
program.
To start the demo program, enter the command MPDEMO.
If you are running MPDEMO with an IBM Music Feature, you must first
run the program "MFDRIVER.EXE" before starting MPDEMO. If you are
running MPDEMO on the Yamaha C1 Music Computer, you must first run
the program "C1DRIVER.EXE" before starting MPDEMO.
After the initial messages appear, you should press Enter to bring up
the starting screen. Before going on to the main program, you may
have to specify your screen display type. Unless your computer has a
Hercules-type video adapter (Monochrome Graphics), press the F7 key
to choose from various screen display types. If you do not specify
the correct screen display type, the program will not run correctly.
MusicPrinter Plus uses program overlays for Realtime Input, Reformat,
and the Help screens. The overlays are found in three files having
the extension ".DMO". These overlays must be available to the
program in order for you to use these functions. When running
MusicPrinter Plus from a single floppy disk drive, place the program
disk in that drive when accessing these functions.
MusicPrinter Plus document files are stored under the user-assigned
file name, plus the extension ".MP1". "MP1" files contain all the
information necessary for screen display and printing of the score.
When you create a playback configuration, MusicPrinter Plus stores
that configuration in a file having the extension ".PRM". This file
is updated every time you edit playback configurations. If you wish
to make changes in the configuration of any of the example files, be
sure first to save the original ".PRM" file on another disk, so that
it can be preserved for the next user.
MIDI sequence files are stored on disk with the extension ".ESQ".
These files are in IBM/Yamaha standard "ESEQ" format. (For this
demo, this file cannot be saved.)
Note that the file extensions discussed above are added automatically
by MusicPrinter Plus. Only the user-defined file name (up to eight
ASCII characters) is used when accessing files from within
MusicPrinter Plus.
----------------------------------
MusicPrinter Plus's file prompt includes the current drive and
directory specification for accessing MusicPrinter Plus files. You
can change drive and directory simply by backspacing and retyping.
When loading, if you specify only the drive and directory (ending
with a backslash character) and press RETURN, you will be shown a
complete list of MusicPrinter Plus document files in that drive and
directory.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 5
Most of MusicPrinter Plus is self-guiding. When you do not
understand a menu, procedure or function, simply press the F1 key to
bring up an appropriate help screen.
If you are starting a new score, you will be shown two menus before
entering score edit mode. The DOCUMENT DIMENSIONS menu allows you to
specify document size for both printing and screen display. For
dot-matrix printers, each column in MusicPrinter Plus is 1/12 inch
(12 pitch), except for small size on 24-pin printers where, each
column is 1/18 inch (18 pitch). Laser printers print 12.5 characters
per inch, and characters on the Canon Bubble Jet printing at 360 dots
per inch appear at 15 pitch.
The SYSTEM DEFINITION menu allows you to specify system size, and
assign names to each staff area within the system. A musical system
is a score unit which contains all the staffs that are to be played
simultaneously. For example, a piano solo score will call for a
two-staff system (i.e., one each for right and left hand parts),
while a string quartet will call for a four-staff system.
----------------------------------
MIDI PERFORMANCE
MPDEMO Version 3.2 allows you to compile your own MIDI performances
from notation. In order to make use of this feature, you must have
an IBM Music Feature card or a Roland MPU-401 (or look-alike) MIDI
interface installed, or you must be using a Yamaha C1 Music Computer.
Remember that you must run "MFDRIVER.EXE" before starting MPDEMO if
you are using the IBM Music Feature, and "C1DRIVER.EXE" before
starting MPDEMO on a Yamaha C1 computer. The IBM Music Feature or
the Roland LAPC-1 can be used as a synthesizer directly. Other
interfaces require MIDI connection to an external synthesizer.
In order to play back properly, your score must conform to certain
notational rules. All musical events that are to occur
simultaneously must be in vertical alignment within the system. This
means notes, chords, rests and barlines. Misaligned notes or rests
will cause rhythmic inaccuracy during playback. Misplaced bar line
alignment will cause insertion of an entire bar rest into the
playback sequence.
