'playback mode' to prevent accidental edits

• Aug 30, 2025 - 12:46

Hello, I realize that MuseScore is notation software first and foremost, but I would like to suggest a small feature that would be very helpful for those of us who mainly use it as a rehearsal tool: a 'playback mode.' When practicing (choir parts), I often listen to the score while navigating through measures, and it’s surprisingly easy to accidentally add, move or change a note when clicking or using the arrow keys. Something like a toggle button on the playback toolbar to lock the score, making all clicks and key presses purely navigational, would improve MuseScore’s usefulness as a rehearsal aid, without getting in the way of its core function as notation software. Thank you for your consideration.

Comments

• Aug 30, 2025 - 13:19

+1

Additionally it would then be nice to flag a score for 'playback only' in the score properties so that it would open, (by default), in 'playback mode' but with the option to clear the 'playback only' flag if the scorer decides that more editing is required.

I know that files can be set as readonly at the OS level but this would not provide the above functionality and user friendliness.

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• Aug 30, 2025 - 15:42

Thanks for your comment. I really like your suggestion. I agree that setting a file to read-only at the OS level is less useful, as it assumes users never need to make changes when using MuseScore as a rehearsal tool. In practice, I often adjust instruments, change the tuning (e.g., to A=415 Hz) or clean up scores before practicing. My goal is to play and rehearse, but I still need the flexibility to make occasional changes to the score.

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• Aug 30, 2025 - 16:59

Thanks. These seem to be related to the Publish tab, which I don’t use, since it lacks keyboard navigation and I frequently need the mixer to mute or adjust the volume of individual parts. It also always reverts to 'Page view' when opened, whereas I prefer 'Continuous view'. If the Publish tab functioned more like the proposed Playback mode (with the mixer and easy navigation), it would be great, but I don't think this is the purpose of the Publish tab.

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• Aug 31, 2025 - 01:10

I suspect that if you lock the score, then playback might be limited. You might not be able to listen to particular instruments or change the tempo.
Remember there is the "Undo" button if you suspect you accidently changed something. I know you don't always realize it.
There is also the History tab. Which has a list of everything you've entered.
Both are not the best answer, I know.

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• Aug 31, 2025 - 13:26

Developers may, or may not, read this subforum but all software development, including new features and bug fixes, is managed via GitHub. The forum is a good starting point to confirm that you haven't simply missed something in the software and to get some other users' opinions on the concept before making a more formal request.

GitHub provides a feature rich, reliable framework for collaborative software development.

So, yes, post requests on GitHub if you want them to be considered for inclusion in the software.
Go to https://github.com/musescore/MuseScore/issues then

• Select the green New issue button
• Choose Feature request
• Complete the form, including the checklist tick boxes

You can follow the state of your request on GitHub. It will be assigned a status and may receive comments. Hopefully it is recognised as a useful new feature and taken on by a developer.

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