Week 4: Notation Software Comparison!

In week 4, we have explored different Music Notation software. When I was in high school, the school had Mac computers in the music room, and I remember using GarageBand and Sibelius all the time, but at the school where I work as a teacher, students bring their own devices, so finding a Notation Software DAW that works on all laptops, is affordable, and works well with the school internet has been a headache. I wonder if any of you teachers have had that experience?

With that in mind, the topic of this week's workshop felt like an oasis in the desert.

The composing programs I mainly came across today were:

MuseScore 4, Noteflight, and Sibelius.

As a poor university student, the notation software I used the most in university was MuseScore 3.

When I first started using MuseScore, I remember it took me quite a bit of time and effort to learn the shortcuts and how to use it. But now I'm a MuseScore master, and I use it efficiently and well! But today's workshop was the first time I was introduced to MuseScore 4. Apparently, they released MuseScore 4 in December 2022 and have been updating it constantly.

When I first entered MuseScore, the first thing I noticed was the different design and layout. There are other changes, such as the "time signature" function and "Properties Panel", but the biggest change that I noticed is the quality of the instrument sounds. In the previous version of MuseScore 3, the playback sound was very fake, but in MuseScore 4, I could feel the quality of playback has improved a lot. As I watched the improvement of MuseScore, I hoped that the MuseScore company would not switch to paying for MuseScore.

I've also tried Note Flight, but I'm not sure I'd use it to teach kids at school because although it has the advantage of being free, it's not very easy to use, so I think I'd rather use MuseScore 4 for deeper learning and familiarisation.

The last composition program we looked at was Sibelius.

It's a paid notation program that not all music classrooms can afford, but it's really worth it. I used this program throughout high school and thought I knew quite a bit about it, but what I learned today is that Sibelius can also make music worksheets for you! AI has come a long way. I've been making my worksheet for my students for interval lessons by jotting down notes for each bar, not knowing such a program like this! Just one more reason to buy Sibelius.

Of course, the shortcuts and features in Sibelius make it really easy to compose, but my favourites are Alt + G (Select Graphic) and Command + K (Chord Symbols).

What are your favourite shortcuts?

Likewise, I've explored many different notation software this week. Is there anything you agree or disagree with my opinion? I love discussion! Don't forget to comment :)

Then, see you again!