Getting Started with Dorico
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So you just got Dorico or you have the trial, and now you want to know how to use it.
Here are a collection of resources and ideas I found helpful in my process:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
How to Get Started
References to Keep at Hand
Tutorial Videos + Guides
Online Support Forums
Dorico Lessons + Personal Trainings
How to Get Started
Recently, I retypeset and revised my 2010 orchestral piece Summer Has Ten Thousand Stars, making special use of the condensing feature. The piece was performed by the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra as part of ACO's EarShot readings.
The fastest way to learn Dorico is NOT to learn about the interface theoretically. Instead, copy something.If you need ideas, here are a few:
Palestrina: Sicut Cervus
Holst: First Suite for Band
Ellington: Black, Brown and Beige
Gubaidulina: Ten Cello Preludes
Any of, like, a jillion scores on YouTube
Copying scores like this will surface a bunch of questions you otherwise wouldn’t think to ask (see “Tutorials” and “Getting Help” below).
References to Keep at Hand
Like learning an instrument, it’ll take a few months to get fluid at entering notes, symbols, and text. Until these commands enter your muscle memory, you’re going to want to have these references handy:
I still refer to these sheets on occasion.
Tutorial Videos + Guides
Steinberg’s team has put together loads of excellent tutorials on their YouTube channel. Here are some highlights:
Download and Install Dorico: perhaps the most useful video when you’re starting from scratch
Switching from Finale to Dorico: 4 videos that cover the common questions Finale users have
Expression Maps and Play mode: for using professional sample libraries
Tools for Arranging Music: time savers for large ensemble music
Condensing Scores—Part 1, Part 2, Part 3: another must for large ensemble music
Be sure to check out the monthly Discover Dorico live sessions
Online Support Forums
Wherever you go online, the Dorico team is super helpful and will typically get back to you within a day, if not hours of you asking your question. The larger community often will answer questions even faster.
I’m also happy to answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out via email (joseph@composersschool.com) or any of my socials (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
Dorico Lessons + Personal Trainings
If you want further instruction on how to use Dorico, I’m here to help.
I offer a discounted fee from my standard private lesson rate ($75 for an hour session). I’m happy to offer you private tutorials specialized to your specific musical goals. You may schedule a time below.
If you can’t find a time that works, email me at joseph@composersschool.com and we’ll figure something out.
