Free and worth every penny. MuseScore is getting better but you couldn't pay me to use it.
Plenty of MuseScore posts around here, enough to consider this the MuseScore FanBoys Club but its workflow is slow and clunky.
Don't get me wrong, I pay the annual fee to access everything MuseScore — only the notation app is free. My work gets done a lot more quickly in Notion, Finale, Dorico, Overture and Encore and that's what's important to me.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Not for me, but then I use keystrokes for much of what I do.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
This could open up a pro and con discussion of Open Source software. For all the good, there remains a persistent longing for standardization. Say, one of the developers comes up with a great new way to produce a function and winds up making it a part of the program. Then multiply that. As opposed to the Gates method, which is to rip off or copy standard code and put his brand on it.
This could open up a pro and con discussion of Open Source software. …
Except that MuseScore really isn't anymore and neither is Audacity, now owned by the same company. Oh, you can make pull requests on Github but a development team oversees everything. Frankly, I think it's a good thing.
As to that "Always free" part or, in their words, the limited "free" account. Basic functionality, yes but you want the "pro features", that's $49 a year (which I pay) or $6.99 a month.
So why do I pay? Sometimes, I find scores I can use with my ensembles. They are always in terrible shape but editing them into something I can use requires Pro. Normally, I export them as MusicXML and open in Finale, Dorico or Overture. If I don't care how they look and only want to play them with decent VIs, I open them in Notion 6 where assigning VIs couldn't be simpler. MuseScore doesn't support VSTs yet.
Quote:
but then I use keystrokes for much of what I do.
Nice if you have two working hands—not everyone is so equipped. Annoying to have to use a hand and a mouse to do many tasks.
Finale, Dorico, Notion, Encore and Overture require one hand or a mouse to do everything.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Well, different tools for different tradies I say.
Clearly Mike's requirements are met elsewhere but those requirements are, in at least some aspects, unique. Addressing the needs of differently abled folk could be done with the developers as well as the forum members. Even so he stated he uses it when needed and that, I suspect, says even more about the program when it's has a specialized niche in his workflow that sees him buy the annual subscription.
Mike, you make and defeat your won argument in the same post and slight folk with "the MuseScore FanBoys Club". What is a personal workflow essential to you isn't necessarily an important workflow essential to others but your perspective, without the jaundice, can be useful & insightful.
Last edited by rayc; 10/15/2212:52 AM.
Cheers rayc "What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
Except that MuseScore really isn't anymore and neither is Audacity, now owned by the same company.
That doesn't stop them being Open Source. The source code for both is freely available and under the GNU GPL.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
Mike, you make and defeat your won argument in the same post and slight folk with "the MuseScore FanBoys Club".
I chose my words carefully and meant what I wrote. For years and in many threads, the mere suggestion around here that MuseScore is not all that good has brought them out in droves frothing at their keyboards because Free, apparently, trumps everything else which is nonsense in my opinion. When something is bad, it's bad and price or lack thereof, has nothing to do with it.
That v.3 is not all that good is a tremendous improvement over the previous versions. The new head of development—once its harshest critic—has done a pretty good job making it no longer horrible. Let's see what he and his team do with version 4. The code isn't stable yet so I'm passing for now.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
Free, apparently, trumps everything else which is nonsense in my opinion. When something is bad, it's bad and price or lack thereof, has nothing to do with it.
There are certainly quite a few people in the OpenSource/FOSS world who believe paying for software is a heresy.
Personally I'm perfectly happy to pay for software that's good for me and I'll make donations for free-beer software and to things like Wikipedia.
Some of that "good for me", though, is related to familiarity. There are many people who love BiaB's note entry system, but I can't get my head around it at all. I find it unusable. That's probably just me.
For me, MuseScore works because I can do most of the heavy lifting without having to touch the mouse. Mice cause wrist strain and I've suffered with that for many years as a consequence. Horses for courses. YMMV.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
.................. Personally I'm perfectly happy to pay for software that's good for me and I'll make donations for free-beer software and to things like Wikipedia.
Some of that "good for me", though, is related to familiarity. There are many people who love BiaB's note entry system, but I can't get my head around it at all. I find it unusable. That's probably just me.
.......................
Gordon, you are not alone. I also donate to free software if I use it a lot.
I also find BiaB's note entry system unusable. I find other note entry systems much easier. Again YMMV and I do not knock other people's workflow.
I arrived early to a restaurant. The manager asks, "do you mind waiting a bit?" I said no. "Good", he said. "Take these drinks to table 3"
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
This has been promised for well over a year now. But this video is new so things may start to happen.
A good rule of thumb is to not sign up to a first release of a new version. There are almost always numerous bugs. Wait for the dust to settle.
Jazz relative beginner, starting at a much older age than was helpful. AVL:MXE Linux; Windows 11 BIAB2026 Audiophile, a bunch of other software. Kawai MP6, Ui24R, Focusrite Saffire Pro40 and Scarletts .
