I had a 17-inch Apple laptop computer, which I loved very much, although it wasn’t the lightest laptop around, that’s for sure. Eventually, that laptop stopped working in the middle of a project, and I needed to find a replacement quickly. I’d heard about Chromebooks but knew nothing about them, and I thought it might be fun to try one out since many of my students have Chromebooks. I usually research everything, but this time, I didn’t, and it was most certainly a spontaneous purchase.
I went to the store, bought the Chromebook, brought it home, unpacked it, and went through the setup process. It didn’t occur to me that I couldn’t install my music notation program, Sibelius, or my Digital Audio Workstation, Ableton Live. This made me concerned that I would have no chance of getting any of my music projects done outside of my studio.
Since I always had a regular laptop, I did not need to research other options for notating or recording music. but now I was in a different situation, so I hopped on Google and started researching; I had no idea there were so many browser-based online music notation and recording options for a Chromebook.
My Chromebook music setup uses Noteflight for music notation because it’s tied in with Arrange Me and Alfred publishing, making publishing sheet music relatively easy. It’s also a program that school music departments use frequently, so many of my students are familiar with it. I start scores in Noteflight and then export them to Sibelius for heavy editing in my studio.
For recording, I tend to use Soundtrap; I like the user interface. It’s a program used by schools, so I feel relatively confident with my students using it. Regarding my use of the program, I can develop some ideas, start some projects in Soundtrap, and move them to Logic X or Ableton Live for more detailed editing and final production work. However, it’s a capable program in its own right.
I also like the combination of Noteflight and Soundtrap because they are compatible, allowing you to transfer specific data between the two programs when needed or desired. However, I realize everyone has their favourites, and these options may not be a perfect fit for everyone.
While I could use any keyboard controllers or audio interfaces in my studio with my Chromebook, I prefer my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and my small two-octave novation keyboard controller. What you can do musically on an inexpensive Chromebook like mine is pretty amazing.
It’s comforting knowing I can easily write and produce music on my Chromebook music setup, turning any space into a music studio to create, imagine, and explore. This allows me to work outside my studio on days when other surroundings may be more inspiring.
So, to all those Chromebook-based musicians, have fun being inspired and happy creating.
