Creating a Playing Technique in Dorico: A Comprehensive Guide

Welcome to the world of Dorico, the revolutionary music notation software that allows you to create stunning scores with ease. One of the most exciting features of Dorico is its ability to create custom playing techniques. Whether you’re a composer, arranger, or musician, understanding how to create playing techniques in Dorico is essential for bringing your musical vision to life. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process of creating a playing technique in Dorico, from setting up the input source to applying the technique to your scores. So, get ready to unleash your creativity and discover the limitless possibilities of Dorico’s playing techniques.

Understanding Playing Techniques in Dorico

What are playing techniques in Dorico?

Playing techniques in Dorico are a set of parameters that allow for a greater level of expression and control over the sound produced by an instrument. These parameters can include aspects such as the timing and intensity of notes, the use of legato or staccato articulation, and the application of various effects such as vibrato or tremolo.

Playing techniques in Dorico are designed to mimic the expressive capabilities of real-world instruments, allowing for a more nuanced and accurate representation of the music being performed. These techniques can be applied to a wide range of instruments, from traditional orchestral instruments like violin and cello to electronic instruments like synthesizers and drum machines.

By using playing techniques in Dorico, composers and performers can create a more dynamic and expressive musical experience, allowing them to bring their creative vision to life in a more accurate and immersive way. Additionally, these techniques can help to simplify the process of creating and performing complex musical passages, making it easier to achieve a professional-sounding result.

Why are playing techniques important?

Playing techniques are an essential aspect of music notation software like Dorico. They allow musicians to create expressive and dynamic performances by specifying how notes should be played. This includes information about articulation, expression, and other performance aspects.

There are several reasons why playing techniques are important:

1. Improved Expression: Playing techniques enable musicians to add expression and emotion to their performances. For example, a musician can use different playing techniques to indicate how a note should be played, such as legato or staccato.
2. Consistency: Playing techniques ensure consistency in performances, especially when multiple musicians are playing the same piece of music. This helps to create a cohesive and unified sound.
3. Accuracy: Playing techniques help to ensure accuracy in performances by specifying how notes should be played. This reduces the risk of mistakes and helps to create a more polished performance.
4. Creativity: Playing techniques allow musicians to explore their creativity and experiment with different performance techniques. This can lead to unique and innovative performances.

Overall, playing techniques are essential for creating expressive and dynamic performances. They help musicians to convey emotion and bring their music to life, making it more engaging and enjoyable for both performers and listeners.

Setting Up a New Playing Technique

Creating a new technique

Creating a new playing technique in Dorico involves a few simple steps that will allow you to customize the program to your specific needs. To get started, follow these steps:

1. Open Dorico and select the “Edit” mode.
2. Click on the “Plugins” menu and select “Playing Techniques.”
3. Click on the “Create new technique” button.
4. Enter a name for your new technique in the text box.
5. Choose the “clef” and “time signature” for your new technique.
6. Set the “transposition” for your new technique.
7. Choose the “voicing” for your new technique.
8. Set the “accidentals” for your new technique.
9. Choose the “key” for your new technique.
10. Choose the “tempo” for your new technique.
11. Choose the “score” for your new technique.
12. Click on the “Create” button to create your new technique.

By following these steps, you can create a new playing technique in Dorico that is tailored to your specific needs. Whether you’re a composer, arranger, or performer, Dorico’s playing techniques will help you streamline your workflow and produce high-quality music.

Naming and saving the technique

When creating a new playing technique in Dorico, it is important to give it a descriptive and meaningful name. This will help you easily identify and recall the technique later on. To name a new playing technique, simply select the note or group of notes that the technique will apply to, and then go to the Edit menu and choose Playing Techniques. This will open the Playing Techniques editor, where you can enter a name for the new technique in the Name field.

Once you have given your new playing technique a name, you can save it by clicking the Add button. Dorico will then create a new entry in the Playing Techniques catalog, where you can access and edit the technique at any time. It is a good idea to save your playing techniques regularly, so that you can easily recall and reuse them as needed.

It is also worth noting that you can save multiple playing techniques at once by selecting multiple notes or groups of notes and creating a new technique for each selection. This can be useful if you have several similar techniques that you want to apply to different parts of your score.

