MuseScore Reference

MuseScore at a glance:

• free (open source)

• uses same keyboard shortcuts for durations as Finale (you’ll need to change the keyboard shortcuts to make them match Dorico)

• MuseScore 4 will be geared more for composing

MuseScore keyboard shortcuts for durations

• notation input: in general, setup note value before the pitch

  • choose note input mode (press n), choose the duration, press the letter on your QWERTY or pitch on your MIDI keyboard ... the caret will then advance

  • chords = add a note above a note already entered: shift + pitch (for example shift + A)

  • tuplets = before entering in the notes:command (Mac) or ctrl (Windows) plus the tuplet number

• rest = select duration, then type 0

• flat or sharp a note by first entering in the note (which will enter in diatonically), then press the up or down arrow right after entering it in

• shift a selected note and octave = hold down command (Mac) or ctrl (Windows) plus the up or down arrow

• ties are odd =

  1. enter in the first note of the tie as usual

  2. select the value of the second note of the tie

  3. press + (that will enter in the second note and tie)

• voices

  • very helpful = tools > voices > exchange voices ...

• esc to get out of note input mode

• lyrics = select the note, thencommand (Mac) or ctrl (Windows) plus l

  • underscoreto extend note

  • press return to go to the next verse

  • To number verses, simply type the number (e.g. 1.) and a space before the first syllable by using option (Mac) or ctrl (Windows) plus spacebar. MuseScore will automatically align the numbers and first syllable correctly.

• Layouts and Parts ("Breaks and Brackets" in side pallet)
• to export graphic

  • for entire page = File > Export ... (choose svg)

  • for selection = use the "image capture" tool