Setup Mode – Players and Instruments in Dorico
Introduction
Setting up players and instruments correctly is the first step in any Dorico project. Unlike traditional notation software that focuses on staves, Dorico uses a player-centric approach, allowing greater flexibility when handling instrument changes and score layouts. This is particularly useful for arrangers and orchestrators transitioning from Finale.
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Adding Players
- Open Dorico and start a new project.
- In Setup Mode, click Add Player in the left panel.
- Choose between:
- Solo Player (e.g., individual instruments like a flute or violin)
- Section Player (for ensemble sections like Violin I, Violin II, or SATB choir parts)
- The player will appear in the left panel with an instrument placeholder.
2. Assigning Instruments
- Click on the player’s name and select Change Instrument if necessary.
- Use the instrument search to find and assign the correct instrument.
- If a player needs to double on multiple instruments (e.g., flute and piccolo), add an additional instrument under the same player.
3. Managing Instrument Changes
- Dorico handles instrument changes automatically in Galley View and ensures proper label placement in Page View.
- You can adjust instrument change warnings and display options in Layout Options > Players.
4. Naming and Customization
- Rename players and instruments by double-clicking on their names in Setup Mode.
- Adjust instrument transpositions in Notation Options for correct playback and display.
Tips & Best Practices
- Use Solo Players for individuals and Section Players for ensemble writing—this prevents unexpected behavior in playback and part extraction.
- Utilize instrument changes instead of creating separate staves for doublings.
- Assign instrument order carefully when dealing with transpositions to ensure readability in condensed scores.
Common Issues & Troubleshooting
Problem: Instrument names aren’t displaying correctly
- Solution: Check the Layout Options under Players to adjust naming conventions.
Problem: Dorico isn’t switching instruments properly in playback
- Solution: Ensure that instrument changes are properly assigned and check Playback Options.
Problem: Parts are appearing empty
- Solution: Ensure instruments are correctly assigned to a player and verify visibility settings in Layout Options.
FAQs
Q: Can I switch a player from solo to section or vice versa?
A: No, but you can delete the player and create a new one with the desired type.
Q: How do I add a custom instrument not listed in Dorico?
A: You can create custom instrument definitions in Library > Instruments.
Q: Can I copy instrument settings from one project to another?
A: Yes, by using Dorico’s project templates or saving as a default layout.