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WAMuscript - Music Notation Paper
 

Manuscript

12 Stave Manuscript - A4 [PDF 76kb]

18 Stave Manuscript - A3 [PDF 76kb]

20 Stave Manuscript - A3 [PDF 80kb]

12 Stave Manuscript - A3 Landscape [PDF 80kb]

16 Stave Manuscript - A3 Landscape [PDF 80kb]
 

TAB

4 TAB - A4 [PDF 84kb]

4 TAB - A3 Landscape
[PDF 84kb]

5 TAB - A4
[PDF 68kb]

5 TAB - A3 Landscape
[PDF 84kb]

6 TAB - A4
[PDF 68kb]

6 TAB - A3 Landscape
[PDF 84kb]
 
"Modern music notation originated in European classical music and is now used by musicians of many different genres throughout the world.

The system uses a five-line staff. Pitch is shown by placement of notes on the staff (sometimes modified by accidentals), and duration is shown with different note values and additional symbols such as dots and ties. Notation is read from left to right, which makes setting music for right-to-left scripts difficult.

A staff of written music generally begins with a clef, which indicates the particular range of pitches encompassed by the staff. Notes representing a pitch outside of the scope of the five line staff can be represented using ledger lines, which provide a single note with additional lines and spaces.

Following the clef, the key signature on a staff indicates the key of the piece by specifying certain notes to be flat or sharp throughout the piece, unless otherwise indicated.

Following the key signature is the time signature. Measures (bars) divide the piece into groups of beats, and the time signatures specify those groupings.

Directions to the player regarding matters such as tempo and dynamics are added above or below the staff. For vocal music, lyrics are written. For short pauses (breaths), retakes (looks like ' ) are added.

In music for ensembles, a "score" shows music for all players together, while "parts" contain only the music played by an individual musician. A score can be constructed from a complete set of parts and vice versa."


Quoted from:
MUSICAL NOTATION - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Musical_notation

TAB is short for tablature, a shorthand method of writing music played on a fretted string instrument. TAB is generally used for guitar or bass, with each line indicating a string on the instrument (top line - highest pitched string, bottom line - lowest pitched string). Numbers show which fret to play (0 = open string). Alternative tunings may also be indicated at the start of each line/string.

Some common guitar tab symbols are:
h = hammer on
p = pull off
h p = hammer on note, then immediately pull-off
b or ^ = bend string up
r = release bend
/ = slide up
\ = slide down
v or ~ = vibrato
t = tap with strumming hand
x = mute/dampen struck string

For more information about TAB - visit:
TABALTURE - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tablature
Tablature (or tabulature, or tab for short) is a form of musical notation indicating the instruments fingering, rather than musical pitches.

ASCII TAB - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ASCII_tab
ASCII tab is a text file format used for writing guitar, bass guitar and drum tabs using ASCII numbers, letters and symbols.
 
 

Recording Tracking Sheet


If you're making multi-track recordings, or recording projects, you need to keep good notes - especially when managing many different sessions, or for revisiting at a future date. This tracking sheet is designed to help organise your recording project notes.

Recording Tracking Sheet [PDF 45kb]



FREE Music Software
Need to record, generate, sequence, burn or print music? Don't own the latest computer hardware?

Don't let the fact you cannot afford a top line Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) put a stop to your creative efforts! If you're not in a position to spend money on software right now, then spend time investigating some of the reputable no or low cost open source software solutions.

There are many FREE and OPEN SOURCE audio software options now available for different operating systems. That's right - 100% legitimate free software.

With open source software, the programming source code is available under an open license arrangement - permitting users to study, customise and alter some of this essentially "public domain" software.

Now, I'm not for a minute insisting this software will suit every musician or technician at all stages, however you will find many open source programs currently online are more than adequate to most tasks - some offering reasonably sophisticated features.

Below are some recommended software options I consider worth a look. They are made by reliable programming project teams - so no spy-ware or virus when downloaded directly from the source sites below. WAM do not offer software or hardware support, nor can we guarantee all releases of this software - however you will find help and other relevant links on each of the the websites offered, or through an internet search.

Remember: it is common sense to read all software requirements & documentation before running ANY software, and backup all mission critical files at regular intervals too.

This list is simply a starting point. I encourage you to take the time to explore & learn more about the options now available - and wish you all the very best on your musical journey!