In summary, when creating a new playing technique in Dorico, it is important to give it a descriptive and meaningful name and save it in the Playing Techniques catalog for easy access and reuse later on.

Customizing the Playing Technique

Adjusting the playback options

Dorico allows you to customize the playback options for your playing technique to ensure that it meets your specific needs. This section will guide you through the process of adjusting the playback options to achieve the desired results.

Adjusting the Tempo

One of the key playback options that you can adjust is the tempo. By default, Dorico plays back your composition at a tempo of 100% (or “live”). However, you may want to adjust the tempo to better suit your needs. To do this, simply click on the tempo slider and drag it up or down to adjust the tempo to your desired level.

Adjusting the Velocity

Another important playback option is the velocity. Velocity refers to the volume of each note or instrument in your composition. By default, Dorico plays back your composition with a dynamic range that reflects the dynamics of the score. However, you may want to adjust the velocity to better suit your needs. To do this, simply click on the velocity slider and drag it up or down to adjust the velocity to your desired level.

Adjusting the Articulation

Finally, you can also adjust the articulation of each note or instrument in your composition. Articulation refers to the way in which notes are played, such as legato or staccato. By default, Dorico plays back your composition with the appropriate articulation for each note or instrument. However, you may want to adjust the articulation to better suit your needs. To do this, simply click on the articulation button and select the desired articulation from the drop-down menu.

In summary, Dorico provides a range of playback options that you can adjust to customize the playing technique to your specific needs. By adjusting the tempo, velocity, and articulation, you can create a unique playing technique that brings your composition to life in a way that best suits your preferences.

Adding expression and dynamics

When creating a playing technique in Dorico, one of the key aspects to consider is the addition of expression and dynamics. This can greatly enhance the overall musicality of the piece and bring it to life. Here are some tips on how to effectively add expression and dynamics when customizing a playing technique in Dorico:

1. Understanding the Basics: Before diving into the more advanced techniques, it’s important to understand the basics of expression and dynamics in music. This includes the different types of expression marks, such as accents, staccato, and legato, as well as the various dynamic indications, such as pianissimo, mezzo-forte, and fortissimo. Familiarizing yourself with these concepts will help you to effectively apply them in Dorico.
2. Using Expression and Dynamic Marks: Dorico offers a range of expression and dynamic marks that can be added to your score. These include standard notation marks, such as crescendo and decrescendo, as well as more specific marks for certain instruments or styles of music. To add these marks, simply select the note or notes you want to affect and choose the appropriate expression or dynamic mark from the “Expressions” or “Dynamics” menu in the “Engraving” section.
3. Adjusting Expression and Dynamic Slurs: Once you’ve added expression or dynamic marks, you can adjust the slurs to fine-tune the effect. This can be done by selecting the slur and using the handles to adjust the start and end points, or by using the “Adjust Expression Slurs” command to adjust the shape and strength of the slur.
4. Applying Expression and Dynamic Hairpins: Another way to add expression and dynamics to your score is by using hairpins. These can be added by selecting the note or notes you want to affect and choosing the “Hairpin” option from the “Expressions” or “Dynamics” menu. You can then adjust the shape and position of the hairpin to achieve the desired effect.
5. Experimenting with Advanced Techniques: For more advanced users, Dorico also offers a range of advanced techniques for adding expression and dynamics, such as “True Expression Hairpins” and “Portato Articulation.” These techniques allow for even greater control over the expression and dynamics of your score, and can help to create a more nuanced and expressive performance.

By following these tips and experimenting with the various tools and techniques available in Dorico, you can create a playing technique that is both expressive and dynamic, bringing your music to life and enhancing the overall musicality of your score.

Saving the customized technique

After customizing a playing technique in Dorico, it is important to save the changes so that they can be used in future projects. Saving a customized playing technique is a simple process, but it is important to follow the correct steps to ensure that the changes are saved correctly.

Here are the steps to save a customized playing technique in Dorico:

1. Open the Edit Playing Techniques dialog by selecting Edit > Preferences > Playing Techniques from the menu.
2. In the Edit Playing Techniques dialog, select the customized playing technique that you want to save.
3. Click the Save button to save the changes to the selected playing technique.
4. Enter a name for the saved playing technique in the Name field.
5. Choose a location to save the playing technique by clicking the Choose button and selecting a folder.
6. Click the Save button to save the playing technique to the selected location.

