Whether you're just starting out or already deep into your musical journey, composition is a skill well worth developing. Helping you understand music from the inside out, composing is like reverse engineering your musical knowledge, giving you a deeper appreciation for how pieces are built and why they work.
The best part? Today’s technology makes composing more accessible than ever. Gone are the days of scribbling on staff paper with a pencil. Modern music composition apps let you write, record, edit, and even hear your music played back in real time. Many apps will convert what you play into notated sheet music with surprisingly accurate rhythms and key signatures, making it easier to refine your ideas as you go.
Pro Tip for Beginners: If your composing skills outpace your ability to read or write music, don’t worry. Ask your teacher to play your digital score back to you so you can confirm it sounds the way you imagined. Some apps might not perfectly capture what you play (especially if you're using a mic), so be ready to make a few edits.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the best apps for composing music, whether you’re just learning the ropes or fine-tuning your next big project.
1. Notion
Notion is a versatile notation software that offers powerful tools for composers, arrangers, and songwriters. With its intuitive interface and comprehensive feature set, Notion allows users to create sheet music, score arrangements, and produce professional-quality compositions right from their mobile device. From sketching out ideas on the go or fine-tuning your masterpiece in the studio, Notion provides the flexibility and precision you need to bring your musical vision to life.
2. StaffPad
StaffPad revolutionizes the way you write music by letting you handwrite directly on the screen using a stylus or Apple Pencil. It instantly converts your handwriting into clean, digital notation. Great for composers who think best with pen and paper, StaffPad also supports MIDI input and integrates smoothly with digital audio workstations (DAWs), making it a top choice for serious composition work.
3. Endlesss
Endlesss is a collaborative music-making app that blends creativity with social connection. It lets you jam in real time with friends or musicians from around the world, building musical ideas layer by layer. While it's less traditional in terms of notation, it’s a great tool for sparking creative ideas and experimenting with loops, beats, and melodies, especially for students interested in production and improvisation.
4. Dorico
Dorico is a cutting-edge music notation software designed for professional composers, arrangers, and engravers. With its advanced scoring features and sophisticated layout tools, Dorico allows users to create beautiful, publication-quality scores with ease. Whether you're composing for orchestra, chamber ensemble, or solo instrument, Dorico provides the flexibility and precision you need to bring your musical vision to life.
5. Maestro
Maestro is an excellent mobile composition app geared toward students and beginners. Its clean interface and easy to use tools make it perfect for learning how to write music from scratch. You can input notes using a simple touch system, hear your compositions played back, and export your work as sheet music or audio files. Maestro makes the process of composing approachable and rewarding.
There you have it, five of the most exciting music composition apps to explore in 2025. Whether you're an experienced composer or just dipping your toes into writing music, these innovative tools can help you sharpen your skills, spark new ideas, and bring your musical visions to life. So, grab your phone, tablet, or laptop, download the apps that speak to you, and start composing!
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Editors' Note: This article was originally published in 2018, was updated Sept. 27, 2019, and most recently on April 9, 2024.
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