Can I convert PDF to MIDI?

• Aug 19, 2021 - 19:06

Can I convert PDF to MIDI? A Google search brings up a few software packages that reportedly do this, butI'm wondering if Musescore can.

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• Aug 19, 2021 - 23:46

To be clear: programs don't generally convert PDF to MIDI directly. They convert to MusicXML, which is the standard format used for exchange of information between music notation programs. So any of the available programs for doing this sort of thing will produce a MusicXML you can then open in MuseScore. One such program, a free / open source program called Audiveris, can be invoked directly from within MuseScore via a web service if you use File / Import PDF. Results vary widely, and most report they do better with the commercial packages. but you're welcome to try for yourself.

Anyhow, again, once you have the MusicXML, you can open it in MsueScore and do anything you want with it that you'd do with any score - play it within MuseScore, edit it, print it, generates parts - or export MIDi if that's your end goal.

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• Aug 21, 2021 - 04:00

Hey Marc. That works! Thanks so much. Only minor thing unless I missed something is that the file created is a *.mxl rather than XML.

The resulting MIDI requires a lot of editing but it is SOOOO much easier than starting from scratch and inputting note-by-note. The editing is a plus. I need to become more proficient in the excellent Musescore software anyway.

Thanks immensely again.

Lee

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• Aug 22, 2021 - 16:26

Glad it turned out easier in this case! Unfortunately you'll probably find many other times, it's actually more work than entering directly. But at least some of the issues are relevant only to the notation, not to the MIDI export. Just be sure to listen carefully - most often, the problems will manifest as measures with the wrong number of beats because rhythms were misread, and fixing those errors is often a bit of work.

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• Aug 22, 2021 - 18:28

Thanks for your comments Marc.

I think to some extent our approach may be a function of how our brains are wired.... Even though I love music and generating it, I'm really not very creative. I generally replicate music rather than write it (generate new songs). But I do like the ability to change e.g., key signatures and endings.

Looking at a page with staffs and notes to me is a lot more comforting start than looking at a sheet with only clefs and lines. And correcting the misinterpreted parts of the software-generated draft is kind of fun for me. It's like solving a puzzle rather than creating one.

BTW I agree that the problems most often manifest as measures with the wrong number of beats because rhythms were misread. I'm getting more proficient with correcting those problems thanks to the excellent Musescore software.

I'm having too much fun now to slow down or to hop onto a different path, but eventually I plan to take your advice. I'll simply look at a music sheet and input the notes onto a blank score. I may find it easier than starting from a very rough draft.

Thanks again!

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