Pizzicato

At a glance

• Editor score
  7.6 / 10
• Pricing
  30-day trial
• Best for
  Desktop composers seeking melody audio-to-score tools
• Free plan
  No
• Deployment
  Desktop
• Founded
  1990
• Facts checked
  19 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Edits scores and manages instrumental parts from a conductor score
  • Exchanges MusicXML and MIDI files and exports scores to PDF
  • Offers melody audio-to-score conversion and guitar tablature

• Where it doesn't

  • No permanent free plan; the trial is limited to 30 days
  • Different editions split notation, tablature and composition features
  • Current Windows and macOS compatibility should be checked before purchase

Our verdict on Pizzicato

Pizzicato is desktop software from Arpege Music for writing, editing, printing and playing back music scores. Its editions address different needs, from introductory notation and learning to guitar notation, small-ensemble editing and full score work. Composers can also use its melody, harmony and rhythm composition tools, while learners and educators may find the music-learning focus relevant. It runs on Windows and macOS, and its published materials describe downloadable licenses sold as one-time purchases.

The edition choice shapes what Pizzicato can do. Light is positioned for introductory notation and learning, with basic MIDI and audio recording. Guitar focuses on fretted instruments, tablature and chord diagrams; Beginner supports small ensembles of up to 16 instruments. Notation adds full score editing and printing, including guitar tablature, drums, piano and orchestral notation. Professional combines notation and composition features and includes music theory course features. These distinctions make it important to match the edition to the work: a guitarist, a small ensemble arranger and a composer looking for broader composition tools are not choosing the same feature set.

For exchange and output, Pizzicato supports importing and exporting MusicXML and MIDI, printing scores, exporting to PDF and managing instrumental parts from a conductor score. Playback is available through sound cards, MIDI synthesizers and integrated sounds, and audio-to-score conversion targets melody transcription. A 30-day trial is listed, but there is no permanent free plan. Choose Pizzicato if desktop score work, file exchange, parts or melody transcription fit your workflow; consider another option if you need a free ongoing tier or require confirmed current operating-system compatibility before committing.

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Pizzicato pricing

All 5 Pizzicato plans and prices →

Pizzicato fact sheet

Pizzicato integrations

Pizzicato lists 3 integrations on its own site.

• MIDI
• MusicXML
• PDF

Alternatives to Pizzicato

• DoricoA full notation and engraving workflow, with free editions and a 60-day trial.9.3
• SSibeliusSibelius combines detailed score creation with browser-based sharing and review.9.2
• MuseScore StudioA capable desktop notation editor with MusicXML, MIDI, parts, playback, and exports at no cost.9.1

See all Pizzicato alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

Pizzicato is listed in our Music Notation Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update