MusicPrinter Plus recognizes a key signature when the column
following the rightmost accidental does NOT contain a note.
Accidentals intended as incidental modifications to notes should
NEVER have a note-free column following the rightmost accidental.
Dynamic marks take effect at the note at which they occur, or at the
first note to the right of the mark. Only one set of dynamics can be
used for each staff, although dynamics can vary from staff to staff.
The "cresc." and "dim." marks, as well as the hairpins (found on the
"<" and ">" keys), take effect on the first note to the right of the
mark, and extend to the next dynamic mark. Dynamics ranging from
ppppp to fffff are supported (ppppp indicates silence, and can be
used as the final point of a diminuendo.)
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 6
Pedal start and stop symbols govern all channels assigned to the
staff area in which they occur.
Patch-change markers ("P"-shaped character found on the "0" key) can
be used at any point in the score to select a new patch on the
channel currently assigned to a given staff area. Simply enter the
patch-change marker, followed by the number of the desired patch. If
the staff area is divided into separate voices reading stems up and
down, patch-change markers must be placed above the staff for the
upper voice, and below the staff for the lower voice. See the
section below entitled "Configuring for MIDI Performance" for further
discussion of staff channel and patch assignment.
Articulation marks must be placed in vertical alignment with the note
to which they refer. If you are splitting the staff into "stems up"
and "stems down" voices, articulation marks for the upper voice must
be placed above the staff, and articulation marks for the lower voice
below the staff. Otherwise, marks can be placed at the note head.
Marks supported are staccatissimo (vertical wedge), staccato (.),
semi-staccato (-) or (dash-with-dot), vertical wedge accent and
horizontal wedge accent. In addition, trill, three-line tremolando,
and one-line and two-line measured tremolando are supported.
Tempo indications are given by a one-to-three digit Helvetic number
following the "note-equals" character found on the "=" key. These
are standard metronome indications, and apply to the entire system.
The "accel." and "rit." marks take effect on the note with which they
are vertically aligned, or on the next note to the right, and extend
to the next tempo indication. The symbol "ten." or the dash tenuto
mark (found on the SHIFT-T key) extends the note on which it occurs
by the "trill value" (see TRILL VALUE below), and applies to all
notes in vertical alignment with that note.
Grace notes are given the "trill value," and are "robbed" from the
preceding note value where feasible. Fermatas extend durations by
the number of eighth notes specified by a one-to-three digit number
to the right of the fermata (see NON-PRINTING NUMBERS below). Break
marks (double slanted lines) insert durations equal to the number of
eighths similarly specified. The breath mark (comma) is given the
"trill value."
Section repeat marks (:) are supported, as are first and second
endings. The symbols "D. C.", "D. S.", "Fine", segno (sign) and coda
can be used to create large-scale repeats, which may contain section
repeats.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 7
NON-PRINTING NUMBERS
Certain characters can be given specific numerical value by placing a
one-to-three digit Helvetic number directly to the right, at the same
vertical cursor position as the character. These numbers will not
print out when the "suppress" option is chosen on the print menu.
The characters thus supported are:
Dynamic "p" or "f" - a number up to 127 will specify the actual MIDI
volume or velocity command used for this dynamic mark.
Tenuto ("ten." or dash) - a one-to-three digit number will determine
the number of "trill value" durations added to the duration of this
note. Default is one "trill value."
Fermata - a one-to-three digit number will determine the number of
eighth-note durations to be added to this note. There is no default.
A fermata without a number following is ignored.
Break mark - a one-to-three digit number will determine the number of
eighth-note durations to be inserted. Default is one.
Breath mark - a one-to-three digit number will determine the number
of "trill value" durations to be inserted. Default is one.
Section repeat - a one-to-three digit number placed after the second
mark will determine the number of times the section following the
first mark will be repeated. Default is one.
Patch number - the "P" symbol found on the "0" key indicates patch
number to be sent out over the MIDI channel assigned to the affected
staff area.
Configuration number - the diamond-shaped symbol found on the "0" key
selects the performance configuration of the same number (see
"Configuring for MIDI Performance" below).
NON-DUPLE RHYTHMS
MusicPrinter Plus handles non-duple rhythmic subdivisions by
altering its rhythmic reading mode. The non-duple reading mode
indicators are found on the SHIFT-P key. The "3" symbol indicates
start of triple mode (durations are accorded 2/3 their normal value);
the "5" symbol indicates start of quintuple mode (durations are
accorded 4/5 their normal value); the "7" symbol indicates start of
septuplet mode (durations are accorded 4/7 their normal value); and
the "9" symbol indicates start of nonuplet mode (durations are
accorded 8/9 their normal value). The backward-curving symbol
without a number is the end-non-duplet symbol. These non-duple
indicators appear only on the screen, and are non-printing.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 8
To use these symbols, place a start mode indicator in vertical
alignment with the FIRST note or rest to be read in non-duple mode.
Place the end-non-duplet symbol in vertical alignment with the LAST
note or rest to be read in this mode. If voices on a staff are
separated by stem directions, place the mode indicators above the
staff for the upper voice and below the staff for the lower voice.
CONFIGURING FOR MIDI PERFORMANCE
Pressing Alt-F10 brings up the MIDI PERFORMANCE MENU. Choosing item
#6 allows you to create a new performance configuration. Choosing
item #1 allows you to edit an existing configuration (one "default"
configuration is always provided for a new document). Remember that
the MIDI performance configurations are AUTOMATICALLY recorded in a
disk file having the ".PRM" extension. Any changes you make to the
configuration settings will replace former settings.
A MIDI configuration consists of three screen "panels." Panel #1
requires that you specify the number of score voices you wish to
assign to MIDI, "Trill value," crescendo/diminuendo mode, dynamic
range and dynamic slope.
PANEL #1:
SCORE VOICES
A "score voice" is an actual single-note written part. A three-note
chord represents three score voices. Determine the number of score
voices on each staff by counting the maximum number of notes required
at any one time. Even if your synthesizer system will not support
all the voices called for by your score, it is best to assign all
score voices. Rhythmic problems can arise in playback if all score
voices are not accounted for. You may specify more score voices than
will actually be needed, however.
TRILL VALUE
The "trill value" is the note value chosen for trills, tremolandos,
grace notes, tenuto marks and breath marks. Possible values range
from eighth note to triplet 128th note. Keep in mind that the
absolute duration of the "trill value" will vary with the tempo.
CRESCENDO/DIMINUENDO MODE
When the "At note" option is chosen, all crescendos and diminuendos
will be accomplished through MIDI velocity commands, which are given
only at the onset of each note. When the "Trill value" option is
chosen, crescendos and diminuendos will be accomplished through MIDI
volume commands, given at the rate of the "trill value." This latter
option allows dynamic changes within note durations.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 9
DYNAMIC RANGE
A setting of 12 provides widest dynamic contrast between loud and
soft. Lower settings decrease the dynamic contrast.
DYNAMIC SLOPE
When "linear" is selected, MIDI volume numbers are evenly distributed
between ppppp and fffff. "Soft weighted" slope spreads the MIDI
numbers at the high end, with a greater distance between f and ff
than between p and pp. The opposite is true of "loud weighted"
slope.
PANEL #2:
In Panel #2 you assign each score voice to a specific MIDI channel.
Score voices are numbered consecutively down the left side of the
screen. You must assign performance information for each voice. Use
the arrow keys to move the cursor to the desired items.
STAFF NUMBER
This is the number of the staff within the system, with the top staff
being staff #1. For example, if three voices are to be found in the
top staff, score voices 1-3 should all be assigned to staff #1.
STEM DIRECTION
You may assign a voice to read stems up only, stems down only, or
stems up/down. In this way, you can separate staffs into two
separate musical lines -- stems up and stems down -- and assign each
to a separate MIDI channel.
CHANNEL ASSIGNMENT
This is the MIDI channel (1-16) to which the score voice is to be
sent. You must be sure that one of your synthesizers is configured
to read this particular channel in order for this score voice to be
played.
DYNAMIC BALANCE
This sets the relative dynamic setting for the score voice, in
comparison with the other score voices. If you selected the "At
note" option on Panel #1, balance will be achieved through the MIDI
volume command, given by channel. This means that all voices using
the same channel must be set to the same relative volume. If you
selected the "Trill value" option, balance will be achieved through
the MIDI velocity command, which can be set separately for each note.
(Note: your synthesizers must be capable of responding to both MIDI
velocity and MIDI volume commands in order for this feature to work.)
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 10
STEREO POSITION
This sets right, left or middle stereo position by channel, for
synthesizers which respond to the MIDI stereo placement command.
Note that only one selection can be made per channel.
SYNTHESIZER VOICE
This is the voice, patch, tone, timbre, program, or other designation
which your synthesizer uses to indicate the particular sound which is
to be assigned to a given channel. Only one such sound can be used
per channel, but several score voices can be assigned to the same
channel, depending on the synthesizer's capabilities. A mono-timbral
synthesizer can select only one channel at a time, assigning the same
sound to all notes. A multi-timbral synthesizer can read several
channels at the same time, assigning a different sound to each
channel. Synthesizer voice numbers range between 1 and 128. Refer
to your synthesizer manual for a listing of voice, patch, tone,
timbre or program numbers. (Note: Some synthesizers number patches
from 0 to 127. In such cases, indicate the next higher number to
that of the desired patch in MusicPrinter Plus.)
M-F BANK
This is the bank number used by the IBM Music Feature or the Yamaha
FB-01 to access different groups of synthesizer voices. It will be
ignored by other synthesizers.
PANEL #3.
Panel #3 allows you to transpose all the voices of any given staff up
or down by a specified number of half steps. Use this for parts
written "in Bb," for example, or for synthesizer sounds that are
programmed to sound at the wrong octave.
NUMBERING CONFIGURATIONS
You can call for more than one configuration within the score, by
inserting the diamond-shaped marker found on the SHIFT-0 key,
followed by the number of the desired configuration. Choose option
#6 on the MIDI PERFORMANCE MENU to create new configurations.
CONFIGURING SYNTHESIZER INTERFACES
Item #7 on the MIDI PERFORMANCE MENU allows you to set playback
configuration for the IBM Music Feature or Yamaha FB-01. "Mono-8"
sets the card to play a single voice on each of eight consecutive
channels, beginning with designated channel "N". "Dual" sets the
card to play four voices on each of two consecutive channels,
beginning with designated channel "N". "Single" sets the card to
play eight voices on a single channel "N".
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 11
Item #8 on the MIDI PERFORMANCE MENU allows you to assign the
sound-producing "parts" of the Roland MT-32 and LAPC-1 to desired
channels, or to turn individual "parts" off. In addition, you can
set overall output volume and reverb parameters. You can send these
settings directly to the MT-32 or LAPC-1 by pressing F2. To record
these settings and include them as system-exclusive messages in the
playback file, press F10.
COMPILING FOR PERFORMANCE
Once the score is ready for playback, and the configuration menus
have been completed, select item #2 on the MIDI Performance Menu.
The menu allows you to choose the starting and stopping systems, and
to inhibit all system exclusive messages if desired. (Certain
synthesizers may require inhibition of system-exclusive messages in
order to respond properly.)
Once you have compiled the score, it is ready for performance.
