- Sheet Music Reader Free
- Sheet Music Reader Online
- Sheet Music Reader And Player
- Online Sheet Music Reader
- Free Sheet Music Reader Software
- Best Sheet Music Readers For Mac
Best Music Notation Software 2019 - Write Musical Scores and Compositions
Digital Sheet Music Player for Mac Preview, transpose, and play sheet music right from your Mac with OS X Note: Due to a recent update to the Mac Player installing the latest version will require you to login and resync your music. Sheet music reader free download - PDF Sheet Music Reader for iPad, NextPage 3 Sheet Music Reader, Scroller: MusicXML Sheet Music Reader, and many more programs. Best Video Software for the Mac. App for Music Teachers. PlayScore is the Ideal for music teachers because using PlayScore, music students can hear assignments at home as they should sound.And whatever the instrument, piano, guitar, violin or voice PlayScore lets you focus on particular passages and phrases.
We spent 40 hours testing and comparing the best music notation programs that cost less than $200. As we evaluated, we took note of how easy it is to create original compositions with each one. We also imported and exported a variety of file types to make sure it wasn't more troublesome to use the software than to quickly write a song idea by hand. After compiling our testing data, we believe Notion 6 is the best software for most people because it includes all the tools needed to compose complex and basic scores and has an intuitive user interface.
Notion 6
Notion 6 is available for Mac and Windows computers and has all the important editing tools we look for. You can input notes with a MIDI keyboard, virtual piano or virtual guitar fretboard.
Best ValueMuseScore
MuseScore is free, open-source notation software with the tools you need to make basic compositions. It isn’t as customizable as the best programs, but it is a good way to learn how to notate music with software.
Easiest to UseSibelius
Sibelius First is easy to use and has a good selection of composition templates to get you started.
Best Overall
Notion 6
Intuitive workflow
Tablet compatibility
Expensive compared to other programs we reviewed
Tone library and software use a lot of hard drive space
Notion 6 is available for Mac and Windows computers and has all the important editing tools we look for. You can input notes with a MIDI keyboard, virtual piano or virtual guitar fretboard.
It’s easy to install and register the program, and the software recognized our MIDI keyboard instantly – we didn’t have to navigate through hidden dropdown menus to get it to connect. The tool palettes are arranged well, which also helped us get started composing within a few minutes of opening the software. It is one of the more expensive programs we reviewed, but it is still hundreds of dollars less than music notation software with similar feature sets.
This composition software’s standout feature is its incredible instrument sample library. Notion’s developers took the time to record samples from some of the most sought-after musicians and orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Neil Zaza and the Wooten brothers. After you finish writing a score, you can listen to it with stunningly accurate articulation and export a WAV or MP3 file to share with your bandmates or fellow composers.
Notion can be used with Mac and Windows computers as well as iOS mobile devices and Windows tablets – you can start writing a composition on your home computer and finish editing it on your iPad or iPhone. This is one of only two programs we tested that has a companion mobile app.
This composition software’s standout feature is its incredible instrument sample library. Notion’s developers took the time to record samples from some of the most sought-after musicians and orchestras in the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, Neil Zaza and the Wooten brothers. After you finish writing a score, you can listen to it with stunningly accurate articulation and export a WAV or MP3 file to share with your bandmates or fellow composers.
Notion can be used with Mac and Windows computers as well as iOS mobile devices and Windows tablets – you can start writing a composition on your home computer and finish editing it on your iPad or iPhone. This is one of only two programs we tested that has a companion mobile app.
Best Value
MuseScore
Free
Easy-to-use interface
No virtual guitar input option
MuseScore is free, open-source notation software that’s compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems. Even though it’s free, it includes many of the same features and tools found in the best for-pay programs we reviewed.
Sheet Music Reader Free
Its interface is clean and easy to navigate. The left side of the screen displays all the available input tools, and the inspector to the right of the score shows information about the notes you input. We had no problem connecting our MIDI keyboard, but if you don’t have one at your disposal, you can MuseScore’s virtual piano to input notes. You can also use your mouse or keyboard shortcuts to add notes to the staff.
MuseScore can import MusicXML and standard MIDI files from other popular notation software. When your score is complete, you can export it as either a graphic file, MusicXML file or audio file. The instrument samples aren’t as realistic or dynamic as those in the best notation programs we tested, but if you are interested in composing music with software, MuseScore is an easy way to learn for no investment.
