Audio to MusicXML for your notation app
ScoreStarling transcribes a recording into a score you can check against the original and fix, then gives you MusicXML to keep editing in MuseScore, Dorico, Sibelius or Finale.
Drop an MP3, WAV or video here
MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG, AIFF or a video, up to 95 MB; the first five minutes are written out. A voice, one instrument or solo piano is free to transcribe.
No file handy?
ScoreStarling converts audio to MusicXML: it transcribes a recording, lets you hear the score beside the original and fix it, and exports .musicxml or .mxl for MuseScore, Dorico, Sibelius or Finale. Transcription of a voice, one instrument or solo piano is free; the MusicXML takes a one-time unlock of 15 credits per score.
What goes in and what comes out
You bring
- An MP3, WAV, M4A, FLAC, OGG or AIFF file, or a video
- A voice, one instrument, solo piano or a band
You get
- MusicXML (.musicxml) or compressed MXL
- MIDI, ABC and MEI from the same unlock
- A PDF, MP3 and WAV, free without unlocking
How it works
- Choose the recording above. The workspace opens with it, after sign-in if needed.
- Say what is playing. One instrument or voice and solo piano are free; a band shows its price first.
- Play the score beside the recording and fix what you hear. It is easier here, with the original a click away, than after import.
- Download MusicXML. The first time, you are shown the 15 credits and nothing is spent until you confirm.
Open it in MuseScore
- In MuseScore, choose File, then Open, and pick the .musicxml or .mxl file.
- The staves, key, meter and instrument names come in with the notes.
- Spacing and line breaks may differ a little, since MuseScore lays out the music its own way.
Why MusicXML and not MIDI
A MIDI file stores when each note sounds, not how it is written, so a notation app has to guess the bar lines, rests and spelling, and the result often looks messy. MusicXML carries the written score, so what you fixed in ScoreStarling stays fixed. Why MIDI imports look messy shows the difference.
Good to know
- The first five minutes of each recording are written out.
- Unlocking is once per score, and scores made before the unlock rules stay fully open.
- The transcription is a first draft; check it by ear before you build on it.
Questions and answers
Can I convert an MP3 straight to MusicXML?
Yes. Transcribe the MP3, check the score against the recording, then download MusicXML (.musicxml) or compressed MusicXML (.mxl).
How much does the MusicXML cost?
Transcribing a voice, one instrument or solo piano is free. MusicXML needs the score unlocked: 15 credits, once per score, after which every format downloads as often as you like, edits included. Every account gets free credits each month. A band score paid with credits and every score on Plus are already unlocked.
MusicXML or MIDI: which should I download?
MusicXML for notation apps: it keeps the key, meter, bar lines, note spelling and staves. MIDI for a DAW: it keeps the performance. See MusicXML vs MIDI vs PDF.
Does it open in MuseScore 4?
Yes. MuseScore, Dorico, Sibelius and Finale all import MusicXML. Layout can differ a little from app to app, since each engraves the notes its own way.
Is guitar TAB kept?
Yes. A guitar, bass or ukulele part with TAB turned on exports its TAB staff, strings and frets, in the MusicXML.
Can I download it again after editing?
Yes. Once unlocked, the score downloads as often as you like, and each download has your latest edits.