MIDI PERFORMANCE
Option #3 on the MIDI Performance Menu initiates MIDI performance.
During performance the music will scroll to show the current system.
You can end performance at any time by pressing ESC. Pressing SPACE
BAR initiates step-time mode, in which you can step through the
performance event-by- event. In step-time mode, you can also step
backward by pressing the backspace key, or repeat an event by
pressing "R". (Forward and backward stepping can also be controlled
by the mouse right and left buttons, respectively.)
Press F1 at any time during performance for help on these and other
control keys.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 12
MIDI REAL-TIME ENTRY
Pressing ALT-F9 from music edit mode allows you to initiate realtime
music entry from your synthesizer keyboard or other MIDI pitch
control device. Two menu panels allow you to set parameters for
realtime entry. You should always check these panels before starting
realtime entry, to verify that all settings are as desired. If you
wish to establish the current settings as program defaults, press F5.
Items on MIDI REALTIME ENTRY, PANEL ONE:
(1) Number of beats in bar
For MIDI real-time purposes, a 'beat' is the note value
represented by the bottom number of a time signature. For example,
in a meter of 6/8, the 'beat' is an eighth note. For 6/8 meter,
therefore, you should enter '6' as the number of beats in a bar. To
specify a number, simply place the cursor at this item, type in the
desired number, and press Enter or an arrow key, or press "+" or "-"
to increment or decrement the current number. Up to 15 beats per bar
can be selected.
(2) Note value of beat
This item sets the note value for a beat, as defined above. In a
meter of 6/8, the note value chosen should be 'eighth.' Select the
note value by pressing the SPACE BAR to toggle through the possible
choices. (Note: the beat value and number of beats in a bar need not
correspond to the time signature notated in the score. For example,
you may specify four quarter notes for real-time entry, while
notating a signature of 8/8). Note values range from whole to 32nd.
(3) Subdivision mode
You may subdivide the beat into duplets, triplets or a combination
of duplets and triplets. A change in this mode may result in a
change in lowest note-value [see (4) below]. Press SPACE BAR to
toggle among the modes.
(4) Lowest note value to be entered
MusicPrinter Plus automatically positions notes, rests and bar
lines in accordance with the lowest note value to be entered. For
example, in a 6/8 bar in which the sixteenth note is the lowest note
value, the maximum number of rhythmic positions will be twelve. If
the lowest note value is a 32nd note, however, the maximum number of
rhythmic positions will be twenty-four, necessitating a bar nearly
twice as wide. Since note and bar positions must be the same for all
staffs within a system, be sure to account for the lowest note value
that will be entered in any staff within the system, not just the
current staff.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 13
While you are playing, MusicPrinter Plus will notate each note to
the nearest lowest-note value. This allows MusicPrinter Plus to
compensate to some degree for rhythmic inaccuracies in performance.
The shorter the lowest note value, the less compensation possible.
It is best, therefore, to use the longest possible duration for the
lowest note value. For bars with 8 or fewer beats, Musicprinter Plus
allows you to subdivide each beat into 2, 4 or 8 when using duple
subdivision, or 3, 6 or 12 when using triple subdivision. For bars
with more than 8 beats, only subdivision into 2 or 4 is allowed in
duple, and 3 or 6 in triple.
(5) Tempo
This is the number of beats per minute. Tempo can also be modified
while the metronome is running, prior to beginning real-time entry.
(6) Beaming pattern (beats per beam)
This item selects the number of beats to be included within a
beamed group of eighths, 16ths, 32nds and/or 64ths. For example, in
a 6/8 meter, a choice of '3-3' indicates beaming by groups of three
eighths, starting on beats 1 and 4. If you specify '2-2-2,' however,
beams will be in groups of 2 beats, starting on 1, 3 and 5. You can
specify beat groups of 1, 2, 3 or 4 in any order, so long as the
total number of beats is equal to the number entered in item (1)
above. You can move the cursor to the right or left by using the
arrow keys. Type the desired numbers, then press Enter or an up or
down arrow key.
