Percussion Kits in Dorico
Introduction
Dorico allows users to create and manage kits, which are essential for handling percussion setups, custom instrument groupings, and notation flexibility. Unlike Finale, where percussion mapping can be cumbersome, Dorico streamlines the process with Setup Mode and intuitive assignment tools.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Creating a New Kit
- In Setup Mode, click Add Player and choose Percussion > Kit.
- A new kit appears in the left panel.
- Click the three dots next to the kit name, then select Edit Kit.
2. Adding and Arranging Instruments
- In the Edit Kit window:
- Click Add Instrument to include individual percussion instruments.
- Drag instruments to reorder them within the kit.
- Assign appropriate notation types (single-line, grid, or five-line staff).
3. Adjusting Kit Notation Styles
- Open Library > Kit Notation to choose between:
- Grid Notation (for multi-instrument displays).
- Five-Line Staff (traditional drum set notation).
- Single-Line Staff (individual percussion instruments).
- Apply the desired style per player or layout.
4. Creating and Managing Percussion Maps
- In Play Mode > Percussion Maps, assign multiple Playback Techniques to each instrument within the kit.
- Playback Techniques direct MIDI to the correct slot or note in the VST player.
- Playing Techniques are for score display and can optionally link to Playback Techniques, but in a kit, the correct staff position usually determines the connection.
- Techniques can have custom noteheads and use Playback Techniques to link to the correct MIDI note.
- Unlike Finale, a Percussion Kit can contain sounds from multiple VST or AU sound libraries.
5. Editing Sound Variations in Playback
- Playback Techniques can be positioned slightly above or below the default or open sound in the Percussion Kit Editor.
- With Playback Techniques, it is possible to load dozens of sound variations for each instrument in the kit.
- When entering notes in Write Mode, you can audition different sound variants by navigating with Option + Arrow Up/Down.
- In Play Mode, the Key Editor allows direct manipulation:
- Drag note entries onto the desired MIDI note.
- Playback Techniques appear as text hints beside the mini keyboard in the Key Editor.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use single-line notation for unpitched percussion to maintain clarity.
- Adjust staff visibility in Layout Options > Players > Percussion for optimal readability.
- Test MIDI mappings in Play Mode before finalizing playback.
- Customize noteheads to differentiate playing techniques visually.
- Use Key Editor in Play Mode to fine-tune playback techniques efficiently.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem: Kit instruments are not displaying correctly.
- Solution: Verify the notation style in Edit Kit.
Problem: Incorrect playback for kit instruments.
- Solution: Check mappings in Play Mode > Percussion Maps and adjust as needed.
Problem: Drum set notation looks different between score and parts.
- Solution: Use Library > Kit Notation to sync display settings.
FAQs
Q: Can I mix notation styles within the same kit?
A: Yes, Dorico allows different notation styles per layout or part.
Q: How do I change drum notation after creating a kit?
A: Use Edit Kit and adjust the notation style per instrument.
Q: Can I assign custom MIDI mappings for drum pads?
A: Yes, use Edit Percussion Map under Play Mode for manual assignments.