Once the customized playing technique has been saved, it can be used in future projects by selecting it from the Playing Techniques palette. It is important to save customized playing techniques regularly to ensure that they are not lost in case of a software crash or other technical issue.

Applying the Playing Technique

Selecting the technique

When creating a playing technique in Dorico, the first step is to select the technique you want to apply. This can be done by clicking on the “Playing Techniques” button in the “Score” menu, which opens the “Playing Techniques” dialog.

Once the dialog is open, you can browse through the available techniques by clicking on the “Show all” button, or you can use the search bar to find a specific technique. To select a technique, simply click on the checkbox next to the technique’s name.

Once you have selected the technique, you can adjust its settings by clicking on the “Edit” button. This will open the “Playing Technique Editor,” where you can adjust parameters such as the technique’s name, its behavior, and its visual representation in the score.

After you have finished making any adjustments, you can apply the technique to your score by clicking on the “Apply” button. The technique will then be added to your score, and you can use it to create more expressive and dynamic performances.

Adjusting the playback options during playback

When applying a playing technique in Dorico, it is important to have the ability to adjust the playback options during playback. This allows for greater control over the performance and ensures that the technique is executed correctly. Here are some ways to adjust the playback options during playback:

1. Tempo

One of the most important playback options is the tempo. In Dorico, you can adjust the tempo during playback by using the “Tempo” slider or by entering a new tempo value in the “Tempo” field. This allows you to change the speed of the playback to match the desired tempo for the technique.

2. Dynamics

Another important playback option is the dynamics. In Dorico, you can adjust the dynamics during playback by using the “Dynamics” slider or by entering a new dynamic value in the “Dynamics” field. This allows you to control the volume of the playback to match the desired dynamic level for the technique.

3. Expression

Expression is also an important playback option when applying a playing technique in Dorico. You can adjust the expression during playback by using the “Expression” slider or by entering a new expression value in the “Expression” field. This allows you to control the amount of expression to match the desired level for the technique.

4. Articulation

Articulation is another important playback option when applying a playing technique in Dorico. You can adjust the articulation during playback by using the “Articulation” slider or by entering a new articulation value in the “Articulation” field. This allows you to control the articulation of the notes to match the desired level for the technique.

5. Pedal

Finally, the pedal is an important playback option when applying a playing technique in Dorico. You can adjust the pedal during playback by using the “Pedal” slider or by entering a new pedal value in the “Pedal” field. This allows you to control the amount of pedal to match the desired level for the technique.

In conclusion, adjusting the playback options during playback is an important aspect of applying a playing technique in Dorico. By having control over the tempo, dynamics, expression, articulation, and pedal, you can ensure that the technique is executed correctly and with the desired level of expression.

Creating variations of the technique

Creating variations of a playing technique in Dorico is an essential aspect of customizing your music composition. This process allows you to modify and adapt your technique to suit the specific requirements of your composition or to achieve a desired sound. In this section, we will discuss the different ways to create variations of a playing technique in Dorico.

1. Adding articulations: One way to create variations of a playing technique is by adding articulations to the notes. Articulations are the way notes are played, such as staccato, legato, or muted. By adding different articulations to the notes, you can create a unique sound and variation in the playing technique.
2. Changing the rhythm: Another way to create variations is by changing the rhythm of the notes. This can be done by altering the length of the notes or by adding rests in specific places. This will give your playing technique a different feel and make it more dynamic.
3. Incorporating dynamics: Incorporating dynamics into your playing technique is another way to create variations. You can use Dorico’s dynamic markings to add expression to your music. For example, you can make some notes louder or softer, which will give your playing technique a more expressive and dynamic sound.
4. Adjusting the position of the notes: Finally, you can create variations of your playing technique by adjusting the position of the notes. This can be done by transposing the notes up or down, or by moving them to a different octave. This will give your playing technique a different sound and feel, and can be used to create a variety of effects.

