Drum Notation by Beat Note

Name: Drum Notation by Beat Note
Rating: 4.6 (80 reviews)
Author: Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC

Notate, Teach, Learn, Practice

Free · In‑App Purchases · Designed for iPad. Not verified for macOS.

80 Ratings
Age Rating

4+
Years
Category

Music
Developer

Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC
Language

EN
English
Size

86.3
MB

Beat Note — Drum Notation for Drummers, Teachers, and Content Creators The fastest way to write, hear, practice, and share drum notation. Built by a drummer, for drummers. FOR DRUMMERS — FROM YOUR HEAD TO THE PAGE IN SECONDS You have a groove idea. Beat Note gets it down before you lose it. Tap the sequencer grid to build beats. Watch them turn into clean, professional drum notation in real time. Hit play and hear exactly what you wrote — at any tempo, with a click track, on loop. - Transcribe songs to check your ear and lock in what you hear - Compose your own grooves, fills, and exercises from scratch - Count in with a visual on-screen "1, 2, 3, 4" so your eyes and ears are ready together - Use Beat Note as your in-ear metronome during rehearsals — your beats, not just clicks "Been waiting a long time for an app like this. Clearly built by a drummer." — App Store review FOR TEACHERS — WRITE IT, PLAY IT, SEND IT What used to take 30 minutes in a desktop notation program now takes 2 minutes on your phone or iPad. Write exercises on the fly — during the lesson, not after it. Play back the notation so students hear exactly how it should sound. Share a link so they can listen at home. Export a PDF they can print and bring to the kit. - Use the sequencer as a live music whiteboard, in person or online - Build a library of exercises organized by tag, ready for any student - Send a shareable link or export a high-quality PDF in one tap "What would normally take 30 minutes on a computer has become 2 minutes from my mobile device. My students love it." — App Store review FOR CONTENT CREATORS — PROFESSIONAL NOTATION VIDEOS, IN MINUTES Export your beat as an animated MP4 — portrait for Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts, or landscape for YouTube and Vimeo. Choose 720p, 1080p, or 4K. Pick a color theme. Preview before you export. PDF, PNG, WAV or AAC audio, shareable link, and animated MP4 — all from one app. NOTATION THAT LOOKS RIGHT Professional drum notation, consistent across every format you export. What you see on screen is what your students get in the PDF, what your followers see in the video, and what you hear in playback. - All standard drums, cymbals, and articulations - Subdivisions from 8th notes to 32nd notes, plus triplets, quintuplets (5s), and septuplets (7s) - Common and compound time signatures, including 6/8, 9/8, and 12/8 - Linear, split hands/feet, or split drums/cymbals voicing - Sticking annotations (R, L) - Single-measure repeat symbol (%) — renders automatically when measures repeat ORGANIZE AND DISCOVER - Tags, search, and sort to manage your beat library - Discover tab: curated educational beats for all skill levels - Beat templates to get started fast - Customize tempo, click track, count-in, and timer MADE BY A DRUMMER, SHAPED BY THE COMMUNITY Beat Note was built by me — an independent developer with 35+ years behind the kit. But the direction comes from the community. Every major feature on the roadmap has been voted on, requested, and refined by drummers, teachers, and creators just like you. Join the conversation at roadmap.beat-note.app — vote on upcoming features, share ideas, and see what's coming next. I'm here to make sure it all comes together into something that actually works. Premium subscription required for full access. Educator and Creator tiers available. Free trial included. Payment is charged through your iTunes account at confirmation of purchase. Subscription auto-renews unless cancelled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period via iTunes Account Settings. Terms and Privacy Policy: https://www.beat-note.app/privacy-and-terms

Ratings & Reviews

4.6

out of 5

80 Ratings

Absolute game changer for drum teachers & students!
04/19/2024

Cflair33
I’m a full time drum teacher and I’ve been looking for solution like this for a long time and am so grateful to have found this app. It has become a tool I use every day for both preparing material for lessons / class sessions as well as using the app on the fly to write notation and playback the audio if we have a difficult section we need to zoom in on and master at a slow tempo. Not only am I able to write beautiful notation on my iPhone and iPad but I am also able to export the music into a pdf or display the notation for students to follow for learning to read new rhythms and exercises. The design is beautiful, the app is very efficient and runs perfect on all devices. It’s also become an amazing tool for my personal drum practice sessions to capture ideas that I have on the fly, the sequencer is so easy to use and it gives you intuitive access to different articulations and the ability to write in sticks as well as separate the hands and feet as voicing on the notation! It saves me a ton of time and my students are improving thanks to us being able to use this in our rehearsals. Not only is the app amazing as it stands right now but the developer (one man team!) is the coolest, he’s a drummer with tons of experience as well and he’s super transparent with his planned features and has created a super cool community for users to submit feedback / ideas and ask any questions. Thank you for creating this app for us!

Developer Response
Hi Cflair33,Thank you so much for your detailed and enthusiastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that Beat Note: Drum Notation has become such an integral tool in your teaching and personal practice. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the app is helping you prepare materials, tackle difficult sections with your students, and capture ideas on the fly.I'm especially glad you find the notation export features, the ability to display for student follow-alongs, and the intuitive sequencer helpful. Some features are more mature than others, and your feedback confirming which ones are intuitive and effective is invaluable. It helps ensure I focus on improving areas that need it while maintaining what works well.Knowing that Beat Note saves you time and contributes to your students' improvement is fantastic news! I'm dedicated to making the app as useful and effective as possible for drum educators like yourself, and your review motivates me to keep enhancing it.Thank you for your positive feedback about my involvement and the community we are building together. I'm passionate about drumming and committed to continuous improvement based on user feedback. If you have any more suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate to share them!All the best,Derek
Absolute game changer for drum teachers & students!
04/19/2024

Cflair33

I’m a full time drum teacher and I’ve been looking for solution like this for a long time and am so grateful to have found this app. It has become a tool I use every day for both preparing material for lessons / class sessions as well as using the app on the fly to write notation and playback the audio if we have a difficult section we need to zoom in on and master at a slow tempo. Not only am I able to write beautiful notation on my iPhone and iPad but I am also able to export the music into a pdf or display the notation for students to follow for learning to read new rhythms and exercises. The design is beautiful, the app is very efficient and runs perfect on all devices. It’s also become an amazing tool for my personal drum practice sessions to capture ideas that I have on the fly, the sequencer is so easy to use and it gives you intuitive access to different articulations and the ability to write in sticks as well as separate the hands and feet as voicing on the notation! It saves me a ton of time and my students are improving thanks to us being able to use this in our rehearsals. Not only is the app amazing as it stands right now but the developer (one man team!) is the coolest, he’s a drummer with tons of experience as well and he’s super transparent with his planned features and has created a super cool community for users to submit feedback / ideas and ask any questions. