Complete guide to typesetting musical notation in LaTeX. Learn MusiXTeX, LilyPond integration, and advanced music scoring techniques.
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{wasysym}
\usepackage{harmony}
\begin{document}
\section{Basic Musical Symbols}
% Note values from wasysym
Whole note: \wholenote
Half note: \halfnote
Quarter note: \quarternote
Eighth note: \eighthnote
Sixteenth note: \sixteenthnote
% Rest symbols
Whole rest: \wholerest
Half rest: \halfrest
Quarter rest: \quarterrest
Eighth rest: \eighthrest
% Accidentals
Sharp: \sharp
Flat: \flat
Natural: \natural
Double sharp: \doublesharp
Double flat: \doubleflat
% Other symbols
Treble clef: \trebleclef
Bass clef: \bassclef
% Time signatures (using text)
Common time: C (4/4)
Cut time: \textit{alla breve} (2/2)
\section{Musical Examples}
A simple melody might be notated as:
\quarternote \quarternote \halfnote \quarternote \quarternote \wholerest
With accidentals:
C\sharp{} D\flat{} E\natural{} F\sharp{} G
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\begin{document}
\section{Basic Staff Notation}
% Simple scale
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setname1{Treble}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
\Notes\qu{cdefgab}\en
\bar
\Notes\qu{c'}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
% With different note values
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
\Notes\wh{c}\en
\bar
\Notes\hu{de}\en
\bar
\Notes\qu{fgab}\en
\bar
\Notes\cu{c'd'e'f'}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Bass Clef}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\bass
\startextract
\Notes\qu{CDEFGAB}\en
\bar
\Notes\qu{c}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\begin{document}
\section{Piano Score}
% Two-staff piano notation
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setname1{Piano}
\setstaffs1{2}
\setclef1{\treble\bass}
\startextract
% Right hand (treble)
\Notes\qu{ceg}\en
\nextstaff
% Left hand (bass)
\Notes\qu{C}\en
\bar
% Continue with more complex patterns
\Notes\qu{dfh}\en
\nextstaff
\Notes\qu{D}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Chord Notation}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
% Major chords
\Notes\zq{c}\zq{e}\qu{g}\en
\Notes\zq{d}\zq{f}\qu{a}\en
\Notes\zq{e}\zq{g}\qu{b}\en
\bar
% Minor chords
\Notes\zq{c}\zq{e^}\qu{g}\en
\Notes\zq{d}\zq{f}\qu{a^}\en
\Notes\zq{e}\zq{g}\qu{b^}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Rhythmic Patterns}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
% Different rhythms
\Notes\qu{c}\cu{dd}\qu{e}\en
\bar
\Notes\hu{f}\qu{g}\en
\bar
\Notes\wh{a}\en
\bar
% Tied notes
\Notes\qu{c}\tqu{d}\en
\bar
\Notes\qu{e}\qu{f}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\begin{document}
\section{Advanced Notation}
% Key signatures and accidentals
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\generalsignature{2} % D major (2 sharps)
\startextract
\Notes\qu{defg}\en
\bar
% Accidentals
\Notes\qu{d^\q{e_}\q{f=}\qu{g}}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Time Signatures}
% 3/4 time
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\setmeter1{\meterC{3}{4}}
\startextract
\Notes\qu{cde}\en
\bar
\Notes\hu{f}\qu{g}\en
\bar
\Notes\wh{a}\qu{r}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
% 6/8 time
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\setmeter1{\meterC{6}{8}}
\startextract
\Notes\cu{cde}\cu{fga}\en
\bar
\Notes\qu{b}\cu{c'}\qu{d'}\cu{e'}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Beaming and Grouping}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