Justine Thornley
, WAM Communications
Need to record, generate, sequence, burn or print music? Don't own the latest computer hardware?

Don't let the fact you cannot afford a top line Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) put a stop to your creative efforts! If you're not in a position to spend money on software right now, then spend time investigating some of the reputable no or low cost open source software solutions.

There are many FREE and OPEN SOURCE audio software options now available for different operating systems. That's right - 100% legitimate free software.

With open source software, the programming source code is available under an open license arrangement - permitting users to study, customise and alter some of this essentially "public domain" software.

Now, I'm not for a minute insisting this software will suit every musician or technician at all stages, however you will find many open source programs currently online are more than adequate to most tasks - some offering reasonably sophisticated features.

Below are some recommended software options I consider worth a look. They are made by reliable programming project teams - so no spy-ware or virus when downloaded directly from the source sites below. WAM do not offer software or hardware support, nor can we guarantee all releases of this software - however you will find help and other relevant links on each of the the websites offered, or through an internet search.

Remember: it is common sense to read all software requirements & documentation before running ANY software, and backup all mission critical files at regular intervals too.

This list is simply a starting point. I encourage you to take the time to explore & learn more about the options now available - and wish you all the very best on your musical journey!

Justine Thornley
, WAM Communications
Recording Software

Audacity

audacity.sourceforge.net

 Mac
 Windows
 Linux

Audacity is a FREE, easy-to-use yet highly effective audio editor/recorder. If you've never used recording software before, this is a very helpful application - also offering many more advanced features for those that need them too.

Audacity supports:
  • Recording of live audio; 
  • Conversion of tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs (with the correct input leads); 
  • Editing of Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files;
  • Cut, copy, splicing & mixing;
  • Change of speed, pitch or direction;
  • LADSPA, VST & Nyquist Plug-Ins;
  • Plus much more!





Ardour
ardour.org
 Mac OS X
 Linux
 FreeBSD


Ardour is a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation (DAW) program, a slightly more advanced program that is capable of performing Multi-channel Recording, Mixing, Editing and Mastering. It's intended for use by people used to more advanced or professional recording environments. As of writing, there is a FREE version to download, or you can make a small donation to download the full program.

Ardour supports:
  • LADSPA and LV2 plugins on Linux, and additionally Audio Units on OS X;
  • exporting whole or part sessions;
  • Importing audio clips into sessions from more than 30 different audio file formats;
  • Plus much, much more!



Audacity

audacity.sourceforge.net

 Mac
 Windows
 Linux

Audacity is a FREE, easy-to-use yet highly effective audio editor/recorder. If you've never used recording software before, this is a very helpful application - also offering many more advanced features for those that need them too.

Audacity supports:
  • Recording of live audio; 
  • Conversion of tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs (with the correct input leads); 
  • Editing of Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files;
  • Cut, copy, splicing & mixing;
  • Change of speed, pitch or direction;
  • LADSPA, VST & Nyquist Plug-Ins;
  • Plus much more!





Ardour
ardour.org
 Mac OS X
 Linux
 FreeBSD


Ardour is a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation (DAW) program, a slightly more advanced program that is capable of performing Multi-channel Recording, Mixing, Editing and Mastering. It's intended for use by people used to more advanced or professional recording environments. As of writing, there is a FREE version to download, or you can make a small donation to download the full program.

Ardour supports:
  • LADSPA and LV2 plugins on Linux, and additionally Audio Units on OS X;
  • exporting whole or part sessions;
  • Importing audio clips into sessions from more than 30 different audio file formats;
  • Plus much, much more!


Audio CD Conversion

Exact Audio Copy

exactaudiocopy.de/en
 Windows

Exact Audio Copy (EAC) is an "audio grabber" for audio CDs using standard CD and DVD-ROM drives. The main differences between EAC and most other audio grabbers are:
  • It is free (for non-commercial purposes)
  • It works with a technology, which reads audio CDs, reporting the time position of any errors or possible distortion that can’t be corrected.

With other audio grabbers you usually need to listen to every grabbed wave because they only do jitter correction. Scratched CDs read on CD-ROM drives often produce distortions, but listening to every extracted audio track is a waste of time. Exact Audio Copy conquers these problems by making use of several technologies like multi-reading with verify and AccurateRip.

