Advice on scoring for the Quartertone marimba.![](https://media.researchcatalogue.net/rc/master/b8/c3/89/f4/b8c389f46c3fa545e6e00cca1f195eb8.jpeg?t=3a9dbaea90058e634758890a363398d1&e=1725261600)
Microtonal music can be notated in many different ways, using a variety of accidentals.
![](https://media.researchcatalogue.net/rc/master/ca/ee/ad/2d/caeead2d53a2169f7174d69731dd21f8.jpeg?t=820b3493e1bb517d7fa60daf7da68fdb&e=1725261600)
- I prefer to use only the symbols for quartertone flat and quartertone sharp. Combined with the normal sharp and flat accidentals, they make up a palette which is easy to read and
understand. As a result of this every marimba bar has its unique accidental.
- I prefer not to use three-quarter high and three-quarter low accidentals. However, it is possible to use the three-quarter low symbol for three-quarter low E, A and B.
- Be aware of the issue of quartertone sharp E and B which should be notated as quartertone flat F and C.
- When using accidentals, consider using them on every note in the bar. If accidentals apply for one note only it becomes easier to read.
- Remember that the distance from the score to the player is well over a meter. Make the score clean and clear.
- Music should be notated on a regular two-staff system (like a piano score). In special cases the music can be dspread over a double system, one for each marimba.
This notation system will work for other instrumentalists as well.
Examples of scoring for quartertones
Using quartertones in notation software |