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In music, “XML” usually refers to MusicXML: an XML-based format for representing and exchanging digital musical scores. It carries structured notation—such as parts, measures and notes—so compatible applications can share score data. It is not an audio file, and it is not necessarily a replacement for a notation program’s own project format.
What is MusicXML?
The MusicXML introduction describes it as “an XML-based music interchange language.” XML is the underlying way information is structured; MusicXML applies that structure to musical scores, including common Western notation. A document has a score header followed by musical data, organized into elements that applications can interpret. MusicXML introduction and the W3C MusicXML 4.0 tutorial explain the format’s purpose and structure.
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Its central use is interchange: create or edit a score in one compatible application, then pass the score data to another. This is an intended use, not a guarantee that every application imports, exports or displays every feature identically. Check the current documentation for the specific application and features you need.
What information does a MusicXML file contain?
MusicXML represents written score information in a structured form, including parts, measures and notes. The W3C tutorial distinguishes notation elements used to show or print a piece from elements describing a sonic realization, commonly used for MIDI playback. The latter does not turn the file into a recording: MusicXML stores score-related data, not recorded sound. W3C MusicXML 4.0 tutorial
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How are MusicXML files organized?
A score can use either of two organizational structures. They contain the same broad kinds of score data, but the nesting order differs; the W3C tutorial notes that the preferred form depends on the application.
| Organization | Hierarchy |
|---|---|
| Partwise | Parts contain measures. |
| Timewise | Measures contain parts. |
How is MusicXML different from MIDI and a notation program’s project file?
MusicXML and MIDI
MusicXML is designed to represent written notation as well as information related to playback. MIDI is associated with performance-oriented musical events rather than a complete written score. A MusicXML file may include sonic-realization data commonly used for MIDI playback, but it is not itself MIDI audio or an audio recording. W3C MusicXML 4.0 tutorial
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MusicXML and native notation formats
MusicXML is an interchange format, not a promise that every application-specific editing detail will transfer. A notation application’s native project format may preserve features optimized for that program or a particular task. The MusicXML introduction says the format is not intended to supersede formats designed for specific uses. MusicXML introduction
How do you open or validate a MusicXML file?
Opening a score
Use a notation application that supports MusicXML, then consult its current documentation for importing, editing or exporting the format and for any feature-specific limitations. Support can vary between applications and features, so do not assume an import will preserve every detail.
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Validating the document structure
MusicXML 4.0 was released in June 2021. The official developer documentation identifies XSD as the preferred method for validating MusicXML documents and says DTDs are deprecated as of version 4.0. MusicXML developer documentation
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