Music Composition Keyboard Shortcuts

Study Notes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Note Entry Mode: Press "N" to enter note entry mode
Repeat Last Note/Chord: Press "R" to repeat the last note or chord entered
Add Note Above: Type the number on the keyboard's top row to add a note above the current note
Add Note Below: Press Shift + the number on the keyboard's top row to add a note below the current note
Polyphonic Writing: Press Alt + the voice number (1-4) to enter polyphonic writing mode
Change Stem Direction: Press "X" to change the stem direction of a note
Change to Enharmonic Note: Select a note and press Enter to change it to an enharmonic note (e.g., C# to Db)
Create Triplet/Irregular Group: Press Ctrl + number on the top row to create a triplet or irregular group of notes
Hide Note/Object: Press Ctrl + Shift + H to hide a note or object
Indicator Numbers Menu: Press "T" to open the indicator numbers menu
Clef/Key Signature Menu: Press "K" to open the clef/key signature menu
Instrument Menu: Press "1" to open the instrument menu
Line Menu: Press "L" to open the line menu or press "S" for phrase connection
Add Expression Mark: Press Ctrl + E, then right-click on the blinking cursor to add an expression mark
Add Pop/Jazz Chords: Press Ctrl + K to add pop/jazz chords
Next System: Press Enter to move to the next system
Next Page: Press Ctrl + Enter to move to the next page

Editing Shortcuts

Delete a note, object, or measure content: Press Delete to delete a note, object, or the content of a measure
Delete a measure: Press Ctrl + Delete to delete a measure
Add a measure at the end: Press Ctrl + B to add a measure at the end of the piece
Add a measure after the selected one: Press Ctrl + Shift + B to add a measure after the selected measure
Add a measure or multiple measures (with options): Press Alt + B to add a measure or multiple measures with options

Selection Shortcuts

Select a measure: Click once to select a measure
Select a system: Click twice to select a system
Select the entire piece: Click three times to select the entire piece
Select consecutive measures or objects: Hold Shift and click to select multiple consecutive measures or objects
Select non-consecutive measures or objects: Hold Ctrl and click to select multiple non-consecutive measures or objects
Deselect/exit mode: Press Escape to deselect or exit a selection mode

General Shortcuts

Open a file: Press Ctrl + O to open a file
New file: Press Ctrl + N to create a new file
Save: Press Ctrl + S to save the current file
Save as: Press Ctrl + Shift + S to save the current file with a new name
Print: Press Ctrl + P to print the current file
Copy: Press Ctrl + C to copy the selected items
Paste: Press Ctrl + V to paste the copied items
Cut: Press Ctrl + X to cut the selected items
Undo: Press Ctrl + Z to undo the last action
Redo: Press Ctrl + Shift + Z to redo the last undone action

Melody Writing

Connected movements: Smooth, connected melodic movement is easier to sing and remember, making it more appealing to listeners
Disconnected movements: Disconnected movement adds a distinctive character to the melody.
Balance: Achieve a balance between connected and disconnected movements, repetitive and unifying elements, and elements that add variety
Singability: Ensure a melody is singable, even if it is intended for an instrument

Description

Test your knowledge on essential keyboard shortcuts used in music composition software. This quiz covers commands for note entry, polyphonic writing, and more. Challenge yourself to see how well you know these shortcuts!