Enclose section markers (A, B, C) in bold boxes placed directly above the double barlines at the start of new phrases.
Modern notation software (like Sibelius, Finale, and Dorico) allows for endless font customization, but Berklee style relies on strict hierarchy: : Large, bold, centered at the top of the first page. Composer/Arranger : Right-aligned, slightly below the title.
: Standards for score order and part preparation.
: Syncopated rests should be broken down into smaller subdivisions (like eighth rests) to ensure the player can instantly track the downbeats. Chord Symbol Conventions Berklee Contemporary Music Notation Pdf
Small notes or rhythmic markers placed above the staff indicate accents played by the horns or lead instruments, allowing the rhythm section to "kick" those hits while maintaining the underlying groove. 3. Layout and System Formatting
Dynamics should always be placed below the staff for instrumentalists and above the staff for vocalists (to stay clear of lyrics). Layout and Engraving Best Practices
By adhering to these structured Berklee principles, you remove the guesswork from performance. Your charts will look clean, your rehearsals will run efficiently, and musicians will appreciate the professionalism you bring to the bandstand. Enclose section markers (A, B, C) in bold
: Time signatures (including composite signatures), measure numbers, and pickup measures.
Berklee Contemporary Music Notation is a comprehensive guide by Jonathan Feist (published by Berklee Press) that establishes standardized practices for writing music in modern styles like jazz, pop, and rock. Core Concepts of the Berklee Approach
Use standard hash marks centered on the staff line when a player is expected to comp or improvise over a chord progression using their own voicing and rhythm. : Standards for score order and part preparation
With a wealth of knowledge distilled from decades of teaching, Berklee Contemporary Music Notation is a practical guide to the best practices for creating professional-looking scores and parts. Authored by Jonathan Feist and published by Berklee Press in 2017, the book discusses hundreds of notation symbols and provides general guidelines for writing music.
One of the most foundational rules of contemporary chart design is formatting your music into four measures per system (line) whenever possible.
" (2017) by Jonathan Feist serves as a comprehensive reference for creating professional, publication-quality scores. It is used as a core textbook for the department at Berklee College of Music . Core Content & Topics