Using a Tablet for Music Scores
Advantages of using a tablet for music
The display is bright and readable. No need for additional lighting.
Each page of the score is an image and can be enlarged if required
The score can be annotated with rehearsal markings using a digital pen including highlighting a part.
There is no danger of mixing up pages.
Page turning is instantaneous and accomplished by tapping the tablet on the right or left sides of the display.
The selection of the score is instantaneous.
Paperless is less impactful on the environment
Scores are easily sorted into any order
Very little tablet battery is used for a typical rehearsal or concert
Never be without a pencil to mark your score with Joan’s instructions
No need to limit the marking of scores
No need to erase your markings because you are not using paper
The Experience
These are some screen captures of music on a tablet. Note the highlighting and notations that can be done. These markings can easily be erased and modified. If the tablet is equipped with a stylus pen, then functions such as freehand notes, line drawing, highlighting with an extensive array of colours and an ‘eraser’ to rub out any markings done is available.
A 'Setlist' can be created as a type of table of contents for all the music for a term. Shown is a setlist for the past term titled 'Bytown 2025 Fall'. Tapping any of the titles immediately opens that score. Note the scores have been arranged in order for the concert. The first score would be tapped to begin the concert. When on the last page of the first score, tapping on the right edge changes the page to the first page of the second score.
Certain tapping of the score can enable editing of the score so that highlighting and notes can be entered. This is probably undesirable during a performance so the setlist can be locked down into performance mode. Then the only result of tapping a page is to go forward or back a page. Note the lock symbol beside the left arrow at the bottom of the page to the right. Tapping the lock symbol enables performance mode.
How is music loaded Into the Program?
Usually a pdf file of the score is required. The pdf file is created by scanning the paper copy of the score. Sometimes music is distributed by the choir in pdf form. PDF versions of the scores will be available for downloading from this site early in each term. Please note that pdf files have the same copyright restrictions as do the paper copies. It is just as prohibited to make copies of pdfs for use outside of the choir as it is to make paper copies.
How do I get started?
An Android or iPad tablet is required. The tablet should be big enough that the page display is readable. A tablet 10 inches by 6.5 inches works well. Please note that some users may find the weight of the tablet to be an issue particularly if it has an accessory cover or case. Removing the cover for performances may be advisable. The tablet should be equipped with a stylus pen to enable highlighting, notations etc.
For Android the writer has used the app MobileSheets with success. The cost is about $16.00.
Click here for more info.