Please note: EAC is intended to be used to legally back up or converting audio CD.

Exact Audio Copy

exactaudiocopy.de/en
 Windows

Exact Audio Copy (EAC) is an "audio grabber" for audio CDs using standard CD and DVD-ROM drives. The main differences between EAC and most other audio grabbers are:
  • It is free (for non-commercial purposes)
  • It works with a technology, which reads audio CDs, reporting the time position of any errors or possible distortion that can’t be corrected.

With other audio grabbers you usually need to listen to every grabbed wave because they only do jitter correction. Scratched CDs read on CD-ROM drives often produce distortions, but listening to every extracted audio track is a waste of time. Exact Audio Copy conquers these problems by making use of several technologies like multi-reading with verify and AccurateRip.

Please note: EAC is intended to be used to legally back up or converting audio CD.
Music Notation
MuseScore
musescore.org

 Windows
 Mac
 Linux


Available in 30 languages, MuseScore is a FREE cross-platform WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) music notation program that offers a cost-effective alternative to professional programs. You can print beautifully engraved sheet music or save it as PDF or MIDI file.

MuseScore
musescore.org

 Windows
 Mac
 Linux


Available in 30 languages, MuseScore is a FREE cross-platform WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) music notation program that offers a cost-effective alternative to professional programs. You can print beautifully engraved sheet music or save it as PDF or MIDI file.

Disc Burning

InfraRecorder
infrarecorder.org
 Windows

InfraRecorder is a free CD/DVD burning package, offering a wide range of powerful features and an easy to use application interface with Windows Explorer integration.

Released FREE under GPL version 3, InfraRecorder features:
  • Create custom data, audio and mixed-mode projects and record them to physical discs as well as disc images.
  • Supports recording to dual-layer DVDs.
  • Blank (erase) rewritable discs using four different methods.
  • Record disc images (ISO and BIN/CUE).
  • Fixate discs (write lead-out information to prevent further data from being added to the disc).
  • Scan the SCSI/IDE bus for devices and collect information about their capabilities.
  • Create disc copies, on the fly and using a temporary disc image.
  • Import session data from multi-session discs and add more sessions to them.
  • Display disc information.
  • Save audio and data tracks to .wav, .wma, .ogg, .mp3 and .iso files.

InfraRecorder
infrarecorder.org
 Windows

InfraRecorder is a free CD/DVD burning package, offering a wide range of powerful features and an easy to use application interface with Windows Explorer integration.

Released FREE under GPL version 3, InfraRecorder features:
  • Create custom data, audio and mixed-mode projects and record them to physical discs as well as disc images.
  • Supports recording to dual-layer DVDs.
  • Blank (erase) rewritable discs using four different methods.
  • Record disc images (ISO and BIN/CUE).
  • Fixate discs (write lead-out information to prevent further data from being added to the disc).
  • Scan the SCSI/IDE bus for devices and collect information about their capabilities.
  • Create disc copies, on the fly and using a temporary disc image.
  • Import session data from multi-session discs and add more sessions to them.
  • Display disc information.
  • Save audio and data tracks to .wav, .wma, .ogg, .mp3 and .iso files.
Stage Plotting

Free Stage Plots
freestageplots.com

If your band plays in various venues, you'll need to bring (or send in advance for major events and touring) an informal input list or full stage plot for the sound person to use to help set up your live performance.

Keep it clear, practical, & bear in mind when sharing a stage with other acts, or playing a smaller venue, a little compromise may be required in the stage layout to share backline. Remember: the sound person generally has other acts to attend to, and your audience are there to hear you perform - not endure an endless setup. Always ensure your act is efficient with setup and breakdown times - allowing the previous/following act to bump in around you if necessary. 

Free Stage Plots is FREE & easy to use online service. Just drag the equipment icons into the stage area, resize, then hit Save/Print. You can also save your print preview image to add to more logistical information if required.

A stage plot graphically represents your band’s technical set-up. It includes the placement of all on stage of all gear, and any other useful information for your act's load-in, setup and soundcheck - clearly showing how all items are to be connected to the venue's sound system.