In conclusion, creating variations of a playing technique in Dorico is an essential aspect of customizing your music composition. By adding articulations, changing the rhythm, incorporating dynamics, and adjusting the position of the notes, you can create a unique and varied playing technique that suits your specific needs.

Sharing the technique with others

Sharing your newly created playing technique with others can be a valuable way to refine your technique and receive feedback from other musicians. There are several ways to share your technique, each with its own benefits and considerations.

Sharing in person

One of the most effective ways to share your playing technique is by playing it for others in person. This can be done during rehearsals, lessons, or informal jam sessions. Playing your technique for others allows you to receive immediate feedback and adjust your technique accordingly. It also gives you the opportunity to see how others interpret and apply your technique.

When sharing your technique in person, it’s important to consider the context and setting. For example, if you’re sharing your technique during a formal rehearsal, it’s important to be professional and focused. On the other hand, if you’re sharing your technique during an informal jam session, it’s okay to be more relaxed and casual.

Sharing online

Another way to share your playing technique is by posting it online. This can be done through social media, online forums, or video-sharing platforms. Posting your technique online allows you to reach a wider audience and receive feedback from musicians all over the world.

When sharing your technique online, it’s important to consider your audience and the platform you’re using. For example, if you’re posting on a professional music forum, it’s important to provide detailed information and be professional in your approach. On the other hand, if you’re posting on a social media platform, it’s okay to be more casual and creative in your approach.

Sharing in writing

Finally, you can share your playing technique by writing about it. This can be done through blog posts, articles, or even a book. Writing about your technique allows you to organize your thoughts and ideas, and share them with others in a structured and comprehensive way.

When sharing your technique in writing, it’s important to consider your audience and the purpose of your writing. For example, if you’re writing an article for a music magazine, it’s important to provide detailed information and support your ideas with evidence. On the other hand, if you’re writing a blog post for your personal website, it’s okay to be more creative and personal in your approach.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Common issues with playing techniques

Creating playing techniques in Dorico can be a complex process, and there are several common issues that users may encounter. These issues can arise due to various reasons, such as incorrect input, inconsistent settings, or compatibility issues with other plugins. In this section, we will discuss some of the most common issues that users may face when creating playing techniques in Dorico, and how to troubleshoot them.

• Incorrect Input: One of the most common issues that users may face is incorrect input. This can occur when the user inputs the playing technique incorrectly, or when the input is not consistent with the desired outcome. To troubleshoot this issue, the user should carefully review the input and ensure that it is correct. If the issue persists, the user should check the settings and ensure that they are consistent with the desired outcome.
• Inconsistent Settings: Another common issue that users may face is inconsistent settings. This can occur when the user sets different settings for different parts of the score, which can result in inconsistent output. To troubleshoot this issue, the user should review the settings and ensure that they are consistent throughout the score. If the issue persists, the user should consider using global settings to ensure consistency.
• Compatibility Issues with Other Plugins: Compatibility issues with other plugins can also cause common issues with playing techniques in Dorico. This can occur when the user is using other plugins that are not compatible with Dorico, or when the user is using an older version of Dorico that is not compatible with certain plugins. To troubleshoot this issue, the user should check the compatibility of the plugins they are using and ensure that they are up to date. If the issue persists, the user should consider reaching out to the plugin developer for assistance.

By understanding and troubleshooting these common issues, users can create more accurate and consistent playing techniques in Dorico.

Resolving issues with the technique

In the process of creating a playing technique in Dorico, there may be certain issues that arise. It is important to be able to troubleshoot these issues in order to create a playing technique that is accurate and effective.

Common issues that may arise

• Incorrect placement of the technique on the score
• Inaccurate notation of the technique
• Inconsistent application of the technique throughout the score

Steps to resolve these issues

1. Review the score and identify the issue
2. Make necessary adjustments to the technique
3. Check for consistency throughout the score
4. Repeat the process as needed until the technique is accurate and effective.

Tips for resolving issues with the technique

• Take your time and be thorough in your review of the score
• Make small, incremental changes to the technique rather than making large, sweeping changes
• Use the “Undo” function to quickly revert changes if necessary
• Seek out online resources or tutorials for additional guidance and support.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively resolve any issues that may arise when creating a playing technique in Dorico.

