# Rousseau MusicPad

> Numbered musical notation input and playback app with import/export features. (iPhone/iPad app by Norman Schmidt.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rousseau-musicpad/id428238042 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Norman Schmidt](https://appshunter.io/developer/428238046)
- Category: Music, Education
- Price: Free
- Rating: 3.30/5 from 4 App Store ratings · 6 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 11.0 · 36 MB
- Languages: American English, French (France)
- Released: 2011-04-05
- Data updated: 2026-06-05
- Monetization: free
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rousseau-musicpad/id428238042/reviews.md

## What is Rousseau MusicPad?

Rousseau MusicPad helps you understand and use numbered musical notation. The seven-note keypad allows input of numbers (or ordinary notes) to the sound of an Italian harpsichord. Music can be played forwards or backwards. Buttons allow for key and octave change, accidentals, and formatting. Melodies can be imported from the iReal Pro app clipboard and exported to iReal Pro or to any app that understands Midi or MusicXML.
 
This system for Numbered Musical Notation (nmn) was invented by Geneva-born philosopher and composer Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) and was first presented to the French Academy of Sciences in 1742. It is very similar to east-Asian "jianpu" simplified notation.

## Key features

- Numbered musical notation input
- Harpsichord sound playback
- Forward and backward playback
- Key and octave change
- Import/export to iReal Pro
- MIDI and MusicXML export

## Recent user reviews (6 of 6)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rousseau-musicpad/id428238042/reviews.md

### 5/5 — This makes so much sense now

*2023-07-25*

Thank you for releasing this app . This has been the simplest onboarding tune maker I’ve come across and I’m going to have a relaxing time on my iPhone with this gizmo . Also , it’s great to learn about Roseau in addition to the great composers that made this type of music possible . Thank you !

### 1/5 — Zero explanation or examples

*2023-03-01*

Would have been great to be able to import sample midi files into the app and see how the notation looks.  As is, it is not clear what the app is good for.

### 4/5 — Good but.....

*2017-02-07, version 2.7*

Like it a lot since I do a lot of transferring music from the Asian "do-re-mi" system. My only gripe is, you cant assign the value of the notes. So I need to edit it with another program.

### 3/5 — Not what I was looking for, but more functional than Piano apps

*2016-05-17*

This is the same system that is used in Chinese number notation for their music. I was looking for an app that would allow me to write in that so I could get some practice... Well, this app is very nicely designed, the making music part is the easiest and most practical I have ever seen (but I have only used free apps) in Piano or sheet music apps.

Problems: No automatic playing back of songs, you manually ta Forward and Backward to play one note at a time, no way to show the proper length of notes, I was looking for the underlines that would make quarter notes into half or into full. No way to make several notes at once, like writing a 4 underneath a 6.. It's still a nice app and I recommend it over stupid Piano apps that are completely impractical but I wish it had that functionality

Also when tapping forward and backwards i think it actually ignores the rests, which is kind of annoying

### 4/5 — Goes great with iRealb Pro...

*2014-05-01*

It could use some more info. Maybe a link to the web page about the notation method with the completed charts available. I've had to hunt through the iRealb forums a couple times to find the link to the site because I keep forgetting it. Other than that the app is great once it makes sense. A FAQ page would be helpful with some tips.

### 4/5 — Great but can't load

*2011-09-15, version 1.5*

This is a wonderful way to write melodies 

On an iPhone version of irealb there doesn't seem to be a clipboard. But there is one under Export to Forums function. 

Please consider: 

Rudimentary save and load function within the app. 

Cheers

## Frequently asked questions about Rousseau MusicPad

### What is Rousseau MusicPad?

Rousseau MusicPad is an application that helps you understand and use numbered musical notation. It features a seven-note keypad for inputting numbers or ordinary notes, with the sound of an Italian harpsichord.

### Can I play music backwards in Rousseau MusicPad?

Yes, Rousseau MusicPad allows you to play melodies both forwards and backwards. It also offers buttons for key and octave changes, accidentals, and formatting.

### How can I import or export music with Rousseau MusicPad?

You can import melodies from the iReal Pro app's clipboard. Music can be exported to iReal Pro or to any app that understands Midi or MusicXML formats.

### What is the numbered musical notation system used in Rousseau MusicPad?

The app uses the Numbered Musical Notation (nmn) system invented by Jean-Jacques Rousseau. It is similar to East Asian "jianpu" simplified notation.

### What devices is Rousseau MusicPad available on?

Rousseau MusicPad is available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod. It was released on April 5, 2011, and last updated on March 8, 2019.

### What is the age rating for Rousseau MusicPad?

Rousseau MusicPad has an age rating of 4+. It is a free application developed by Norman Schmidt.

### Does Rousseau MusicPad have ads?

No, Rousseau MusicPad does not contain advertisements. It is a free application with no in-app purchases.

### What is the user rating for Rousseau MusicPad?

Rousseau MusicPad has a rating of 3.3 stars based on 4 user ratings. The latest version available is 3.1.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 3.1 — 2019-03-08

Minor changes to keep display within iPhone X safe area.

### 3.0 — 2017-11-13

Update for iOS 11

### 2.7 — 2013-10-30

Update for iOS 7

### 2.6 — 2012-11-17

Update for iOS 6

### 2.5 — 2012-05-30

Improved MusicXML export with added 1st and 2nd repeats.

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## More apps by Norman Schmidt

- [Mehegan Jazz Harmony](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mehegan-jazz-harmony/id931192025)
- [Bach Chorales](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/bach-chorales/id946708194)

All apps by Norman Schmidt: https://appshunter.io/developer/428238046

## Related topics

[rousseau musicpad](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/rousseau-musicpad)

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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.*