Re: Fast lilypond input - does midi keyboard help?

[Valentin Villenave]

On Sun, Sep 13, 2009 at 1:51 AM, Daryna Baikadamova
<address@hidden> wrote:
> In your opinion, would it be faster just to input lilypond using the
> traditional method, or using the hybrid method to enter the notes
> first, then go back and add / correct other details?

I guess it depends if you're simply copying already-published
material, or writing new scores.

Here's how I usually work for my music:

1 - Using pencil/paper, I write the music without any "decoration":
dynamics, slurs etc.

2 - Then I type only the notes+rhythm using the qwerty keyboard.

3 - Then I print the whole thing, and add the decorations with a pencil.

4 - Then I open my ly code back, and copy the
slurs/articulations/dynamics etc. To speed up the process, I use:
 - jEdit (or Fresco) user-defined keyboard shortcuts to add accents
etc. In jEdit it's really easy to e.g. select multiple lines of code,
and with one keystroke add staccato dots to all the notes.
 - LilyPond user-defined macros in the code, such as
http://lsr.dsi.unimi.it/LSR/Item?id=82

I personally found that adding slurs etc. right from the start is much
slower because:
 - From a "mental process" point of view, it's a very different
process than inputing notes. Different code, different syntax, etc.
 - From a "composition" point of view, I somehow need to see the music
printed before adding "decoration". Otherwise I could spend hours
hesitating about the right place to start a slur, what makes more
sense etc.

Of course, this latter point might be different when you're copying
previously-published material.

Regards,
Valentin