If you're new to creating sheet music arrangements and don't want to spend a lot of money on software while you're still figuring things out, then you'll want to hear about all the options available to you that can supercharge your workflow. Any free option comes with the hope you'll fall in love with the product and purchase an upgraded version or paid add-on. If you get to know your options in the notation and audio tool space, you can be smart about when to invest in an upgrade. First, let's talk about the music notation software out there.
Free Music Notation Software
There are several free music notation editors that allow you to get started without it costing you anything. There are two main categories of notation applications to consider: Web-based and Desktop.
Web-based
Using notation software online has some distinct advantages and disadvantages. Let's start with the positives. When using a web-based editor, you simply share a link and people can hear and see what you've written. Some offer the ability to collaborate with others by allowing them to see and edit the score, and you don't have to worry about installing software or files and applications taking up space on a hard drive.
Web-based applications like Noteflight and flat.io have had success in the education market with web-based editors because you can easily use them on a Chromebook versus requiring a Mac or PC. Another notable player in the web-based notation editor space with a free option is Soundslice, which is known for having good-looking engraving and the most developed feature set in the online editor space.
All of these options include the ability to do basic notation editing, import/export MusicXML, and export a score to PDF. The downsides include potential issues while using offline, limited options for playback, and a lack of some more advanced features you may need down the road.
Desktop
Desktop software's main advantage is that it has a higher ceiling, and you can grow into using more features as you improve. These applications also allow you to render better audio playback of what you have written. The three most popular desktop notation applications on the market are Dorico, Sibelius and MuseScore. All three sheet music software options offer free starter versions, or are open source and completely free all the time.
The paid versions of Dorico and Sibelius are both widely used by music notation professionals and have more features than you will need if you are new to using notation software, but their free versions, Dorico SE and Sibelius First, give you access to many of those features. Most of all, they help you get an understanding of how the different options work if you choose to upgrade down the road.
MuseScore is an open source application that is not as widely used by professionals, but has a very impressive offering of features and engraving options. Their MuseSounds line of free sample libraries brings incredibly high-quality playback options to your scores.
The downside to desktop notation software is that you won't be able to collaborate in quite the same way as you would with an online offering, and you'll need to install it before you get started. You will likely prefer one desktop option over the others, so trying all three is a great place to start. That way, you can get an idea of what you like and don't like about each option.
Free Audio Tools for Arrangers
We could spend multiple blogs talking about different kinds of audio applications, but we're going to talk about two very specific areas: converting your computer's system audio to MP3, and stem splitting. Before we go any further, we want to strongly emphasize that we are not endorsing specific tools, and you should always read the terms of service and do your due diligence regarding the legality of whatever tool you use. With that disclaimer in mind, let's dive in.
Recording live audio on your computer
Sometimes you might find you want to record audio directly from your computer. Setting this up can be tricky, so we won't go into the details here. Just know that free tools exist like BlackHole if on a Mac. On a PC, this can be accomplished using Audacity and selecting the right driver and input source. Be sure to record audio like this only when you have the rights to do so.
Stem Splitting
The recent leaps and bounds in stem splitting technology have allowed people to isolate almost any single instrument in ways not possible just a few years ago. This technology lets you hear parts more clearly, so you can focus on specific lines in the arrangements you write.
Many of these services require you to have an audio file already, so you may find the conversion tips above helpful before getting started.
While there are many more than listed here, consider some of these options for exploring stem splitting:
You'll find some of these offer free limited access or a free trial that allows you to get a sense of the tool before deciding if you want to pay for more access. Similar to the above disclaimer, we aren't endorsing any particular option and strongly recommend you read the terms of service and privacy policy before using even the free versions of these tools to make sure you are in the clear.
Free Music Theory & Analysis Resources
Depending on your background, you might feel very comfortable with music theory and other fundamentals around music that will immediately translate to the music you are preparing. If you feel like you could use some help, there are some great free resources available to you.
Online Theory Tools
These four sites are incredible resources for free lessons, exercises, and tools to help you improve your level of understanding.
YouTube Channels for Analysis
Beyond music theory tools, there are many YouTube channels dedicated to analyzing music that will help you understand the thought process driving popular compositions, so you can apply the ideas to your own writing.
Some YouTube channels worth checking out that break down and analyze compositions include:
Books Worth the Investment
There's a time and a place for a book, whether it's printed or viewed on a device. Well-written piano music has a balance of art and technique, and uncovering a methodical way to understand the technique side of things is certainly worth your time.
For more in-depth study on how to approach arranging for piano, Hal Leonard's How to Harmonize on the Piano is a great resource and sells for under $20.
If you like following a reference to learn how to structure notation beautifully and contemplate music engraving, consider Elaine Gould's book Behind Bars. This masterpiece is a reference for professionals, but can also be used to explore new topics in music preparation. This book is more expensive and ranges from $60–$110, but will last you your entire life if a reference-based approach to learning works well for you.
Learning how to arrange and prepare music properly requires an investment of your time. The best free teacher available to help you along is the music you like to play and read. Analyze the harmony, the placement of dynamics, how the lyrics are written, and the use and placement of accidentals. All of it!
Final Thoughts
Your workflow for creating piano arrangements is never finished, and you should always keep your ear to the ground for new technologies that will allow you to work more efficiently. Try out different options, find what works best for you, and grow into fully using the products that stand out.