Written by Katrina Proctor, Content Manager at Midnight Music
Notion Mobile is one of many free apps and resources that are highlighted in the Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources Guide. The most recent edition was just released. Click the linkto download!
Introduction
Imagine if Beethoven had an iPhone. Or if Mozart could take his symphonies on the go. In our modern world, technology has transformed every realm of life, including music. This is where Notion Mobile by PreSonus steps into the spotlight. But what makes it so unique? And why should it be on your radar?
In this blog post, we’ll dive into the world of Notion Mobile, a free music notation and composition app. You’ll discover how it’s revolutionizing music education, making it easier than ever to create, edit, and share compositions across multiple platforms. We’ll also explore its fascinating features, from an interactive keyboard and drum pad to its remarkably realistic playback, courtesy of the London Symphony Orchestra.
So, whether you’re a seasoned music teacher or a tech-curious novice, this post is your backstage pass to an incredible tool that can revolutionize composition in your music classroom. Read on to learn more!
A Quick Overview of Notion Mobile
Notion Mobile by PreSonus is a comprehensive music notation app designed for computers and mobile devices. It offers a range of features, including an interactive piano keyboard and guitar fretboard, handwriting recognition technology, high-quality audio samples, and options for sharing scores.
With its user-friendly interface and advanced capabilities, Notion Mobile provides a versatile tool for creating,
editing, and playing back compositions, making it ideal for musicians, composers, music educators, and students alike.
To watch an introductory video, click the image below!
Key Features of Notion Mobile for Music Education
Notion Mobile offers several features that can be beneficial in a music education setting:
- Open Device Compatibility: Notion Mobile by PreSonus offers extensive device compatibility, providing a seamless user experience across different platforms. It is available for:
- iOS (11 or later)
- iPadOS (11 and up)
- MacOS (10.14 Mojave and later)
- Android (version 8 and up)
- Windows 10 or later
- Chrome OS
- Fire OS (version 7 or later)
This adaptive design ensures that the app works on nearly any device with a current operating system (which is especially helpful if your students bring their own devices).
2. Great-Sounding Interactive Instruments: The app includes an interactive keyboard, fretboard, and drum pad. These features allow users to capture pitches, drum parts, and guitar notes. All of the interactive instruments and samples were recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios.
3. Unlimited Staves: All tiers of Notion Mobile allow for unlimited staves of composition.
4. Cost-Effective Solution: As a freemium app, with all basic features included completely free, Notion Mobile is a cost-effective notation program/app for music educators and students (more about that below).
5. Community Support: There is an optional supportive community of musicians and educators who use Notion Mobile. This community can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning new strategies.
6. Integration with Studio One+: Notion Mobile is part of the PreSonus Sphere, which means it can be integrated with a Studio One+ subscription if you have one.
7. (Paid Upgrade) Cloud-based Capabilities: Start a composition on one device and finish it on another when you upgrade to the feature bundle (more info below).
Comparing the Three Tiers of Notion Mobile's Capabilities
Notion Mobile offers three tiers of product features and usability — free, free with registration, and a paid upgrade — each with its unique tools and benefits.
Tier 1: Free
Right after download, the free version of Notion Mobile provides unlimited staves, all editing features, and core Soundsets. The Core Soundsets include real piano and orchestral samples recorded by the London Symphony Orchestra at Abbey Road Studios. Guitar, Bass, Drums, and several other instruments are also included.
The free version also allows users to export their work as MIDI, PDF, wav, and mp3 files. This version is compatible with all operating systems listed above, making it a flexible tool for music education.
The free tier is perfect for beginners and light users or students due to its user-friendly interface and comprehensive editing features.
Tier 2: Free with Registration
By completing a free registration, users can unlock an additional Soundset featuring Solo Strings, Glockenspiel, and Classical Saxophones. They also gain access to the Notion Mobile User Forum and the ability to write for voices 3 and 4 in a single staff.
Additionally, registered users can access the ability to export as MusicXML and Compressed MusicXML.
This tier adds additional tools and resources that can be used to teach more complex musical concepts
and file exports.