At minimum, a stage plot should include:
  • Act member names, and the instruments they play.
  • Basic visuals showing where members are positioned on stage.
  • Which instruments provide balanced output (XLR), direct input (DI or JACK) or require a microphone (MIC)
  • How many mics, DIs, monitors, and cables (XLRs or JACK) you required the venue to provide.

At present, there is no set industry standard for stage plots, so try to be as clear as possible. Some symbols are more commonly used for certain items:
  • Drums = set of various size circles denoting placement of each drum/cymbal
  • Microphones =  x inside of a circle
  • Monitor Speakers - triangles
  • Amplifiers = rectangles

Alternatively, you can simply supply an informal input list, indicating the quantity of the people, mics, instruments, amps, and DIs on stage - describing any other technical interrelationships of the sound chain.

Free Stage Plots
freestageplots.com

If your band plays in various venues, you'll need to bring (or send in advance for major events and touring) an informal input list or full stage plot for the sound person to use to help set up your live performance.

Keep it clear, practical, & bear in mind when sharing a stage with other acts, or playing a smaller venue, a little compromise may be required in the stage layout to share backline. Remember: the sound person generally has other acts to attend to, and your audience are there to hear you perform - not endure an endless setup. Always ensure your act is efficient with setup and breakdown times - allowing the previous/following act to bump in around you if necessary. 

Free Stage Plots is FREE & easy to use online service. Just drag the equipment icons into the stage area, resize, then hit Save/Print. You can also save your print preview image to add to more logistical information if required.

A stage plot graphically represents your band’s technical set-up. It includes the placement of all on stage of all gear, and any other useful information for your act's load-in, setup and soundcheck - clearly showing how all items are to be connected to the venue's sound system.

At minimum, a stage plot should include:
  • Act member names, and the instruments they play.
  • Basic visuals showing where members are positioned on stage.
  • Which instruments provide balanced output (XLR), direct input (DI or JACK) or require a microphone (MIC)
  • How many mics, DIs, monitors, and cables (XLRs or JACK) you required the venue to provide.

At present, there is no set industry standard for stage plots, so try to be as clear as possible. Some symbols are more commonly used for certain items:
  • Drums = set of various size circles denoting placement of each drum/cymbal
  • Microphones =  x inside of a circle
  • Monitor Speakers - triangles
  • Amplifiers = rectangles

Alternatively, you can simply supply an informal input list, indicating the quantity of the people, mics, instruments, amps, and DIs on stage - describing any other technical interrelationships of the sound chain.
Operating System

Ubuntu Studio

ubuntustudio.org
Linux

Ubuntu is a FREE GNU/Linux operating system aimed at the audio, video and graphic professional or enthusiast. For those of you not convinced, many "mission critical" servers have been running on Linux for years! Ubuntu Studio comes pre-packaged with many video, graphics, multimedia & audio applications, including Virtual Synths, Sampling, Sequencing, FX, DSP, Music Typesetting, MIDI & DJ Tools:
 
  • a2jmidid - a2jmidid is a daemon for exposing legacy ALSA sequencer applications in JACK MIDI system.
  • JACK Audio Connection Kit - a sound server daemon that provides low latency connections between applications for both audio and MIDI data.
  • Jack Rack - Virtual rackmount of LADSPA DSP effects plugins that works with JACK.
  • Ardour - a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation application that works with JACK.
  • Audacity - a digital audio editor application.
  • Audacious - a lightweight audio player.
  • BEAST - music composition and modular synthesis application.
  • Creox - A real-time guitar effects program that works with JACK.
  • FluidSynth - Software Wavetable Synthesizer that works with JACK.
  • Hydrogen - an advanced drum machine that works with JACK.
  • JAMin - the JACK Audio Connection Kit Audio Mastering interface that works with JACK.
  • LilyPond - a program for engraving sheet music
  • Mixxx - a digital DJ-style mixing program
  • MusE - a MIDI/Audio sequencer using JACK and ALSA
  • MuseScore - a music scorewriter for Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac
  • Patchage - GUI access to patch MIDI and Audio software together for JACK.
  • Pure Data - a programming environment for multimedia that works with Jack.
  • Rosegarden - a digital audio workstation program that works with JACK. (Not included in latest release – it must be installed).
  • Tapiir - a software multitap delay with realtime audio I/O that works with JACK.
  • Timemachine - Records the last 30 seconds of sound to the hard drive, so a 'one off' sound can be captured - works with JACK.
  • TiMidity++ - a software synthesizer that is able to convert from MIDI to various formats.
  • Xwax - a vinyl record emulator.
  • ZynAddSubFX - a complex yet easy to use subtractive, additive, FM synthesizer with DSP effects, and exceptional software synthesizer that works with JACK.

