# PianoGato — Sheet music composer

> Mobile piano composition and playback tool with standard music notation. (iPhone/iPad app by Tanadium Pte. Ltd..)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianogato/id523376496 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Tanadium Pte. Ltd.](https://appshunter.io/developer/523376499)
- Category: Music, Utilities
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.00/5 from 1 App Store ratings · 16 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 78 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2012-11-02
- Data updated: 2026-06-05
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianogato/id523376496/reviews.md

## What is PianoGato?

Compose and play back piano compositions anywhere, anytime. Compose your songs using standard music notations on a score sheet, adjust playback settings and then listen to your compositions one at a time or together as part of a playlist.

PianoGato composer is designed for:

 • Piano music lovers wishing to listen to their favorite songs for which they have score sheets;
 • Professional and amateur musicians to compose and listen to songs on-the-go;
 • Music students learning music composition and notations;
 • Pianists of all levels learning a new piece and wishing to listen to the whole song, or a section of the song; and
 • Learners of music symbols, and in particular, how they are played back on the piano.

PianoGato composer is downloaded and installed as a Basic Version with simple composition options available by default. Upgrade from within the app to enable all composition options by purchasing the Composer Extras Package via an In-App Purchase.

The Basic Version includes the following features:

 • Time Signature: 4/4;
 • Key Signature: C Major;
 • Tempo: Allegro (crotchet/quarter note) at 120 bpm;
 • Note durations from breve down to semi-quaver;
 • Accidentals: sharp, flat, natural, double sharp, double flat;
 • Up to four different parts/voices;
 • Rendering of compositions for playback;
 • Share rendered compositions with friends and colleagues;
 • Export compositions as Lilypond source files, which can then be compiled to generate pdf and midi files;
 • Management of playlists for the play back of compositions; and
 • Editing of composition meta data, such as composer name, version and song name.

In addition to the features in the Basic Version, the PianoGato Composer Extras Package offers the full range of piano composition options, such as:

 • Configurable key and time signatures;
 • Note durations down to the hundred twenty-eighth (semihemidemisemiquaver) note;
 • Dotted notes;
 • Ties;
 • Slurs;
 • Pedals;
 • Dynamics;
 • Grace notes;
 • Articulations;
 • Ornaments;
 • Accidentals within ornaments;
 • Tuplets;
 • Arpeggios;
 • Glissandos;
 • Octave changes;
 • Tremolos;
 • Pickup measures;
 • Tempo specifications;
 • Changes in tempo;
 • Time and key signature changes;
 • Repeats;
 • Coda sections;
 • Adjustable playback dynamic velocities; and
 • Velocity balances between the different parts/voices.

If you are looking to purchase the Composer Extras Package for multiple copies of PianoGato composer then please consider purchasing the separate PianoGato P2 app, which comes with the Composer Extras Package installed. You may purchase multiple copies of PianoGato P2 and take advantage of the benefits associated with the Volume Purchase Program, subject to eligibility. See Apple's Volume Purchase Program for details.

## Key features

- Compose music using standard notation
- Playback compositions
- Adjust playback settings
- Create playlists
- Export as Lilypond source files
- Share compositions

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| PianoGato Composer Extras Package | $4.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 16)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/pianogato/id523376496/reviews.md

### 1/5 — Bad

*2020-10-19, version 3.1.3*

Really hard to use

### 5/5 — 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

*2020-05-15, version 3.1.3*

I’m studying GCSE music, and when trying to compose from home during lockdown, this app is a lifesaver! It is very easy to use, and produces great results. On top of that, the customer service is brilliant. I had a few queries to ask, and each received a reply within 12 hours. Just one thing... the app itself does not produce finished sheet music, which could be seen as an inconvenience, however with little extra effort, this can be achieved. Highly recommend✨✨

### 1/5 — Fix this crashing issue!!

*2016-06-07*

Many years back I got this app in hopes I could quietly create a song at 12:00 am so I wouldn't wake my family by playing the piano so late. However, it seems that after I place down 3 notes, which was hard to do, if I try to place any more than that and try to play it, it would continually crash. I thought it was just my iPod 4 that was the problem, since many things would crash. Now, in 2016, this app has not been improved one bit. It still crashes and I now have an iPhone 6, which rarely crashes apps. Very, VERY, disappointed with this performance of this app, and will never, EVER, download it again and waste space.

