Free and Open Source
No licensing costs, subscriptions, or feature limits. Perfect for schools looking to provide notation software to every student.
MuseScore
by Muse Group
From the MuseScore website:
Create, Play Back, and Print Beautiful Sheet Music
Section titled “Create, Play Back, and Print Beautiful Sheet Music”MuseScore is the world’s most popular open-source music notation software. It is completely free, runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and offers a professional-grade feature set that rivals expensive proprietary alternatives.
Key Features
Section titled “Key Features”MuseScore 4 Engine & Muse Sounds
Features a completely redesigned engraving engine and the stunning Muse Sounds sample libraries for professional-quality playback.
Intuitive & Fast Note Input
Enter notes using computer keyboards, MIDI controllers, or on-screen tools with a user-friendly, modern interface.
Massive Community Sheet Music Library
Access and share thousands of community-uploaded arrangements and transcriptions on MuseScore.com.
Flexible Import/Export Formats
Easily import and export MusicXML, MIDI, PDF, and audio files (WAV, MP3, OGG) for maximum interoperability.
Advanced Layout and Engraving
Complete control over staff spacing, vertical casting, fonts, and parts generation for high-quality printing.