Open Source Software
Because of the open source (cf. inf.) nature of MuseScore the user manual (Handbook for MuseScore 3) is maintained by a large number of volunteer users. It’s up to date, free and available in many languages. It can also be printed out. It a good idea to have a browser window open while taking your first steps in MuseScore.
MuseScore Software
MuseScore for Mac, PC and Linux:
- is completely free with no limitations
- is open source
- allows input with a MIDI keyboard
- features transfer to and from other programs via MusicXML and MIDI
Download page: musescore.org
Open-Source Community
Developers, supporters and translators created MuseScore along the open source philosophy and everyone can get involved: musescore.org/en/contribute
Musescore is used worldwide by schools, universities, orchestras and bands (cf. this map).
Open-Source Software
“Open-source software is a type of computer software in which source code is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. Open-source software may be developed in a collaborative public manner. Open-source software is a prominent example of open collaboration.” wiki
Musescore.com
Musescore.com is the commercial website built around musescore (museScore.org)
The musescore.com website is a sheet music-sharing social platform. Anybody can create a free account and upload their sheet music, to share with the world or to be kept as a private backup. A PRO account is available to unlock more features of the site, but musescore.com will always offer a free account. help.musescore.com
Pro subscribers can upload their own scores or browse for other user generated content and professionally transcribed scores licensed from the leading publishers are also available.
MuseScore apps
MuseScore apps for iOS and Android connect to your musescore.com account and allow you to search for music, play, transpose, and view individual parts of a score.for iOS and Android connect to your musescore.com account and allow you to search for music, play, transpose, and view individual parts of a score. help.musescore.com
Uploading your score to MuseScore.com is the fastest way to share scores with your students. A browser (chrome is the best choice) is all that is required for visualizing and playback.