% Beamed eighth notes
\Notes\ibu0f0\qb0{cde}\tbu0\qb0f\en
\bar
% Beamed sixteenth notes
\Notes\ibbu0f0\qb0{cdef}\tbu0\qb0g\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Slurs and Ties}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
% Slurs
\Notes\isluru0c\qu{c}\tslur0d\qu{d}\qu{e}\qu{f}\en
\bar
% Ties
\Notes\itie0\qu{g}\ttie0\qu{g}\qu{a}\qu{b}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{lilyglyphs}
\begin{document}
\section{LilyPond Musical Symbols}
% Note heads
Whole note: \wholeNote
Half note: \halfNote
Quarter note: \crotchet
Eighth note: \quaver
Sixteenth note: \semiquaver
% Rests
Whole rest: \wholeNoteRest
Half rest: \halfNoteRest
Quarter rest: \crotchetRest
Eighth rest: \quaverRest
% Clefs
Treble clef: \clefTreble
Bass clef: \clefBass
Alto clef: \clefAlto
Tenor clef: \clefTenor
% Accidentals
Sharp: \accidentalSharp
Flat: \accidentalFlat
Natural: \accidentalNatural
Double sharp: \accidentalDoubleSharp
Double flat: \accidentalDoubleFlat
% Time signatures
Four-four time: \timeFourFour
Three-four time: \timeThreeFour
Two-four time: \timeTwoFour
Cut time: \timeCutTime
\section{Dynamic Markings}
Piano: \dynamicPiano
Forte: \dynamicForte
Mezzo piano: \dynamicMezzoPiano
Mezzo forte: \dynamicMezzoForte
Pianissimo: \dynamicPianissimo
Fortissimo: \dynamicFortissimo
% Crescendo and diminuendo
Crescendo: \textit{cresc.} or use hairpins
Diminuendo: \textit{dim.} or use hairpins
\section{Articulations}
Staccato: \textperiodcentered
Accent: \textgreater
Tenuto: \textminus
Fermata: over notes or rests
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\usepackage{harmony}
\begin{document}
\section{Lead Sheet Example}
\begin{center}
\Large\textbf{My Funny Valentine}\\
\normalsize Richard Rodgers
\end{center}
% Chord progression with lyrics
\begin{tabular}{|l|l|l|l|}
\hline
Cm & Cm(\MA7) & Cm7 & Cm6 \\
My & fun-ny & Val-en & tine \\
\hline
Dm7b5 & G7 & Cm & Cm \\
Sweet & com-ic & Val-en & tine \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\section{Chord Symbols}
% Major chords
C major: C or C\textbigcircle
C major 7: C\MA7 or Cmaj7
C dominant 7: C7
% Minor chords
C minor: Cm or C-
C minor 7: Cm7
C half-diminished: Cm7b5 or C\oslash
C diminished: C\textdegree{} or Cdim
% Extended chords
C add 9: Cadd9
C major 9: C\MA9
C 13: C13
% Slash chords
C over E: C/E
F over G: F/G
\section{Nashville Number System}
In key of C:
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|c|c|c|c|}
\hline
I & ii & iii & IV & V & vi & vii\textdegree \\
\hline
C & Dm & Em & F & G & Am & Bdim \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
Common progressions:
\begin{itemize}
\item I-V-vi-IV (C-G-Am-F)
\item ii-V-I (Dm-G-C)
\item vi-IV-I-V (Am-F-C-G)
\end{itemize}
\section{Roman Numeral Analysis}
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{1}
\setclef1\treble
\startextract
% I chord
\Notes\zq{c}\zq{e}\qu{g}\en
% V chord
\Notes\zq{d}\zq{f}\qu{a}\en
% vi chord
\Notes\zq{e}\zq{g}\qu{b}\en
% IV chord
\Notes\zq{f}\zq{a}\qu{c'}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
Analysis: I - V - vi - IV
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\usepackage{harmony}
\usepackage{amsmath}
\begin{document}
\section{Harmonic Analysis}
% Bach Chorale excerpt analysis
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{2}
\setclef1{\treble\bass}
\generalsignature{0} % C major
\startextract
% Soprano
\Notes\qu{g}\en
\nextstaff
% Bass
\Notes\qu{C}\en
\bar
% Continue analysis...
