Performer Annotations

Overview

Performer Annotations allow performers to add personal notes directly onto the score view while working with Oscilla.

Annotations are intended for:

• reminders
• listening cues
• coordination notes
• interpretive decisions
• rehearsal observations

Annotations do not change the score and do not affect playback or cues.
They exist as a separate, optional layer that can be shown or hidden at any time.

Note: Because annotations can be placed freely in time and space, Oscilla can be used in a minimal, annotation-only mode (without an SVG score). In this case, annotations function as a very lightweight textual score. This mode is intentionally limited, but can be useful for sketches, instructions, or rehearsal frameworks.

Entering Annotation Mode

1. Click the T (Annotations) button in the top bar
2. The cursor changes to indicate annotation mode
3. Click anywhere on the score area to add a new annotation

Annotation mode automatically exits after saving a note.

Creating an Annotation

When you click the score area in annotation mode:

1. A text editor appears
2. Enter your note (multi-line text is supported)
3. Choose whether the note is:
   • Local — visible only on your device
   • Shared — visible to other connected clients
4. Click Save

The annotation appears as:

• a small dot (anchor)
• a text label displaying the note

Editing an Annotation

• Click either the dot or the text label to open the editor
• You can:
  • edit the text
  • change Local / Shared status
  • adjust font size
  • delete the annotation

Click Save to apply changes.

Moving an Annotation

• Click and drag the text label to reposition the annotation
• Release to confirm the new position
• The position is saved automatically

The dot remains visually tied to the text.

Keyboard Behaviour While Editing

While typing in the annotation editor:

• All global keyboard shortcuts are temporarily disabled
• This prevents accidental playback or navigation
• Press Escape to close the editor

Normal keyboard controls resume once the editor is closed.

Local vs Shared Annotations

Local

• Stored only in your browser
• Not visible to others
• Suitable for personal rehearsal notes

Shared

• Broadcast to other connected clients
• Read-only for other performers
• Useful for ensemble coordination

Shared annotations do not override local ones.

Visibility

Annotations:

• can be globally shown or hidden
• move with the score when scrolling or paging
• remain aligned to the score content

They never affect timing, cues, or navigation.

What Annotations Do Not Do

Annotations:

• do not trigger playback
• do not alter the score
• do not affect synchronization
• do not replace cues or instructions

They are purely informational.

Notes on Use

Annotations are best used for:

• marking sections to listen closely
• noting transitions or handovers
• tracking rehearsal decisions
• personal memory aids

They are intentionally lightweight and non-authoritative.

Future Changes

This feature is evolving. Possible future additions include:

• filtering annotations by author
• export / import of annotation files
• visibility modes (rehearsal vs performance)

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