Is there a quantization feature planned or possible for MuseScore (version 4 or beyond)?
MuseScore 4 is something I really enjoy using all the time, and have watched many YouTube videos about it and features. In fact, I have even read quite a few articles about it and am still awed by what can be done with this program regarding orchestration.
To set the tone for my question, my background and training was originally from the high school marching and concert band playing the drums and playing the piano / keyboard in the high school jazz ensemble. I also graduated from a technical school in computer programming back in 1993.
Recently, I have been taking online courses in orchestration and composition. And I really am enjoying the learning, music, and the experience.
Quantization is a feature found in most keyboard workstations, sequencers, and DAWs, as a good deal of might know. However, my inquiry is whether notation software like this can perform this type of quantization, specifically on scores created within MuseScore. And if so, is that a feature planned?
And a follow up question to that is, if this feature is not planned and it is possible, what steps should I take to create such a plugin and achieve with my programming knowledge? Are there any tutorials or resources that would guide me?
Comments
Where I have seen quantization features, it is to transform a live recording into proper "notation" time values. But scores in MuseScore are already written with notation time values. This makes this question difficult to answer. Do you have an example of a MuseScore score that would benefit from quantizatoin, and what would you then expect the result to look like?
In reply to Where I have seen… by AndreasKågedal
But actually, the midi-import feature in MuseScore 3 has quantization. This has not yet been implemented in MuseScore 4.
Here is the description of the MuseScore Midi import. You can install MuseScore 3 in parallell with MuseScore 4 and use it just for Midi import, and then open the resulting Musescore file in Musecore 4.
https://musescore.org/en/handbook/3/midi-import
In reply to Where I have seen… by AndreasKågedal
That's true, and it's funny since when I used "quantitize" functions on keyboards I played on, yes it was to correct my mistakes in timing in the sequences, however, I usually gave it about a 90% feel, which most keyboards give the quantitize feature in a percentage (i.e. workstations). Off-topic, working with keyboard workstations has been the most interesting and best experience, other than working in MuseScore and some VSTs in Reaper!
So, an example of what I'm talking about is cadence music. Recently I have been working with cadences scores and music. It's amazing that there are many examples of them online. Here is one I am taking off from (i.e. the Warthog cadence):
http://www.freedrumlinemusic.com/sheetmusic/cadences/level2cadences.html
To play the score I attached, I recommend using the Sforzando plugin and load up the drum presets in the mixer as mentioned here:
Musescore 4 - Adding MDL Sounds Tutorial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccV8kR8hKzU
Why are all those drums you see in the score? I did this along with a full drum corp score with multiple percussionists as well. You will need only one drum preset per drum type, however, to play this score.
In reply to That's true, and it's funny… by smittyVanilli
Kewl piece!!! However, I still don't see what quantization would do to it?
Now that I have done some research, I believe I was asking for the wrong feature and possibly looking for it in the wrong software!
What exactly do I mean?
Only those who are drummers or those who know about rhythm in music can tell when a cadence sounds more like humans are playing. When I work with scores, I try to make them sound as real as possible, even though that takes extra effort.
In my case, it was to make my cadences sound more real. I think the real "crux of the situation" is that notation software, such as MuseScore, is great for orchestration and notation, but if you want things to sound beyond that, that's where a DAW is necessary.
Some of these YouTube videos helped in my search:
Composing in a Notation Program or DAW? Here's how to decide!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qV9Bxf7whNk&t=8s
DAW or Notation Software?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gixQbD5tues
This is one Reddit article where I have found a partial answer. In particular, look for the bottom section, where bLEBu discusses the "randomization function like in Logic":
Does Musescore (either 3 or 4) have the ability to 'humanize' tracks?
https://www.reddit.com/r/Musescore/comments/13ju3ip/does_musescore_eith…
However, the feature I was looking for is called "humanize" in Reaper, the DAW and the companion music software I am learning and using, along with MuseScore 4. Which means there are more things for me to discover in Reaper that I haven't even used yet! This feature is separate from quantization in other DAWs or even MuseScore.
Humanize MIDI in REAPER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SIQVN6pq2I
One other workaround I just thought of is that you could change your score using 32nd–64th notes of precision before the actual note should happen and vary the rhythm with that precision (i.e. Or vary after the note). You could also try triplets, so that it has a "swing feel." I believe this is what the Swing feature in Musescore does. However, this can be tedious and is like a "cat chasing a mouse." You must ask yourself if it is worth the extra time.
Off-topic, one thing I noticed about those drum line presets originally written for Musescore 3 is that there are no sounds when you "turn off" the snare drum (i.e., the lever you push on the drum side that makes it sound more like bongos!).