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Using Bme2 lessons

How to write a simple score

Let us make up the first simple score, inserting the most important elements. It should not prove very difficult.
It is good to start by writing in the title and author of the piece we are going to transcribe as well as to determine the key and time signature. All these functions can certainly be reached from the menu under “Insert” position, but it is much better to get familiar with the shortcuts (key combinations) we will need to use most frequently, because this makes our work easier and faster. It should be noted, however, that the key combinations usually differ depending on the keyboard we use. Keyboard selection was explained in detail in lesson 1. At this point just remember that in this manual we will give the key combination for the “Translated” keyboard in the first place and then, in brackets, the respective shortcut for the six-key keyboards: “Line” and “Sequence”. In some cases the shortcut will be the same for all the keyboards. At the end of this manual you will find the table of the most frequently used functions and respective key combinations for both types of keyboard.

By pressing ctrl+shift+U (U) we enter the “text” window. We write in the title and using the tab reach the “type” with a list of possible types of text to choose from. We go down with the arrow key to the required item “Title” and confirm it pressing “enter”.
The next item, e.g. author, can be inserted in the same way. However, you should remember to start the operation from the new line.
The key combination for inserting the key signature is ctrl+shift+Y (Y). It takes us to the “Key signature” window where it is necessary to write the required sharps or flats and confirm by pressing "enter". Using ctrl+shift+T (T) we enter the “time signature” window. We write in the time signature according to the Braille transcription rules (it can be either C or a fraction preceded by the numeral sign – dots 3456)and press “enter”. Both key and time signature should be inserted in the layout as we wish to have them in the Braille print-out, i.e. in a separate line with an indentation or in the centre (see example 5).

Braille example 5

On the printout obtained based on XML all the above items will be placed as required by the arrangement on the staff, irrespective of the Braille layout. And thus the author will be placed above the staff on the right, the title – in the central position, while the key and time signature – on the staff.

Now let us write notes. Remember to separate measures with spaces. It is better not to have too long lines, which improves our orientation in the text and makes it easier to find a required place.
The current bar can be listened to if we press ctrl+shift+B (B). The whole score is played after pressing ctrl+B followed by the space. The space also stops the “Play” mode.
Listening to what we are writing will help us avoid many common errors, e.g. omission of the octave mark, sharp or flat (see example 6).

Braille example 6

It is also important to point out that a Braille display, although not absolutely indispensable, is very helpful in writing Braille scores and makes the work more efficient.
To conclude, we have to save the file as it is usually done in any other editor. It is advisable to use the ctrl+S function throughout the course of working so as not to lose our file if something goes wrong.

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