Sibelius 7.5 and later tutorial

Creating Tremolos in Sibelius 7.5 and Later Notation Software

ByBill Fulton

When arranging or orchestrating music, creating tremolos in Sibelius notation software is an essential technique for string passages, roll notations in percussion, and dramatic wind effects. Whether you are using Sibelius 7.5 or the latest Sibelius Ultimate releases, adding both single-note and multi-note tremolos takes only a few clicks using the Keypad panel.

In this guide, we break down the exact steps for creating tremolos in Sibelius efficiently, ensuring your scores look professional and play back accurately.

Why Use Tremolos in Music Notation?

Tremolo markings indicate the rapid repetition of a single pitch or rapid alternation between two distinct pitches. Utilizing standard tremolo strokes reduces visual clutter on the page compared to writing out repeated sixteenth or thirty-second notes. According to standard music engraving practices documented by Avid Sibelius Documentation, correct tremolo placement is vital for clear score reading during rehearsal and performance.

How to Access the Keypad for Creating Tremolos in Sibelius

All tremolo functions in Sibelius are located on the third layout of the floating Keypad window.

  1. Open your score in Sibelius 7.5 or later.
  2. Ensure the Keypad panel is visible (press Ctrl+Alt+K on Windows or Command+Option+K on macOS if it is hidden).
  3. Click the Tremolos tab (the 3rd tab at the top of the Keypad, or press F10).

Step-by-Step: Creating Single-Note Tremolos in Sibelius

Single-note tremolos add slashes across the note stem to indicate rapid repetition (e.g., 1 slash = 8th-note pulse, 2 slashes = 16th-note pulse, 3 slashes = 32nd-note unmeasured roll).

  1. Select the note or chord you wish to modify.
  2. Open the Tremolos layout on the Keypad (Keypad 3).
  3. Click the button corresponding to the number of slashes required (1, 2, 3, 4, or the ‘Z’ stem roll symbol for buzz rolls).
  4. To remove the tremolo, select the note again and click the highlighted tremolo button on the Keypad to toggle it off.

Creating Two-Note (Fingered) Tremolos in Sibelius

A two-note tremolo alternates rapidly between two separate pitches. When creating tremolos in Sibelius between two notes, the software automatically manages the rhythmic display and playback:

  1. Input two notes of the same note value in succession (for example, two quarter notes or two half notes).
  2. Select the first of the two notes.
  3. Go to the Tremolos Keypad (Keypad 3).
  4. Click one of the Two-Note Tremolo buttons located in the lower portion of the Keypad (1, 2, 3, or 4 connecting beams).
  5. Sibelius will automatically connect the stems with tremolo beams and adjust playback to oscillate between both pitches.

Playback and Engraving Tips

Sibelius incorporates built-in sound engines that read tremolo slashes and articulate them in real time. For unmeasured tremolos, three slashes are standard for strings and unpitched percussion rolls. For more arrangement tips, notation workflows, and score preparation guides, explore our Music News & Articles section.

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