Mozart Reviewer's Comments

Mozart has many of the functional features of our top-rated programs and is #4 in our review. This is an excellent all around program with drum and guitar notation and convenient editing features like short-cut keys.

The main disadvantage with Mozart is that you'll have to convert all files to .mz format—this takes additional time and limits the files that can be exported, such as .wav files.

Ease of Use:  

A combination of the menu bar and the palettes make it simple to fulfill all of your notation desires. Enter a note via the piano keyboard at the bottom of the screen or use the mouse to select the position and press the space bar to enter the note.

Feature Set:  

A feature that stands out and sets Mozart apart is a large piano keyboard that appears at the bottom of the screen. Simply select the duration from the top palette and click on whichever key you desire on the keyboard and it appears on the staff-a quick and easy way to write a tune.

Other features like the guitar and the drum notation, a metronome and the ability to view notes in real-time as you play make this program a jewel.

Ease of Installation:  

We didn't encounter any problems while installing Mozart.

Input/Output Capabilities:  

Mozart converts all media files (even MIDI) into .mz format so it takes longer to upload your music files.

The step-time entry is simple to use, start playing and the software will notate the notes in the selected notation. The real-time entry has a set-up wizard to guide you through the process.

We didn't have to select an output device or options before we could hear the score. The notes appeared on the staff in real-time, but the recording didn't start for a couple of measures and we couldn't find an option to eliminate the delay.

Editing:  

Mozart has strong editing abilities, and is second to our # 1 product, QuickScore Elite II, in the number of editing features. Some editing features include keyboard shortcuts, mouse editing, transposing and a mixer.

Help/Support:  

The help section provides detailed explanations and illustrations and is the best help section of all the software reviewed.

Customer service is available through email and the manufacturer provides a chat forum so you can communicate with other Mozart consumers.

Summary:  

If Mozart had the ability to import and export more formats, it would be a contender for the # 1 position. But as it is, the program takes more time to use because all of the files have to be converted. If this is something that doesn't bother you, Mozart might be a great music-writing companion.