I consider playback as one of the most useful tools for composing. Therefore the playback features in Dorico should be improved, for example:
• Play the selected notes once (shortcut: p)
• Play the selected notes in a loop (with a small pause in between) (shortcut: shift-p)
• Play with a configurable countdown (applies both to once-playback and loop-playback) (shortcut: shift-ctrl-p)
• Play ONLY the selected notes. Example: You have the sequential notes C-D-F-G and then the chord ACF. Then you select only the sequential notes C, F, G and the notes AF from the chord. Then this would play only the sequential notes C, F, G and the notes AF from the chord. In this way you could try out several selections and when you are happy with it then you use only these notes in the composition.
This method is also called “trial and error” which is the main principle of genetic evolution (see Darwin). And an important part of composing is evolution. Many composers agree with this statement which was also confirmed by the composer in the Dorico live streaming event.