MuseScore can import MusicXML and standard MIDI files from other popular notation software. When your score is complete, you can export it as either a graphic file, MusicXML file or audio file. The instrument samples aren’t as realistic or dynamic as those in the best notation programs we tested, but if you are interested in composing music with software, MuseScore is an easy way to learn for no investment.
Easiest to Use
Sibelius
Easy note entry
Innovative cloud sharing feature
Takes up a lot of hard drive space
Sibelius First is an affordable music notation program with an attractive, easy-to-use interface. You can input notes with a computer mouse, virtual piano or virtual guitar fretboard or by connecting a MIDI keyboard to the USB port on your computer.
Sibelius automatically adds the correct rests and note appearances, so you can work through a melody quickly without worrying about editing the score as you go. In case you have a hard time getting started, this notation software has 40 genre-specific templates to help spark your imagination.
In its latest version, Sibelius First gained a unique output feature – you can now share your compositions via the Sibelius Cloud. When you finish a score or reach a good stopping point for collaboration, you can hit the Share button on the toolbar to send your work to the cloud. Avid’s MediaCentral Platform then processes it and sends you a URL that can be opened on any computer with any web browser. If you’re collaborating with another Sibelius user, you can both edit the score, and when either one of you presses the Push button, the changes will be saved without generating a new URL or exporting a file.
The full version of Sibelius costs more than $500 and is intended for professional composers who create large, complex arrangements. If you can create your compositions within the framework of 16 staves, Sibelius First is a cost effective option, and it’s easy enough for musicians and composers of all skill levels to use.
In its latest version, Sibelius First gained a unique output feature – you can now share your compositions via the Sibelius Cloud. When you finish a score or reach a good stopping point for collaboration, you can hit the Share button on the toolbar to send your work to the cloud. Avid’s MediaCentral Platform then processes it and sends you a URL that can be opened on any computer with any web browser. If you’re collaborating with another Sibelius user, you can both edit the score, and when either one of you presses the Push button, the changes will be saved without generating a new URL or exporting a file.
The full version of Sibelius costs more than $500 and is intended for professional composers who create large, complex arrangements. If you can create your compositions within the framework of 16 staves, Sibelius First is a cost effective option, and it’s easy enough for musicians and composers of all skill levels to use.
Most User-Friendly
Finale PrintMusic
Intuitive and easy-to-use interface
Finale PrintMusic has an intuitive workflow and an easy-to-navigate interface. It boasts an impressive set of note entry tools and editing palettes, and they are all easy to find and use.
You can enter notes with your computer’s mouse, a MIDI keyboard or a computer keyboard – even though it doesn't have a virtual piano, there's no shortage of input options. When you finish entering notes, you can listen to your composition with the Human Playback feature, which performs your music using one of the hundreds of built-in instruments, including strings, horns and percussion instruments.
Finale has a great list of shareable output formats. It outputs publisher-quality printable files as well as PDF and graphic files. You can also output an MP3 file to share an audio version of your finalized score. Finale is the most recognized name in music production software because it is easy to use and has a great selection of notation tools for beginners and advanced user alike.
Finale has a great list of shareable output formats. It outputs publisher-quality printable files as well as PDF and graphic files. You can also output an MP3 file to share an audio version of your finalized score. Finale is the most recognized name in music production software because it is easy to use and has a great selection of notation tools for beginners and advanced user alike.
Best Companion Apps
Forte Home
Desktop software not compatible with Macs
Forte has two great companion apps: one that scans sheet music using the camera on your phone or tablet and a reader app that opens and plays back compositions from the desktop application with your mobile devices.
They are free and available for Android and Apple devices. The desktop application isn’t as visually appealing as some of the other programs we tested, but it has all the tools needed to create simple or complex arrangements.
You enter notes using a MIDI keyboard, virtual piano or your computer’s keyboard. While you input notes, Forte keeps track of the number of counts missing from a measure and automatically adds the appropriate rests to speed up workflow. Forte also has a volume mixer to control volume and panning for each instrument. When your composition sounds perfect, you can export an MP3 or WAV file to share with other musicians.
