Audacityįor basic audio recording, Audacity works.

If you're transitioning from one of those, MuseScore can export and import MusicXML files.įor those who want a more markup-style WYSIWYM music notation system, go with GNU Lilypond (or maybe the front-end options Frescobaldi or Denemo).Īmong many other features, I love that MuseScore can fine-tune the output of each note, allowing me to hear the results in just intonation or other tunings besides standard equal temperament. In its core notation functionality and user friendliness, MuseScore competes with and even outdoes expensive proprietary programs like Finale and Sibelius. Though focused on preparing notation for printing, it supports JACK and can have its output routed to any synthesizer or sampler and integrated with other programs. MuseScoreįorked years ago from the Linux music sequencer MusE (a program started back in 1999 and still active today), MuseScore is a superb WYSIWYG music notation program. Otherwise, see each program's website for install instructions. Fedora Jam includes all of these as well. If you use KXStudio, described in my previous article, Configuring Linux for music recording and production, all the programs mentioned below are either automatically installed or available via apt-get install. This article highlights several of my favorite go-to free/libre/open music apps.

Many are also cross-platform, allowing me to promote them to students who still use Windows or OS X. Thankfully, some free/libre/open programs standout as both powerful and truly accessible to total beginners. I personally still miss some aspects of my old OS X tools. In some cases (such as a full switch to GNU/Linux), this can be difficult given all the inconsistent quality and quirks.

Welcome to the communityĪs a music teacher, I promote free/libre/open software (and music and educational material too!) to my students.

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