Notation software- hsc flashbacks

In this class, we explored different types of music notation software, and it felt like a return to familiar ground in some ways, but also opened my eyes to a lot of new possibilities.

I’ve used MuseScore quite a lot in the past, especially during high school and for my HSC. I’ve always found it to be a highly reliable tool. It helped me write arrangements, experiment with composition, and hear my ideas played back in real time, which was invaluable as a student. Using the latest version of MuseScore in class was exciting, because it’s clearly evolved in a really positive direction. The new layout is more user-friendly, it looks cleaner, and the improved playback and engraving tools make it even more accessible for students. I think it will be a great resource for learners at all levels, but particularly for classical music students.

We also looked at Sibelius, which I’ve had less experience with, but was pleasantly surprised by. What really stood out to me this time were its music education resources, which I hadn’t been aware of before. There’s a wide range of songs and activities that could be incredibly useful for lesson planning. I’m already thinking about how I can use some of them during my primary school prac next semester. As someone preparing to enter the teaching profession, it’s reassuring to know that programs like Sibelius are offering practical support to educators.

Lastly, I tried using a platform called Flat for the first time. While I appreciated its simplicity in theory, I didn’t find it as smooth or powerful as MuseScore or Sibelius. The interface felt clunky, and it was harder to navigate. For me, it lacked the flexibility and ease-of-use that I’ve come to expect from good notation software, especially when it comes to layout and playback. I can see how it might be useful for quick exercises or collaborative projects online, but it’s definitely not something I’d rely on for more detailed work.

Overall, this class helped me reflect on the importance of choosing the right tools to support both student creativity and classroom teaching. Notation software isn’t just about writing music — it’s about making the act of creating music accessible and engaging, especially for students who may not feel confident with traditional notation. I'm excited to keep exploring these tools and think about how I can use them to support learning in both primary and secondary settings.

Below is an image of the beginning of a composition I wrote in year 10 via Musescore, all the way back in 2021. It's really cool to look back on past work I've done on this software, and think back to how much easier it made the composition process for me!