You enter notes using a MIDI keyboard, virtual piano or your computer’s keyboard. While you input notes, Forte keeps track of the number of counts missing from a measure and automatically adds the appropriate rests to speed up workflow. Forte also has a volume mixer to control volume and panning for each instrument. When your composition sounds perfect, you can export an MP3 or WAV file to share with other musicians.
Best for Educators
Noteflight
Noteflight Premium yearly$49
Sheet Music Reader Online
Noteflight Premium monthly$7.95
Excellent educator platform support
Noteflight Learn is specifically designed for educators. It syncs with Google Classroom and other popular learning management systems.
You can't permanently download the software, but the online platform allows you to access your account from any computer with an internet connection. The toolbar is customizable and includes everything you need to create and edit simple arrangements. You can also import and edit MIDI and MusicXML files from other notation software. However, the online platform gets bogged down and reacts slowly with complex compositions. There are three versions of the software, including the free Noteflight Basic, which allows you to create and edit up to 10 scores.
The Premium version is a better choice if you use notation software on a regular basis, and it has similar workflow to the best programs we tested. There’s an audio recording feature for adding audio segments to any score as well as 85 built-in instrument sounds. Also, the Premium subscription gives you access to the marketplace, where you can sell and market finalized compositions. The program's volume mixer is easy to use and a helpful tool to get all the audio levels correct before you export an MP3 or WAV file to share with other musicians.
The Premium version is a better choice if you use notation software on a regular basis, and it has similar workflow to the best programs we tested. There’s an audio recording feature for adding audio segments to any score as well as 85 built-in instrument sounds. Also, the Premium subscription gives you access to the marketplace, where you can sell and market finalized compositions. The program's volume mixer is easy to use and a helpful tool to get all the audio levels correct before you export an MP3 or WAV file to share with other musicians.
Why Trust Us?
At Top Ten Reviews, we have been testing music notation software for more than 12 years. Every time we update this guide, we download the newest versions of the best programs and use them as a typical consumer would.
As we tested the software, we noted how easy each program is to purchase and download. In addition, we evaluated its features to find out if it's easier to notate with the program than it is to do so by hand. We also checked whether there are hidden steps to connect input devices such as MIDI keyboards and microphones.
As a musician, I have been using notation software for the past 10 years, both professionally and for fun. Although my experience with these programs makes it easy to find and use certain features, I try to approach testing as if it is my first time using composition software. In the product reviews, I let you know my impressions of useful tools and indicate which features are impractical.
Sheet Music Reader And Player
How We Tested
When we test notation software, our first step is to purchase each product, download it and register it. As we do, we note how easy or difficult the process is. Once the software is up and running, we connect a MIDI keyboard and headphones to our testing laptop, count the number of steps it takes to start notating music, and monitor the playback.
Not everyone who uses notation software has a MIDI keyboard, so when available, we also used the programs’ virtual pianos and virtual guitar fretboards to input notes. The third important note input method is shortcut keys and a computer mouse, so we also compared the applications’ tool palettes. We found the best notation programs have toolbars you can customize to prominently display the tools you use most often, which can speed up your work.
After we created a score, we used each software’s playback engine to test how realistic its virtual instruments sound. Our favorite programs have a good variety of instruments in their libraries, including percussion instruments, strings and horns.
Online Sheet Music Reader
Finally, we tested each application’s import and export capabilities. We imported a variety of files, including MIDI files, MusicXML files and graphic images, to see how easy each program makes the process. We then exported the compositions in a variety of formats to check that they were legible and accurate, which is important when you send your scores to other musicians or composers.
How Much Should I Spend on Music Notation Software?
Most of the software we reviewed costs between $100 and $200 and is perfectly suited for making simple compositions for small band arrangements. If you compose complex arrangements for large bands or orchestras, you should consider one of the more full-feature versions of programs like Finale or Sibelius. However, you can expect to pay upward of $500 for one of these advanced programs. There’s also MuseScore 2, a free program for creating and printing simple lead sheets. It has comparable features to the best for-pay programs we tested.
Key Features to Look for When Choosing Music Notation Software
We asked Mark Maxson, a faculty member and music technology specialist at Weber State University, which features he thought were most important, and he said, “Because the number one purpose of notation software is to put accurate and great looking sheet music in front of live players I find non-print export options useful.” He also noted, “Any feature that helps get notes on the lines fast is invaluable.”
