MusicString

A compact, single line music notation syntax with pitch syntax not tied to a specific key.

Project was started by Marcus Gustafsson in 2019. It is a formalization and extension based on a system that he has used and developed since 2011, for quick notation of melodies on-the-go and for his music theory teaching.

Syntax is in some areas influenced by ABC notation. MusicXML, MEI and Behind Bars (Elaine Gould) has been used as reference material.

Two examples

1 23 5h

... is read as c quarter note, two eight notes (d and e) and a halv note of g, which is easily changed to D major with...

@KD 1 23 5h

..., while...

@CfKDM3O3 12 3456 7_87 65_4 3.2 1

... is read as a D major scale (f clef, 3/4 time signature starting in octave 3) with two eights, four sixteens, eight+two sixteens, two sixteens+eight, dotted eight+sixteen and a quarter.

Basic usage

To learn the basics of the syntax and why and where it can be useful, see BASIC_USAGE.md.

Syntax

For a complete definition of the MusicString syntax standard, see MUSICSTRING.md.

Parser

MusicString includes a parser that generates an AST (Abstract Syntax Tree). See PARSER.md.

Software that implements MusicString

• musicore has native support for MusicString (import, export, rendering and more).