![]() ![]() If you are comfortable with any kind of computer coding, the language used is pretty simple and easy to grasp I would put it on par with basic HTML in terms of complexity (it’s Unix-based and is similar to LaTeX). LilyPond is a full-featured program that allows you to produce sheet music by writing code in a text-based format. If you are a casual user that may really be the only thing you need to know: MuseScore is fully-featured, can manage almost anything you can imagine and is free to use.īefore I get into a more detailed comparison of those four options, I’ll note two other choices to consider: LilyPond and Mus2. So right off the bat, MuseScore has the advantage of being essentially free to use. I’m only comparing the “full” versions of the programs here-they all offer lower-priced and even free options with fewer features but it’s not really worth considering those, partly because many of the features that aren’t available in those versions are ones you will need for notating maqam-based music. MuseScore is open-source and can be used for free. The “Big Three” are all relatively expensive: Finale lists for $600 (though right now it appears to be on sale for $299), Sibelius uses a subscription model priced at $199 per year, and Dorico is $580. There is also a relative newcomer that has made big improvements in the past few years, MuseScore. There are three “major” notation programs currently being used by most professionals: Finale (by MakeMusic), Sibelius (by Avid), and Dorico (by Steinberg). “Nonstandard” key signatures (anything other than the traditional 14 major/minor key signatures).Free/Open meter (no time signature or bars, for notating taqasim, mawwal, layali, and similar metrically free passages).Microtonal accidentals and key signatures.There are a few things a notation program has to do well in order to handle maqam-based music. Okay, now if you want a bit more info on the programs and how I came to those conclusions, read on.įirst, I’ll explain my criteria for evaluation. If you are on a tight budget, or are a more casual user: MuseScore If you’re pretty computer savvy and don’t mind a text/code-based system: LilyPond If you’re only doing Maqam/makam music and relatively basic scores: Mus2 If you’re a professional and creating scores for performance purposes: Dorico If you just want my conclusions here they are: Though not an exhaustive evaluation, this will be kind of a deep dive. A question that I’m frequently asked is “what is the best music notation software for Arabic music?” Since it seems to be a perennial question, I thought I’d make a post to collect my thoughts on the question. ![]()
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