Visit this site for detailed explanations for international paper sizes. Note: page size rough equivalents are listed below. Copyright © 2018 Tyler Smith (ASCAP or BMI) Name of publishing company (centered on the bottom).Ĭopyright Information, e.g. (also note these details on the cover page of the instrument’s part).ĭescription (e.g. Include any special instructions for “prepared instruments” or other uncommon instruments. Instructions should be as specific and as understandable as possible. Detailed diagrams are helpful to illustrate particularly complex staging.ĭescribe any special equipment, synthesizer settings, or other technical requirements (also note these details on the cover page of the instrument’s part). Note that title pages are generally only used for scores or very large parts and not usually used for most orchestral or chamber parts.įull title of work, printed as it would appear in a formal concert program, including appropriate capitalization and diacritical markings, along with movement titles in their proper order.įull instrumentation (for orchestra works) including doublings and percussion instrumentsĭescribe any deviations from standard musical notation.ĭescribe any specific staging instructions. Name of publishing company, if applicable (centered on the bottom)

They are generally useful for a span of more than three notes with three or more ledger lines. They are sometimes acceptable in C scores to save space, almost never in orchestral parts, except for piano or other keyboard parts. Rehearsal letters (if used) should correspond to musical landmarks and must be used in conjunction with-not instead of-measure numbers.Ĭlefs and key signatures (if used) must appear at the beginning of each staff.Ĭare should be taken with the use of the abbreviations 8va and 8vb, avoiding their use if possible. above, the top staff, or on a special line of the grand staff, such as above the first violins. Placement of measure numbers should be the same throughout the work, i.e. no illegible sketches.Įach measure (bar) should be numbered at the beginning of each staff system, beginning anew with each movement. Scores must be engraved (computer or by hand): i.e. Pieces may not exceed 8 minutes in performance duration.

The following guidelines pertain to book design for music publications (i.e., scores and parts). They are a good starting point for most pieces, but instrumentation and the specific details of each work will dictate which choices to make.

Music Preparation Guidelines for Composers

Dorico 8va