Digital Theory notation software

This page gives you the opportunity to try out the web-based music notation editor used in Trinity’s digital theory exams.

Notation entry

Using the interactive area in the box below, add a crotchet F and minim E to complete the bar.

Instructions

1. The blue teardrop cursor is on the first crotchet. Click on the first crotchet rest to move the cursor to it. The crotchet is selected in the 'Note' toolbar.
2. Click on the rest again, and this will enter the first note.
3. To enter the minim, change the note duration by clicking on the minim icon in the 'Note' toolbar.
4. Click again on the stave to enter the note.
5. The system will create another empty bar – if you want to remove this, click the 'Bar' (or 'Measure') toolbar and then 'Remove bar'.
6. If you need to alter the pitch of any notes, use the left and right cursor keys (left and right arrow keys) to move to the note you want to change and then use the up and down arrow keys to change the pitch as needed.

If you make a mistake whilst using the notation editor, you will also be able to reset the notation at any time by clicking 'Reset Answer'.

Rests can be entered in the same way, and there are options in the same toolbar for entering accidentals.

Dynamics

The Dynamics toolbar contains markings such as p, mp, f and also gradual markings such as cresc. and hairpins.

Add dynamics to the phrase below to match this example:

Instructions

1. Select the 'Dynamic' menu
2. Click on p to add this symbol below the first note.
3. Click on the crescendo hairpin image from the 'Dynamic' menu to add this symbol to the score. You can move the start or finish of the hairpin by clicking on the relevant blue circle and dragging this to the left or right.
4. Add the f symbol to the score in the correct place.

Blank manuscript

Finally, here is a blank stave for you to try out your own ideas.

For example you could:

• Change the time signature
• Add a key signature
• Try out different note values (and ties) and rest values
• Add accidentals
• Add dynamics and articulation
• Try using different voices

If you want to zoom in or out, the controls can be found in the 'Document' menu.

For instructions on how to do these, return to the digital theory guide page.