All the music lovers might have tried their hands on Sibelius and Finale, the two leading and professional-quality music notation software. These two software are commercial programs and therefore come at a price – that can be expensive for a few.
Free Music Composition and Notation software
However, if you are not much concerned about playback algorithms sounding a bit more realistic or hesitant to buy a new software, try MuseScore. The software comes at an unbeatable price – it’s free!
MuseScore is an open-source cross-platform music composition and notation software for Microsoft Windows, Mac and Linux that claims to offer a cost-effective alternative to the above-mentioned commercial programs.
The program has a simple tabbed document interface (like a web browser) and fast note editing input, something similar to the step-time note entry observed in Finale and Sibelius.
In addition to this, MuseScore features an easy-to-use WYSIWYG editor with audio score playback for results that look and sound beautiful. It also devotes the option where you can share your composition with other scorewriters.
The software has the ability to import and export files in many different music formats, including MIDI and MusicXML. Since October 2009, MuseScore has been downloaded more than 1000 times per day and the number of downloads has tripled after the fall of 2010.
MuseScore features:
- WYSIWYG, notes are entered on a “virtual note sheet”
- Unlimited number of staves
- Up to four voices per staff
- Easy and fast note entry with your keyboard, mouse, or MIDI keyboard
- Integrated sequencer and Fluid Synth software synthesizer
- Import and export of Music XML and Standard MIDI Files
- Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
- Translated in 43 languages
- GNU GPL licensed
MuseScore seems to be an easy and efficient way to notate and compose music using one’s keyboard, mouse or MIDI keyboard and you can download it from its home page.
