Do you want to use digital sheet music? Consider how you can organize your music in forScore to help save time when practicing or performing.
You can use a lot of different apps and features to make your music life easier. Keep reading to learn more about how forScore can help.
But first, this post contains affiliate links. Read my full disclosure policy to learn more.
Choose Your iPad
To use the forScore app, you have to have an iPad (sorry Android fans!). I personally use and love the iPad Pro 12.9 because the screen size is perfect for reading sheet music.
However, you can also us a regular iPad if you prefer something a bit smaller and more affordable. Either way, make sure your iPad has enough storage for all of your sheet music.
And if you use the iPad for other things, you’ll need enough room for those files and apps.
Download a Scanner App
If you already have an iPad, you should download a scanner app. This is how I’ve digitized a lot of the print music I have in my library.
The app allows you to use the rear camera on your iPad to take a picture of your sheet music. Then, it will turn the pictures into a PDF file.
You can choose from a variety of scanner apps. I use Tiny Scanner, which does cost a small amount, but it’s super worth it.
Digitize Your Sheet Music
This next step is probably the most tedious when it comes to how to organize your music in forScore or any other app. You have to scan all of your sheet music to get it onto your device.
Of course, you can do this in small bursts rather than all at once. I did this when I started using my iPad for sheet music, and I scanned what I needed when I needed it.
But if you’re ever bored or have some extra time, you can scan more of your sheet music. Eventually, you’ll have all of your sheet music on your iPad.
Alternatively, you can purchase digital versions of music you don’t have. Then, you won’t have to scan new purchases.
Add File Titles
One of the best things that can help you organize your music in forScore is to use good titles. You can title a piece when scanning it or when importing it into the forScore app.
Either way, I like to at least at the composer name and piece title. That makes it super easy to find the piece you need when you want to practice.
And if I ever have duplicates (such as of Christmas songs for flute choir), I’ll add the instrument as well. Then, I can find the specific version I’m looking for.
Import to forScore
Next, you need to get your files from your scanner app to the sheet music reader. If you use Tiny Scanner, you’ll find the piece you want to import.
Tap on the three dots, then tap on “Share.” Select “Open in…” and swipe through your apps until you find forScore as an option, then tap on that.
This will open the file in the new app, and you’ll want to repeat this process for any music you have.
Add Relevant Tags
Once it’s in the app, you can organize your music in forScore with tags. You can take your music based on the genre, composer, and other filters.
As someone who plays multiple flutes, I’ll tag a file with flute, piccolo, or alto flute, based on the specific instrument I play that piece on.
So if I want to practice alto flute one day, I can search for files for the alto flute. That can save you a lot of time as you build up a larger library of digital sheet music.
Create Setlists
If you have a concert coming up, you can organize your music in forScore for that. Tap in the middle of the screen in forScore to bring up the menu, then tap on the three lines on the left side of the screen.
You can then add a setlist for the specific ensemble or performance. When you play a piece from a setlist, it connects all of the pieces together, and you can put them in the concert order.
So instead of searching all over for the next piece, everything will be easy to access. This is especially helpful if you play in multiple groups.
Create External Backups
As much as I love using an iPad for sheet music, I’ll admit that technology isn’t perfect. Because of that, I’d also recommend backing up your digital files to something like iCloud.
That way, if your iPad dies or you need a new one, you can still access your music. You can do backups in forScore, but that costs an extra fee.
If you already pay for cloud storage, you may as well use that. Then, you can import the files to forScore on your next device.
Why Organize Your Music in forScore
Consider the reasons you may want to use forScore to keep your music organized.
Digital Copies
Having a digital version means you’ll be able to easily find your sheet music when you need it. With physical copies, you’d have to search through boxes or bins.
But all you need to find a digital copy is the title. Then, you can search for that title using your iPad’s search bar, and the file should pop up.
And if you ever move or get rid of stuff, you won’t have to spend time searching for a print copy.
Search Function
Speaking of search, it’s easy to search for files on your device or in forScore. If you don’t know the title, consider other factors you can search for.
Maybe you remember when you uploaded it, so you search by the date. Or you know it’s in a specific folder, so you go looking for it there.
Either way, it can take way less time to find a digital copy versus a physical copy of music.
Add Tags
When organizing sheet music physically, you have to choose one main way to organize things. For example, you may organize your music alphabetically by composer.
But what if you want to find music from a certain era or genre? With physical copies, you may not have that options.
However, forScore lets you add multiple different tags to your files. So you can narrow your search for sheet music in a variety of ways.
Enjoy Other forScore Features
The forScore app offers a ton of advanced features to help you use sheet music well. Some of those features are for organization, sure.
But others help make it easier to read your music during a rehearsal or performance. You can access a lot of things that you won’t get with paper sheet music.
Yes, digital sheet music has its downsides. But there are a lot of upsides, especially once you really get to know how to use the app.
Final Thoughts
If you have or want an iPad, you should organize your music in forScore. The app is super robust and easy to use, so it’s great for performers and teachers.
Be sure to consider how to make the most of your device. That way, you can set up your music the right way so that it’s easy to find.
And if you want to learn all there is to know, download forScore and More today!
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