Decibel Score Player application
Synchronised scrolling music score player for tablets and computers.
Decibel ScorePlayer application
The Decibel ScorePlayer software is designed to coordinate the reading of scores featuring predominantly graphic notation in rehearsal and performance. It features scrolling and ‘tracking’ modes for reading, and can receive drawing commands for realtime score generation.
The App ships with five included scores, a big clock countdown function and instructions for use.
You can use the Decibel Score Creator desktop application to create the unique score files used in the app, that can include multiple parts, audio, and instructions.
Upload the file directly to the app using AirDrop (for Mac and iPad), URL (all platforms) or cable (Windows and Android).
There is also a stand alone app that relates to the Decibel ScorePlayer, The Decibel Complete John Cage Variations ScorePlayer. This is also available on the Mac App store, for iPad only.
Fantastically straightforward and easy to use.
Brilliant and responsibly-used technology.
Latest News: (October 2025) Now available on Android devices!
Cat Hope talking and demonstrating the Decibel ScorePlayer, including a performance of ‘MissFortune X’ (2012) by Decibel.
Cat Hope’s piece ‘The Lowest Drawer’ (2015): performance by Decibel synchronised with the score.
Here are a whole lot of iPads moving in a synchronised way!
Key Features
- Five scores created by composers in the Decibel new music ensemble included. Big Clock ‘count up/down’ application also included.
- Easy upload via URL, AirDrop, cable or QR codes, also via a webserver for advanced users.
- Ability to change speed of the piece.
- Ability to make notes on your own part
- Change between pieces with within a peice
- Adds the ability to automatically generate a full score from all of the individual parts in canvas mode.
- Easy to use slider to move to different parts of the piece for rehearsal purposes, including pause function while playing.
- View full score or individual parts on different iPads. Screen Mode enables the masking of controls for projection purposes.
- Embed audio into the score file, which can be played out of the iPads line level 3.5mm audio jack.
- Connect over the internet with anyone, anywhere. Uses the tablets own network capabilities for easy Wi Fi connection – hop on to any available network and synch multiple ipads. Easy network check to see who is on the WiFi network.
- Canvas mode, which allows drawing commands to be sent to the ScorePlayer via OSC.
- Modular structure enables easy updates, with recent updates to include more scores, upload facilities, shuffle function.
- Compositions can be grouped together, and a search function enables easy locations of scores by composer.
- Projection mode, that allows for the player controls to be hidden so that the audience can’t see them when scores are projected in performance.
- An instruction panel for each piece to assist decoding graphic notations, as well as easy to use instructions on uploading your own scores.
- A comprehensive user guide for the App itself.
Advanced Users
- You can trigger the score player from MaxMSP, and vice versa, with these instructions and our pre-made Max Patch or Python library that can connect as an external to the App.
- For projects where score updates are happening, it is possible to set up a web server as a staging point for ScorePlayer (dsz) files. Once a file is uploaded, a QR code is generated that allows you to quickly and easily download the score directly into the ScorePlayer. This enables you to use the server for version control, as the ScorePlayer can check to see if a newer version of the file has been uploaded.
If you are interested in setting this up, get in touch with us and we will give you a copy of the server files, and help with any set up as it requires a web server with php support.
Decibel ScorePlayer Privacy Policy
The Decibel ScorePlayer app does not collect any personal data, and no personal data is sent from the app at any time.