(7) Number of bars to enter (0=unlimited)
You can specify the exact number of bars for real-time entry. If you
type '0,' the number of bars will be unlimited. To change the
number, simply place the cursor at this item and type a new number.
Then press ENTER or an arrow key to record the number.
(8) Stem direction for notes
This item specifies the stem direction for the current real-time
entry. You can select "up," "down" or "up or down" by pressing the
SPACE BAR. These selections will result in all stems up, all stems
down, or "floating" stems, respectively. ("Floating" stems will
follow standard rules of stem direction, based on note head
position.)
(9) Staff entry mode
Two entry modes are possible -- single staff and double staff.
Single-staff entry mode places notes only in one staff area within
the system. Prior to pressing Alt-F9 to start real-time entry, you
must indicate the desired staff area by placing the cursor within
that staff area.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 14
Double-staff entry mode places notes in two adjacent staff areas,
with the choice of staff depending on the pitch played. All pitches
from the splitpoint to the top of the keyboard will be placed in the
upper staff; all pitches below the splitpoint will be placed in the
lower staff. Prior to pressing Alt-F9 to start real-time entry, you
must indicate the staffs to be notated by placing the cursor within
the UPPER of the two staff areas desired.
Press the SPACE BAR to select single or double modes.
(10) Splitpoint (use MIDI keyboard)
During double-staff real-time entry all keyboard notes from this
key to the highest note on the keyboard will be notated in the upper
(right hand) of the two staffs. All notes below (to the left of)
this key will be notated in the lower (left hand) staff. To set the
cutoff pitch, place the cursor at this item and play the desired note
on the synthesizer keyboard, or use the "+" or "-" keys to increment
or decrement the pitch number.
(11) Hand placement (RH if double-staff)
In double-staff entry mode, you can choose to have the upper
(right hand) staff part notated an octave lower than it is played on
the keyboard, by setting this item to "octave above." When selecting
this option, be sure that the splitpoint selected in item (9) above
is an octave above the lowest note you wish to see notated in the
upper staff. Octave offset allows a common notated area of almost an
octave between the two staffs. Press SPACE BAR to choose options.
In single-staff entry mode, you can choose to enter notes at
pitch, or from an octave above or an octave below notated pitch.
Press SPACE BAR to choose options.
(12) Automatic or user-controlled metronome
In automatic metronome mode, the computer will generate metronome
pulses at a consistent tempo during real-time entry. In
user-controlled metronome mode, you control the metronome pulses
manually by pressing the CTRL, SHIFT or ALT key. Each press of one
of these keys generates one lowest-note-value pulse.
Press the SPACE BAR to select automatic or user-controlled modes.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 15
(13) Notation mode
Three notation modes are available:
(a) user-imposed rests: no overlapping notes
Single notes or chords can be entered in staccato fashion from the
MIDI keyboard. Whenever a new note, chord or rest is begun, the full
intervening duration will be assigned to the previous note or chord,
and it will appear on screen. Rests are begun by pressing the SPACE
BAR or the left mouse button. A note or chord held into a new note
or chord will not be tied into the new note or chord.
(b) user-imposed rests: overlapping notes. Similar to (a) above,
except that a note or chord held into the beginning of a new note or
chord will be tied into the new note or chord.
(c) notes and rests as played. Note durations are determined by
attack and release of each individual note. Rests are automatically
inserted when no notes are sounding. Notes played shorter than the
lowest note value (i.e., staccato notes) will be notated at the
lowest note value.
(14) Automatic playback
You can choose to hear any previously-entered music while playing
a new part in by setting this item to "enabled." Press SPACE BAR to
choose between "enabled" and "disabled."