Here are some of the features we tested that make sharing files and note entry efficient:
Music Features
It is important to choose software that can create more than one style of sheet music. The best composition programs we tested not only create piano music but also make guitar tablature, guitar chord names and percussion notation. Programs that have a variety of these music features allow novice musicians to write and play compositions with little knowledge of music theory.
It is important to choose software that can create more than one style of sheet music. The best composition programs we tested not only create piano music but also make guitar tablature, guitar chord names and percussion notation. Programs that have a variety of these music features allow novice musicians to write and play compositions with little knowledge of music theory.
Input/Output
If you don't have a MIDI controller, you need software with other ways to create sheet music. All the products we reviewed let you insert notes by clicking on the staff with your mouse or by using a virtual keyboard or guitar fretboard.
If you don't have a MIDI controller, you need software with other ways to create sheet music. All the products we reviewed let you insert notes by clicking on the staff with your mouse or by using a virtual keyboard or guitar fretboard.
Sharing your sheet music with others is just as important as creating it. All the software we reviewed let you print off your sheet music and export standard MIDI files. Programs that allow you to export your final compositions as audio files make your work easier when you share with people who can't read music.
Editing Features
When you choose a composition program that has a volume mixer, you can make changes to volume and panning information as you listen to the playback. You can also use the mixer to record the changes as you make them, although those changes only apply to the playback sound, not to the composition data.
When you choose a composition program that has a volume mixer, you can make changes to volume and panning information as you listen to the playback. You can also use the mixer to record the changes as you make them, although those changes only apply to the playback sound, not to the composition data.
MIDI Controllers for Music Notation Software
There are two important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a MIDI-compatible keyboard to use with music notation software: the tactile quality of the keys and the number of keys. Acoustic pianos have 88 weighted keys, and many digital piano manufacturers have done a good job simulating the feel of a real piano. Keyboards with a MIDI or USB output with 88 weighted keys start around $400 and go up to thousands of dollars, depending on the number and quality of the built-in sounds. MIDI keyboards without built-in sounds control software the same as digital pianos but are much more cost effective and portable, and they often have differing numbers of keys. Here are our favorite MIDI-compatible keyboards for music notation software.
Yamaha P-45
This digital piano has an 88-key weighted key bed and USB output to connect directly to a computer without an additional MIDI interface. If you are accustomed to playing an acoustic piano, this is the best input device to use with transcription software. It only has 10 built-in sounds, but all the notation programs we tested have piano and other keyboard tones included. The downside of using a digital piano with weighted keys to control notation software is the keyboard's size. At 25 pounds, the P-45 is a bit cumbersome to move around. It has rubber feet on the bottom to keep it from sliding around on a desk, but we suggest pairing it with a keyboard stand to ensure the keys are at the proper height.
This digital piano has an 88-key weighted key bed and USB output to connect directly to a computer without an additional MIDI interface. If you are accustomed to playing an acoustic piano, this is the best input device to use with transcription software. It only has 10 built-in sounds, but all the notation programs we tested have piano and other keyboard tones included. The downside of using a digital piano with weighted keys to control notation software is the keyboard's size. At 25 pounds, the P-45 is a bit cumbersome to move around. It has rubber feet on the bottom to keep it from sliding around on a desk, but we suggest pairing it with a keyboard stand to ensure the keys are at the proper height.
M-Audio Keystation 61 MK3
This controller keyboard doesn’t have a fully weighted key bed or any built-in sounds, but it’s lightweight and a perfectly suitable controller for all the music notation software we tested. The semi-weighted keys are the same size as those on an acoustic piano and velocity sensitive, so they track how hard you hit the key and send volume information to the software. The Keystation series controllers come with 25, 49, 61 or 88 keys and have a standard USB output to connect to a home computer or laptop.
This controller keyboard doesn’t have a fully weighted key bed or any built-in sounds, but it’s lightweight and a perfectly suitable controller for all the music notation software we tested. The semi-weighted keys are the same size as those on an acoustic piano and velocity sensitive, so they track how hard you hit the key and send volume information to the software. The Keystation series controllers come with 25, 49, 61 or 88 keys and have a standard USB output to connect to a home computer or laptop.
