# SmartScore NoteReader

> Digitally converts sheet music images into audible musical playback. (iPhone/iPad app by Musitek.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscore-notereader/id826309591 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Musitek](https://appshunter.io/developer/826309594)
- Category: Music, Entertainment
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 2.50/5 from 30 App Store ratings · 31 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 17+
- Requires: iOS 9.0 · 123 MB
- Languages: American English
- Released: 2014-07-15
- Data updated: 2026-08-01
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscore-notereader/id826309591/reviews.md

## What is SmartScore NoteReader?

Click and play. Capture images of printed sheet music and hear the song play back in seconds. Processes multiple-page scores including PDF files and images saved to the device.
NOTE: Recognition accuracy is directly releated to the quality of the captured image. For example, our tests indicate that accuracy is improved almost 30% with iPhone 6 images compared to those from the iPhone 5. All iPad users should note that their 5MP cameras are below NoteReader's recommended resolution of 8MP.

Unlocked version (NoteReader Premier) allows SmartScore, MIDI, MusicXML and image files to be sent to any e-mail address or to the cloud. MusicXML or MIDI files can be imported to a host of compatible mobile and desktop music applications. Download the free SmartScore Player from www.musitek.com/smartscore-player.html then open SmartScore files from NoteReader. All recognized musical symbols including articulations, dynamics, lyrics, text, chord symbols, guitar fret diagrams and endings appear on-screen. Playback is fully-controllable. Select various instrumental sounds for each part and/or contrapuntal voice. Drum tracks can be added for more realism. There's even a Karaoke view with scrolling lyrics and bouncing ball. Owners of the unlocked version (NoteReader Premier) are also eligible to purchase any of the full editions of SmartScore X2 desktop editions at a significant discount.

## Key features

- Image and PDF sheet music recognition
- Instant audio playback
- Multi-page score processing
- Adjustable instrumental sounds
- Karaoke view with scrolling lyrics
- Export to email and cloud (Premier version)

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| SmartScore NoteReader Premier | $9.99 | one-time |


## Recent user reviews (10 of 31)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/smartscore-notereader/id826309591/reviews.md

### 3/5 — Not perfect but it is more intelligent than I have expected

*2024-09-16, version 1.2*

Great app to quickly recognize music sheets and playback. Paid version is required to export but it is a worthwhile feature to have, happy to pay for it. Did few simple scans and although missed a few items but overall it was very good. Make sure music sheet is clean and capture with proper lighting.

Unfortunately, PDF scan didn’t work, prompted recognition error without any further info, remove more more star due to this.

Would be nice if able to incorporate SmartScore Player into this, or create a iPad version of the player. It was great to be able to export .enf files but makes no sense to open and/or play on a PC/Mac, who would put a laptop on a piano?

### 1/5 — Didn’t work at all for me.

*2022-04-21, version 1.2*

On two different printed ( not handwriien) lead sheets.

### 1/5 — Don’t waste your time

*2022-03-05, version 1.2*

I captured perfectly clear, sharp images. Result? Garbage.

### 1/5 — Just crashes

*2022-01-24*

It works for about 2 seconds then crashes

### 1/5 — Not a shadow of the desktop version

*2021-06-08*

This app badly needs updating, especially given the release of the new M-1 iPad Pro’s. I’ve been using the desktop version for 25 years - and it’s brilliant. This is not a shadow of the desktop. Smartscore: now that iPads have come of age, port your desktop version with full music editing functions to the iPad.

### 1/5 — Don’t waste time downloading.

*2020-06-10*

This app crashes and the one time it did work , it did not even do what it claims, which is turn PDFs into music reader files .

### 1/5 — garbage

*2020-04-30*

this app is so bad i take pictures of the music i need played for me and it crashes everytime the app crashes it’s only worked once for me i don’t recommend it

### 1/5 — Shame!

*2020-01-08, version 1.2*

Over the years I have bought various versions of Smartscore for my Windows PC. I love the Windows version but sadly this app appears to be useless. Such a shame as it appeared to have such potential. Yes it’s free but it’s of no use yet. Come on Musitek!

### 5/5 — Great addition to the SmartScore PC program

*2020-01-05, version 1.2*

Very useful to capture a new score into the PC version., quicker than getting a scanner out!
I hope Musitek keep updates flowing, I’d like to be able to display songs in .enf format that I have already compiled.
Still great tool for now...

### 1/5 — Crashes

*2017-11-24, version 1.2*

Doesn’t work. All it does is crash. Will not recognize pdf files. I have an iPhone 6s with iOS 11. Waste of time.

## Frequently asked questions about SmartScore NoteReader

### What does SmartScore NoteReader do?

SmartScore NoteReader captures images of printed sheet music and converts them into playable audio. It processes multi-page scores from PDFs and images saved on your device, allowing you to hear the music played back in seconds with various instrumental sounds.

### What are the key features of SmartScore NoteReader?

Key features include the ability to recognize printed sheet music from images and PDFs, instant audio playback, processing of multi-page scores, and controllable playback with selectable instrumental sounds. The Premier version also allows exporting files via email and cloud services.

### Is SmartScore NoteReader free to use?

The app offers a free version with core functionality. An unlocked version, NoteReader Premier, is available via in-app purchase, which unlocks advanced features like exporting files to email and cloud storage. Owners of the Premier version are also eligible for discounts on desktop editions.

### What devices is SmartScore NoteReader compatible with?

The app is designed for mobile devices. For optimal recognition accuracy, it's recommended to use devices with cameras of 8MP resolution or higher, as lower resolution cameras may impact performance.

### How can I use SmartScore NoteReader for learning music?

You can use the app to quickly hear how sheet music sounds, which is invaluable for learning new pieces. The ability to select different instrumental sounds for each part and add drum tracks can help in understanding complex arrangements and practicing along.

## Version history (last 3 releases)

### 1.2 — 2017-10-22

This update from Apple will improve the functionality of this app. No new features are included.

iOS 11 compliant.
64-bit clean.
Updated "Tips&Hints": Recommending not using camera flash under normal conditions.

### 1.1 — 2014-07-14

NoteReader Premier: In-App Purchase

### 1.0 — 2014-05-28

No release notes.

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| [Newzik: Sheet Music Reader](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/newzik-sheet-music-reader/id966963109) | 4.6 (1,431) | Free | Music |
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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 2026-08-01.*