Rosegarden – music composition and MIDI sequencing environment

Rosegarden is a music composition and editing environment that combines MIDI sequencing, audio recording and traditional music notation. Its integrated approach allows musicians to work with recorded performances and written scores within the same application.

The software is designed for composers, arrangers, music students and home recording enthusiasts. Its track-oriented interface supports arranging complete pieces of music, while dedicated editors provide facilities for entering notes, adjusting performances and preparing printed scores.

Rosegarden places particular emphasis on MIDI composition and notation rather than competing with full-featured digital audio workstations. It can nevertheless record audio, process sound using compatible plugins and synchronise with external music software.

This is free and open source software.

Key Features

• Multitrack MIDI sequencing – record, arrange and edit performances across multiple instrument tracks.
• Music notation editor – create and modify conventional musical scores using graphical staff notation.
• Matrix editor – edit MIDI notes using a piano-roll interface with configurable quantisation.
• Percussion editor – arrange drum patterns using a dedicated percussion matrix.
• Audio recording – capture audio from microphones, instruments and other connected sources.
• Audio and MIDI mixing – adjust track levels, routing and other performance parameters.
• LilyPond integration – export notation for professional-quality score engraving and printing.
• MIDI file handling – import and export Standard MIDI Files for use with other applications.
• Instrument management – configure MIDI devices, instrument banks, programs and percussion mappings.
• Plugin support – process audio and MIDI using supported synthesis and effects plugins.
• Tempo and time signatures – manage tempo changes, meter and timing within a composition.
• External synchronisation – supports JACK transport and MIDI synchronisation facilities.
• Notation tools – edit dynamics, articulations, lyrics, slurs, tuplets and other musical symbols.
• Event list editor – inspect and modify MIDI events at a detailed level.

Website: www.rosegardenmusic.com
Support:
Developer: Rosegarden development team
License: GNU General Public License v2.0

Rosegarden is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.

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