🎉 Share & Save—Join the Competition for Half Price! 🎶

Want to enter the Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025 for 50% off? It’s easy! Just post about the competition on social media, and we’ll cut your entry fee in half.

Already entered? No problem—we’ll refund 50% of your fee if you complete the steps below!

💰 How to Get Your Discount

1. 1️⃣Post publicly on your favorite social media platform (Facebook, Instagram, Blue Sky, TikTok, etc.*).
2. 2️⃣Include our competition image:
   
   I’m Entering the Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025
3. 3️⃣Copy and paste this text into your post:

📢 Calling all musicians! Tunescribers is hosting an Arranging Competition, and I’m taking part! 🎶

Create a solo piano arrangement in response to a unique prompt, and compete for cash prizes, software licenses, and publication opportunities. Entries close March 1st—who’s in?

🔗 Enter now: www.tunescribers.com/competition

#TunescribersCompetition @tunescribers

4. 4️⃣Tag @Tunescribers and use the hashtag #TunescribersCompetition.
5. 5️⃣Send proof to info@tunescribers.com with a screenshot and a public link to your post.

📢 Important Details

💡 Feel free to personalize your caption—but you must include:

• The competition image
• @Tunescribers (if applicable on your chosen platform*)
• The hashtag #TunescribersCompetition

📅 Deadline: Posts must be made before March 1st, 2025 to qualify!

🎼 Enter now: www.tunescribers.com/competition

*Tunescribers is not on Twitter/X. To redeem this offer by sharing on that platform, the image, text, and hashtag will be sufficient.

Win Big in the Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025!

The Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025 isn’t just about showcasing your arranging skills—it’s also your chance to win incredible prizes that will help you on your musical journey. Whether you’re a student, an educator, or a professional musician, these prizes are designed to support and enhance your craft.

🎖 Honourable Mentions

Outstanding entries that don’t place in the top three will still receive recognition on Tunescribers’ social media, helping you gain visibility and celebrate your work.

Get Your Ticket & Enter Today!

Tickets are available now! Choose between Standard Entry or Critique Tier (which includes detailed feedback from industry experts). Early bird pricing is available for a limited time!

📜 Read More About the Competition

Don’t miss your chance to win these fantastic prizes and gain recognition for your arranging skills. We can’t wait to hear your music!

Introducing the Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025!

Are you ready to put your arranging skills to the test? The Tunescribers Arranging Competition 2025 is your chance to create a unique solo piano arrangement and compete for fantastic prizes, industry recognition, and a chance to showcase your work to a global audience!

How It Works

🔹 Receive the prompt – On 1 March 2025, you’ll receive a public domain melody and one other creative prompt to guide your arrangement.

🔹 Create your arrangement – You’ll have until 14 March 2025 to craft a 2-minute piano arrangement that’s playable by a human pianist. Any style, any genre. Do anything you like to the prompt melody – play it backwards, upside down, chop it into tiny bits – get as creative as you can!

🔹 Submit your work – Send us your notation file, PDF score, and audio mockup using our simple submission form.

🔹 Judging & Public Vote – A panel of expert judges will evaluate the shortlisted entries, and a public vote will determine the Audience Favourite winner! Make sure to follow us on social media to be the first to hear when we announce the judges.

🔹 Winners Announced – Results will be published on 14 April 2025.

Entry Fees

All prices shown in USD

Choose your ticket:

Prizes

🏆 1st Place – $500 cash, publication on Tunescribers, and a perpetual NotePerformer license

🥈 2nd Place – $100 transcription credit and a perpetual Cantai license

🥉 3rd Place – $50 transcription credit and a perpetual Graphical MIDI Tools license

✨ Honourable Mentions – Recognition on Tunescribers’ social media

🌟 Audience Favourite – A professionally recorded piano performance video of the winning arrangement (subject to playability)

Learn more about the prizes here.

Critique Tier: Receive Personalised Feedback

For those looking to improve their arranging skills, our Critique Tier offers detailed, constructive feedback from our panel of judges. If you select this option, you will receive at least half a page of written feedback, covering:

• Your harmonic, rhythmic, and structural choices.
• How effectively your arrangement develops the given melody.
• Playability and practical suggestions for performance.
• Suggestions for improvement to refine your arranging style.

Critique Tier feedback will be delivered no later than 14 May 2025. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain expert insights into your arranging style!

Key Rules & Guidelines

📜 Your arrangement must:

• Be an original work based on the provided melody.
• Be playable by a real pianist.
• Be no longer than 2 minutes.
• Be submitted in PDF, notation file, and MP3/WAV formats.

