MuseScore is a music notation software, suitable for professionals and hobbyists alike. This powerful and free-to-use tool is perfect when you are writing music. You can use it to create complex music scores, and simple lead sheets, or use it for teaching music. The app comes with a ton of features that make this tool a suitable alternative to more commercial options. The following guide hopes to help our readers with installing MuseScore on various Linux distributions, including niche ones like Mageia or PCLinuxOS.
What Is MuseScore?
MuseScore is a free music notation software that is made for musicians, composers, and music students to help them create, edit, and share musical scores and digital music sheets. It is an open-source project and is developed by a group of dedicated developers and an enthusiastic online community. It works as a word processor but for music. You can use it to create music sheets with full notations and help with playback compositions using virtual instruments.
MuseScore is equally popular in the educational world, as it allows teachers to access world-class features and help students with their classes. The app is also available on multiple platforms like Windows and macOS.
Features
Before we talk about how to install MuseScore on Linux, let us take some time to understand its various features first:
Advanced Notation Tools
As explained above, the app comes with a comprehensive notation tool that is helpful for both advanced users and beginners. The UI allows users to enter notes using either a mouse or a keyboard, however, you can always use a MIDI device. The app also allows you to add articulations, dynamics, and even expression marks in a few clicks. Furthermore, the smart engine auto adjusts spacing and formatting, thus resulting in professional-looking scores. Lastly, you can also add time stamps, complex rhythms, and other notational styles.
Sound Engine and Playback Support
The app offers a sophisticated, professional-grade, playback system alongside a high-quality sound library that includes realistic samples from various instruments. When composing music, you can hear a live playback, with accuracy, complete with dynamics, tempo changes, and articulations. Furthermore, the app supports VST plugins, allowing users to rely on third-party virtual instruments. Thus, real-time MIDI input allows musicians to record their performance directly while using the score, thus making composing music much more intuitive and time-saving.
Multiple File Format Support
You can run the software on multiple platforms, including Windows, macOS, and various Linux distributions. Furthermore, it supports multiple file formats for import and export, such as MIDI, MusicXML, PDF, WAV, and MP3. This allows for a much easier collaboration and file sharing. Then, there is also cloud storage integration that allows users to access scores from any device.
Educational Resources Available
The app is also good for teaching. There are features that help with music education. The app allows you to create exercises and worksheets and helps students with sight-reading and composition. Furthermore, the built-in piano keyboard and fretboard displays can help students visualize note positions, making it much easier to understand music theory. Then there is also a huge digital score library that has everything from classic to contemporary pieces.
Installing MuseScore On Linux
For you to install MuseScore on Linux, all you have to do is follow the instructions provided below. We have listed several methods that can aid with this. Simply choose the one that is most suitable for you and for your Linux distribution.
Method 1. Using PPA To Install MuseScore On Linux
There are PPA repositories available for most distributions. You can use them to install MuseScore on Linux. All you have to do is:
Step 1. First, add the MuseScore PPA:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mscore-ubuntu/mscore-stableStep 2. Then, update your package list:
sudo apt updateStep 3. Finally, install MuseScore:
sudo apt install musescore4Method 2. Install MuseScore via Snap
Step 1. Start by installing Snap on your device:
sudo apt install snapdStep 2. Then, install MuseScore via Snap:
sudo snap install musescoreMethod 3. Install MuseScore On Linux using AppImage
Step 1. First, go to MuseScore’s official download page and download the AppImage for your Linux distro.
Step 2. Then, navigate to the directory where you downloaded the AppImage:
cd /path/to/download/directoryStep 3. Now, make the AppImage executable:
chmod +x MuseScore*.AppImageStep 4. Finally, run the AppImage:
./MuseScore*.AppImageMethod 4. Installing MuseScore with Flatpak
Step 1. First, install Flatpak:
sudo apt install flatpakStep 2. Now, add the Flathub repository to your system, it will be required to fetch MuseScore:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 3. Finally, install MuseScore via Flatpak:
flatpak install flathub org.musescore.MuseScoreMethod 5. Install MuseScore On Linux with Native Package Managers
Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install musescoreFedora
sudo dnf install musescoreArch Linux/Manjaro
Step 1. First, install an AUR helper, like yay:
sudo pacman -S yayStep 2. Then, install MuseScore using the AUR helper:
yay -S musescoreGentoo
sudo emerge media-sound/musescoreNixOS
nix-env -iA nixpkgs.musescoreFreeBSD
sudo pkg install musescoreUsing Ports
cd /usr/ports/audio/musescore/ && sudo make install cleanOpenBSD
sudo pkg_add musescoreDragonFly BSD
sudo pkg install musescorePCLinuxOS
sudo apt-get install musescoreVoid Linux
sudo xbps-install -S musescoreALT Linux
sudo apt-get install musescoreMageia
sudo urpmi musescoreopenSUSE
sudo zypper install musescoreLinux Mint
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:mscore-ubuntu/mscore-stable
sudo apt update
sudo apt install musescore4Method 6. Compile MuseScore From Source
Step 1. First, you have to install dependencies on your system:
sudo apt install build-essential cmake qtbase5-dev qttools5-dev-tools gitStep 2. Then, clone the MuseScore repository from GitHub:
git clone https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore.git
cd MuseScoreStep 3. Start building MuseScore:
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make -j$(nproc)Step 4. Lastly, run MuseScore:
./bin/MuseScore