PalkaScore
You give me a Music XML File
And I’ll Give You a Play-Along Score
Create a complete play-along with just one file.
With a Music XML file of your chosen score,
you can either play-along with a generic background track or …
play-along with a live band or recording.
Yes, you can stand on the stage with your band
and know exactly what place in the score you are.
How do we get a Music XML file?
PalkaScore has a link to a repository of XML files.
Clicking on one of these puts it directly into PalkaScore’s directory.
This is the easiest way.
Also, PalkaScore has links to websites that have XML files.
An “MXL” file from Musescore is good enough.
PalkaScore will translate it into an XML file internally.
If you download a file from one of these sites
you can access the file in PalkaScore from the download area.
On a Mac or PC:
ScanScore will give you one from a PDF file.
Audacity is a free OpenSource app that will translate PDF or Jpeg files into MXL.
How does PalkaScore generate a backing track?
You may provide a backing track if you want,
or have PalkaScore use a generic backing track.
In either case, PalkaScore will adjust your backing track
to have the correct tempo and key.
How can I play along with a “live band or recording”?
Using the iPad microphone, PalkaScore will listen to
the music, determine the beats-per-minute
and adjust your playing speed accordingly. (The BPM RUN button)
It will also position to the right place in the score.
PalkaScore highlights the current note (or chord) to play. (Also the BPM button for details)
If I don’t want a “play-along”, can I just use a Jpeg or PDF file?
Yes, the easiest way is to input a file directly from a repository link.
Or you can input a PDF file or a Jpeg that gets converted into a PDF file.
You can use the internal camera to take Jpeg photo.
PalkaScore will convert it to a PDF file and even add it to a compilation
If you have a PDF compilation, you can play from that or
even extract pages from it. A music XML is important if you want to
play it note for note, chord for chord. You can load both together if you wish.
MuseScore will provide both files as will the repository.
How do I get files into PalkaScore?
If you use the depository links or the website links,
there is no need for file input from other devices.
If you want to input files from other devices,
You have direct file access using a Mac.
Also, PalkaScore inputs from DropBox.
Files can also be put into PalkaScore
using a free version of iExplorer.
Does PalkaScore turn pages?
If your score does not fit on one page, PalkaScore will scroll your score
so the current staff line is in the middle of the screen.
Can I modify the notes and chords that I inputted from a music XML file?
Yes, there are a full range of commands for that purpose.
You can flip notes (qtr to 8th, 8th to 16th, etc.) on the CHG button. (Click HELP CHG.)
You can flip notes into rests, insert strings of notes and then flip them, insert measure markers,
chords, delete notes and strings of notes, etc., copy strings of notes and paste them into another area.
Copy and paste from one score to another. And even export them as a music XML file.
Can I generate notes by ear from an MP3 file?
Yes, clicking on an MP3 file, you can listen to it—
even slow it down and loop sections of it—
and create notes to match what you hear. (The NN button)
Again, you can output the file as an XML file if you wish.
Can I play the score at larger sizes?
Yes. You can scale it to any size and scrolling will adjust so you can always see the current note
and chord. You can float it on the page to position it differently. You can set the configuration so
the score will always open to the way you want to see it. (The SCL button)
Can I notate the score?
Yes. You can sketch on the score and type text in various colors. You can optionally show or hide
any notations. (The SKETCH menu)
How do I quickly load the score I want to play?
PalkaScore has folders and playlists. You can also search for a score in the system.
Using “SET>Set Config”, you can save the configuration in which the score will appear.
If it’s a PDF page in a compilation, “SONG LIST” takes you to the page containing the song.
There's also a clickable history of what you played.
Now Available!
Now shows Guitar Chord Diagrams
PalkaScore optionally generates guitar chord diagrams for any tune you've put into the system.
The chords hilite as you play and scales and moves along with the score as it plays.
More Development!
PalkaScore can automatically Generate (1) Guide Tones, (2) GT Arpeggios and (3) Patterns to any tune you've input!
Also, the default color of the score is black and notes now have stems.
Please be patient while I correct all the tutorials.
PalkaScore now puts measure-by-measure
AI chord analysis
into any score!
​
The analysis includes constructs like ii-V-I’s, secondary dominants and tritone substitution.
It also suggests scales to play over chord changes.
And the notes that comprise the suggested scales.
My name is Duane. I am a senior citizen and the sole developer of PalkaScore. I have no staff.
My wife used to play the flute but had a stroke in 2018. I dedicate this app to her. Since her stroke, I have become a full-time caregiver. I develop this software in my spare time. I also take one class in jazz improvisation every semester at the Eastman School of Music. I play clarinet, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone. I wrote this app to help me study improvisation. Thank you for purchasing this app. It helps to pay medical bills.
Because of my circumstances, I may not be able to answer all your questions about the app or to respond to problems you might have using it. Please excuse me if I don’t give much support to whatever issues you run into. However, I am interested in your suggestions about future development or problems you might encounter. If you find a bug, please give me a detailed list of instructions to replicate the bug. That would help me a lot.