IWBNI, when entering notes using the step-time mode of speedy entry (i.e. the mode where a MIDI keyboard is not used), it were possible to enter a sequence of notes of various pitches that are of the same duration by first specifying the common duration and then specifying the pitches.

As it is now, it is possible to enter notes in this way by using the hands-free MIDI mode of the speedy entry tool which is accessed by pressing the Caps Lock key. Specifically, one may select the menu item Use MIDI Keyboard on the Speedy menu that is associated with the speedy entry tool and press the Caps Lock key. Then, a number key may be pressed to specify a duration after which a sequence of keys may be pressed on the MIDI keyboard to specify a sequence of pitches.

This feature could be implemented by allowing the Caps Lock key to serve the same function when Use MIDI Keyboard is not checked on the Speedy menu. Specifically, one would (with the menu item Use MIDI Keyboard unchecked) press the Caps Lock key, press a number key and then press a sequence of alphabet keys on the computer keyboard to specify a sequence of pitches. The alphabet keys that are now used in step-time entry could be used for this purpose to specify pitch names and octaves. Also, the keys S, F, N, SS (i.e. S pressed twice) and FF (i.e. F pressed twice) could be used to specify the accidentals: sharp, flat, natural, double sharp and double flat, respectively.

For example, to enter the following measure with the speedy entry tool:

One would:

1. Create one measure with time signature 3/4.

2. Select the speedy entry tool, uncheck the menu item Use MIDI Keyboard, click the measure to display the speedy entry editing frame, and press the Caps Lock key to select the mode whereby a sequence of notes of the same duration may be entered.

3. Press the number key 4 to specify the duration of an eighth note. This would cause the number 4 to appear in the speedy entry editing frame as it does when using the hands-free MIDI mode of the speedy entry tool.

4. To specify the sequence of pitches G5, B5, G5, F5, Gb5 and Ab5 (where C4 is middle C), press the following keys:  T, space, U, space, T, space, R, space, T, F, space, Y, F, space.

Note: The keystrokes F, S, N, FF, and SS which are proposed here to be used for accidentals are the same as those that may be used when entering music in the SCORE program by San Andreas Press.

Created: May 13, 2000 (based on a submission from Jean Lespinasse)
Last Updated: May 13, 2000
Version: Finale 2000b