It is important to note that educators need to read and understand the privacy policy (and your local privacy laws) before asking students to register. The privacy policy states that students must receive parent permission, but you’ll also want to consult with your district policy as well.
Note: Keep in mind that registration allows students to access a user forum that may not be monitored or moderated.
Tier 3: Feature Bundle (Paid Upgrade)
The paid upgrade, priced at $14.99 (or included with Presonus Studio One+ subscription), unlocks many additional advanced features. These include Handwriting Recognition powered by MyScript, automatic pen vs. finger recognition, pressure-sensitive support for Apple Pencil, an adjustable timer for Handwriting Recognition, and more.
Additionally, users can access all Expansion Soundsets, additional audio export formats (m4a, OPUS, FLAC), and direct file transfer between any PreSonus application running on the same network – so you can start working on your phone, and finish on your laptop or desktop computer!
The paid upgrade is ideal for anyone who wants to explore handwriting recognition and needs more obscure instrument sound sets or the ability to export to m4a, OPUS or FLAC, as well as the ability to move between devices.
Which Tier of Notion Mobile Do You Need?
Notion Mobile is a fantastic tool right away, and many will find that the completely free Tier 1 version suits all their needs and those of their students. The free app doesn’t require student registration to use which makes it ideal for teachers who do not want any additional sign-ups for their students.
Registering for the second tier may be worthwhile for you, as it adds significant value without any additional cost. The added Soundsets and the ability to write for additional voices can enrich the playback experience and may offer you the tools you need. However, always read the app’s privacy policy and consult with your local privacy laws before asking students to register for an account.
As for the paid upgrade, it’s worth considering for music teachers who want to take full advantage of the app’s capabilities. The handwriting recognition feature, in particular, can be a game-changer for teachers and students alike, making the notation process more intuitive and engaging. However, it’s essential to decide whether these advanced features align with your teaching style and your students’ learning needs before upgrading (and whether the handwriting features are available on your device).
Final Thoughts
Notion Mobile is more than just a music app—it’s a comprehensive, user-friendly, and cost-effective tool that can enrich the music education experience at all levels. Whether you’re teaching beginners to dip their toes into the world of music composition or a seasoned educator looking for a versatile teaching aid, there’s a version of Notion Mobile that will fit you and your students.
If you’re interested in exploring more free resources like Notion Mobile, the Ultimate Free Music Tech
Resource Guide was recently released. This guide offers an extensive list of free resources designed to assist music educators in using technology. Grab your free copy of Ultimate Free Music Tech Resources Guide here!
Do you use Notion Mobile in your music classroom? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below!
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About the Author
Katrina Proctor is the Content Manager at Midnight Music and is also a former music teacher from Colorado, USA. She taught middle school music for nearly 10 years in northern Colorado, where her passion is low-income students in Title 1 schools. Katrina has taught 5th-8th grade chorus, advanced-level chorus, class piano, general music, band, and orchestra. She has her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education & Master’s Degree in Music Education-Choral Conducting from the University of Colorado at Boulder. You can connect with Katrina on Facebook or via her website, She The Teacher.
Want more resources for music tech teachers?
Hello! I’m Katie Argyle – an Australian music technology trainer and consultant with a passion for helping music teachers through my business Midnight Music.
I’m a qualified teacher but no, I don’t currently teach in a school. I help teachers through my online professional development space – the Midnight Music Community – where there are tutorial videos, courses, links and downloadable resources.
I like to focus on easy ways to incorporate technology into what you are already doing in your music curriculum through a range of creative projects. I also run live workshops and have presented at countless conferences and other music education events.
If you want simple, effective ideas for using technology in music education, I would LOVE to help you inside the Midnight Music Community.
2 Comments
If we already have Notion Mobile with several compositions, can we download the new version, or update our existing Notion Mobile without losing our existing compositions?
Yes that should work fine. With any app or software program, the files you create are a separate entity from the app itself (that’s probably not the most technically accurate way to describe it mind you!). When you download/install the new version the files should all be there as usual. You could always reach out to their support if you’re worried though.