IWBNI it were possible to specify dotted durations or a pattern of mixed durations to be entered when using the hands-free MIDI mode of the speedy entry tool. As it is now, the hands-free mode may be used to enter a sequence of notes that have the same duration. The duration which is to be used for all notes, is specified by pressing one of the number keys on the computer keyboard. Then, a sequence of pitches is specified by pressing keys on the MIDI keyboard.

This could be implemented by allowing one to enter a sequence of durations prior to pressing keys on the MIDI keyboard. The command syntax could be similar to that which is used with the command-line plug-in. When the speedy entry editing frame is displayed, one to could press Shift+[ and Shift+] to indicate the beginning and end of a command string, respectively. The command for each duration would be separated by a space or comma. A dot could be used to specify dotted durations. An R could be used to specify a rest. The prefix TP could be used to specify a tuplet. (Note: The current functionality whereby one can press a number key to specify a single duration would continue to be supported. It would not be necessary to press Shift+[ and Shift+] before and after the number in this simple case.)

The following table show some examples of command strings:
 
 

Command String	Pattern of Durations
{5.}	Dotted quarter note
{5. 4}	Dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note
{5. 4 5R}	Dotted quarter note followed by an eighth note followed by a quarter rest (R)
{TP34 6}	Tuplet (TP) consisting of 3 eighth notes (4) in the time of 2 eighth notes followed by a half note (6)
{TP5343 6}	Tuplet (TP) consisting of 5 sixteenth notes (3) in the time of 4 sixteenth notes (3) followed by a half note (6)
{TP5343(4 4 3R) 6.R}	Tuplet (TP) consisting of 5 sixteenths (3) in the time of 4 sixteenths (3) where the component durations of the tuplet are 2 eighth notes followed by a sixteenth rest (4 4 3R). This tuplet is followed by a dotted half rest (6.R)

For example, suppose the following music is to be entered using the hands-free mode of the speedy entry tool:

To enter this music one could:

1. Create 2 measures with time signature 3/4.

2. Select the speedy entry tool, click the first measure to display the speedy entry editing frame and press Caps Lock to select the hands-free mode of the speedy entry tool.

3. Press Shift+[ to begin the command to specify durations. Type the following keys on the computer keyboard: number 5, the period key, space, number 4, space, number 5, the r key. Press Shift+] to end the command.

4. Press the following keys on the MIDI keyboard sequentially: C, E, G, and Bb.

Created: March 22, 2000 (based on a submission from Andrew Stiller)
Last Updated: March 22, 2000
Version: Finale 2000b