Sheet Music Reader Apps
A sheet music app is an invaluable tool for taking finalized arrangements to the stage or rehearsal. All the notation programs we tested export PDF files that display on any mobile device, but sheet music readers have better organization features and allow you to annotate a score and export it with markup. Here are our favorite sheet music apps for iOS and Android devices.
forScore
This app is only available on iPad, but it is the best sheet music app available. It’s compatible with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Box, or you can upload PDF or MusicXML files from your computer or email inbox. Once you finish adding arrangements, you can search the library by composer, genre or key. forScore supports half-page turns, which allows you to see the bottom half of one page and the top half of the next page simultaneously. It also syncs with Bluetooth page turner pedals for hands-free page flips.
This app is only available on iPad, but it is the best sheet music app available. It’s compatible with popular cloud storage services like Dropbox and Box, or you can upload PDF or MusicXML files from your computer or email inbox. Once you finish adding arrangements, you can search the library by composer, genre or key. forScore supports half-page turns, which allows you to see the bottom half of one page and the top half of the next page simultaneously. It also syncs with Bluetooth page turner pedals for hands-free page flips.
Orpheus Sheet Music Pro
If you prefer to use Android hardware, Orpheus is the best sheet music app on that OS. It doesn’t have as many organization and file import features as forScore, but the interface is easy to use and includes an annotation tool. There’s a free version that displays ads and limits chart uploads to 30 total. Orpheus has support for Bluetooth hands-free page turners, and syncs with Dropbox. This app isn’t compatible with as many import file types as forScore, but every notation software we tested exports PDF files, which is the preferred file type for Orpheus.
If you prefer to use Android hardware, Orpheus is the best sheet music app on that OS. It doesn’t have as many organization and file import features as forScore, but the interface is easy to use and includes an annotation tool. There’s a free version that displays ads and limits chart uploads to 30 total. Orpheus has support for Bluetooth hands-free page turners, and syncs with Dropbox. This app isn’t compatible with as many import file types as forScore, but every notation software we tested exports PDF files, which is the preferred file type for Orpheus.
Related Product Reviews
The iPad is well known as a great way to read books, but what about music? The sleek design is ideal for putting on a music stand, and with the performance features of some of these apps, you can even turn the page without taking your hands off your instrument, which is something that would take very good toe dexterity when using paper sheet music. These music readers also support tablature for guitar, c-instrument notation, and the best apps make entering your own music a breeze either through specialized editors, scanning actual sheet music or both.
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forScore
What We Like
- Highly rated.
- Good use of annotations.
- Makes great use of the full iPad screen.
What We Don't Like
- The base price point is high compared to competitors.
- In-app purchases for the work of some composers.
If you are primarily interested in simply displaying your music on your iPad and keeping it all organized, forScore is the perfect solution. It doesn't have all of the bells and whistles as some of the other apps, but it has enough functionality to take over as your music library. And because it doesn't have all of those bells and whistles, it can be easier to learn.
You can use forScore to display all types of written music from traditional piano or c-instrument sheet music to just chords and lyrics. The app comes with a fair bit of classical music, and you can buy additional music packs.
But the true power is in importing your own music into forScore, which means you can scan your current sheet music collection and display it on the iPad's screen in an organized fashion. And because the forScore app has a metronome that can scroll your music automatically, the app can make it even easier to play. This makes it one of the best apps in the App Store for musicians, whether performing or simply aspiring to perform.
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OnSong
What We Like
- Optimized for guitarists playing a worship service.
- Annotate and modify songs.
What We Don't Like
- Expensive base price plus in-app purchases.
- Focus on chords; not so much on sheet reading.
While OnSong is one of the more expensive music readers on the iPad, it can easily be worth every penny for those who value simplified music notation with just lyrics and chords, especially those looking to create their sheet music library from scratch.
The biggest strength of OnSong is the editor and markup language that can make writing up a song fairly easy. Each song starts out with some 'metadata', which are simply lines of text that contain the song's title and information about the song. The bulk of the text is dedicated to the music itself, which is laid out in the standard intro, verse, pre-chorus, chorus format.
One cool aspect of the OnSong editor is doing away with the need to repeat anything. OnSong includes a 'Flow' feature that allows you to arrange these sections in order without actually repeating the text.
