Five Common Music Notation Mistakes to Avoid
Music notation is the universal language that allows musicians to interpret and perform an arranger’s or composer's creative vision. Just like any language, it is important to use it accurately to effectively convey your musical ideas. As a self-publisher, avoiding common music notation mistakes is essential for clear communication and a polished final product for your customers. In this post, we will explore five of the most common music notation mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them.
1. Inconsistent Note Durations
One of the fundamental aspects of music notation is accurately representing the duration of each note. Mistakes in note durations can disrupt the flow of a piece and lead to confusion among performers. Avoid these pitfalls by paying close attention to rests, ties, and dots. Make sure that each note's duration aligns with the time signature and double-check your rhythms for accuracy.
Also, be sure you are familiar with how your music notation software represents note and rest values by default and be consistent in your treatment of those durations throughout (e.g. ensure you don’t have dotted quarter rests in some measures and quarter + eighth rests in others). Utilizing a metronome while notating is also a helpful tool to ensure precise note durations.
Related resource: check out our “Notating Syncopated Rhythms” post for a deeper dive on the pitfalls of notating syncopation!
The example on top is inconsistent.
The bottom example represents the same note and rest values, but is much clearer for the performer.
2. ‘Accidental’ Confusion
Accidentals (sharps, flats, and naturals) are crucial in indicating alterations in pitch within a piece. Forgetting to indicate courtesy accidentals from measure to measure can result in wrong notes and confusion for the performers. Again, most notation software contains default settings for this, but accidentals can sometimes get tricky! Always double-check any passage containing accidentals and ensure your intentions are clear and accurate.
It is always a good idea to notate courtesy accidentals in the measure immediately following the measure where an accidental was first used. A courtesy accidental is not typically necessary after a full measure passes from the one the accidental was used, but it never hurts to add them if you feel it might be helpful to the performer, particularly in music written for less experienced musicians.
Top example is technically correct, but without a courtesy accidental the performer may be left to guess if the “E” note is flat or natural. Always be clear, especially when writing for less experienced musicians!
3. Incomplete Dynamics
Dynamics provide essential cues about the volume and intensity of a piece. Inaccurate dynamic markings can lead to a misinterpretation of the intended mood and expression. To avoid this, ensure consistency in dynamic notations and use markings such as crescendos and decrescendos to guide the performers through gradual changes in volume.
Don’t overthink it! Omitting dynamics is never a good idea, but you can certainly go overboard with notating too many. Try to strike the right balance between your intentions as the arranger or composer, and leaving room for the performer to interpret what you’ve written. However you decide to treat the dynamics in the middle of your music, always give the performer a dynamic on their first entrance!
Related resource: For a deeper dive on this critical topic, be sure to check out our “Notating Dynamics” post!
Missing dynamics are confusing.
Example of “just right” dynamic markings.
4. Missing or Misusing Articulations
Articulation markings (staccato, legato, marcato, etc.) influence the way a musical phrase is played. Misusing or omitting these markings can result in misinterpretation by performers. Avoid this mistake by using articulation symbols consistently throughout your piece and according to standard notation conventions. And remember to be mindful of the instrument(s) for which you are writing. Some instruments, like strings, have unique articulations to achieve specific effects beyond those available to wind or brass instruments, for example. Clearly indicate where a change in articulation occurs, and provide additional written instructions if necessary to avoid confusion.
Basic articulations guide for writing contemporary music.
5. Formatting and Layout Issues
The visual presentation of your music matters. Poor formatting and layout can make your notation difficult to read, causing frustration for performers and conductors. Take some time to thoughtfully consider things like proper spacing between notes and staves, consistent alignment of musical elements, appropriate page breaks, etc. A well-formatted score not only looks more professional, but also enhances the legibility and usability of your chart. This saves valuable rehearsal time and gives your customers confidence in the music you create, establishes yourself as a trustworthy self-publisher, and (hopefully) leads to repeat business!
Here are a few general formatting and layout tips to keep in mind:
Begin a new section or new key with a brand new stave so these elements start on the left side of the page. Try to avoid starting new sections or keys in the middle of a stave if possible.
Use an average of four (4) measures per stave, depending on the time signature, rhythmic complexity, musical phrasing, etc. This will help keep your score clean and avoid a cramped look. If the notes feel too close together to you, they will definitely feel that way to the performer!
Avoid page turns in the middle of a playing passage when writing for instrumentalists. Sometimes this is unavoidable, but try to give your player(s) at least a short passage of rest in order to turn the page successfully.
Keep your pages balanced. Are the last three or four measures of your piece all alone at the top of the very last page? Try to balance both the measures per stave and/or the number of staves per page so that each page of music appears full and generally even.
(Pro tip: If you can’t quite get the spacing right on the last page, add a text block with rehearsal notes or performance notes to fill up the extra space!)
By steering clear of these five common music notation mistakes, you will produce clearer, more accurate, and more expressive musical scores. Remember, music notation is the bridge between the arranger/composer and the performer and taking the time to ensure your notation is clear and accurate will lead to a more successful and gratifying musical experience for the musicians playing your music!
