Music Notation Software
Below are links to various websites that feature free music notation software. Most free versions of these programs have limitations that are lifted if you choose to purchase the full version.
After each link, there is a brief description of the program and some of its pros and cons. If you have experience with these programs and would like to me add/edit these pros and cons, please email me your suggestions at [email protected].
After each link, there is a brief description of the program and some of its pros and cons. If you have experience with these programs and would like to me add/edit these pros and cons, please email me your suggestions at [email protected].
Flat.io
For use in our classroom, this is the recommended music notation software! This is available for use on all HWDSB iPads. Students that use this website/app will be able to work on their compositions both at school and at home.
For use in our classroom, this is the recommended music notation software! This is available for use on all HWDSB iPads. Students that use this website/app will be able to work on their compositions both at school and at home.
Flat.io is web-based music notation program. You are able to create an account by using Google, Apple, Facebook, or email and password. Once signed in, you will have access to the free version of Flat.
Pros:
- Flat is an online program; no need to download anything (unless you are using the app)
- when using the app, you are able to still work on a composition if offline; your composition will automatically be updated to the cloud when you are online again
- students are able to choose from many different instruments and are able to add a virtually unlimited number of instruments to their composition
- students are able to collaborate with others by inviting them to edit their composition; all changes are made in real time so all collaborating students can see the changes
- students are able to print the full score, a set of parts, or individual parts (with "Flat branding" on each page--removable through purchase)
Cons:
- sound samples of the instruments are okay (Premium instrument samples are available for purchase)
- Flat allows students to save a maximum of 15 scores to the cloud
- Flat has difficulty handling longer pieces of music; good for shorter pieces
Pros:
- Flat is an online program; no need to download anything (unless you are using the app)
- when using the app, you are able to still work on a composition if offline; your composition will automatically be updated to the cloud when you are online again
- students are able to choose from many different instruments and are able to add a virtually unlimited number of instruments to their composition
- students are able to collaborate with others by inviting them to edit their composition; all changes are made in real time so all collaborating students can see the changes
- students are able to print the full score, a set of parts, or individual parts (with "Flat branding" on each page--removable through purchase)
Cons:
- sound samples of the instruments are okay (Premium instrument samples are available for purchase)
- Flat allows students to save a maximum of 15 scores to the cloud
- Flat has difficulty handling longer pieces of music; good for shorter pieces
How to use Flat.io
Noteflight Basic
To set up Noteflight, you need to first create an account. This is done using your email or you can sign in using Google or Facebook. Once you have signed in, you have access to the Basic (free) version of Noteflight. This version allows to to create up to 10 scores and print entire scores (but not individual parts).
Pros:
- Noteflight is all done online--no need to download anything
- Noteflight has many options for customizing your score (Score, Edit, Duration, etc.) that are available from a drop down menu
- using the free version you are able to print an entire score (but not individual parts)
Cons:
- Noteflight Basic has a limited number of instruments to choose from (more are available if you purchase Noteflight Premium); the sound samples of the available instruments are okay but not great
- you are not able to record audio using Noteflight Basic
- Noteflight Basic allows students to save a maximum of 10 scores to the cloud
- the number of options can be overwhelming to some; this program has a bit of a learning curve
How to Use Noteflight
MuseScore
MuseScore must be downloaded from their website to begin. Once it is installed, you can go through a tutorial on how to use some of MusicScore's basic features.
Pros:
- fairly easy to use
- many online scores available for download
- great for sharing scores with others
- mobile version available (Android and iOS)
Cons:
- sound samples poor
- some copy/paste limitations
- some advanced features available on other programs not available on MusicScore
How to use MuseScore (this is the first video in a series of 10)
Sibelius First
Sibelius is one of two programs that are considered to be the standards for music notation.
Sibelius First must be downloaded from their website. This version is free; however, there are two other versions that you can pay for. "Sibelius" (just one word) is the standard paid version with more functionality that Sibelius First. "Sibelius Ultimate" has many more features (and is more expensive).
Pros:
- Sibelius is fairly easy to use
- Sibelius Ultimate (the paid version) has many great features
Cons:
- Sibelius First must be downloaded; it is not Cloud based
- limited number of staves (4) to write music; can not be used for full Band scores
- sound samples are okay but not great
- when writing music using Sibelius | First for transposing instruments (clarinet, alto sax, etc.), those parts are in concert pitch, which means a student will have to know how to transpose that instrument's part into concert pitch before notating it
How to Use Sibelius | First
Finale Notepad
Finale the other program considered to be the standard for music notation.
Finale Notepad must be downloaded from their website. Finale Notepad is free; however, there are two other versions that you can pay for. "Finale Printmusic" is a paid version with more functionality that Finale Notepad. "Finale" (one word) is the full version that has full functionality (and is the most expensive).
Pros:
- Finale Notepad is fairly easy to use to start
- Playback sounds fairly good; 128 instrument samples are of a fairly good quality
Cons:
- Finale Notepad must be downloaded; is is not Cloud based
- limited number of staves (8) to write music; not suitable for writing full Band scores
- more advanced features have a steep learning curve (difficult to learn for some)
How to use Finale Notepad