To use a MIDI keyboard in MuseScore, you need to connect the keyboard to your computer, select it as the input device in MuseScore's preferences, and then enable note entry mode to start adding notes. The entire process takes about two minutes, and once configured, you can input notes by simply pressing keys on your MIDI keyboard in MuseScore, which is far faster than clicking notes into the score with a mouse.
Connecting your MIDI keyboard in MuseScore
Start by physically connecting your MIDI keyboard to your computer. Most modern keyboards use a USB cable that plugs directly into a USB port on your computer. After connecting, install any drivers that came with your keyboard or download them from the manufacturer's website. Once the drivers are installed, power on your keyboard and verify that your computer recognizes it by checking your operating system's device manager (Windows) or system information (macOS). You should see your keyboard listed as an audio or MIDI device. If it doesn't appear, try a different USB port or restart your computer before continuing.
Selecting your keyboard in MuseScore's I/O preferences
With the keyboard connected and recognized by your system, open MuseScore and go to the preferences menu. On Windows or Linux, click Edit and then Preferences; on a Mac, click MuseScore in the top menu bar and then Preferences. This opens the settings window where you can configure how MuseScore interacts with your hardware.
Inside the Preferences window, click the I/O tab. This tab contains all the settings for MIDI input and output. In the MIDI input dropdown menu, select your connected MIDI keyboard from the list of available devices. If your keyboard does not appear, make sure it is powered on and properly connected, then click the refresh button if available. You do not need to configure anything for MIDI output in MuseScore to input notes from your keyboard, so leave the output settings at their defaults. Click OK to save your changes and close the Preferences window.
Entering notes with step-time input
MuseScore primarily supports step-time input, where you define the note value first and then play pitches at your own pace. This method is ideal for accurate notation because it gives you full control over rhythm and duration.
To begin entering notes, enable note entry mode by clicking the button with a pencil icon in the top left corner of MuseScore, or by pressing the N key on your computer keyboard. In older MuseScore versions, the note entry button may appear as a combination of an N and a quarter note. Once note entry mode is active, select the desired note duration from the Note Input Toolbar, for example, a quarter note, eighth note, or half note. Then play a note on your MIDI keyboard, and it will be added to your score with the selected duration. To enter chords, press multiple MIDI keys simultaneously. For consecutive notes, release each key fully before pressing the next, otherwise MuseScore may interpret two overlapping presses as a chord rather than separate notes.
Testing and troubleshooting the connection
After setting up your keyboard, test the connection by creating a new score and selecting a staff. With note entry mode active, play a few single notes and a chord to confirm that they appear correctly on the staff. If notes do not appear, check the physical connection between your keyboard and computer. Ensure the USB cable is securely plugged in, and try a different USB port to rule out port-specific issues. Also verify that the necessary drivers for your MIDI keyboard are correctly installed; if not, download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's website and reinstall them.
If you experience latency or delayed response when playing notes, adjust the buffer size in MuseScore's preferences. A smaller buffer reduces latency but may cause audio glitches, while a larger buffer improves stability but increases delay. Find a balance that works for your system. If your keyboard is recognized but notes trigger unpredictably, check that the correct device is selected in the I/O tab and that no conflicting MIDI mappings are active. You can assign specific MIDI keyboard controls to various MuseScore actions through Preferences → MIDI mappings, which is useful if you want to set note durations or trigger playback directly from your keyboard. For persistent issues, consult MuseScore's user forums, where you will find solutions from other users who have encountered similar problems.