\Notes\qu{a}\en
\nextstaff
\Notes\qu{F}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
Roman numeral analysis:
\begin{center}
\begin{tabular}{c|c|c|c}
Measure & 1 & 2 & 3 \\
\hline
Analysis & I & IV & V \\
Function & Tonic & Subdominant & Dominant
\end{tabular}
\end{center}
\section{Voice Leading Analysis}
% Four-part voice leading
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setstaffs1{2}
\setclef1{\treble\treble}
\startextract
% Upper voices
\Notes\zq{e}\qu{g}\zq{f}\qu{a}\en
\nextstaff
% Lower voices
\Notes\zq{c}\qu{e}\zq{d}\qu{f}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
Voice leading principles:
\begin{itemize}
\item Stepwise motion preferred
\item Avoid parallel fifths and octaves
\item Resolve tendency tones
\item Maintain smooth voice leading
\end{itemize}
\section{Schenkerian Analysis}
Background structure:
\[
\hat{3} - \hat{2} - \hat{1}
\]
Linear progressions:
\begin{itemize}
\item Ascending: $\hat{1} - \hat{2} - \hat{3}$
\item Descending: $\hat{3} - \hat{2} - \hat{1}$
\item Chromatic: with chromatic passing tones
\end{itemize}
\section{Set Theory Analysis}
Pitch class sets:
\begin{itemize}
\item Major triad: (0,4,7)
\item Minor triad: (0,3,7)
\item Diminished triad: (0,3,6)
\item Augmented triad: (0,4,8)
\end{itemize}
Twelve-tone operations:
\begin{itemize}
\item Prime (P): Original row
\item Inversion (I): Interval inversion
\item Retrograde (R): Backward order
\item Retrograde Inversion (RI): Both operations
\end{itemize}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{gregoriotex}
\begin{document}
\section{Gregorian Chant Notation}
% Simple neume notation
\begin{center}
\Large
Ky-ri-e e-le-i-son
\end{center}
Neume types:
\begin{itemize}
\item Punctum: Single note
\item Virga: Single note with tail
\item Podatus: Two ascending notes
\item Clivis: Two descending notes
\item Scandicus: Three ascending notes
\item Climacus: Three descending notes
\end{itemize}
\section{Renaissance Mensural Notation}
Note values in mensural notation:
\begin{itemize}
\item Maxima: Longest note value
\item Longa: Long note
\item Brevis: Breve (whole note equivalent)
\item Semibrevis: Semibreve (half note equivalent)
\item Minima: Minim (quarter note equivalent)
\item Semiminima: Semiminim (eighth note equivalent)
\end{itemize}
Mensuration signs:
\begin{itemize}
\item C: Tempus imperfectum, prolatio minor (2:2)
\item O: Tempus perfectum, prolatio minor (3:2)
\item \textperiodcentered C: Tempus imperfectum, prolatio maior (2:3)
\item \textperiodcentered O: Tempus perfectum, prolatio maior (3:3)
\end{itemize}
\section{Tablature Notation}
% Lute tablature representation
\textbf{Lute Tablature:}
\begin{verbatim}
e|---0---2---4---
B|---1---3---5---
G|---0---2---4---
D|---2---4---6---
A|---3---5---7---
E|---0---2---4---
\end{verbatim}
\textbf{Guitar Tab:}
\begin{verbatim}
E|---3---5---7---
B|---3---5---7---
G|---4---6---8---
D|---5---7---9---
A|---5---7---9---
E|---3---5---7---
\end{verbatim}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\usepackage{tikz}
\begin{document}
\section{Extended Techniques}
% String techniques
\textbf{String Instruments:}
\begin{itemize}
\item sul ponticello: near the bridge
\item sul tasto: over the fingerboard
\item col legno: with the wood of the bow
\item pizzicato: plucked
\item harmonics: \textcircled{o} natural, \textcircled{$\diamond$} artificial
\item tremolo: rapid bow movement
\end{itemize}
% Wind techniques