### 1/5 — Trash

*2016-03-28*

Simple UI?  Nope.
Staccato? Nope.
Dynamics? Nope.
Coda? Nope.
D.C.? Nope.
D.S? Nope.
Fine? Nope.
All that and more is missing. Well it's not missing... You just need to pay $10!

### 2/5 — Performs poorly

*2016-01-27, version 2.0.2*

Great concept for writers. This app however is tremendously lacking in usability. Simple actions such as inserting and adjusting notes is made very difficult by the interface. I found I was inadvertently selecting and inserting the wrong notes due to having to directly tap the note in between other notes. Adjusting the notes faces the same problems. It's virtually impossible to write music in this way and users will find this very frustrating. This app and similar ones really require a cursor to move around the bars and stave. Not having to tap specific individual note positions. Our finger surfaces are just to large for this kind of precision. The playback I found buggy as well.

### 2/5 — Has potential

*2016-01-24*

Look, it's simple. This app offers many features but almost nothing for free. Only 4/4 time really? No dotted notes for free either I can't compose one decent piece with this unless I pay $10.00. You people would have 10 times as many downloads if you offered more for free.

### 2/5 — DO NOT GET THIS!

*2015-11-26*

I've been looking for a quality composing app for piano for a million years and this is the only one I come across?!? This app is rubbish! You can only use basic notes. That means no staccato, no dynamics, no nothing unless you pay for it. This app is good for nothing.

### 5/5 — Great music composition app

*2014-10-29*

This app is the best at what it does, it's creators are involved and diligent, and the interface is very intuitive.

### 4/5 — I love it! Just one thing...

*2014-09-07*

When I try to make a new composition recently, it's been crashing. Please fix this soon!

### 5/5 — C:

*2013-07-09*

It works excellent!
Really helps being able to put my ideas down and heard how I want it to be played.
It was well worth my time using.
 c:

## Frequently asked questions about PianoGato

### What is PianoGato?

PianoGato is a mobile application designed for composing and playing back piano music using standard music notation. It allows users to create songs on a score sheet, adjust playback, and listen to their compositions.

### Is PianoGato free to use?

Yes, PianoGato is free to download and install with basic composition options. Advanced features can be unlocked through an in-app purchase of the Composer Extras Package.

### What are the basic features of PianoGato?

The basic version includes a 4/4 time signature, C Major key signature, Allegro tempo at 120 bpm, note durations down to semi-quaver, up to four parts/voices, playback rendering, sharing, playlist management, and meta data editing.

### What advanced features are available in the Composer Extras Package?

The Composer Extras Package offers configurable key and time signatures, note durations down to the 128th note, dotted notes, ties, slurs, dynamics, ornaments, tuplets, arpeggios, glissandos, and more, including tempo and signature changes.

### Can I export my compositions from PianoGato?

Yes, you can export compositions as Lilypond source files. These files can then be compiled to generate PDF and MIDI files, allowing for further use and sharing.

### What devices does PianoGato support?

PianoGato is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, making it accessible for a wide range of Apple users.

### How often is PianoGato updated?

The latest version of PianoGato is 3.1.3, and it was last updated on October 1, 2019. Users can expect updates to improve functionality and add features over time.

### What is the age rating for PianoGato?

PianoGato has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for young children and individuals of all ages interested in music composition.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1.3 — 2019-10-01

Support for iOS 13.

### 3.1.2 — 2019-06-27

• Bug fixes related to the export of Lilypond source files that have dynamic, clef change and ottava symbols.

### 3.1.1 — 2019-05-28

* Bug fixes
* Lilypond exports now use standard repeat notations when possible, which can be unfolded when generating midi files. Scores with non-standard repeat notations still use existing special Lilypond repeat notation.

### 3.1.0 — 2018-11-14

* New Quick Add feature, where notes can be added quickly based on the relative position of the previous note;
* Brighter highlighted note color; and
* Bug fixes.

### 3.0.10 — 2017-10-09

* Bug fixes, which include the erroneous automatic scrolling of the note selection scroll bar at the top of the editor
* Fixed iOS 11 compatibility issues
* Support for iPhone X, which is capable of displaying two rows of score editing scroll views

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## More apps by Tanadium Pte. Ltd.

- [CompassTip: AR Compass](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/compasstip-ar-compass/id1483446151)

All apps by Tanadium Pte. Ltd.: https://appshunter.io/developer/523376499

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-06-05.*