The Elements of the Score

To get started, I want to just walk through a score and point out the different elements that we are seeing. We will learn what all of these mean soon.

The element represents a single instrument within a . As with the element, each has a required ID attribute, a name, and an optional abbreviation.

A element is also required if the score specifies MIDI 1.0 channels, banks, or programs. An initial assignment can also be made here. MusicXML software should be able to automatically assign reasonable channels and instruments without these elements in simple cases, such as where part names match General MIDI instrument names.

The element can also distinguish multiple instruments of the same type that are on the same part, such as Clarinet 1 and Clarinet 2 instruments within a Clarinets 1 and 2 part.

The element defines MIDI 1.0 instrument playback. The element can be a part of either the element at the start of a part, or the element within a part.