Writing parts with a keyboard using a MIDI or other interface
My name is David Burham. I have been using MuseScore in its various iterations for years, usually for writing out songs for my violin students. I have been hired to write string quartet parts (two violins, viola and cello) for 8 - 12 songs which need to be completed in about three weeks.
I have a Casio keyboard with a USB output.
My question is: Can I access MIDI with the USB output on my keyboard, connect it to MUSESCORE somehow, then PLAY the string quartet parts on the keyboard and have them written out in real time on MuseScore? I am using, I believe, MuseScore version 3.0.
This would be far faster of course than indicating and writing each note using my mouse (!)
I am aware that software like FINALE exist. That said, if I can do the work I need to do with MuseScore, that would be a great advantage as I am already familiar with MuseScore. All help will be appreciated:)
Comments
No, real-time MIDI input is not really feasible. There is a limited semi-time feature, but the chances of entering music more quickly than simply typing are close enough to zero that it's not wroth the effort. Now, using the mouse is indeed pretty slow, but typing on the keyboard is quite efficient.
In reply to No, real-time MIDI input is… by Marc Sabatella
Marc, thank you for replying to my query. I was just doing some "note input" research on MuseScore. One of the things written was: "It is not possible to use a keyboard for "Real Time" input. I know there are different input settings.
Typing notes in on the keyboard does seem to be quite efficient, on the face of it. HOW do I do that? I know that I need to do my own research; that said, if you have the information on what "input" to use to type notes out on the computer keyboard, that would be very helpful. Certainly, it would seem to be faster than using the MIDI keyboard and - once again - using the mouse to click on every note I want to write. Again, thank you, and any information would be very, very helpful to me. Would that you lived next door; however research is part of the job.
The MAIN advantage of MuseScore is the "playback' function. I have a very good idea of what a score on a page sounds like, however hearing what I've actually written - especially when writing string quartet parts - is a great advantage. Your comments/suggestions are more than welcome, Marc:)
In reply to Marc, thank you for replying… by Big Gobbler
Marc, when you referred to "typing on the keyboard", were you referring to the piano keyboard that can be shown at the bottom of the computer screen, or the computer's keyboard?
In reply to Marc, thank you for replying… by Big Gobbler
To learn how note input works in MuseScore, I recommend the online Handbook that you can access from the Help menu within MuseScore, or via the Support menu on this site. My introductory tutorial is also quite useful:
https://school.masteringmusescore.com/courses/complete/lectures/31890621
And yes, when I talk about using typing on a keyboard, I meant, your computer keyboard. Type "A" to get an "A", "B" to get a B, etc, with other shortcuts for different durations, for accidentals, etc. Simple and extremely efficient. I can enter a melody faster than it would take to play it accurately.
In reply to To learn how note input… by Marc Sabatella
Thanks so much, Marc!! :) I did check out the online handbook, and will return to the note input section, in addition to watching your tutorial. I did actually try typing "A" on my computer keyboard and, sure enough, there was the/an "A" in the score! So, with a bit more knowledge and some practice, I will have learned a new and faster way to use new download of MuseScore 3.6. If you're ever in Oregon in the U.S., let me know. I'll buy you a drink or two;) Thank you again, Marc - Sincerely, David Burham