2. How to create music Braille from a MusicXML file¶
- Table of contents
- 2. How to create music Braille from a MusicXML file
- 2.1 How to find suitable MusicXML scores
- 2.2 Using MuseScore to find or create MusicXML scores
- 2.3 Using Sibelius to create/export a good MusicXML file
- 2.4 Guidance for Sibelius and MuseScore engravers to produce transcription-friendly MusicXML files
- 2.5 How to send us feedback on MusicXML file conversions
- 2.6 Our recommendations to W3C for improvements in MusicXML and the new MNX coding
2.1 How to find suitable MusicXML scores¶
You can find MusicXML files in online collections, from publishers, or you can have it engraved in a musical notation program and exported as MusicXML, ready to convert into music Braille through MakeBraille. Our guidance below will help you to find and convert files.
Guidance: Choosing a suitable MusicXML score
Our advice on finding a file from online collections which contain the necessary MusicXML detail to be successfully converted into music Braille through MakeBraille.
Tips: Converting MusicXML to Braille
Our tips on converting MusicXML files into Braille using MakeBraille. It applies to those who get or prepare MusicXML files for Braille transcription, and is especially aimed at professional transcribers and agencies.
2.2 Using MuseScore to find or create MusicXML scores¶
If you’re new to using MuseScore musical notation software to create or edit music files, or wish to trial or subscribe to their online collection to download files for conversion into music Braille, here are some useful links:
- MuseScore: Musical notation software and online collection of scores. Create, play and print beautiful sheet music using this free software with an online collection of digital scores.
- Handbook for MuseScore3
- Accessibility guide for MuseScore3
- Tips for engravers to produce Braille transcription-friendly scores
2.3 Using Sibelius to create/export a good MusicXML file¶
If you’re new to using Sibelius musical notation software to create or edit music files, ready to export into MusicXML for conversion into music Braille, here are some useful links:
- Sibelius musical notation software: Musical notation software for everyone (free and paid versions) can be used to create (engrave) or open a digital music file, and then export it as a MusicXML file which can be converted into music Braille.
- Accessibility guide for Sibelius
- Tips for engravers to produce Braille transcription-friendly scores
2.4 Guidance for Sibelius and MuseScore engravers to produce transcription-friendly MusicXML files¶
Guidance: Tips For Engravers To Produce
Braille Transcription-Friendly Scores
These are our tips for engravers who produce scores using Sibelius and MuseScore and export them as MusicXML files for agencies who will then convert those files into music Braille. The visual result will mostly be no different from the original print scores, but will be now correctly encoded to make Braille transcription much easier and more accurate (‘transcription-friendly’).
2.5 How to send us feedback on MusicXML file conversions¶
When importing MusicXML files for conversion in MakeBraille, if you find any incorrect conversions please do let us know. Please do give us feedback about MusicXML conversions.
2.6 Our recommendations to W3C for improvements in MusicXML and the new MNX coding¶
For your information, we submitted the following downloadable recommendations to W3C in March 2019 which would improve conversions into music Braille, and we look forward to testing future releases.
Last Updated: 08.07.2020