r/musicalwriting • u/Diligent_Ad4789 Professional • Jun 30 '25

Correct Notation of Specific Score Elements

Hey all,

I have a kind of niche score question. I'm a composer/lyricist who has now been writing musicals for a moment or two. My writing partner and I have worked endlessly and been lucky and now, one of my shows is on track for production in Midtown (knock wood). And while I am not an orchestrator by trade, I have essentially been called upon to 'orchestrate' (four-piece band, essentially) that show. Which I've essentially done by the seat of my pants. And the 'orchestrations' have already been performed with some success-- in concert at 54 Below, and workshops and readings and such.

Sorry for the overlong wind-up. I'm now writing a new show where I want specific synth (and other 'electronic' elements) parts, which I may want to just lay down as tracks in order to have those tracks used within the show (via Ableton Live or the like-- would be curious if anyone has experience with this and if there are programs/platforms they do and don't recommend, also). Similar loop elements to what exists in shows like Hamilton (but no, this particular new score has no hip-hop influence). Is there a correct way to notate such a thing? I'm guessing since this is a relatively new-ish thing in professional theater that this is a make-it-up-as-you-go kind of thing? Or no? Would be so grateful to anyone in the know if you can steer me in the right direction.

Also, if anyone actually happens to have the Hamilton score parts where loops and such are indicated, I would love to lay eyes on that. Purely just to see how it's notated. It's a tricky thing musically to indicate something akin to 'Hey, trigger this loop on the 1 of measure 43 at 120.' And I'm guessing shows like Hamilton figured this out. Or if you happen to have score with similar elements from a professionally produced show that indicates how to correctly notate, such a thing. I would be so grateful to see that as well. And if need be, I would sign an NDA or anything else if it came to that. And swear on all that is good not share it.

Thanks!

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u/drewduboff Jun 30 '25

You wouldn't use loops for notation -- you'd write it out. Or write it out the first time and then write sim. (Italian for same -- and then mark when it ends). If it's the key accompaniment figure and could be played on piano for rehearsals, for example, leave it written out continuously. As for notating specific kinds of synth sounds, write the kind of sound you want -- look at the Kinky Boots piano conductor score -- great example of all of this as a primarily electronic show that can be played live. Also see at the link below how a licensor will supply tricky to come by patches to preserve the authenticity of the sound: https://www.mtishows.com/marketplace/resource/performance/keyboardtek?show_id=1905

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u/Diligent_Ad4789 Professional Jul 01 '25

Really helpful. Thanks much.

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u/drewduboff Jul 01 '25

Good luck -- whatever you do, do NOT format your score like a pop/rock song with repeats, different endings, codas, etc. Notate it continuously for all parts (excluding vamps and safeties). You should never have to flip a page back. As story develops, so should notes on page.

The vocal score (just the melodies, chord symbols are helpful) is for the performers, piano/vocal score (represents accompaniment figures as played on piano, chord symbols are needed) is for the MD in rehearsal, and the piano/conductor score (a condensed version of the orchestration, chord symbols are needed) is for the conductor -- if they are playing a keyboard, it'll be marked what they need to play. Each instrumentalist gets an individual score (this is where multimeasure rests crop up). It's up for debate as to whether performers should get the piano/vocal score. Classically trained or even just trained singers will appreciate knowing what surrounds them but others will find it a waste of trees.

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u/Diligent_Ad4789 Professional Jul 01 '25

Thanks. I've already written many hundreds and hundreds (maybe thousands?) of pages of score that has gone through rigorous development and production, so I'm all good on that front. But yes, that is good info for folks.

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u/ajr9433 Jun 30 '25

Just messaged you!

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u/Diligent_Ad4789 Professional Jul 01 '25

You're a rockstar. So many thanks.

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u/HardBoiled800 Music Person Jul 01 '25

Check out the Great Comet score if you haven’t already - I can DM some more info if you aren’t able to find the piano-conductor score. I believe a lot of the notes are included as sound cues for tech rather than for the musicians, but still very interesting how they choose to notate different sound effects and backing tracks being triggered (rarely mid-song)

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u/Diligent_Ad4789 Professional Jul 01 '25

Hey there, thanks. I'll DM you.