How do you assign parts in an ensemble?

Sharing a score with an ensemble involves distributing the same digital file to all musicians from a central library via a music score app such as Newzik. The conductor or librarian imports a PDF or MusicXML file and then sends it to the iPads at each music stand.

Newzik works on iPad, iPhone, and Mac. A group creates a shared library where each member can find the works on the program. When the librarian adds a new piece, it automatically appears on all connected devices, without the need to send it manually via email. This centralized system prevents conflicting versions: only one reference file is shared.

Sharing is based on the MusicXML format, an open standard published by the W3C Music Notation Community Group. This format allows Newzik to split an orchestral score into individual parts, then assign the violin part to the violinists and the horn part to the horn players. An orchestra of 60 musicians thus receives 60 sets of pages adapted from a single master score.

For educational institutions, Newzik offers a solution tailored to conservatories and music schools that simplifies the distribution of sheet music to ensemble classes. Teachers prepare the repertoire in advance, and students can access it on their tablets before rehearsal. Sharing sheet music takes just a few seconds instead of spending time making photocopies.

How can musicians synchronize their annotations?

Annotation synchronization allows every musician in an ensemble to see, in real time, the bowing patterns, fingering, and dynamic markings added by the conductor, thanks to the Newzik sheet music app. Any change made on one device is synced to the others within seconds.

In Newzik, annotations are stored in a separate layer from the original file. The first violinist marks their bowings, and then all the violinists in the section receive them without having to copy the score by hand. This feature eliminates the time wasted in rehearsals passing on the section leader’s instructions from section to section.

Newzik supports several distinct annotation layers. A musician can keep their own personal markings while displaying those from the score. They can show or hide each layer as needed. For more information on the marking tools, the guide to annotating sheet music on the iPad details the styluses, highlighters, and stamps available.

Apple Pencil Pro

Newzik supports the Apple Pencil's precision for detailed annotations and is compatible with the iPad Pro (Apple, 2024).

Newzik's annotation technology is based on its own vector ink layer. The markings remain sharp when zoomed in, unlike a rasterized image. This means a musician can zoom in on a complex measure without the fingering becoming blurry.

What is LiveScore?

Live sharing, called LiveScore in Newzik, streams a score from a master device to all the iPads in an ensemble, which turn the pages simultaneously. The conductor or a designated musician controls the pace for the entire group.

This Newzik feature addresses a real-world problem: in an orchestra, each musician turns the pages at a different time, which creates noise and timing issues. With LiveScore, page turns are synchronized. When the conductor turns to the next page, all connected devices follow. Musicians keep their hands free for their instruments.

Newzik uses a local connection between devices, which reduces reliance on public Wi-Fi networks—which are often unstable in concert halls. Latency remains low, a crucial factor when 40 musicians need to play together. The feature also works for chamber music, where a string quartet can synchronize its four tablets.

For symphonic ensembles, Newzik has developed a solution specifically designed for ensembles and orchestras that combines a shared library, synchronized annotations, and real-time control. Best practices for these ensembles are detailed in the comparison of orchestral sheet music apps.

Sharing on paper or digitally: What's the difference?

Sharing sheet music digitally with an app like Newzik eliminates the need for photocopies, speeds up distribution, and synchronizes annotations, whereas paper requires manual coordination for each rehearsal. The table below compares the two approaches based on specific criteria.

Cast of 50 musicians

• Sharing documents: Several hours of photocopying
• Newzik (digital): A few seconds

Updating a Version

• Paper Sharing: Full Reprint
• Newzik (digital): Automatic replacement

Score Annotations

• Paper-based sharing: Manual transcription
• Newzik (digital): Real-time synchronization

Turn the pages

• Paper Sharing: Manual
• Newzik (digital): Synchronized (LiveScore)

Directory Transfer

• Paper Sharing: Heavy-Duty Binders
• Newzik (digital): A tablet

The transition to digital with Newzik also reduces overall paper consumption. An orchestra that puts together ten programs per season prints several thousand pages. Newzik’s centralized library stores this repertoire on each iPad, where it is accessible offline once downloaded.

Key takeaways

• Newzik distributes a shared library to all workstations from a central location.
• Annotations are synchronized in real time among musicians in the same section.
• LiveScore mode controls page turns for the entire ensemble from a master device.

How do you manage roles and desks?

Role management in Newzik assigns each musician their instrument part and allows the librarian to control who can edit an ensemble's shared library. Each member receives only the pages that pertain to them.

In an orchestra, the librarian or conductor determines the organization. They import a score, then assign the flute part to the flutists and the timpani part to the percussionist. Newzik uses MusicXML segmentation to generate these separate parts without any cumbersome manipulation. The second violinist sees their own part, not the first violinist’s.

This distribution method prevents the confusion that often arises in amateur ensembles, where musicians mistakenly play the wrong part. Newzik keeps a clear record of the version that was distributed. When the librarian updates a part—for example, after correcting a printing error—only the relevant section receives the change.

To organize a substantial repertoire, the Newzik guide on organizing and centralizing sheet music explains how to create setlists and folders by program. This allows an ensemble to have its works organized by concert, season, or ensemble, which simplifies rehearsal preparation.

What are the steps to start sharing?

