The sheet music in Pimba is in the format of a PDF file. In the first level the melody of Pimba songs is written in capital letters. You can use any regular word processor to create Pimba-score. Above the letters are numbers with a suggestion for a fingering. Below the capital letter (in yet another new line), a word or syllable of the lyrics is written in a new line. So, each line in the score is divided into three related lines, from top to bottom these are: a line for the fingering, a line for the names of the keys, and a line for the lyrics. The number of lines per page is not fixed, but a score reads easier if there are not too many lines on a page. The number of pages is also not fixed, but Pimba is intended for children who do not yet know or can do anything on their instrument, so it's wise to limit yourself to small, clear scores.
At the top of the page is a title, the artist/band that made the song famous. At the top is also a space for the name of the arranger. Of course, the score can be embellished with one or more pictures.
The rules for the Pimba songs are actually quite obvious. You can use the template (in Pages, Word and PDF format). The PDF cannot be edited, but in that format you can see the design without it being 'adjusted' by the different versions of word processing programs (although some fonts may not be displayed correctly sometimes). It is often time-saving to paste a 'block' of three lines a few times onto a new page and use this as a starting point for a new score.This template has been developed over several years and is often very useful, but you can of course also choose your own fonts and sizes. The same applies to the use of colours. At the bottom right in the template is the PimbaPiano logo. This is automatically generated by the CMS and added to each score. If you use the template, you should remove this logo.
On the melody
Try to space the letters so that it suggests the rhythm of the melody: long sounds are followed by a wide space, while short sounds are closer together. Sometimes this can be quite difficult, if a short sound has a syllable with many letters, for example the word strength‘, when followed by a longer sound on the syllable ’by'. Very occasionally Pimba uses slurs to help children recognize a structure and understand/remember a number of letters as a group. You often have to place these slurs in a separate layer to prevent them from disrupting the layout of the other lines (thickness of the slurs 1 or 2 pt ). Avoid using black keys, but if you do need them occasionally, you can copy both symbols from the template, or look them up in your own word processor. And for the sake of completeness: a flat = Alt + 9837 and a sharp = Alt + 9839.
On lyrics
Usually, there will be one syllable for each letter of the melody. If a word consists of multiple syllables, they are connected with a dash, as in 'mis-un-der-stand-ing. If one syllable is sung over multiple letters (‘notes’), dashes are used, for example ‘I can't for-ge---------t you'.
On fingering
The Pimba notation in the first level is intended for children who do not know/cannot do anything yet. Occasionally a suggestion for a fingering can be helpful, but all children are different. And often there are more than one useful fingerings. Based on experience you'll undoubtedly know when a child benefits from tips for fingerings. Use them sparingly seems a sensible motto.
On images
There are many possibilities to make a score attractive with pictures: top left or right, or bottom left. Or small pictures between two lines. Or next to one or more short lines. Or as a larger, somewhat transparent picture. Besides these pictures, you can also use pictures to clarify a score with an arrow, or with the previously mentioned slurs.
On design
It's very beneficial for readability when the lines in a Pimba score are not too close together. Below you can see some numbers and choices that Pimba made on this subject, but ... don't take them too literally. Much depends on the length of the song, the number of lines per page and your own preferences. Here's a list of data as an indication that results in a pleasantly readable Pimba score.
Each song line consists of 3 lines: a line for the fingering, a line for the key names and a line for the lyrics):
- font and size of fingerings <cambria regular 12 pt> (sans serif)
- line spacing from fingering line to key name line <0.8 pt>
- font and size of key names <arial bold 20 or 22 pt> (sans serif)
- line spacing from key name line to lyrics line <1 pt ?>
- font and size of lyrics <Arial standard 12pt red> (sans serif)
- spacing to next line <± 22 pt>
When switching from pimba.nl to PimbaPiano.com, Luckiest Guy, Albert sans and Noto music were chosen as fonts. You are cordially invited to conform to this, but do not feel obligated!
On logos
It can be useful to lock your logo on a separate layer. It is often good practice to do this with other images as well. The PimbaPiano CMS automatically generates a PimbaPiano logo at the bottom right. Of course, you can use another corner to place your own data/image as an arranger. (And don't forget to remove the PimbaPiano logo.)
Finally
Pimba scores are meant for the very beginning. First level scores don't have to be long, it's more important that they give just the most recognizable part of a song. Usually one page is enough, but feel free to enhance your score.