Creating Original Content with Notation

If you want to upload an exercise to MatchMySound, the best way is to use a file created in MuseScore or export a MusicXML file from your favorite notation software. Before uploading, you’ll need to make a few quick edits to ensure everything looks and sounds great.

How to Open a MusicXML File in MuseScore

1. Open MuseScore.

2. Go to File > Open.

3. Find and select your MusicXML file.

4. Save it as a MuseScore file (so you can upload it to MatchMySound later).

Before Uploading: Things to Check

Review your file in MuseScore first to avoid layout or playback issues.

1. Check the Layout

• Switch between Vertical View and Horizontal View (this is the Scroll Mode in MatchMySound). Find this option in the bottom right corner of MuseScore.

• If the measures look too squished, adjust the width:

  • Press [ to make measures smaller.

  • Press ] to make measures bigger.

  • Remember: Any changes made in Horizontal View will also affect Vertical View, so check both!

2. Verify Important Elements

• Line Breaks:

  • To keep the playhead movement smooth, try to have an equal number of measures per line.

  • Click a measure and press Enter/Return to add or remove a system break.

  • Or, go to Format > Add/Remove System Breaks to apply changes across the entire score.

• Lyrics:

  • Make sure the lyrics are correctly placed.

  • Check that the correct verse number is set in the Properties Panel if they appear too high or low.

• Instrument Names & Sounds:

  • Right-click an instrument, then select Staff/Part Properties to check that the name is correct.

• • Use the Mixer Window to assign the correct instrument sound.

• • Important: MatchMySound only supports SoundFonts, not Muse Sounds.

3. Prepare Individual Parts (If You Have Multiple Instruments)

• Open your file in MuseScore.

• Click Parts at the top of the screen.

• Select Open All to create tabs for each instrument.

• Review each part’s layout, line breaks, and other elements.

• Tip: If you skip this step, MatchMySound will auto-generate the parts, but they may not look right!

Additional Tips

• Unroll Repeats: MatchMySound can’t correctly track repeats, jumps, or multiple endings. Instead:

  1. Add the necessary number of empty measures.

  2. Copy & paste the repeated sections into those measures.

• Divisi Parts: If you have split sections in one instrument, separate them into individual parts before uploading.

  • Add a copy of the instrument in the Instruments tab.

  • Select the full part, then go to Tools > Explode to divide it.

Now you're ready to upload your file to MatchMySound and start using it with your students!