MuseScore has an integrated sequencer and synthesizer to play your score.
By pressing the Play button you enter Play mode. In Play mode the following commands are available:

• Seek to previous chord Left
• Seek to next chord Right
• Seek to previous measure Ctrl+Left
• Seek to next measure Ctrl+Right
• Rewind to start of score Home
• Toggle show play panel F11

Press the play button again to stop and exit Play mode.

MuseScore starts playback from the place it last left off. If you select a note then MuseScore starts from the newly selected note instead. The toolbar also has rewind button to quickly return to the beginning of the score for playback.

Play Panel

The Play Panel offers more controls over playback including tempo, starting position, and general volume. From the main menu choose Display → Play Panel to open the Play Panel.

Troubleshooting

Piano only

Version 0.9.5 or earlier: If you want to play instruments other than piano you have to change the MuseScore integrated SoundFont with a more capable one in Edit → Preferences... → I/O tab. See SoundFont for instructions.

Sound on Ubuntu

If you are having difficulty with sound on Ubuntu then it is recommended to upgrade to version 0.9.5 or later. Instructions for obtaining the latest release are on the download page of the website. If you have further problems feel free to use the forums.