Musaica is a free online sheet music reader. These answers cover how to use it, what it can and cannot do, and what it costs.
Questions and answers
What is Musaica?
A free online sheet music reader. Upload a PDF or a photo of sheet music, and Musaica recognises the notation and lets you play it in your browser with a cursor that follows the music.
Is it really free?
Free to use with ads. Anyone can upload and preview a score without an account; a free account (email link, no password) unlocks the full score and a personal library. Musaica Basic ($5.99/month) removes ads and adds Smart Playback (expressive dynamics and timing), Band Mode, MusicXML export and 10 HD render credits a month. HD renders are downloadable studio-quality MP3s; extra credits are sold in packs from $3.99.
Do I need an account?
No account is needed to upload and preview. A free account — we email you a sign-in link, no password — unlocks the full score and keeps your scores in a library.
What file types can I upload?
PDF, PNG and JPEG/JPG, up to 50 MB.
Can I use a photo from my phone?
Yes. Photograph the page flat, straight-on and in even light. See image to sheet music.
How long does conversion take?
Usually under a minute for a single page; longer for long or dense scores.
How accurate is it?
Works best on clean, printed (engraved) notation. Handwritten scores, very dense orchestral pages and blurry photos recognise less accurately; lyrics and some ornaments may be dropped. Our scanning guide explains how to get the best results.
Can I fix recognition mistakes?
Not inside Musaica. Subscribers can export MusicXML and correct it in a notation program such as MuseScore, Sibelius, Finale or Dorico.
Which instruments can it play?
Piano, Guitar, Violin, Oud, Tanbur, Kanun (qanun), Ney, Duduk. One sound is used for the whole score in standard playback; Band Mode (Basic plan) spreads the score across melody, harmony, bass and drums.
Can I slow it down or loop a section?
Yes. Type any tempo in the player, or use the practice page to play from 10% to 200% speed and loop a selected range of notes.
What is the intonation check?
Play or sing into your microphone and Musaica compares your pitch with the written note, showing how many cents sharp or flat you are. See intonation trainer.
What is the rhythm counter?
A view that shows how to count each bar — "1 e & a" syllables, bar lengths or a clock — in time with playback. See rhythm counter.
Can I export MusicXML or MIDI?
MusicXML export is part of Musaica Basic ($5.99/month). MIDI export is not available; open the MusicXML in a notation program to save MIDI.
Can I download an MP3?
Yes, with an HD render: a studio-quality MP3 of the whole score. Each render uses one credit; Basic includes 10 a month and packs start at $3.99. Credits never expire.
What is Smart Playback?
A subscriber playback mode that adds expressive dynamics, natural timing and phrasing, so the score sounds closer to a human performance.
Does it read guitar tab or chord symbols?
It reads standard staff notation. Tablature lines and chord symbols may be ignored or misread, so upload standard notation where possible.
Does it support maqam quarter-tones?
Not reliably. Optical music recognition generally does not read half-flat or koma accidentals, and playback uses the nearest standard pitch.
Is there an app?
There is no app to install. Musaica works in Safari, Chrome, Edge and Firefox on computers, tablets and phones, and can be added to your home screen.
Is my microphone audio recorded?
No. Pitch detection runs in your browser and the audio is not uploaded.
Who can see my uploaded scores?
Your library is private to your account. Anyone you share a score link with can open that score.
Can I upload copyrighted sheet music?
Upload only music you have the right to use — your own copies for personal practice, public-domain scores, or music you have permission for.