Sibelius Notation Software

Sibelius is a powerful music notation software used worldwide by composers, arrangers, copyists, and educators. It allows users to create, edit, print, and play back scores using high-quality sampled or synthesised sounds, and supports MIDI and audio file formats.

With advanced layout tools, AI-powered features, and seamless Cloud Publishing, Sibelius Music Notation Software makes collaboration and score sharing simple. Available across desktop, iPad, iPhone, and Android, it offers flexible, professional workflows wherever inspiration strikes. From classrooms to concert halls, Sibelius Notation supports the entire creative process, helping musicians bring their ideas to life with speed, accuracy, and the confidence that their music is ready to share.

About Sibelius

Sibelius is a leading music notation software that allows musicians to write, edit, and publish sheet music with speed and precision. Originally developed in the early 1990s by British brothers Ben and Jonathan Finn, it’s now part of Avid Technology’s suite of professional audio and video tools. The software is named after the Finnish composer Jean Sibelius and is widely trusted by composers, arrangers, and educators across the globe.

At its core, Sibelius offers intuitive tools to create detailed scores, which can then be printed, shared, or played back using either MIDI or high-quality sampled sounds. Its playback engine helps users hear how compositions will sound, while the advanced layout and engraving tools ensure professional-quality results. Users can also publish scores online for instant access by collaborators or audiences.

Sibelius is designed for flexibility. Whether you're working on a desktop, iPad, iPhone, or Android device, your projects sync seamlessly, making it ideal for busy creatives who need to write wherever inspiration hits. Features like AI-powered workflows, markup tools, and layout automation make it quick to get ideas down and polish them into ready-to-share compositions.

Thanks to integrated Cloud Publishing, sharing scores is straightforward, collaborating across continents or just sharing with your ensemble. Whether you're scoring for a full orchestra or sketching out ideas for a song, Sibelius helps you stay productive and connected to your music community.

FAQs

Can you buy Sibelius permanently?

Sibelius can be bought permanently by purchasing a perpetual licence that does not expire. This licence allows users to access the software indefinitely without ongoing fees. It's ideal for those who prefer a one-time payment over subscriptions.

Is Sibelius free to use?

Sibelius offer a free version of the notation software, Sibelius First. This version offers limited features for beginners but by purchasing the full licence, you will gain access to the full suite of tools and features the software offers.

When did Avid buy Sibelius?

Avid bought Sibelius in August 2006, acquiring it from Sibelius Software Ltd. Since then, Avid has continued to develop and publish Sibelius, integrating it with its broader suite of audio and video production tools while maintaining it as a standalone notation product.