📌 Read the full competition rules & T&Cs here: 👉 Competition Terms & Conditions

Stay Connected

Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes content:

📷 Instagram: @tunescribers

▶ YouTube: @tunescribers

🎵 TikTok: @tunescribers

📘 Facebook: Tunescribers

Share your journey using #Tunescribers!

For any questions, contact us at info@tunescribers.com.

We can’t wait to hear your arrangements—good luck! 🎶

It’s the end of an era as Finale, the longstanding music notation software, ceases development. For decades, Finale has been a cornerstone in the music industry, and at Tunescribers, we’ve proudly supported our customers with native MUSX files created in Finale. We’re sad to see such an iconic tool go, but we’re committed to helping our customers navigate this transition smoothly.

For the time being, Tunescribers will continue to offer MUSX files as long as it remains feasible. However, with Finale no longer in active development, there will come a time when access to the software may become difficult. To prepare for this, we encourage our customers to explore alternative music notation software.

MakeMusic and Steinberg are offering a crossgrade promotion to Dorico, an excellent successor to Finale, for those looking to make a switch. While we highly recommend Dorico, we also provide support for other popular formats, including .DORICO, .SIB (Sibelius), .MSCZ (MuseScore), and .GP (Guitar Pro) files. No matter which direction you choose, Tunescribers has you covered.

Additionally, if you’re concerned about the transition, we’re offering a free MUSX to MusicXML conversion service for all Tunescribers customers. This will allow you to continue working on your projects in a format compatible with a wide range of music notation software. Alternatively, get in touch for a quote for a 1-to-1 conversion from MUSX to any other native notation format of your choice. Whether you’re a composer with only a handful of scores, or a publishing house with decades of music to archive, get in touch to enquire about either of these options.

While the end of Finale marks a significant change, Tunescribers remains dedicated to providing you with the tools and support you need to keep your music alive and thriving. Whether you’re sticking with Finale for now or moving on to new software, we’re here to assist you every step of the way.

Note: links in this article may be affiliate links.

In the digital age, creating, sharing, and learning music has never been easier, especially with various online music notation tools available right in your web browser. Musicians, educators, and students have a wealth of options to choose from.

Today, we at Tunescribers are excited to compare three popular online music notation platforms: Noteflight, Flat.io, and Soundslice. We’ve tested these tools to help you find the best fit for your needs.

Plus, all Tunescribers transcriptions come with MusicXML files, ensuring seamless import into these products.

Noteflight: Comprehensive and User-Friendly

Overview: Noteflight is a powerful online music notation tool that allows users to create, share, and collaborate on sheet music directly in their browser. We found its user-friendly interface and extensive feature set particularly impressive.

Key Features:

• ● Ease of Use: Noteflight‘s intuitive interface makes it accessible for users of all skill levels.
• ● Collaboration: Real-time sharing and collaboration make it perfect for group projects and educational settings.
• ● Playback and Recording: High-quality playback with realistic instrument sounds and the ability to record audio directly into your scores.
• ● Hal Leonard Partnership: Unique to Noteflight, this partnership allows users to sell their arrangements legally, an invaluable feature for composers and arrangers. These arrangements can be sold directly on Noteflight’s Marketplace, or via SheetMusicDirect and SheetMusicPlus.
• ● Library: Access to a vast library of user-created scores.
• ● Compatibility: Noteflight supports MusicXML files, ensuring easy import and export with other music notation software.

Pros:

• ● Rich set of features for composing and arranging music.
• ● Strong community and sharing capabilities.
• ● Affordable subscription options, including a free version with basic features.
• ● Legal sales of copyrighted arrangements through Hal Leonard.

Cons:

• ● Some advanced features are locked behind the premium subscription.
• ● Interface can feel cluttered for beginners.

Best For:

• ● Composers and arrangers looking for a comprehensive tool.
• ● Music educators and students who need collaboration features.
• ● Musicians who want to access a large library of pre-existing scores.

Flat.io: Collaborative and Educational

Overview: Flat.io is an online music notation platform designed with collaboration and education in mind. It integrates seamlessly with various educational tools, making it a favorite among teachers and students. We enjoyed how it operates entirely within the browser, like the other tools in this comparison.