Ubuntu Studio

ubuntustudio.org
Linux

Ubuntu is a FREE GNU/Linux operating system aimed at the audio, video and graphic professional or enthusiast. For those of you not convinced, many "mission critical" servers have been running on Linux for years! Ubuntu Studio comes pre-packaged with many video, graphics, multimedia & audio applications, including Virtual Synths, Sampling, Sequencing, FX, DSP, Music Typesetting, MIDI & DJ Tools:
 
  • a2jmidid - a2jmidid is a daemon for exposing legacy ALSA sequencer applications in JACK MIDI system.
  • JACK Audio Connection Kit - a sound server daemon that provides low latency connections between applications for both audio and MIDI data.
  • Jack Rack - Virtual rackmount of LADSPA DSP effects plugins that works with JACK.
  • Ardour - a hard disk recorder and digital audio workstation application that works with JACK.
  • Audacity - a digital audio editor application.
  • Audacious - a lightweight audio player.
  • BEAST - music composition and modular synthesis application.
  • Creox - A real-time guitar effects program that works with JACK.
  • FluidSynth - Software Wavetable Synthesizer that works with JACK.
  • Hydrogen - an advanced drum machine that works with JACK.
  • JAMin - the JACK Audio Connection Kit Audio Mastering interface that works with JACK.
  • LilyPond - a program for engraving sheet music
  • Mixxx - a digital DJ-style mixing program
  • MusE - a MIDI/Audio sequencer using JACK and ALSA
  • MuseScore - a music scorewriter for Linux, Microsoft Windows and Mac
  • Patchage - GUI access to patch MIDI and Audio software together for JACK.
  • Pure Data - a programming environment for multimedia that works with Jack.
  • Rosegarden - a digital audio workstation program that works with JACK. (Not included in latest release – it must be installed).
  • Tapiir - a software multitap delay with realtime audio I/O that works with JACK.
  • Timemachine - Records the last 30 seconds of sound to the hard drive, so a 'one off' sound can be captured - works with JACK.
  • TiMidity++ - a software synthesizer that is able to convert from MIDI to various formats.
  • Xwax - a vinyl record emulator.
  • ZynAddSubFX - a complex yet easy to use subtractive, additive, FM synthesizer with DSP effects, and exceptional software synthesizer that works with JACK.
Portable Applications
 Mac
freesmug.org/portableapps
 Windows

portableapps.com

 Linux

portablelinuxapps.org

What are Portable Apps & Why Use Them?
Those who do not own a personal computer, or do but also use public computers while travelling, may wish to consider portable applications.

A "portable app" is software which, if compatible with the end computer's operating system, can be carried on a portable device that supports mounting as an external drive - e.g. USB Stick, Media Card, External Hard-drive, some iPods & other mobile devices.

The great thing about portable apps is they generally run on minimal hardware specifications, and by using the right configuration, store your private information to your personal device - not the computer you are using.

Audacity Audio Editor, Open Office Office Suite, Thunderbird Email Client & Firefox Web Browser are all free and available as cross-platform, portable applications - a more secure consideration whenever using another person's computer, or public computers while on the road.
 Mac
freesmug.org/portableapps
 Windows

portableapps.com

 Linux

portablelinuxapps.org

What are Portable Apps & Why Use Them?
Those who do not own a personal computer, or do but also use public computers while travelling, may wish to consider portable applications.

A "portable app" is software which, if compatible with the end computer's operating system, can be carried on a portable device that supports mounting as an external drive - e.g. USB Stick, Media Card, External Hard-drive, some iPods & other mobile devices.

The great thing about portable apps is they generally run on minimal hardware specifications, and by using the right configuration, store your private information to your personal device - not the computer you are using.

Audacity Audio Editor, Open Office Office Suite, Thunderbird Email Client & Firefox Web Browser are all free and available as cross-platform, portable applications - a more secure consideration whenever using another person's computer, or public computers while on the road.
 

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