Are you asking, “Why would you have a podcast about music notation software?” Well, we’d ask, “Why not have a podcast about music notation software?”
And with that, I’m very pleased to introduce the Scoring Notes podcast. Like on this blog, the podcast will explore music notation software and related technology. We’ll talk with the interesting individuals in our field who create music with these products, as well as the talented people who create the tools themselves.
Unlike the blog, though, we’ll have a chance to have a real-time dialog about what’s going on in the field, and we plan on featuring a “director’s commentary,” if you will, about certain blog posts as a special bonus for our readers to gain additional insight into a topic we cover.
Plus, you can’t very well read a blog post while you’re driving or jogging (and don’t try). But if you’ve ever thought how much you’d like to consume music notation software news on the go — and we know you have — the Scoring Notes podcast is for you.
Get the Scoring Notes podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher. If there’s another place you think we need to be as well, please let us know. You can also access the podcast feed directly.
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On our first “official” podcast I’m joined by Scoring Notes contributing author David MacDonald, who will be a regular on the show. Together we inaugurate the podcast and reminisce about how we first got hooked on writing music with notation software, and eventually became fascinated by the ever-changing developments in the programs and in the field.
David’s a podcasting expert from his days on Sound Notion, so I’m thrilled to have him along for the ride!
Then, I speak with Steinberg product marketing manager Daniel Spreadbury about the Dorico 3.5 release and what it’s like developing music notation software. We learn about pitch-before-duration input (a.k.a “Speedy Entry”), semantic figured bass notation, VST expression maps, and what a “graphic slice” is. Also: Daniel talks about what it’s like creating music notation software in the middle of a pandemic, and we find out his personal favorite feature in this release — even if it’s obscure.
We’ve got more episodes planned, so stay tuned!
A note to our readers
During these challenging times, we’re all trying to figure out our way and what the new “normal” is.
On a personal level, we’re safe and healthy, which is as much as anyone can ask for. Music activity here at home in New York City and around the globe has been affected in ways that none of us could have imagined a few short months ago.
At NYC Music Services, we are privileged to work with incredible musicians and help make their musical dreams a reality by getting music prepared and on the stage for performances and sessions. That’s all changed in the last couple of months as concerts have been canceled and projects postponed.
The silver lining — and we always look for one — is that it’s given us more time to explore new ideas around here. The Scoring Notes podcast is something I’ve been wanting to do for a while, but it was tough to find the time to get it started until now.
Now that it’s launched, though, I hope it will bring forth a steady stream of Scoring Notes content to supplement what you already enjoy about music notation software and related technology.
Have you enjoyed our recent coverage? Or have you learned some tips from our other posts that make your work easier? If Scoring Notes is worthwhile to you, please consider donating to support it! You can even set up a monthly donation — a name-your-own-price subscription to Scoring Notes, if you like.
Thank you! Most importantly, please be well, and I hope you are finding new and exciting ways to make music.
Please note: Scoring Notes / NYC Music Services is not a charitable organization and donations cannot be considered charitable contributions. However, your donation may be tax-deductible as a business gift or business expense. Consult your tax advisor for more information.
Kyle McKinzey
I use Pocket Casts for Podcast. If you can get it on there, I would love to listen.
David MacDonald
Hi Kyle. We’ll take a look at adding it to the Pocket Casts directory. In the meanwhile, you can add the feed directly with this address: https://www.scoringnotes.com/feed/podcast/
Philip Rothman
Hi Kyle. Here’s the Pocket Casts link.
Ben Watson
Can you post the raw RSS feed so that any podcast app can access it?
David MacDonald
Hi Ben! You can subscribe to the feed here: https://www.scoringnotes.com/feed/podcast/
Also, if your podcast app searches the Apple Podcasts directory (many of them do), you’ll probably find it there as well.
Michel Heydemann
Yet another podcast .. we may now not have the time to listen all of them !!
These are great to listen to when you drive or jog, but I reall prefer to read a few lines on a web site.
Why: one can have a quick impression of what’s in a page and reread with attention if needed, but on the contrary one has to spend the whole podcast duration to know what is is about.
Sorry for this negative comment, but I think it has a value : don’t succomb to fashion or an easy way to produce more but not necessarily be rapidly useful for the intended audience
David MacDonald
Hi Michel, thanks for the comment! We’re glad you like reading, because the articles here on Scoring Notes aren’t going anywhere. The podcast is a different thing, and other people might prefer that. You’ll still get all the tips, reviews, and news here on the site. I like to think of the podcast as kind of the “director’s commentary” to what’s going on here on the blog.
Philip Rothman
Don’t worry, Michel. We won’t be making Tik Tok videos… yet.
Dave McKay
What a pleasant surprise and congratulations to you both for charting new territory. I will make this required listening for my students at Belmont. The Scoring Notes links are already in my Composition, Computer Productions, Orchestration and Intro to Digital Musicianship class syllabi.
Philip Rothman
Hi Dave! Thanks for the encouragement! We will do our best with this new and exciting addition to Scoring Notes. David’s experience as an educator will bring added expertise to the show.
Andrew Taylor
Just the sort of podcast I like: intelligent, interesting conversation without silly special effects, background music or other fripperies. Please keep it that way!
Philip Rothman
Thanks, Andrew! You’ll like the next episode :-)