\textbf{Wind Instruments:}
\begin{itemize}
\item flutter tonguing: rolled r
\item multiphonics: multiple simultaneous pitches
\item overblowing: forcing higher partials
\item key clicks: percussive key sounds
\item embouchure changes: altered tone quality
\end{itemize}
% Percussion techniques
\textbf{Percussion:}
\begin{itemize}
\item rim shot: stick on rim and head
\item cross stick: stick shaft on head
\item brushes: wire brushes
\item mallets: soft, medium, hard
\item timpani glissando: pedal slide
\end{itemize}
\section{Graphic Notation}
% Using TikZ for graphic notation
\begin{center}
\begin{tikzpicture}
% Time line
\draw[thick] (0,0) -- (8,0);
\foreach \x in {0,2,4,6,8}
\draw (\x,0) -- (\x,-0.2) node[below] {\x''};
% Graphic elements
\draw[thick] (1,1) -- (3,2) -- (5,0.5) -- (7,3);
\fill[gray!50] (2,1.5) circle (0.3);
\draw[dashed] (4,0) -- (4,4);
% Dynamic envelope
\draw[red, thick] (0,0.5) -- (2,3) -- (4,1) -- (6,2.5) -- (8,0.2);
\node at (4,4.5) {\textbf{Graphic Score Example}};
\node at (0.5,3.5) {ff};
\node at (4.5,3.5) {mp};
\node at (7.5,3.5) {pp};
\end{tikzpicture}
\end{center}
\section{Proportional Notation}
Space = Time relationship:
\begin{itemize}
\item 1 cm = 1 second
\item Note placement indicates precise timing
\item No traditional bar lines
\item Conductor or click track needed
\end{itemize}
\section{Microtonal Notation}
Quarter-tone symbols:
\begin{itemize}
\item Quarter sharp: $\sharp$ + arrow up
\item Quarter flat: $\flat$ + arrow down
\item Three-quarter sharp: $\sharp$ + $\sharp$ + arrow up
\item Three-quarter flat: $\flat$ + $\flat$ + arrow down
\end{itemize}
Cent notation:
\begin{itemize}
\item +50¢: 50 cents sharp
\item -25¢: 25 cents flat
\item Just intonation ratios: 5:4, 3:2, etc.
\end{itemize}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{listings}
\usepackage{xcolor}
\begin{document}
\section{MIDI Data Representation}
% MIDI note numbers
\textbf{MIDI Note Numbers:}
\begin{tabular}{|c|c|c|}
\hline
Note & Octave 4 & MIDI Number \\
\hline
C & C4 & 60 \\
C\# & C\#4 & 61 \\
D & D4 & 62 \\
D\# & D\#4 & 63 \\
E & E4 & 64 \\
F & F4 & 65 \\
F\# & F\#4 & 66 \\
G & G4 & 67 \\
G\# & G\#4 & 68 \\
A & A4 & 69 \\
A\# & A\#4 & 70 \\
B & B4 & 71 \\
\hline
\end{tabular}
\section{Music Programming Languages}
% SuperCollider example
\textbf{SuperCollider:}
\begin{lstlisting}[language=C++]
(
SynthDef(\sine, {
arg freq = 440, amp = 0.1, gate = 1;
var env, osc;
env = EnvGen.kr(Env.adsr, gate, doneAction: 2);
osc = SinOsc.ar(freq, 0, amp) * env;
Out.ar(0, osc.dup);
}).add;
)
// Play a note
x = Synth(\sine, [\freq, 440, \amp, 0.2]);
x.release;
\end{lstlisting}
% Chuck example
\textbf{ChucK:}
\begin{lstlisting}
// Simple oscillator
SinOsc osc => dac;
// Set frequency and play
440 => osc.freq;
0.5 => osc.gain;
1::second => now;
\end{lstlisting}
\section{Music Information Retrieval}
% Python music analysis
\textbf{Python with music21:}
\begin{lstlisting}[language=Python]
from music21 import stream, note, meter, key
# Create a simple melody
melody = stream.Stream()
melody.append(meter.TimeSignature('4/4'))
melody.append(key.KeySignature(0)) # C major
# Add notes
notes = ['C4', 'D4', 'E4', 'F4', 'G4', 'A4', 'B4', 'C5']
for pitch in notes:
melody.append(note.Note(pitch, quarterLength=1))
# Analyze the melody
melody.analyze('key')
melody.show('text')
\end{lstlisting}
\section{Music Markup Languages}
% MusicXML structure
\textbf{MusicXML:}
\begin{lstlisting}[language=XML]
