Music notation and the way it is distributed has not changed much over the last few centuries. Paper and ink have always been the traditional method of producing sheet music for use by musicians all over the world, but now modern technology presents a way to get rid of mountains of paper-based sheet music and store an entire library of titles in the space of a medium-sized book with a product known as the MusicPad Pro Plus from Freehand Systems. While the MusicPad looks like a tablet PC it has one purpose in life, to digitally store and display digitized sheet music for performing musicians.

What is the MusicPad Pro Plus?

The MusicPad Pro and MusicPad Pro Plus are about the size of a tablet PC, but are dedicated solely to storing, editing, and managing sheet music files. Sheet music is imported into the MusicPad through a normal desktop or laptop computer using a variety of file formats. Music can be scanned or imported directly from all of the major music notation software programs such as Sibelius and Finale. The bright, easy to read, touch sensitive LCD panel presents music one page at a time and music can be enlarged to meet the needs of the reader. Pages are turned by tapping the screen or through the use of a foot pedal.

Major Features of the MusicPad

An entire library of music for a performance season or class can be loaded onto the MusicPad at any time. Using a standard USB connector or flash memory the MusicPad Pro Plus can store over 128 MB of digital sheet music. The MusicPad can play music as a MIDI file to help musicians learn their parts, and using a stylus a musician can make color notations on the screen which can be saved and later printed out if desired. Premium versions of the MusicPad Pro Plus include wireless networking, built in metronome, a pitch pipe, and the ability to play MP3 files.

Who Is The MusicPad Pro Best For?

The MusicPad series of digital sheet music systems are great for any musician but are especially handy for performing ensembles. There is no need to transport and file large amounts of paper and no risk of losing the originals. Any MusicPad can be updated from the master computer quickly and easily allowing music directors to distribute parts and make instant changes to the music. The MusicPad Pro Plus is intended for individual musicians and performers. A step up model, the MusicPad Maestro is twice as wide and is intended for use with full-size conductor's scores.

Are There Any Drawbacks To The MusicPad Pro?

Aside from a very hefty price tag the unit also takes a bit of getting used to. While the Maestro version is large enough to display 11x17 inch music, the Pro version can only do 8 1/2x11 inch music at full size. This means that users have to tap the screen to turn a page or use a special foot pedal that is sold separately. The MusicPad also does not attach to standard music stands, although the company does sell very sturdy stands that are built specifically for that purpose.

In an era where all manner of common everyday things are going digital it should come as no surprise that printed sheet music would eventually make the transition as well. Look for the MusicPad and other competing digital sheet music technologies to slowly make their way into music classrooms and performance venues worldwide.