
Notion and Dorico are also worthy options among full-fledged notation programs with valuable features, but they are not as widely used. Their high-end functionality is a must-have for serious composers and arrangers, but the price puts them out of reach for many students and school programs. Editing tools for key signature, time signature, articulation, dynamics, and various types of staff text are grouped together in a logical manner-sometimes with dropdown menus, and sometimes with tool palettes.įinale and Sibelius are the most widely adopted full-featured notation programs. Many programs feature note entry via MIDI keyboard or musical typing. They include a playback feature, as well as manual note input and step-time note entry. Most notation programs, from the most basic to the fullest-featured, bear many similarities. With a little imagination, notation programs can also be valuable for student hands-on learning, creativity, and music practice activities.

Nearly every music teacher uses at least one notation program to create custom etudes, arrangements, and worksheets for students. Music notation programs are a basic part of any musician’s tool kit.
