Re: Choice of pitch input mode

[Anthonys Lists]

On 29/04/2016 12:58, Matt Hood wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I’ve got a non-technical question regarding mode of pitch input. What does 
> everyone prefer? Relative, absolute, or a mix of both?

Relative. Every time. Alhough I'm sure other people will disagree with 
me :-)
> I’ve always stuck to relative, but I feel like I’ve hit a brick wall as far as 
> fluency goes. I’m still quite slow at it, and I spend half of my time trying to 
> work out whether I need to change octave or not - usually getting it wrong, and 
> watching half of a page disappear into ledger lines.

The problem isn't applying the rule (the rule is easy). The problem is 
*remembering* to apply the rule. If it's a fourth away or less then no 
modifier is needed. I actually find it more effort keeping note 
*lengths* accurate.

>   Add in temporary polyphonic passages, chords, etc, and it all just becomes an 
> exercise in trial and error. Any tips for keeping control?

Mmmm. I don't tend to do chords ... I can see where that makes life 
difficult ... I think if I had to do a lot of chords I probably would 
switch to absolute. But for entering voices - and even when combining 
them - to me relative just seems so much simpler.

> Any anecdotes or mildly related musings are welcome, I feel like it would be 
> good to facilitate a general discussion.
Cheers,
Wol