Workflow between DAW (Reaper) and Dorico Elements 5

Dorico
1

Hello,

I’m a beginner composer slowly but surely learning about DAWs and Dorico, and I have a workflow question. Currently, I compose purely using my digital piano (DGX-660) and various virtual instruments. In my ideal world, I would record MIDI data in Reaper using my piano, push to Dorico so I can visualize the music and make changes as needed (e.g. look at chord progressions I’ve made, add articulations, etc), then push back to Reaper so I can continue to make finer changes and record more from my digital piano. Is there a streamlined way of doing this?
I know that Dorico 5 now has some midi editing, but using a traditional DAW like reaper seems to offer a lot more flexibility in terms of reproducing the exact sound I want. However, I really like the idea of being able to have my music also exist in score form so I can understand my piece better. I’m wondering if there’s a way to get there without just exporting MIDI files from Reaper and then importing them into Dorico and vice versa any time I make any changes. If anyone has any suggestions I’d love to hear them!

1 Like
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At the moment, I don’t think there’s a better workflow than using MIDI files to move between the two applications.

3

When I compose (which, unfortunately isn’t very often anymore), I complete the work in either Logic or Dorico and then send to either for “finishing touches” (quoted because I always underestimate the work involved in polishing the rendering or polishing the notation). I prefer composing with notation but there are situations where an improvisation in Logic can lead to a more expansive work so I’ll just stay there.

Shuffling MIDI back and forth piecemeal is an inspiration killer for me so I try to get far enough along to be able to complete the bulk of the work in either.