The newest update to MuseScore Studio 4.6 introduces Online Sounds, a feature that brings real-time AI vocal playback directly into the score. Through a partnership with Cantai, typed lyrics now turn into sung lines almost instantly. This makes MuseScore Studio the first desktop notation application to support instant AI-powered vocal playback inside the editor.
Online Sounds provides a clear way to hear vocal material as it is written or refined, supporting composition, arrangement, rehearsal, and mockup preparation.
Online Sounds uses Cantai’s vocal synthesis technology to interpret the notation and lyrics on the page. As notes and text are entered, MuseScore Studio processes the material online and generates sung playback that reflects the written details. This includes dynamics, articulations, tempo instructions, and breath marks.
The available voices range from classical to modern pop styles. Cantai’s models are trained using recordings from contracted singers, which gives users expressive, detailed performances. The feature supports solo and choral writing, and individual parts such as Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Baritone, or Bass can be isolated when needed.
The update also integrates with MuseSounds, allowing vocal playback to be paired with orchestral and ensemble instruments for more complete mockups.
The setup process for Cantai is straightforward. The video walkthrough outlines the steps:
The first time a Cantai voice is selected, MuseScore Studio displays a brief pop up explaining customization options. Once a voice is chosen, writing and editing notation triggers the Online Sounds processing system.
A processing bar appears above the stave when a section is being prepared for playback. Processing typically takes only a few seconds. When the bar disappears, the updated passage is ready to hear.
MuseScore Studio 4.6 includes several options for managing how Online Sounds processing appears on screen.
In the Audio and MIDI Preferences, users can:
Even when hidden, audio continues to process in the background, and the status bar shows a smaller indicator of progress.
Automatic background processing can also be turned off. When this option is disabled, the status bar becomes a button that lets users choose when to process the score. This can help when working with limited or unstable internet connections.
For users who want to start fresh, the Online Sounds cache for a score can be cleared. This removes stored audio data and regenerates playback from scratch.
Online Sounds supports English and Latin at launch. Additional languages are already in development, including German, French, Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese.
More singers and Online Sounds libraries will be added in future updates. Since this feature is built in collaboration with external developers, lyric processing accuracy and performance will continue to improve over time as the technology evolves.
Cantai is an AI-powered vocal synthesis platform that turns written scores and lyrics into solo and choral performances. Previously, Cantai was accessible only through web uploaders or plugins. With MuseScore Studio 4.6, Cantai becomes available directly inside the notation editor, providing near-instant sung playback while writing.
The integration is designed for creators who want to hear expressive vocal lines as soon as they are entered. Many composers and arrangers already rely on Cantai, and bringing it directly into MuseScore Studio allows them to work more intuitively.
Bradley Kunda, Product Owner for MuseScore Studio, describes the update:
“Cantai is now available in MuseScore Studio 4.6. It means musicians can use its expressive voices directly in their scores. Many composers and arrangers already value what Cantai offers, and the integration makes the writing process smoother and more intuitive. This partnership is part of our ongoing work to develop music technology and AI that support creativity while keeping the artist’s vision at the center.”
Cantai founder Richard deCosta adds:
“With Cantai, composers can finally hear their music sung exactly as they imagine it, from powerful operatic arias and lush choral textures to modern pop vocals. Cantai brings every note to life, turning notation into authentic, expressive performance.”
Online Sounds expands the range of AI tools available across Muse Group products. Earlier this year, the MuseScore team released NoteVision, which converts PDFs into fully interactive digital scores. Muse Group also introduced listening and grading technology in Ultimate Guitar’s Practice Mode, built to support music learning.
Together these tools are designed to improve speed and accuracy while keeping creative decisions in the musician’s hands.
Online Sounds in MuseScore Studio 4.6 brings AI-powered vocals into the writing workflow with instant sung playback, flexible controls, and integration with existing instrument libraries. Users can update to version 4.6, subscribe to Cantai through Muse Hub, and try the new voices in their own scores.
Finished scores can be shared here on musescore.com.