Is It Better to Write Music on Paper or Computer?

Should you write music on paper or on a computer? Does it matter?
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Should you write music on paper or on a computer? Does it matter? Is technology harmful to the composition process? This debate goes around the composition community, so today I thought I'd explore the topic in depth. Spoiler Alert: Both have their pros and cons.
Timecodes:
0:00 - Intro
0:46 - Should You Use Technology To Compose?
2:57 - Pros and Cons of Paper
4:34 - Pros and Cons of Piano
6:06 - Pros and Cons of Software
8:56 - My Hybrid Workflow
9:53 - Two Conclusions
Hey, I'm Jesse, a composer and music theorist. Here on this channel I'm making videos about the composition life, musicianship, and how we all can become better musicians and composer together as a community. If you'd like to hear my work as a composer, check out my website: www.jessestrickland.com/music
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[@juanramonsilva1067]

I used to do all my compositions using notation programs or Logic, mainly because of the playback and the ability to change instruments. But I think the playback feature does more harm than good for the composer, a big reason why I think many people fear traditional pen and paper and is not knowing whether their composition will sound good. Also, composing traditionally with pen and paper and using an instrument like a piano as a tool to test your composition just takes a lot more effort, it also kinda forces you to be quite good at the instrument too. Using notation software if you want to write an intricate passage you can simply put it into the software, not having to worry about playing those fast 32th notes and seeing if they sound good. So, I think the effort into writing music with pen and paper pays off better and it will overall make you a rounder musician. Now a days I just use finale to copy my manuscript in there, and logic for creating mock-ups of what’s already written.

[@alleyway3215]

I use pen and paper and software. However, with what you said I totally agree: "I think the effort into writing music with pen and paper pays off better and it will overall make you a rounder musician." Well said.

[@alleyway3215]

I love this. Before I saw you're located in Cincinatti, I felt something about your demeanor that shouts "pragmatic with no bs." A midwest man! Your points about pen, paper and even a piano is technology is something I've thought about for just a year or so now. So on point. I'm also within that middle generation, as I grew up with cassettes in the 80s then shortly thereafter, CDs. I think you articulate the composing process conundrum well, that is, to be aware of the pros and cons. By the way - Liked, subscribed. I look forward to more.

[@JesseStrickland]

Thanks for the kind words! I'm originally from east Tennessee, but I've been in Cincinnati for a few years now. You know, it's crazy - I hear cassette tapes are making a comeback. We'll see.

[@GuitarML]

I just got one of those minilab3 keyboards, love it! Great topic, I'm not a composer but I find writing things down on paper a great way to slow down and get thoughts out, before moving to a laptop, etc.

[@JesseStrickland]

Yes! That’s a great quality of paper I didn’t think about. Slow, methodical thinking is very necessary.

[@donschia]

Thank you Jesse for your very clear explanation of what I am sure many of us have been pondering. I used to have an "always on paper first" approach but have moved to a hybrid. It always seemed odd to see contemporary writers sticking with their acoustic typewriters when you have a word processor in every device these days. I can't imagine the effort required to move sections around or do a god-forbid copy and replace with that older technology.

[@JesseStrickland]

Absolutely. Use all the tools you’ve got available to make the best art possible.

[@communityband1]

Music notation software developers know that their users usually start from their notation software. Sometimes they'll start from other things, but the vast majority of people using notation software use it from start to finish. That's why the companies include features for everything from composition to performance. The market wants these features. I personally never use pen and paper for composing or arranging. Speed, experimentation, and quickly adapting music to different targets are all priorities. I honestly don't believe that playback from notation software hurts people's aural development. I think it helps it. It allows users to enter notes that they think will sound a certain way and then learn if they were right or wrong. I've watched students do this and improve from it. It's very good ear training, and the complexity of what they can notate is often much greater than what they can play on their instruments.

[@haydenthorne220]

What notation software are you using? I don't recognize it. Thanks for the video!

[@JesseStrickland]

Dorico. I'm a couple of versions behind at the moment, but it's my favorite notation software. Thanks for watching!

[@haydenthorne220]

@@JesseStricklandgotcha. I'm not familiar with that one. I've got Musescore write now but I'm not sure if I want to stick with it.

[@Olivier81961]

Hey i was wondering what paper do you use for writing? i really like the fact that its large and can take notes easily on the paper

[@JesseStrickland]

Hey! I use Archives 12x16 inch, 18 stave manuscript paper. The books I’ve got are 64 double sided pages and spiral bound. I absolutely love them. Highly recommend.