Free and paid music notation software to create music scores / sheet music and associated resources.
If you would like to digitally engrave scores of your compositions, arrangements, or exercises for theory worksheets, there are a variety of options. The most well-known are MuseScore, Sibellius and Dorico (with Finale having been discontinued), but other options do exist as well.
Many of these programs offer additional tools, such as exporting audio and video, and may have transcription services available.
Open Source (Free) Music Notation Programs
- MuseScore Studio – a free yet powerful, full-featured open-source notation software. Create unlimited scores for free. It’s important not to confuse MuseScore.org (the notation software) with MuseScore.com (a sheet music library, which is very pushy with signing up for a subscription).
- MuseScore Notation Software Facebook support group
- Mastering MuseScore online course
- LilyPond – a text-based engraver rather than graphical interface.
Proprietary Music Notation Programs
- Crescendo Music Notation Software – an Australian option, which provides a barebones solution without the bells and whistles of the other products on this page, for free. (There is a rather confusing pricing page with US dollars and pounds while noting that it will actually charge AUD without showing the Australian price, however there’s indication on what paying for it offers that the free version doesn’t.)
- Dorico – offers a free version with limited options, or a couple of paid options, with educational discounts available to students and teachers.
- Flat – offers a basic account for free, limited to 15 scores. A paid version offers significantly more, including individual and “Flat for Education” options, which enable collaboration.
- MagicScore – offers a variety of notation products at cheaper prices; no free options but they all offer free trials. Best suited for Microsoft PCs.
- NoteFlight – a cloud-based offering, where the free account is limited to 10 scores. Paid versions offer options for individuals and schools.
- ScoreCloud – offers a few different options, including some where you can sing / play and it will notate what it hears. ScoreCloud Studio is free for 10 scores and adds a watermark. The options that transcribe for you do not offer a free option, only a free trial.
- Sibellius – does not offer a free account, though there is a free trial available for Sibellius Ultimate. Students and teachers can access an academic discount on proof of eligibility.
- SoundSlice – turn sheet music into an interactive learning environment. Sync notation with scores to provide elevated learning tools. Offers a free account which does not limit the number of “slices” (only the tools available).
- StaffPad – designed for pen and touch on a tablet, for those who would prefer to notate in a more traditional way. Offers a lot for free, with additional functionality available on a Pro account.