Advanced Tips and Tricks

Advanced options for customizing techniques

When creating playing techniques in Dorico, there are several advanced options available to help you fine-tune your techniques for optimal performance. These options include:

1. Advanced articulations: Dorico offers a wide range of advanced articulations that can be used to customize your playing techniques. These include things like legato tonguing, multiple dynamic levels, and multiple expression types. By using these advanced articulations, you can create techniques that are more realistic and nuanced.
2. Technique modifications: Dorico also allows you to modify techniques using various options. For example, you can add or remove slurs, adjust the timing of notes, and adjust the position of notes on the staff. This gives you even more control over how your playing techniques are displayed and played back.
3. Technique presets: Dorico comes with a variety of technique presets that can be used as a starting point for creating your own techniques. These presets cover a wide range of playing techniques, from basic slurs to more complex ones like string crossings and tremolos. By using these presets, you can save time and ensure that your techniques are consistent with industry standards.
4. Technique layers: Dorico also allows you to create technique layers, which are essentially layers of information that can be added to your techniques. For example, you can add a layer for dynamic levels, a layer for articulations, and a layer for expression types. This gives you even more control over how your techniques are displayed and played back.

Overall, Dorico’s advanced options for customizing techniques offer a wide range of tools and options that can help you create playing techniques that are more realistic, nuanced, and customized to your needs. By taking advantage of these options, you can create techniques that are optimized for optimal performance and expression.

Integrating techniques with other features in Dorico

Dorico offers a plethora of features that can be utilized to enhance the playing techniques. Some of these features include the use of rests, articulations, expression maps, and key signatures. By integrating these features with playing techniques, users can create more nuanced and sophisticated performances.

Rest usage

In Dorico, users can add rests to their score to indicate pauses or breaks in the music. These rests can be integrated with playing techniques to create more realistic performances. For example, a “staccato” playing technique can be combined with a short rest to create a “staccato with release” effect. This effect can be used to simulate the sound of a musician lifting their finger off the string or key after a staccato note.

Articulation usage

Articulations are another feature in Dorico that can be used to enhance playing techniques. Articulations are used to indicate the technique used to play a note, such as “legato,” “staccato,” or “detache.” By integrating articulations with playing techniques, users can create more realistic and nuanced performances. For example, a “legato” playing technique can be combined with a “legato tap” articulation to create a more legato sound.

Expression maps usage

Expression maps are a powerful feature in Dorico that allow users to map specific MIDI controller values to specific expressions in their score. By integrating expression maps with playing techniques, users can create more dynamic and expressive performances. For example, a “dynamic” playing technique can be combined with an expression map to control the volume of the notes played.

Key signature usage

Key signatures are used in Dorico to indicate the tonality of a piece of music. By integrating key signatures with playing techniques, users can create more authentic performances. For example, a “legato” playing technique can be combined with a “major” key signature to create a more legato and flowing sound.

In conclusion, integrating Dorico’s features with playing techniques can create more nuanced and sophisticated performances. By utilizing rests, articulations, expression maps, and key signatures, users can create more realistic and dynamic performances.

Collaborating with other musicians using techniques

When working on a musical project with other musicians, it is essential to have a clear understanding of each musician’s playing technique. This allows for a more cohesive and effective collaboration. Dorico provides a variety of tools to help musicians collaborate and create playing techniques that work for everyone involved.

Sharing Playing Techniques

One of the key features of Dorico is the ability to share playing techniques with other musicians. This can be done through the use of a library, which can be shared with other musicians in the project. This allows all musicians to access the same playing techniques, ensuring that everyone is working with the same information.

Customizing Playing Techniques

Another important aspect of collaborating with other musicians is the ability to customize playing techniques to suit each musician’s individual style. Dorico allows musicians to customize playing techniques to fit their specific needs, making it easier for everyone to work together effectively.

Creating and Editing Playing Techniques

In addition to sharing and customizing playing techniques, Dorico also provides a variety of tools for creating and editing playing techniques. This allows musicians to create new playing techniques or modify existing ones to better suit their needs.

