Feedback - first impressions Musescore
Hi.
Let me first say a couple of things:-
1. After seeing a video on YT about MS4 I am mightily impressed with this version well done to all involved
2. I am so far removed from the target user - please don't take what I have to say too personally or literally.
Right, I originally tried MS3 with a view to help me learn music 'language', thinking that by copying notes from printed music using both keyboard and mouse it would help 'getting my eye in' . Think how we read normally - we don't analyse each letter of a word but recognise the word itself. Trying to achieve this (as a novice) with MS3 this was so panful I gave up.
After seeing a YT vid about MS4 release from Tandacrul I just successfully tried the same thing with MS4 within seconds of installing and trying the software - remarkable and straitforward(ish) so thank you all
So this brings me on to the reason I'm here - feedback (constructive criticism)
- I hated the lack of ability to draw a box/selection with the mouse so I could delete my crap easily. When I tried the page just moved around the screen WTF!!!
- Reference above - why is the page not fixed in position?
- Annoying playback - Whilst I appreciate that conventionally the software should probably try and play until the end of the score, the lack of an option for MS4 to just play what pathetic notes I entered and then stop (returning me to input mode) is REALLY annoying.
- I tried to enter some chords for a guitar (for someone else) and I couldn't do it. I would have presumed that if I was in Guitar mode icons would be present to quickly enter chords onto the score and have the individual notes displayed as appropriate. As a novice I don't understand having to enter a note then use this note as a chord by pressing SHIFT+note - I just want to get something entered quickly.
- Guitar chords were greyed out until I happened to choose certain modes or sounds from the initial setup screen (sorry I cant remember specifically were I was or what I did) . I think I had to specify a 'Rock Band' or similar when choosing a Guitar score/tablature did the chords become available.
- There was often a 10-15 second delay before notes played on the on-screen piano produced sound and notes on the score.
- Finally in this section - could you implement something like a novice mode where you could include tools to help absolute beginners' eg when you enter a note on the staff have the note's letter be displayed above it and perhaps massively declutter the interface. Help with 'a black blob in this position means this'
Lastly, considering the work you guys have done to the interface, if you're bored (cough cough) any chance you could take a look at and contribute to KiCad
Thank you all again
Doc
Comments
FWIW, I think using notation software to learn how to write music is rather like using Word to learn English. The manual is for learning how to use the software. Unfortunately, the manual MS4 is not yet complete. Still there is a lot of good information in it. The idea that anyone can open unfamiliar software and just go for it is unrealistic to me. I see it all the time on the forum. First time users find that the program doesn't work the way they think it should, so they complain. Rather than learn how to use it.
No, there is no selection box function as such. Nor is there a need for one. Notation software is more like a word processor than a graphic design program. If you want to delete several measures of notes, you select the first note (or measure), SHIFT + Select the last note (measure) and hit DEL.
For sure MS4 has problems with lagging playback and such. Most can be made better by adjusting sound settings in your computer.
Regarding #1, you can click on an empty place above/below the staff and, while holding the shift key, draw such a box for selection and subsequent deletion. Holding 'Shift' is what works.
MuseScore software (either v3 or new v4) is substantially feature-laden. And sometimes the tool or approach you'll need is found in the software but not intuitively. With time and persistence, you'll traverse the learning curve to better mastery.
I propose your analogy of "...see words rather then the individual letters when reading" (to creating music) only scratches the surface, when it comes to composing. I'd suggest to anybody new to composing, it's completely fine to use MuseScore to simply enter notes from some printed source, then have it played back. THEN, and here's where the software is so wonderful; you get to modify, play-with, experiment with what you entered. With time, you'll get better at "why this chord sounds like it does", "how a melody unfolds and occurs over time", "how different rhythms can impact the feel of the music" and dozens of other attributes. Dynamics, instrument choices, blending of voices, tempo, overall form, etc.
I have no clue what percentage of composers have a firm grounding in music theory, but I've heard LOTS of compositions on the .COM score repository (where subscribers upload their music) that are painfully devoid of music theory knowledge. I accept they are expressing themselves, and respect that. Then, you'll hear a piece of music, and you'll KNOW the composer has got his theory well-in-hand. IMO. (I'm happy to talk more, via my .COM profile, with messages...)