AppLink Apps
Symphony Pro - Music Notation
Symphony Pro 6 is a comprehensive app designed for writing music notation on iPad. It offers a wide range of features and allows you to compose music for various ensembles. The app now includes handwriting recognition, which is available as an in-app purchase and works well with Apple Pencil or touch input.
The app provides several options to get started, including importing scores from various sources such as MusicXML, MIDI, or SP files from your computer or other apps like Dropbox or iCloud Drive. You can also choose to start with a template or begin with a blank score and add parts later.
Editing in Symphony Pro is easy and efficient. You can add notes by switching to Pencil mode and tapping on a bar. Note properties can be specified before or after placing notes, and the Select mode allows for transposing, erasing, cutting, and pasting multiple notes or tracks. Step entry mode enables quick note and chord input using an on-screen instrument, QWERTY keyboard, or a Core MIDI compatible keyboard. Real-time recording with on-screen instruments is also possible.
The app supports a wide range of notational elements, including dynamics, articulations, time and key signature changes, pedals, and repeat conventions. Chord symbols, lyrics, and annotations can be edited using the iPad's standard keyboard.
Once your composition is complete, you can print it using AirPrint or export it in various formats such as PDF, MusicXML, AAC, MIDI, or Symphony file. Sharing is easy via email or direct transfer to another device or computer using Dropbox or iCloud Drive.
Some key features of Symphony Pro include handwriting recognition for Apple Pencil and touch input, 24+ professionally recorded acoustic instruments, 114 built-in instruments for playback, editing with on-screen piano, QWERTY keyboard, or MIDI input, shortcuts and gestures for efficient editing and navigation, score size reduction options, printing with AirPrint, support for up to 48 instruments and 100 staves, real-time part recording, backup and sync with iCloud, and more.
Previously paid features are now available for free in Version 5 of Symphony Pro. The app also offers advanced document management, customizable templates and part groupings, customizable fonts for chord symbols, lyrics, and annotations, loop playback, auto-save support, and the ability to stream audio or share the screen wirelessly with AirPlay.
For more information about Symphony Pro, visit their website, forums, or Facebook page. There is also an iPhone-only app available.