273: Using Sibelius for music theory analysis: entering roman numerals

A new Roman numerals text style for entering roman numeral analysis directly into a score was introduced in Sibelius 4. So, if you own Sibelius 4 or later, you can access this new text style from Create > Text > Other Staff Text > Roman Numerals. Further information can be found in the Text section of the Sibelius Reference.

If you own an earlier version of Sibelius you can either upgrade to the latest version, or create your own text style:

Step 1: create a new text style

Sibelius 2 or 3: Go to House Style > Edit Text Styles. Select Figured bass and click the New button. You will be asked to confirm that you want to create a new text style based on the existing Figured bass style. Click Yes.

Sibelius 1: Go to Create > Text > Edit Text Styles. Select Figured bass and click the New button. You will be asked to confirm that you want to create a new text style based on the existing Figured bass style. Click Yes.

Step 2: edit your new text style

• In the General category:
  • change the name of this new text style to Roman numerals
  • change the font from Times New Roman to Opus Chords
  • change the font size from 10 to 11
• Now select the style category labeled Vertical Posn. Change the line spacing from 80% to 45%.
• Click the OK button, and click OK again.

Step 3: use your new text style

Now, go to Create > Text > Other Staff Text > Roman numerals. (This is the new text style you just created!) By selecting the note, chord, or rest where you want a particular chord symbol to appear, you can simply type the symbol as you would with a word processor. For example, to enter a dominant 6/5 chord, type “V6”, hit the Enter key and type “5”. Numbers will automatically justify to the right.

Once this process has been completed once, it never need be repeated. You can either save a blank score as a template for analysis and the style we have just created will always be available, or use Sibelius’ Export House Style and Import House Style functions to send this special text style into other scores you are analyzing.