Key Features:

• ● Real-Time Collaboration: Multiple users can work on the same score simultaneously, ideal for classroom settings. It’s a lot like Google Docs, but for sheet music!
• ● Integration: Connects with Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams, and other educational platforms.
• ● Interactive Learning: Tools for creating interactive music theory exercises and assignments.
• ● Accessibility: Supports various input methods, including MIDI and keyboard shortcuts.
• ● Compatibility: Flat.io supports MusicXML files, facilitating easy exchange with other notation software.

Pros:

• ● Strong emphasis on collaboration and educational tools.
• ● Easy integration with educational software.
• ● Simple and clean interface suitable for beginners.

Cons:

• ● Limited features in the free version.
• ● Some advanced notation features may be lacking compared to competitors.

Best For:

• ● Music educators and students who need seamless integration with classroom tools.
• ● Beginners looking for an easy-to-use notation platform.
• ● Groups and ensembles that require real-time collaboration.

Soundslice: Interactive and Innovative

Overview: Soundslice is a unique platform that combines traditional music notation with interactive video and audio. It’s particularly popular among musicians who learn by ear and those looking to transcribe music from recordings. We found Soundslice‘s browser-based functionality to be highly versatile.

Key Features:

• ● Interactive Scores: Syncs notation with video and audio for an immersive learning experience.
• ● Transcription Tools: Slow down, loop, and annotate video and audio, making transcription easier.
• ● Community Content: Access to a wealth of user-generated transcriptions and lessons.
• ● Mobile-Friendly: Designed to work seamlessly on both desktop and mobile devices.
• ● Compatibility: Soundslice supports MusicXML files, allowing for easy integration with other notation software.

Pros:

• ● Innovative approach to learning and transcribing music.
• ● Excellent for musicians who learn by watching and listening.
• ● Strong community and extensive library of transcriptions.

Cons:

• ● Not as feature-rich for traditional notation as some competitors.
• ● Higher learning curve for users unfamiliar with video and audio integration.

Best For:

• ● Musicians who prefer to learn by ear and through visual aids.
• ● Those who frequently transcribe music from recordings.
• ● Mobile users looking for a versatile platform that works on the go.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Tool

Choosing the right music notation tool depends on your specific needs and preferences:

• ● Noteflight is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive, feature-rich platform with strong collaboration capabilities and the ability to sell legal arrangements through Hal Leonard.
• ● Flat.io is perfect for educators and students who need an easy-to-use, collaborative tool that integrates with educational software.
• ● Soundslice stands out for musicians who learn visually and by ear, offering innovative features for transcription and interactive learning.

It’s important to note that while these tools are fantastic for many users, they may not offer the depth and power required by professional musicians, such as those working with Tunescribers. Professional notation software like Sibelius, Finale, or Dorico provides more advanced capabilities but comes with a steeper learning curve and higher cost.

For many musicians, educators, and students, the simplicity and accessibility of these browser-based tools are more than sufficient for their needs. They also all support MusicXML files, ensuring compatibility and ease of transfer between different platforms.

No matter which platform you choose, each of these tools offers unique benefits that can enhance your music creation, learning, and sharing experience. Explore their free versions, test out their features, and find the one that resonates best with your musical workflow.

In the rapidly evolving world of music transcription, technological advancements have introduced AI-powered tools that promise quick and efficient results. However, at Tunescribers, we do not use any AI transcription tools—we believe in the enduring value of human expertise. In this blog post, we’ll compare AI music transcription with the service you receive from Tunescribers’ expert musicians, highlighting the strengths and limitations of both, while ultimately emphasizing why the human touch makes a difference.

The Speed and Efficiency of AI Music Transcription

AI music transcription tools leverage sophisticated algorithms to convert audio files into sheet music almost instantaneously. Some of the top AI transcription tools include:

1. Klang.io: Known for its speed and ease of use, Klang.io is popular among musicians for quick transcriptions.
2. AudioScore by Neuratron: A versatile tool that integrates well with other music software, AudioScore offers a range of features for different transcription needs.
3. Anthemscore: Utilized for its ability to handle a variety of audio formats, Anthemscore is favored by many for its efficient processing.

Here are some of the key advantages of these AI tools:

• Speed: AI can process and transcribe music at remarkable speeds, making it ideal for tight deadlines.
• Cost-Effective: Many AI transcription services are relatively affordable, catering to those on a budget.
• Flexible Pricing: Depending on which service you go for, you can choose to pay per-song, with a subscription, or simply purchase a license for an offline app.

While these benefits are impressive, there are significant limitations to consider.