(15) Automatic beaming
Beaming can be accomplished during entry, after entry is
completed, or not at all. Use SPACE BAR to toggle through these
choices. When fast music is entered on slow computers, automatic
beaming during realtime entry may lag behind the beat.
Press PG DN to go to MIDI REAL-TIME ENTRY, PANEL TWO
Items on MIDI REAL-TIME ENTRY, PANEL TWO:
(1) Scale mode selection
This item can be toggled among "major," "minor," "upward
ascending" and "downward ascending" by pressing the SPACE BAR. As
each choice is made, the spellings in the Pitch identification chart
to the right will change, to indicate the default spellings of the
keyboard keys within the current key signature.
(2) Pitch identification
Individual spellings within this chart can be changed by placing
the cursor at the desired item, using the right or left arrow keys,
and pressing the SPACE BAR. The spellings in the pitch
identification chart will be the ones used for notation during
real-time entry. To restore standard scale spelling as default,
press F2.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 16
(3) Leftmost columns to copy to new staff
MusicPrinter Plus assumes that you will want to copy all material
left of the first clef, plus the clef itself and any key signature to
the immediate right of the clef, to each new system during real-time
entry. The number shown in this item corresponds to the rightmost
column number to be copied, allowing for different-sized signatures
within the system. You will not normally need to edit this item.
(4) Starting column (after current staff)
This is the column in which the first note or rest will be written
in every system except the starting system. This number is usually 3
larger than the number given in item (3) above. You will not
normally need to edit this item.
(5) Channel for MIDI playback during entry
This is the MIDI channel over which automatic playback (see item
14 on panel one above) will be sent.
(6) Patch number for MIDI playback
This is the patch number which will be sent to your synthesizer
over the channel specified in (5) above, prior to MIDI playback
during entry. If you are using the IBM Music Feature, the patch
number will be assumed to be in the current bank.
NOTE: When the cursor is placed on item 5 or item 6, notes played
from the MIDI keyboard will be sent out over the specified channel,
using the specified patch number. You can use this option to test
and explore synthesizer patches directly.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 17
(7) Echo MIDI-IN to MIDI-OUT
When enabled, this item allows incoming MIDI signals to be
forwarded to MIDI OUT.
(8) Metronome Definition
These items allow you to initialize your synthesizer and/or
computer speaker as metronome during real-time entry.
(a) MIDI synth metronome:
If "status" is set to "on," the metronome pulses will be sent out
via MIDI. Press SPACE BAR to toggle between "on" and "off."
MIDI synth metronome channel
This is the MIDI channel over which metronome pulses will be sent
if status is set to "on." This channel need not be the same as the
MIDI playback channel [item (5) above]. (Note: you can use items 5
and 6 to set the desired patch on the MIDI metronome channel.)
MIDI synth metronome pitches:
You can set the actual MIDI pitch for downbeat, accented beats and
unaccented beats, by playing the desired pitch directly on the MIDI
keyboard, or by pressing "+" or "-" to increment or decrement the
current pitch. Decrementing the pitch number to "0" turns the
metronome off for that pulse.
To hear a given pitch, set the cursor at the desired pitch item
and press the SPACE BAR. Note that the synthesizer must be capable
of playing the indicated pitch number on its current patch, in order
for you to hear the sound.
(b) Computer speaker metronome:
If "status" is set to "on," the metronome pulses will be sent out
through the computer speaker. Press SPACE BAR to toggle between "on"
and "off."
Speaker metronome frequencies in Hertz:
You can set the actual frequencies in Hertz (cycles per second) for
downbeat, accented beats and unaccented beats, by entering new numbers
for each of these items, or by pressing "+" or "-" to increment or
decrement the number. Entering a "0" turns the metronome off for that
pulse. To hear a given frequency, set the cursor at the desired
frequency number item and press the SPACE BAR.
Pressing ESC from menu page 2 will return you to menu page 1.
