Noteflight allows you to change a part name, instrument sound, key, and more.
If the instrument you need for your part is not one of our defaults, you can use any instrument sound to customize your part by modifying the name and transposition of one of the existing instruments.
Customizing An Instrument
Each instrument in Noteflight provides a playback sound. You can edit the instrument name, transposition, and octave to further customize your part.
The full name appears in the left margin on the first staff in the score, and the abbreviation appears next to all subsequent staves. You can change the instrument's name and abbreviation right in the text field.
The transposition key and octave is only for transposing instruments like the Eb clarinet. You can change the key, instrument octave, and score octave by selecting their corresponding dropdown menus and picking which option you need.
Common Instrument Customizations
Here are some examples of common uses for instrument customizations:
- Voice Parts: Noteflight Premium provides male and female sound samples with three syllable options. Select the sound sample that is closest to the voice type you are writing for then change the name to your intended part, such as soprano, alto, tenor, or bass. For a sound with more dictions, try using clarinets in place of vocal sounds, and make sure to change the instrument ‘Key’ to C. You’ll get great blend and sharp attacks with this approach.
- Instrument Family Customizations: Noteflight Premium includes standard band and orchestral instruments, and you can customize them to include closely related instruments. For example, start with Noteflight’s Trombone and change the name to Bass Trombone, or start with Bassoon to create a Contrabassoon.
- Language Customizations: Common instruments go by many names. Noteflight includes English Horn, but you can rename it Cor Anglais, or call the Piano by its German name, the Klavier. The sky’s the limit!
- Ukulele: We currently offer the uke in TAB but not in staff notation. Try using our classical guitar for the sound and change the name to ukulele.
- Unique-sounding Instruments: Of course, there are instruments with very distinctive sounds, not very similar to the standard instruments in our list. Need a didgeridoo? Try our tuba with vibrato and tremolo. A little creativity can go a long way to get the effect you need!
Watch our quick video that shows you how to compose for any instrument in Noteflight: