Notation Composer
Notation Software Germany GmbH sells Composer, Musician and Player for everyday musicians
Key data
| Company | Notation Software Germany GmbH |
|---|---|
| Category | Music Notation Software |
| Headquarters | Utting am Ammersee, Germany |
| Founded | 1994 |
| EU Presence | Yes - Germany (Handelsregister Augsburg HRB 27100) |
| Data Location | not stated on the pages we read |
| Open Source | No |
| GDPR Compliant | Yes |
| Self-Hosting | No |
| Main Features | Input by MIDI instrument, mouse, computer keyboard or AI, notation from MIDI files, Composer, Musician and Player editions, Band-in-a-Box plugin, lifetime help desk |
| Pricing | prices not shown in the text we read; the site shows time-limited sale banners and bundle and upgrade pages |
| Best For | Hobby musicians who want a desktop notation program from a German company with long-term support |
| Replaces | Sibelius, Finale |
Our review
Notation Software Germany GmbH is listed in its imprint at Eduard-Thoeny-Str. 6, D-86919 Utting am Ammersee, Germany, in the Handelsregister of Amtsgericht Augsburg under HRB 27100, with VAT number DE283550976. The CEO named is Dr. Reinhold Hoffmann.
The company page says it began in 1994 as Notation Software, Inc. in Bellevue, Washington, and today is a privately held company legally located in Germany.
Which editions does Notation sell?
The site lists Notation Composer, Notation Musician and Notation Player, with a compare page and a bundle of Composer and Musician. Version 5.1 is shown, with 5.1.2 announced as available.
A Band-in-a-Box plugin, a student download page and a lifetime help desk are also linked.
How do you enter music in Notation Composer?
The site states that sheet music can be created with a MIDI instrument, mouse, computer keyboard or from AI. A second feature creates notation scores from MIDI files.
The interface is offered in English, German, Spanish and Italian.
Notation Composer as a European alternative to Sibelius
Notation Composer has a German contracting entity, where Sibelius is sold by Avid. The company's own FAQ asks why a user should buy Notation when MuseScore is free, which shows that the price comparison is something the vendor expects.
Prices are not visible in the text we read, only sale banners.
Known limits
The company began as a US company in Washington state and moved its legal seat to Germany, so check the licence terms for the entity named on your invoice. Prices and platform lists are not in the text we read. A free alternative with a public price of zero is MuseScore.
Who Notation Composer fits
Hobby and community musicians who want a paid desktop program with lifetime support and a German imprint.
Strengths and weaknesses
Pros
- German GmbH with register and VAT numbers published
- Input by MIDI, mouse, keyboard or AI
- Three editions for different needs
- Band-in-a-Box plugin
- Interface in four languages
Cons
- No prices in the text we read
- Platform list not readable
- Company history started in the United States
- Hosting not stated
Pros and Cons
Pros
- German GmbH with commercial register and VAT numbers shown
- Notes can be entered by MIDI, mouse, keyboard or AI
- Composer, Musician and Player editions to choose from
- Plugin for Band-in-a-Box
- Interface offered in English, German, Spanish and Italian
Cons
- Only sale banners, no prices, appeared in the text
- The platform list could not be read
- The company began in the United States before moving its seat to Germany
- Hosting is not stated
Alternatives to Notation Composer
Further European music notation software to compare:
See all European music notation software or compare them directly against Sibelius on our alternatives page.
Common questions
Yes. Notation Composer is sold by Notation Software Germany GmbH of Utting am Ammersee and offers notation input by MIDI, mouse and computer keyboard.
The company page says it is a privately held company legally located in Germany. It was founded in 1994 as Notation Software, Inc. in Bellevue, Washington.
The text we read shows sale banners but no list price. Check the buy page of the vendor.