Using Sibelius effectively

I’ve been using Sibelius seriously for several years now, and along the way I’ve learned a lot about how Sibelius thinks, what it can and can’t do, and how to achieve the results I want in the simplest, most future-proof way.

This handy PDF breaks down the basic steps you’ll take to create a simple score. It explains why we do things one way and not another, and warns against some common traps new users (and some experienced ones too!) fall into that just make life more difficult in the long run.

While every score requires a different approach, this guide is structured in a generally chronological order for most cases. After a brief introduction to notation software, and a quick overview of things to know and do before you click the Sibelius icon, the guide will walk you through every major step of score creation.

This guide is formatted to display equally well on computers, tablets, and e-readers, or you can print out a copy to keep on your desk. Related topics are extensively cross-referenced throughout, and all the keyboard shortcuts mentioned are listed at the end for easy reference. If Sibelius has ever made you feel angry, confused, or defeated, then this is the guide for you!