Free Sheet Music Reader Software
Another cool feature of the markup language is how it deals with chords. Instead of marking the chord above the lyric, you notate it within the lyrics. You can then choose how you want the chords displayed. OnSong will even display editable chord charts to help you out when playing the song.
Best Sheet Music Readers For Mac
OnSong also includes performance tools such as a metronome, support for playing backing tracks, the ability to use a foot pedal to scroll through the music among other nice additions.
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Notion
What We Like
- Great for composition.
- Handles handwritten notation.
What We Don't Like
- Expensive base price plus in-app purchases.
- User reviews suggest that the app isn't fine tuned.
Notion falls into the category of music composition more than simply being a library for your music. This powerful music notation software allows you to compose on your iPad, including a sample library that covers a wide range of instruments and the ability to mark up articulations for various instruments, such as notating a bend or a slide on the guitar.
While not as stage-friendly as forScore or OnSong, it is a perfect fit for those who want to get serious about writing music. Notion can handle tasks like transposing into a different key, importing MIDI files, handwriting recognition for composing with a stylus and support for chord, tab, and full music notation.
Tip
You can connect a MIDI controller to the iPad, and with GarageBand, you can turn your iPad into a number of different instruments.
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Songsterr
What We Like
- Cleanly organized and easy to use.
- Good mix of tools for guitarists.
What We Don't Like
- The app is an afterthought to the website.
- Good reviews with complaints about glitches.
Songsterr takes tablature to the next level, rising above websites like Ultimate Guitar by breaking down every single instrument in a song into its own tab. It also includes a playback feature that makes it easier to learn the part by playing it in time. This will keep you from jumping back and forth between the tab and listening to the music to get the feel just right.
The breakdown of the song into its different parts can sometimes make the musician's job a little tougher. Often, tablature combines some of what the rhythm guitar with the signature lead licks to give you a single instrument interpretation of the song. But with the individual tracks isolated into their own tab, you can break down the song and decide how to put it together yourself.
Songsterr is available as an app, but the website provides the best value for those who aren't interested in paying a monthly subscription fee. You'll be able to view tab and hear the playback without a subscription, although if you find yourself using Songster as the primary way to learn songs, you may want to switch to the app and pay the monthly fee for extra features like half-speed mode, loop mode, offline mode and the ability to use apps like Amplitube for a mobile practice studio while you learn the song.
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GuitarTab
What We Like
- Simple app optimized for guitar tabs and chords.
- Free app, with a few inexpensive in-app purchases.
- Great user reviews.
What We Don't Like
- No extra user support provided.
- No contextual help for guitarists-in-training.
The user interface for GuitarTab may be lacking, but it easily makes this list for two solid reasons: (1) it's free and (2) it's got a ton of content in its free section.
The library isn't quite as extensive as the one found in Songster, and you won't get all the bells and whistles, but if you are simply looking for a way to kickstart learning that song, GuitarTab on the iPad is a great alternative to apps like Tabs and Chords or Tab Pro that force you into an expensive subscription service.
GuitarTab also offers in-app extensions that allow you to remove the ads, print the music, transpose to a different key among other neat features, but the ads aren't as intrusive as most guitar-oriented websites and the basics of looking up and playing tab won't cost you a dime.
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MusicNotes
What We Like
- Great way to organize your sheet music.
- Many positive reviews.
What We Don't Like
- In-app purchases.
- Focuses on sheet music; few value-added tools.
What about buying sheet music? Most of the apps on this list are for creating a music library song-by-song, organizing your sheet music library and for performance. But what about simply buying a ton of music and learning to play it?
MusicNotes is the iBooks of sheet music. Not only does it store your music, it will help you learn it. You can play the music back and even slow down the beats per minute to help make learning it easier.
MusicNotes supports traditional sheet music, c-instrument or lyrics/chords music notation and tablature. The app comes with a half dozen songs as examples, but if you want to build your library, you will need to create an account on the MusicNotes website.
Why do you need to go to the website to buy the sheet music? Similar to what Amazon does with the Amazon Kindle reader, buying from the website avoids paying Apple's 30% cut, which ultimately means they can sell you the music for cheaper by cutting out the middleman.