Topic #31: Text in MuseScore

In this MuseTube lesson, we explore the different types of text available in MuseScore. From basic labels to elements that directly affect playback, you’ll learn how to add, edit, and distinguish between system and staff text, dynamics, lyrics, chord symbols, and more. This is the first video of a series dedicated entirely to text.

📝 Staff text vs. system text

Staff text applies to a specific instrument and appears only in that part. System text affects the entire score and remains visible even when individual instruments are hidden.

Example: hiding the oboe removes its staff text, but system text stays visible across all instruments.

🎼 Expression and technique text

Expression text (like “legato”) describes how music should be performed. Technique text (like “pizzicato” or “arco”) indicates how a passage should be played on a specific instrument.

These texts are visual only and do not affect playback.

🔊 Dynamics and volume control

Dynamics like “p” or “f”, and crescendo/diminuendo lines affect the playback volume. You can find these in the “Dynamics” palette.

⏱️ Tempo and speed indications

Tempo text like “♩=80” or “Moderato” sets the playback speed. You can customize BPM values in “Properties > Playback”. In MuseScore 4, “accelerando” and “ritardando” now influence playback too.

🎷 Swing

Apply the “Swing” style from the palette to modify how eighth notes are played, using a rhythmic feel typical of jazz music.

🎤 Lyrics

Add lyrics with Ctrl+L. Enter syllables one by one, using hyphen (-) to connect syllables and space to move to the next note.

• Melismas: Use underscore “_” to extend a syllable across multiple notes
• Elisions: Use Shift+F2 to insert a special ligature between syllables

📚 Rehearsal marks and structure

Use the text palette to add rehearsal marks (A, B, C…) that help navigate large scores. Titles, subtitles, and composer names are added via vertical frames.

🎹 Chords, Roman numerals and Nashville numbers

From “Add > Text”, you can insert:

• Ctrl+K: Add chord symbols (e.g., C, G7)
• Roman numerals: For functional harmonic analysis
• Nashville numbers: Numeric chord representation

Chord symbols can optionally play back harmonies, depending on version and settings.

🥁 Sticking and fingering

Use sticking text (R/L) to indicate right or left hand in percussion. For piano or guitar, fingering text shows which finger should play each note (e.g., 1–5 for piano, P/I/M/A for guitar).

📦 Text frames

To add titles or composer names, insert a vertical frame from “Add > Frames”, then add the desired text (title, subtitle, etc.) inside it.

🔁 Repeat text in barlines

Text like “1.” or “2.” on repeat endings is visual only unless configured in the Properties panel. To affect playback, set the repeat range explicitly.