The Precision and Nuance of Human Musicians

1. Musicality: Our musicians understand the nuances of different genres, styles, and instruments, ensuring that the transcription captures the soul of the piece.
2. Customization: We offer bespoke services tailored to your specific needs, from adjusting arrangements to incorporating unique stylistic elements.
3. Error Handling: Human transcribers can detect and correct subtle errors that AI might miss, such as complex rhythms or unconventional chords.
4. Communication: At Tunescribers, you can discuss your project with a real person, ensuring your vision is understood and accurately executed.
5. Instrument Isolation: Humans can pick out individual instruments in complex arrangements, like the second violin in an orchestra, or interlocking guitar parts.
6. Poor Audio Quality: Our experts can fill in gaps due to poor audio quality with stylistically appropriate material.
7. Professional Presentation: We ensure your sheet music is professionally engraved and formatted.
8. Arrangement: We can arrange music for different instruments, such as transforming an orchestral piece into a piano arrangement.

A Balanced Perspective

While AI music transcription tools are undeniably powerful and continue to improve, they currently lack the intuitive understanding and creative insight that human musicians provide. Here’s a balanced summary:

• AI Pros: Speed and cost-effectiveness.
• AI Cons: Limited understanding of nuance, potential for errors in complex passages, difficulty isolating individual instruments, issues with poor audio quality, lack of professional presentation, and inability to arrange music for different instruments.
• Human Pros: Deep musical understanding, bespoke services, error correction, personal communication, instrument isolation, handling poor audio, professional presentation, and arrangement capabilities.
• Human Cons: Slower than AI and potentially higher cost.

Why Choose Tunescribers?

When accuracy, artistry, and a personalized touch are paramount, Tunescribers’ expert musicians offer an unparalleled service. Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality transcriptions that not only meet but exceed your expectations.

Ready to experience the difference human expertise makes? Contact Tunescribers today to start your next transcription project and ensure your music is transcribed with the precision and passion it deserves.

By opting for Tunescribers, you’re not just choosing a service; you’re choosing a partner committed to bringing your musical vision to life. Let’s make music together!

For more insights and to see how our musicians can elevate your music, head to our homepage or reach out to us directly for a consultation via our contact page.

Free Sheet Music Giveaway, June 2024

‘Fascinating Rhythm’ (1926) by George Gershwin

Written by George Gershwin in 1926 for the musical Lady Be Good, Fascinating Rhythm has been recorded by everybody from Fred Astaire to Judy Garland, to Jamie Cullum.

This piano/vocal sheet music is based on a live version, sung by the incredible Mel Tormé during an appearance on the Judy Garland show in 1963. It includes an awesome series of drum solos, also performed by Tormé!

The song was picked by our followers in a poll on social media. To have a say in which song we give away next month, make to sure follow us!
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Originally sold for $12.99, the sheet music for ‘Fascinating Rhythm’ by George Gershwin is yours free this month. This arrangement is for piano and vocals. and is based on this performance. Download your free copy today!

Claim Free Sheet Music

This version of “Fascinating Rhythm” was arranged by Tunescribers team member Ivan M.

In case you missed it…

Tunescribers is now on YouTube! We’ve been blown away with the response we’ve had so far – our first video got over 25,000 views in the first week!!!

Here’s a selection of the videos we’ve uploaded so far:

Make sure to head to our YouTube channel and subscribe so you don’t miss any new videos. And if you have an idea for a video you’d like to see from us, let us know! We’d love to hear your thoughts.

Sheet Music | Backing Tracks | Discount Code

Thanks for being a loyal follower of our blog! We’re excited and happy to share a little more of what we offer with you:

– FREE sheet music & backing track for The Sound Of Silence by Paul Simon, as performed by Disturbed. This version is arranged for piano and vocals, and you can play it along with the backing track of the full orchestra.

Download sheet music for Free
Download backing track for Free

– If you’d like to order a custom backing track of your own, use discount code TRACK15 to get 15% off the backing track portion of your order.

In honor of The Godfather’s 50th anniversary, we’re excited to share sheet music for Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather) by Nino Rota and performed by Robin Spielberg for free this month! This version is arranged for piano.

Download now for Free

Fun facts about Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from The Godfather):

• The instrumental version is known as “The Godfather Theme”.
• Italian composer Nino Rota’s music has lyrics by Larry Kusik, and was originally recorded by crooner Andy Williams.
• The score was nominated for an Academy Award, but it had to be removed when it transpired that Rota had used the same melody (albeit at a different tempo) in a score for a 1958 film, Fortunella.
• Nonetheless, Rota’s score for The Godfather Part II won the 1974 Academy Award for Best Score, despite the fact that it contained the same piece.