SynthScore User Manual

Complete guide to converting MusicXML files to Synthesizer V format

Getting Started

SynthScore transforms MusicXML files from notation software (Finale, Sibelius, MuseScore, etc.) into Synthesizer V project files (.svp) with vocal tracks.

System Requirements

  • Synthesizer V Studio Pro from Dreamtonics
  • Notation software that can export MusicXML (.xml, .musicxml, or .mxl)
    • We recommend Finale, Dorico, or MuseScore

Before You Begin

  • Export your score as MusicXML (.xml, .musicxml, or compressed .mxl)
  • Add lyrics to your score before exporting
  • Mark repeats, endings, and roadmap symbols (D.S., Coda, etc.) in your score
  • Use standard notation practices for best results
Working with PDF Sheet Music

SynthScore requires MusicXML files (.xml, .musicxml, .mxl). It cannot read PDF files directly.

To convert PDF sheet music to MusicXML, you need Optical Music Recognition (OMR) software. We recommend:

MuseScore 4 (Free)

Desktop software with a built-in "Import PDF" feature. Great starting point.

PlayScore 2 (Mobile)

Excellent app for taking photos of sheet music and exporting MusicXML.

Sheet Music Scanner (Mobile)

Popular iOS/Android app that scans via camera and exports to MusicXML.

ScanScore / PhotoScore

Professional paid software for high-accuracy scanning.

Step 1: Export from Notation Software

Finale

  1. Go to File → Export → MusicXML
  2. Choose either "Uncompressed (MusicXML)" or "Compressed (MXL)" format
  3. Save the file with .xml, .musicxml, or .mxl extension

Sibelius

  1. Go to File → Export → MusicXML
  2. Choose either "Uncompressed" or "Compressed" format
  3. Save the file

MuseScore

  1. Go to File → Export
  2. Select either "MusicXML" or "Compressed MusicXML"
  3. Save the file
Step 2: Upload Your File
  1. Click or drag your MusicXML file (.xml, .musicxml, or .mxl) into the upload area
  2. If using compressed .mxl files, SynthScore will automatically decompress them
  3. SynthScore will automatically detect all vocal parts in your score
  4. Wait for the file validation to complete

Optional: Upload a Skeleton File

Advanced users can upload a custom skeleton .json file to pre-configure voice settings, databases, and other Synthesizer V parameters.

If you don't provide one, default settings will be used.

Step 3: Configure Stave Grouping (Optional)

If your score has multiple staves that should share lyrics (like SATB choir parts), use the grouping feature:

  1. Click "Define Groups" to expand the grouping options
  2. Assign the same group name to staves that should share lyrics
    • Example: Name all choir parts "Choir" to share lyrics across S, A, T, B
    • Example: Name a solo part "Solo" to keep it separate
  3. Staves with different group names will have independent lyrics

Pro Tip

If your SATB score has lyrics only on the soprano line, group all four parts together. SynthScore will automatically copy the lyrics to all parts.

Step 4: Configure Conversion Settings

Follow Roadmap

When enabled (default), SynthScore processes repeats, endings, D.S., D.C., Codas, and other navigation marks in your score.

Turn off if you want a linear conversion without repeats.

Separate 2-voice Staves

For staves with two voices (like SA or TB on one staff), this splits them into separate tracks based on pitch.

Enable for SATB scores where S/A or T/B share a staff. Disable for single-voice parts.

Default Repeat Times

How many times to play each repeat section (default: 2).

Increase if your score has complex nested repeats.

Export Verses

  • Auto: Intelligently handles multi-verse lyrics with repeats
  • All: Exports all verses (may create very long files)
  • First: Only exports the first verse of lyrics

We recommend leaving this on "Auto" for best results.

Step 5: Convert and Download
  1. Click the "Convert to SVP" button
  2. Wait for the conversion to complete (usually a few seconds)
  3. Review the JSON output if desired
  4. Click "Download .svp file" to save the project
  5. Open the .svp file in Synthesizer V Studio
Understanding the Output

Tracks and Groups

Each vocal part in your score becomes a separate track in Synthesizer V. SynthScore creates "vocal groups" in the library that contain the notes and lyrics.

Lyrics Format

  • Word: Complete word (e.g., "hello")
  • +: Continuation of a syllable within a word
  • -: Sustained note (tied or melismatic)

Timing Information

SynthScore preserves tempo changes, time signature changes, and all rhythmic information from your original score.

Best Practices
  • Clean up your score before exporting (remove unwanted staves, fix notation errors)
  • Use proper syllabification in your lyrics (hy-phen-a-tion)
  • Mark ties clearly for sustained notes
  • Use slurs for melismatic passages (one syllable over multiple notes)
  • Test with a short section first before converting entire long pieces
  • Keep backup copies of your MusicXML files
  • Check the generated SVP in Synthesizer V and adjust phonemes as needed