An asterisk in a woodwind part points to extra instruction: it most commonly signals an alternate fingering, a linked footnote or legend, an extended technique, or an editorial remark from the publisher or editor.
Quick rundown of contexts
As notation shorthand, an asterisk can mean four things: a footnote or legend reference; a flagged alternate or suggested fingering; an indicator for multiphonics, key-clicks, or reed changes; or a publisher/editorial note about transposition or doubling.
Expect the asterisk to appear in-line beside a note, in fingering charts next to a diagram, or in the margin with a page footer link to explanatory text.
Use the terms woodwind notation, score markings, and asterisk symbol meaning to categorize the mark when preparing parts or searching publisher guidance.
When an asterisk marks alternate fingerings on fingering charts and parts
Publishers often use * to mark an alternate or suggested fingering rather than the principal choice; the symbol tells the player: try this if the printed fingering causes tuning or timbre problems.
Typical examples: flute parts may mark a different trill or open vs closed hole fingering with *; clarinet prints often flag throat-tone or low-register alternates; saxophone parts can point to palm-key or side-key substitutions; oboe parts may show alternate venting for pitch adjustment.
Readings differ by placement: an asterisk on a fingering chart usually means optional or alternate, while an asterisk printed inline beside a note may imply a preferred editor-suggested solution — always check the linked legend to confirm.
Interpreting asterisks that point to footnotes, legends, or publisher instructions
An asterisk that points to a footnote commonly contains clarifications: dynamic specifics, octave or transposition reminders, instrument doubling instructions, or editorial corrections to pitch or articulation.
Locate the corresponding text in the score front matter first; if not there, check the page footer and then the separate performance notes or conductor’s score. Publishers sometimes place performance legends at the end of a part set.
If the footnote text says “* indicates alternate fingering — see page X,” treat any in-line asterisk as a direct instruction to consult that page rather than guessing.
Asterisk as a flag for extended techniques, multiphonics, or special keywork
Contemporary composers use * to reference unusual techniques: multiphonics, key-clicks, slap-tongue, reed swaps, or specific voicings not suitable for standard notation.
Execution tips: consult published multiphonic tables for your instrument, test several voicings under performance conditions, and document which produces the right pitch and color for the ensemble.
Always communicate with the conductor or composer if the asterisk links to a technique that affects balance or orchestration; a quick rehearsal note prevents last-minute surprises.
How different publishers, editors, and engraving software use the asterisk
Classical houses and modern presses use different conventions: some publishers reserve * strictly for footnotes, others use it freely for alternate fingerings or editorial comments. Check the publisher style guide if you can.
Engraving software defaults differ: Sibelius and Finale commonly treat * as an inline character unless linked to a footnote; Dorico provides explicit footnote linking options and better cross-referencing for parts and score.
Editors should set project-wide conventions: decide whether * is for fingering, technique, or editorial notes, and then apply that rule consistently across parts and score to avoid player confusion.
Quick performer workflow: what to do the first time you see an asterisk in your part
Step 1: locate the legend or footnote immediately — front matter, footer, or separate performance notes often hold the key.
Step 2: if it marks a fingering, try it on your instrument under rehearsal volume and compare tone and tuning to the printed alternative.
Step 3: mark your part clearly with a pencil: record which fingering you chose and any pitch compensation required.
Step 4: confirm your choice with the conductor or principal player if the change affects ensemble tuning or balance.
Teaching and coaching strategies for explaining asterisk markings to students
Teach students to scan parts for legends before rehearsals and to assume an asterisk links to a footnote unless proven otherwise.
Run simple drills: present a flagged note, test both fingerings, and listen for differences in tone, stability, and intonation. Train ears to pick the better option quickly.
Coach communication: instruct students to mark their decisions and share them with section-mates so the group uses consistent fingerings during rehearsal and performance.
Common misreads and proofreading tips: avoid mistakes caused by stray asterisks
Frequent errors include mistaking a typesetter’s stray asterisk for an editorial mark, ignoring linked footnotes, or confusing the asterisk with cautionary accidentals or breath marks.
Editor checklist for proofing parts: verify every asterisk has a corresponding legend or footnote, ensure consistent use of the symbol across parts, confirm cross-references point to the correct page, and publish errata if conventions change after printing.
Mark ambiguous asterisks in the score and contact the publisher or the editor team before rehearsal if a symbol could alter performance choices.
Real-world examples: resolving asterisk ambiguity in repertoire and new music
Case 1 — modern clarinet solo: an asterisk next to a multiphonic was resolved by consulting the composer’s performance notes and trying three voicings in rehearsal; the team published a short erratum clarifying the intended voicing.
Case 2 — wind ensemble part: asterisked fingerings for low clarinet notes conflicted between part and conductor score; section leaders compared tone in-section and aligned on the fingering that blended best, then annotated all parts.
Case 3 — orchestral principal woodwind: an inline asterisk referenced a transposition footnote in the score front matter; the principal confirmed the transposition, made visible marks, and distributed a one-page reference to the section.
Practical quick-reference: printable legend template and part-check checklist for woodwind players
Pasteable legend phrasing: “* indicates alternate fingering or special technique. See performance notes on page X for full details. If unclear, consult the conductor or editor before rehearsal.”
Five-point performance checklist: locate legend; audition the alternate fingering/technique; mark your part with pencil notes; confirm section and conductor agreement; record a short clip for later reference.
FAQ: quick answers to common “woodwind asterisk” questions
What does an asterisk mean on my clarinet part? Usually an alternate fingering, footnote, or extended technique; check the part legend first and then audition the option.
Does * always mean alternate fingering? No. It can indicate footnotes, editorial notes, or extended techniques; confirm by locating the linked text or legend.
If there is no legend, who do I contact? Contact the conductor or principal player first, then the publisher’s editorial department if the rehearsal cannot resolve the ambiguity; document your decision for the section.
Authoritative resources and references to consult when you see an asterisk
Consult publisher style guides from major houses such as Boosey & Hawkes, Peters, and Universal Edition for their notation conventions.
Use engraving and notation manuals like Elaine Gould’s Behind Bars for guidance on footnotes and symbol consistency and check manufacturer fingering charts from Yamaha or Buffet Crampon for reliable fingerings.
Search multiphonic tables and professional woodwind forums for extended-technique references and practical voicings; add any publisher errata or composer notes to your part pack.
Best-practice checklist for editors and arrangers: how to use the asterisk clearly and consistently
Always include a clear legend when using * for anything beyond simple editorial marks; place the legend in front matter, footer, or on the first page of parts so players find it quickly.
Use descriptive footnotes instead of a lone symbol whenever space allows: write “* alternate fingering — see fingering chart page X” rather than leaving players to guess.
In notation software, link the asterisk to explicit footnote text and keep type and placement consistent across full score and parts; publish errata promptly when a convention changes after printing.
