Notation App
The Notation App lets you write simple staff notation directly inside a lesson note. You can create short examples, play them back, switch between single staff and grand staff, and export the result as MusicXML for use i
What the Notation App Is For
The Notation App is designed for quick teaching examples inside the lesson note. You can use it to write a short pattern, demonstrate rhythm, show a fingering idea, create a sight-reading example, or leave a simple written exercise for the student to revisit later.
It is not intended to replace a full notation program. It is a lightweight teaching tool that keeps the notation with the rest of the student's lesson context.
Adding the Tool
Insert the Notation App from the lesson note tools menu. It appears as a notation block inside the note, with its own title, score settings, notation palette, playback controls, and staff preview.
Teachers can edit the notation block. Families see the saved block in the Hub as part of the lesson note, but they cannot change the notation.
Score Settings
At the top of the block, you can set the main score details:
- Title — name the example or exercise.
- Clef — choose treble, bass, alto, or tenor clef.
- Time signature — choose from the available time signatures, including 2/4, 3/4, 4/4, and 6/8.
- Key — choose the key signature.
- Tempo — set a score tempo, or leave it unset.
- Layout — switch between a single staff and a grand staff.
If you change the time signature, Octavia reflows the notation so the bars fit the new measure length where possible.
Writing Notes
In edit mode, use the notation palette to add and adjust notes.
The rhythm row lets you choose note values, including sixteenth notes, eighth notes, quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and rests. Select a bar or note, then use the note-name buttons to enter pitches. You can add accidentals, mark rests, add intervals above a selected note, and apply fingering numbers.
If a note or group of notes does not fit in the current bar, Octavia prevents the change and shows an error message instead of silently creating an invalid bar.
Editing and Playback
The block has two modes:
- Edit mode — change the notation, title, settings, layout, and notes.
- View only mode — hide the editing palette and use the block for reading or playback.
Playback controls let you play from the start, play from a selected note, or stop playback. You can choose the playback instrument and playback tempo separately from the written score tempo, which is useful when a student needs to hear the same example more slowly.
Exporting
Click Export to XML to download the notation as a MusicXML file. This is useful if you want to continue working on the example in a dedicated notation app such as MuseScore or Sibelius.
Saving and Deleting
Notation changes save automatically as you edit. If a save fails, the block shows a retry option.
To remove the Notation App from the note, use the delete button on the block and confirm the deletion. This removes the notation block from the lesson note.
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