<score-partwise>
<part-list>
<score-part id="P1">
<part-name>Piano</part-name>
</score-part>
</part-list>
<part id="P1">
<measure number="1">
<attributes>
<divisions>4</divisions>
<key>
<fifths>0</fifths>
<mode>major</mode>
</key>
<time>
<beats>4</beats>
<beat-type>4</beat-type>
</time>
</attributes>
<note>
<pitch>
<step>C</step>
<octave>4</octave>
</pitch>
<duration>4</duration>
<type>quarter</type>
</note>
</measure>
</part>
</score-partwise>
\end{lstlisting}
\end{document}
\documentclass{article}
\usepackage{musixtex}
\usepackage{lilyglyphs}
\usepackage{fancyhdr}
% Custom headers for music
\pagestyle{fancy}
\fancyhf{}
\fancyhead[L]{\textbf{Sonata in C Major}}
\fancyhead[R]{\textbf{W.A. Mozart}}
\fancyfoot[C]{\thepage}
\begin{document}
\begin{center}
{\Large\textbf{Sonata in C Major, K. 545}}\\[5mm]
{\large\textbf{Allegro}}\\[3mm]
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791)\\[10mm]
\end{center}
% Performance notes
\textbf{Performance Notes:}
\begin{itemize}
\item Tempo: \quarternote = 120-132
\item Style: Classical, elegant and clear
\item Articulation: Observe all slurs and staccatos
\item Dynamics: Follow markings precisely
\end{itemize}
% Main score
\begin{music}
\parindent10mm
\instrumentnumber{1}
\setname1{Piano}
\setstaffs1{2}
\setclef1{\treble\bass}
\generalsignature{0} % C major
\setmeter1{\meterC{4}{4}}
\startextract
% Measure 1 - Right hand melody
\Notes\qu{ceg}\qu{c'}\en
\nextstaff
% Left hand accompaniment
\Notes\qu{C}\qu{r}\qu{E}\qu{r}\en
\bar
% Measure 2
\Notes\qu{ded}\qu{d'}\en
\nextstaff
\Notes\qu{G,}\qu{r}\qu{G,}\qu{r}\en
\bar
% Measure 3
\Notes\qu{efe}\qu{e'}\en
\nextstaff
\Notes\qu{C}\qu{r}\qu{E}\qu{r}\en
\bar
% Measure 4
\Notes\hu{df}\hu{d'}\en
\nextstaff
\Notes\qu{G,}\qu{r}\qu{G,}\qu{r}\en
\endextract
\end{music}
\section{Analysis}
This opening phrase demonstrates Mozart's characteristic clarity and elegance:
\begin{itemize}
\item \textbf{Form}: Sentence structure (2+2+4)
\item \textbf{Harmony}: I-V-I-V progression
\item \textbf{Texture}: Melody with Alberti bass accompaniment
\item \textbf{Motivic development}: Simple scalar patterns
\end{itemize}
\section{Technical Considerations}
\textbf{Right Hand:}
\begin{itemize}
\item Finger legato in scalar passages
\item Clear articulation of melody line
\item Balanced phrase shaping
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Left Hand:}
\begin{itemize}
\item Light, even Alberti bass
\item Avoid heavy accents
\item Maintain steady pulse
\end{itemize}
\textbf{Pedaling:}
\begin{itemize}
\item Minimal use on period instrument
\item Clear harmonic changes
\item Support melodic line without blurring
\end{itemize}
\end{document}
Symbol | Command | Package | Purpose |
---|---|---|---|
♩ | \quarternote | wasysym | Quarter note |
♪ | \eighthnote | wasysym | Eighth note |
𝄽 | \quarterrest | wasysym | Quarter rest |
♯ | \sharp | wasysym | Sharp |
♭ | \flat | wasysym | Flat |
𝄞 | \trebleclef | wasysym | Treble clef |
Command | Purpose | Example |
---|---|---|
\qu{notes} | Quarter notes | \qu{cde} |
\hu{notes} | Half notes | \hu{fg} |
\wh{note} | Whole note | \wh{c} |
\cu{notes} | Eighth notes | \cu{abcd} |
\bar | Bar line | Between measures |
\en | End notes | After note group |
Symbol | LaTeX | Meaning |
---|---|---|
C | \meterC{4}{4} | 4/4 time |
𝄵 | \meterC{2}{2} | Cut time |
3/4 | \meterC{3}{4} | 3/4 time |
6/8 | \meterC{6}{8} | 6/8 time |
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