Tempo markings
A tempo marking in SongWriter can be purely
graphic or it can be defined for playback. Several of these markings have
been predefined and stored in a Text Expressions Library.
In larger scores with two or more instrumental groups, SongWriter automatically places all tempo marks on the top score staff as well as the top staff of each instrumental group.
- Click
the Expression tool .
- Double-click
where you would like to attach the
marking. The Expression Selection dialog box appears.
- Choose the Tempo Mark category from the list on the left.
If the desired marking already appears in the
list, double-click it or click and press Select. The marking appears in
the score. If it does not appear in the list, do the following to create your own custom marking.
- Click
Create Tempo Mark. The Text Expression Designer dialog box appears.
- Type
the text for the tempo marking. You can enter Allegro,
Moderato, or whatever marking you want.
- To add notes for metronome markings, click the Insert
drop-down menu and choose the desired note duration. Then, type "=[# of beats per minute]". SongWriter automatically assigns the playback tempo based on the value you enter. To assign a different tempo than the one specified, click the Tempo tab to open the Text Expression Designer - Tempo dialog box.
- Click
the Expression tool . Expression handles appear.
- Drag
the handle to move the tempo marking. Select it and press the arrow keys
to “nudge” it for fine positioning; select it and press delete to remove
it.
- Click
the Expression tool . If you haven’t yet placed the marking in the
score, double-click any note or measure. When the Expression Selection
dialog box appears, click the desired marking, click Edit, and then skip
to the instruction marked by the asterisk (*).
- Ctrl-Double-click
the tempo marking’s handle. The Text Expression Designer dialog
box appears.
- *Click the Tempo tab.
- Check Assign
Tempo. Your tempo options become available or ungreyed.
- Select the
note to get the beat from the drop-down
list.
- Type in the
desired beats per minute tempo in the text box.
- Click
OK (or press enter).
Any time SongWriter encounters the expression you’ve just defined
when it plays back your score, the tempo will change to reflect the expression’s
playback definition.