Getting started with sharing sheet music within an ensemble using Newzik involves five steps: importing the folder, creating the shared library, inviting the musicians, assigning parts, and then enabling synchronization. The process takes less than an hour for a standard ensemble.

1. Import the library: The librarian adds PDF or MusicXML files to Newzik from a Mac or iPad.
2. Create the shared library: it brings together the works in a space accessible to everyone.
3. Invite musicians: Each member joins the space via a link or an associated account.
4. Assign parts: The librarian distributes the instrument parts to each music stand.
5. Enable synchronization: the annotations and, at the same time, LiveScore mode will start.

Newzik offers a trial version so you can test this feed before a full rollout. A network can start with a single program, check how well it plays on an iPad, and then expand the approach to the entire season. The Newzik app overview details compatible configurations, from iPadOS to macOS.

Music conservatories that adopt this method often begin training students as early as orchestra class. Feedback from these institutions—documented by organizations such as the Philharmonie de Paris in its educational programs—shows that reading music on a tablet quickly becomes second nature to young musicians.

Does digital sharing respect copyright?

Sharing sheet music digitally within an ensemble using Newzik complies with copyright laws as long as the ensemble has the appropriate licenses or purchases corresponding to the number of musicians. The app does not create any right to copy; it simply distributes files that the ensemble legally owns.

A musical score remains protected by copyright for up to 70 years after the composer’s death, according to the French Intellectual Property Code (Article L123-1). A work by Brahms, who died in 1897, is in the public domain and may be freely shared. A contemporary work that is still under copyright requires authorization from the publisher or the organization that manages the rights.

Newzik manages all files imported by the ensemble, whether they come from a digital purchase, a public-domain work, or an authorized transcription. The reporting requirements for works performed in concert are the responsibility of Sacem in France, regardless of the playback medium. The transition to digital does not change these rules: it simply facilitates the internal distribution of a repertoire for which the ensemble holds the usage rights.

To digitize a collection of paper sheet music in accordance with established guidelines, Newzik has formed a partnership for sheet music transcription that converts the documents into usable files. This conversion preserves the value of the collection while adapting it for ensemble use.

What Our Customers Say

Newzik has an average rating of 5.0/5 based on 5 verified reviews from professional musicians and teachers.

"I've been a Newzik user and tester since the very beginning. I've had the pleasure and joy of watching this app evolve and reach levels of perfection I never thought possible. I use it EVERY DAY. The Newzik team is young, dynamic, and very responsive when issues arise. I can only encourage you to give it a try... and you'll love it. I play in a pop band (on guitar with hundreds of sheet music files and backing tracks...) I also perform solo using an Akai Ewi 5000 wind controller + Xpresso expander in classical, pop, folk, and jazz genres...) I am sincerely grateful to Newzik for creating and putting this extraordinary app in my hands."

— Danimperator Dan, guitarist in a variety band

★★★★★ 5/5

"An excellent app for sheet music. I'm a professional musician and teacher, and I use it every day. It runs smoothly and offers plenty of options for annotations. And for my lessons, I have my entire library right in my pocket (or almost). I highly recommend it!"

— Franck Paque, professional musician and teacher

★★★★★ 5/5

"PROFESSIONAL! An app that never crashes and does everything you need to work like a pro. Perfect in every way, from music education to live performance. Well done, and thank you to the developers at the Newzik team!"

— Gilles Wilhelm

★★★★★ 5/5

"My go-to sheet music app for years! As a professional musician, I’m very satisfied with Newzik’s user-friendliness, features, and stability. As an early adopter, I’ve seen it evolve (always for the better!) and I highly recommend it to all musicians—both professional and amateur—who are looking for the best solution for reading sheet music on a tablet."

— Ez, professional musician

★★★★★ 5/5

"As a daily user of the French app NEWZIK for reading and annotating sheet music, I highly recommend it: whether for orchestras, chamber music, or educational settings… the app is updated very regularly and always for the better! Long live NEWZIK!"

— David NICOLAS

★★★★★ 5/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need an internet connection to share sheet music with Newzik?

An internet connection is required for the initial distribution and synchronization of annotations. Once the sheet music has been downloaded, each musician can access it offline on their iPad, ensuring a smooth performance during the concert.

How many musicians can join a shared library?

Newzik can manage everything from a string quartet to a symphony orchestra with dozens of musicians. Newzik's ensemble offering is designed for large ensembles that share a common repertoire.

Can you keep your personal notes while still seeing the chef's notes?

Yes. Newzik separates annotations into distinct layers. A musician keeps their private markings and can show or hide the score annotations as needed during rehearsal.

Does LiveScore work without Wi-Fi at a concert venue?

LiveScore prioritizes a local connection between devices, which reduces reliance on public Wi-Fi, which is often unstable. Page turns remain synchronized across all iPads.

What file formats does Newzik support for sharing?

Newzik imports PDF and MusicXML files. The MusicXML format, an open standard, allows a score to be divided into instrumental parts that are distributed to each section.

Is Newzik also suitable for a music conservatory?

Yes. Newzik offers a solution for conservatories and music schools that distributes the repertoire to ensemble classes. Teachers prepare the programs, and students can access them on their tablets.