Using Playing Techniques in Performance

Finally, when it comes time to perform, Dorico makes it easy for musicians to access and use their playing techniques. This allows for a more seamless and efficient performance, as musicians can focus on their playing rather than worrying about remembering their playing techniques.

Overall, Dorico provides a variety of tools to help musicians collaborate and create playing techniques that work for everyone involved. By sharing, customizing, creating, and editing playing techniques, musicians can work together more effectively and efficiently, leading to a more successful musical project.

Recap of the process of creating a playing technique in Dorico

Creating a playing technique in Dorico involves several steps. To recap the process, we will break down each step and highlight its importance.

1. Identify the technique: The first step is to identify the playing technique you want to create. This could be a specific finger pattern, bowing technique, or any other technique specific to your instrument.
2. Select the appropriate notehead style: Once you have identified the technique, you need to select the appropriate notehead style that will best represent the technique. Dorico offers a variety of notehead styles that you can choose from, so it’s important to select the one that best represents the technique.
3. Create the technique using the Note Entry Tool: After selecting the appropriate notehead style, you can create the technique using the Note Entry Tool. This tool allows you to input the notes for the technique and adjust the position, size, and shape of the noteheads to match the technique.
4. Apply the technique to the score: Once you have created the technique, you can apply it to the score using the Playing Techniques panel. This panel allows you to assign the technique to specific notes or ranges of notes, and adjust the playback options for the technique.
5. Fine-tune the technique: Finally, you can fine-tune the technique by adjusting the parameters in the Playing Techniques panel. This allows you to customize the technique to your specific needs and preferences.

Overall, creating a playing technique in Dorico involves a series of careful steps that require attention to detail. By following these steps, you can create a technique that accurately represents your playing style and enhances the overall quality of your performance.

Final thoughts and recommendations

Creating a playing technique in Dorico can be a complex process, but with the right tools and knowledge, it can be done efficiently. Here are some final thoughts and recommendations to keep in mind when creating playing techniques in Dorico:

• Start by understanding the basics of music notation and how Dorico works. This will help you create playing techniques that are accurate and effective.
• Use the Playing Techniques palette to experiment with different techniques and find the ones that work best for your music.
• Consider creating custom playing techniques that are specific to your music or genre. This will help you achieve a more personalized sound and make your music stand out.
• Be creative and have fun with your playing techniques. Experimenting with different techniques can help you discover new sounds and add interest to your music.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help or consult the Dorico community if you get stuck. There are many resources available to help you create playing techniques and make the most of Dorico’s capabilities.

By following these recommendations and utilizing the features of Dorico, you can create playing techniques that are both accurate and effective, and bring your music to life.

FAQs

1. What is a playing technique in Dorico?

A playing technique in Dorico is a set of parameters that determine how a particular note or group of notes should be played. It includes parameters such as dynamic level, articulation, and expression.

2. How do I create a new playing technique in Dorico?

To create a new playing technique in Dorico, select the note or group of notes that you want to apply the technique to, then go to the “Playing Techniques” panel in the “Engraving” section of the interface. From there, you can create a new playing technique by specifying the desired parameters.

3. How do I edit an existing playing technique in Dorico?

To edit an existing playing technique in Dorico, select the note or group of notes that are using the technique, then go to the “Playing Techniques” panel in the “Engraving” section of the interface. From there, you can edit the parameters of the technique as desired.

4. How do I apply a playing technique to multiple notes in Dorico?

To apply a playing technique to multiple notes in Dorico, select the notes that you want to apply the technique to, then go to the “Playing Techniques” panel in the “Engraving” section of the interface. From there, you can select the desired technique and apply it to all of the selected notes at once.

5. Can I create my own playing techniques in Dorico?

Yes, you can create your own playing techniques in Dorico. Dorico allows you to create custom playing techniques by specifying the desired parameters, such as dynamic level, articulation, and expression.

6. How do I delete a playing technique in Dorico?

To delete a playing technique in Dorico, select the note or group of notes that are using the technique, then go to the “Playing Techniques” panel in the “Engraving” section of the interface. From there, you can delete the technique by clicking on the “Delete” button next to the technique in the panel.

How to Use the Playing Techniques Editor in Dorico Pro | Getting Started with Dorico 2