Symphony app review: MIDI notation editor

Introduction

Symphony is a highly useful MIDI notation editor app for iPhone and iPad that enables you to notate up to six tracks on a single piece of music as well as being able to import MIDI files from other sources to see them notated before your very eyes.

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I absolutely love the idea behind this app, and it inspires me even more to become more proficient at sight reading so that I can start taking full advantage of this kind of utility. I really like what I’ve seen (and heard) and would definitely recommend this app to any of you who want a decent notation editor.

Use 26 MIDI Instruments

This is a great multi-track notation utility with real-time editing that supports up to six tracks with full playback in MIDI format from within the interface. You’ll find a total of 26 instruments covering different categories such as strings, brass, woodwind, and more.

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Entering different note values onto the stave really is as simple as tapping them and then placing them where you want them, and you can very easily adjust the tempo and time signature as and when you need to.

Loop to Learn

If you want to use Symphony to nail a piece of music then you’ll be pleased to know that you can easily loop playback on specific sections to more easily learn them on your instrument of choice, making this a great educational tool as well.

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Furthermore, you’ll enjoy full support for both landscape and portrait orientations, and you can even customize the user interface to a certain extent with a small selection of different visual themes that are all fairly attractive.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Utilize a multi-track notation utility with real-time editing
• Supports up to six tracks with full playback in MIDI format
• Includes a total of 26 instruments including strings, brass, woodwind, and more
• Create a handy digital backup copy of your creations in .MIDI file format
• Import MIDI files from online sources to see them notated before your eyes
• Adjust tempo and time signatures with ease
• Loop playback on specific sections to more easily learn them on your instrument of choice
• Customize the user interface with a variety of different visual themes
• Provides full support for both landscape and portrait orientations

Cons

• There is nothing negative to say about this app

Final Words

Symphony isn’t as robust or extensively featured as some of its far more expensive counterparts but I definitely think you’ll get your money’s worth from this streamlined and easy-to-use notation editor for iPhone and iPad.