Would like to be able to edit the music using ABC notation as well

• Mar 17, 2018 - 07:55
Reported version
2.1
Type
Functional
Severity
S5 - Suggestion
Status
by design
Project

I've discovered how useful ABC notation is, and I've become frustrated with the limitations of various software I've use for it thus far. I love MuseScore, and I can bang out a song in about 10 minutes now thanks to all your shortcuts. But some things would be even faster if I could edit them with ABC.
I've looked around your options regarding ABC, and I've frequently seen the developers ask "but why do you want it? Isn't MuseScore good enough?" to which my reply is:
1. MuseScore is great for so many things, yes!
2. ABC is the standard for thousands of tunes, and in EasyABC I can import entire tunebooks and play each song back-to-back without having to switch or open new files
3. ABC is quicker/easier and effective at dynamics. When I put the MuseScore dynamics on a note, nothing changes. When I import an ABC file with dynamics, the notes actually play softer and louder.
4. Key changes are easier in ABC, and it makes it clear exactly what key the tune is in. With MuseScore, I've had to create a "Key" option in my "Score Properties", and every Header for every tune I create has "Key:" written in there. I play many international tunes in all the different modes, so it's not just Major vs Minor, and it's nice to just see the key/mode next to the title.
5. I've gotten really good at MuseScore's note inputs, but now I'm almost as fast with ABC notation, and I've only spent a day with it so far. I find it much easier to edit my tunes in ABC software and then import it into MuseScore for listening, changing instruments, changing speed, sharing, and all the things I love using MuseScore for.

I propose adding a window that shows the ABC notation in real time. Basically, incorporate EasyABC into MuseScore. I love EasyABC because I can have a huge list of tunes handy without having a million tabs open (PS please change the tab system. It's cumbersome), and I can see my ABC code change the sheet music immediately. But it's horrible for playing the music back and exporting and formatting the page, etc. Kudos to MuseScore for all of that.


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