Notating with LilyPond

In this course, you'll learn how to notate music with LilyPond! You can download LilyPond and run the code from this project directly, or you can use LilyBin to play your masterpiece in the browser.

What you'll learn

After taking this course, you'll be able to:

• Add notes
• Specify a rhythm
• Change a time signature
• Add multiple notes, or chords
• Change a key signature
• Use accidentals
• Specify dynamics

When you're done, you'll be able to answer questions like:

• How do I notate music for free?
• How do I make sheet music without a mouse or clicking through a software interface?
• How can I make version controlled sheet music?
• Where can I find free sheet music?
• How do I use LilyPond?
• What can I use LilyPond for?

We can't wait to see what you create!

What you'll build

We're going to learn how to do some single instrument notation with nothing other than a plain text editor.

Prerequisites

• This course assumes you are able to read sheet music in treble clef.
• This course assumes you are familiar with the GitHub interface and working with pull requests. If you need a refresher, try Introduction to GitHub.
• We assume you are comfortable using files and folders.

Projects used

• LilyPond, software that makes sheet music from plain text files
• LilyBin, a website where you can run LilyPond for free
• You'll be able to hear MIDI files output from LilyPond
• GitHub's file editing interface

Audience

If you are a musician, music teacher, or music student this is a great course for you. If you're wanting to learn how to notate music without needing to use a mouse or click through an interface, this is the best course for you. If you're wanting to learn how to create beautiful, amazing sheet music for free, this is a fantastic way to do that. And if you're a person who loves version control and sheet music, take this course pronto!