Flexi-time Input

If you are starting from this section of the project, you should open the example score called Project 1 and make the 4 Flexi-time input
version into the Current version, by choosing Review > Versions > Edit Versions. Select this version in the list and click Make current.

You have already learned how to input notes by clicking on a staff with the mouse as well as by using the Keyboard panel. There are,
however, much faster ways to input notes, which you should try and see which one feels most comfortable for you—or mix and match;
you don’t need to tell Sibelius that you’re changing input method. Now you will learn to use Sibelius’s unique real-time note input sys-
tem, called Flexi-time™.

“Real-time” input simply means that you can play into a computer program and it will write down both the pitches and the rhythm you
play. That’s the theory, anyway. In practice, it is very difficult for any program to understand what rhythm you are playing without either
analyzing the music after your performance or being given a lot of help. This usually means you have to play along as exactly as possible
with a metronome click, and then “quantize” the music afterwards in an attempt to clean up any inaccuracies in your rhythm.

However, Sibelius takes a unique approach that enables you to play in a rather freer style and still get good results. If you don’t have a
MIDI keyboard or MIDI guitar, skip on to Alphabetic and Step-time Input on page 25.

Using a MIDI Device

To use Flexi-time, you must have a MIDI keyboard or MIDI guitar connected to your computer.

To select a MIDI device for MIDI input and playback:

1 Make sure your MIDI device is correctly installed (drivers and cable connections).
2 Choose Note Input > Setup > Input Devices.

Sibelius Preferences, Input Devices

3 Locate your device’s name in the table at the top of the page (such as an M-Audio Oxygen 8) and ensure that the Use checkbox is
selected.

If you are using a MIDI guitar, you will need to change the Type value by clicking the drop-down menu and choosing Guitar, rather than
Keyboard. However, for this chapter, you’re going to be using a MIDI keyboard.

To learn more about setting up input and playback with MIDI devices, see  3.13 Input Devices in the Reference Guide.

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Flexi-time Input