Make a list of the instruments or sections in your ensemble. Generally, the top line is for instruments that generally have the melody and are in treble clef, moving down through instruments that read bass clef. The last line for the melodic instruments would be the lowest bass line. Percussion lines are beneath this. For example, a jazz quartet score would be ordered: saxophone, piano, bass, drums. A wind symphony might be: flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, tuba, percussion.
Find or create a blank piece of staff paper. If you are handwriting your score, you can buy blank staff paper at your local music shop. If you have music-writing software such as Finale or Sibelius, open the program and start a new score.
Add the instruments you listed in order with the name of the instrument next to each line on the left. Most programs will automatically order your instruments properly in the score.
Draw or enter the clefs to the far left of each line depending on which instrument it is. Most instruments use either treble or bass clef, while the viola has a special viola clef. Drums and non-melodic percussion do not need a clef.
Draw or enter the key signature to the right of each clef. Remember that some instruments are transposing, so their key signature will appear different. For example, if your piece is in concert Bb, the key signature for the clarinets will indicate the key of C. Non-melodic percussion instruments do not need a key signature. If you are using music-writing software, enter the concert key and the program will adjust the key signature for each instrument.
Draw or enter the time signature next to each instrument. Indicate the number of beats on top and the type of note on the bottom; for example, three quarter notes per measure is indicated with a 3/4 time signature.
Draw bar lines equally spaced on each line, using a ruler to ensure the bar lines line up for each instrument. Remember that while one instrument may only have a whole note, others may have sixteenth notes and you will need enough room to write them. Aim for four bars per line. If you are using music-writing software, the bar lines will be added and adjusted automatically.
Write or enter the music for each instrument one at a time. Whether you are writing or typing the music, be aware that even short pieces of music result in scores that are several pages long.
Write or type the name of the piece of music along the top of the first page, and the name of the composer and/or arranger on the top right. Write or type the tempo and any stylistic instructions (swing or andante, for example) over the first measure of the piece.