Pressing ESC from menu page 1 returns you to music edit mode without
beginning real-time entry.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 18
Press F10 from either of the two menu pages to continue. If using
Automatic Metronome, you will hear the metronome clicking (always at
the first subdivision level of the beat -- i.e., eighths or triplet
eighths if the beat is a quarter note). In addition, you can see the
current beat position on the status line at the bottom of the screen.
You can raise or lower the tempo by pressing the "<" or ">" keys, the
"+" or "-" keys, or by holding down the right mouse button while
moving the mouse toward or away from you. (For fast tempo change,
hold down the SHIFT key while pressing either the "<" or ">" key.)
To begin real-time entry, press the SPACEBAR or left mouse button.
The metronome will then begin a full bar countdown, and the word
"COUNTING" will appear in the lower right hand corner of the screen.
At the next downbeat, the word "RECORDING" will appear, and entry
will commence.
If using user controlled metronome, you will be in "RECORDING" mode
immediately after pressing F10. Each press of the CTRL, SHIFT or ALT
key will advance the recorder by one low-note value. Any notes
played while the key is depressed will be assigned to that particular
rhythmic position in the score.
If you have specified the number of bars to enter, real-time entry
will stop after that number of bars. To exit manually, press ESC.
If while playing, you realize that you have erred so badly that you
want to give up and start over, press "R". The erroneous music you
have just entered will be cleared. If you are in Automatic Metronome
mode, the metronome will continue clicking. You may change the tempo
with the + or - keys, then press the SPACE BAR to begin the one
measure countdown. If you are using the User-controlled Metronome,
you begin entry immediately.
Notes or rests will appear on the screen as soon as their length has
been defined -- usually at the beginning of the next note or bar.
Beams are added only at the end of a full bar.
Upon pressing ESC, you have the option to review the newly entered
notation, then to accept or discard the input by restoring the score
to its state before the last real-time recording. Press ENTER to
accept, Esc to undo, or press R to undo and restart the metronome for
an immediate retry.
UNDO is provided only if enough memory is available. UNDO from disk
is disabled for this demo program.
During real-time entry, notes and accidentals are allowed only one
column each for chords, resulting in compressed notation. The
automatic REFORMAT function will correct accidental and note-head
placement, as well as compress all notation within a section to
optimal width, while justifying to the nearest full bar.
MusicPrinter Plus v3.2 DEMO 19
SCORE REFORMAT
After you have finished recording in real-time, or at any time during
the editing process, press the Alt-F7 function key combination to
access the REFORMAT feature. Reformatting starts with the system in
which the cursor is located and continues through the last system in
the score. All systems above the starting system will be left
intact. The last system in the score may not be fully justified to
fill the entire page width. This is to avoid ridiculously stretched
out music.
Before you begin the reformatting procedure, check your score for the
following:
1) Slurs, trill extensions, first and second endings, text
underlines, title lines and 8va extensions are not supported by the
reformat function in the current version. Add these characters after
executing REFORMAT.
2) Clef and key signature changes must be placed in the body of the
score, not just in the header.
3) The header of the system where you begin reformatting is examined
for piano brackets, clefs and key signatures. Be sure this header is
complete regarding these characters. All characters in each column
of the header will be copied to all the systems that follow. Be sure
that any tempo marks or expressive indications are placed after the
rightmost clef or longest key signature in the first header.
To reformat an entire score, place the cursor in any staff of the
first system. After pressing Alt-F7, you will be prompted to confirm
the current score width in columns or to enter a new width. If you
want to maintain the current width, press ENTER. Otherwise, type the
new width in columns or use the ten-key pad plus or minus keys to
modify the value shown. Press ENTER to start REFORMAT, or press Esc
to cancel.
Upon completion of REFORMAT, you have the option to review the score,
then to accept it or undo the reformatted material by restoring the
score to its state before REFORMAT was started. UNDO is provided
only if enough memory is available. UNDO from disk is disabled for
this demo program.
(End of document.)