This has been promised for well over a year now. But this video is new so things may start to happen.
I like the promise. We'll see… I hope that the release version finally includes a decent implementation of MusicXML 3.0 (anyone at Dorico listening?). M-XML 3.1 or 4.0 would be nicer but I don't expect miracles.
For ease of use, nothing tops Encore but that's not seen a real upgrade since Encore 5 in 2008. Don Williams, the original developer, has bought the company and expects to release Encore 6 later this year. I don't know if he can include all the necessary new features and compatibility while maintaining the quick workflow that I want. At least, it will be nice to open the last 30+ years of files and export as M-MXL 3 at last. When I need to knock out a quick choral or praise band arrangement, nothing has ever been faster—just don't print for publication as it looks worse than MuseScore 1.
BIAB 2026 Audiophile Mac 24Core/60CoreGPU M2 MacStudioUltra/8TB/192GB Sequoia/Tahoe, M1 & M5 MBAir, 2012 MBP Digital Performer11, Logic, Finale27/Dorico/Encore/SmartScore/Notion/Overture
.... we are delighted to announce the Alpha 2 release of MuseScore 4. This is a major milestone for us because it combines (with four exceptions) all the major work that will be released to the public.
Win - https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore/releases/download/v4.0_alpha_2/M… Mac - https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore/releases/download/v4.0_alpha_2/M… Linux - https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore/releases/download/v4.0_alpha_2/M…
We are delighted to announce the Beta release of MuseScore 4! The links below are for our new Muse Hub installer application, which can be used to install and update MuseScore and download / install our new orchestral plugin Muse Sounds. See the bottom of this post for more information and help with Muse Hub installation.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
Playable RealTracks Set 5
RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
XPro & Xtra Styles PAK Sets On Sale Now - Until May 15, 2026!
All of our XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAKs are on sale until May 15th, 2026!
It's the perfect time to expand your Band-in-a-Box® style library with XPro and Xtra Styles PAKs. These additional styles for Band-in-a-Box® offer a wide range of genres designed to fit seamlessly into your projects. Each style is professionally arranged and mixed, helping enhance your songs while saving you time.
What are XPro Styles and Xtra Styles PAKs?
XPro Styles PAKs are styles that work with any version (Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition) of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). XPro Styles PAKS 1-10 includes 1,000 styles!
Xtra Styles PAKs are styles that work with the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box® 2025 (or higher). Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 includes 3,700 styles (and 35 MIDI styles)!
The XPro & Xtra Styles PAKs are not included in any Band-in-a-Box® package.
The XPro Styles PAKs 1-10 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
The Xtra Styles PAKs 1-21 are available for only $29 ea (reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the Xtra Styles PAK Bundle for only $199 (reg. $349)! Listen to demos and order now! For Mac or for Windows.
Note: XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2025 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 19 requires the 2025 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version as they require the RealTracks included in the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
Supercharge your Band-in-a-Box today with XPro Styles PAKs and Xtra Styles PAK Sets!
With the release of Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac, we’re rolling out a collection of brand-new videos on our YouTube channel. We’ll keep this forum post updated so you can easily find all the latest videos in one convenient spot.
Whether you're exploring new features, checking out the latest RealTracks or Style PAKs, this is your go-to guide for Band-in-a-Box® 2026.
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac is here and it is packed with major new features! There’s a new modern look, a GUI redesign to all areas of the program including toolbars, windows, workflow and more. There’s a Multi-view layout for organizing multiple windows. A standout addition is the powerful AI-Notes feature, which uses AI neural-net technology to transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI—entire mixes or individual instruments—making it easy to study, view, and play parts from any song. And that’s just the beginning—there are over 100 new features in this exciting release.
Along with version 2026, we've released an incredible lineup of new content! There's 202 new RealTracks, brand-new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two new RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Special Offers
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac and save up to 50% on most upgrade packages during our special offer—available until May 15, 2026. Visit our Band-in-a-Box® packages page to explore all available upgrade options.
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK Add-ons
Our Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK are loaded with amazing add-ons! The Free Bonus PAK is included with most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac packages, but you can unlock even more—including 20 unreleased RealTracks—by upgrading to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49.
Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac® users: Build 904 now available!
If you're already using Band-in-a-Box® 2025 for Mac®, make sure to grab the latest update! Build 904 is now available for download and includes the newest additions and enhancements from our team.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you over the phone. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday, and 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST Saturday. We are closed Sunday. You can also send us your questions via email.
One of our representatives will be happy to help you on our Live Chat or by email. Our hours of operation are from
6:00AM to 6:00PM PST (GMT -8) Monday thru Friday; 8:00AM to 4:00PM PST (GMT -8) Saturday; Closed Sunday.
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean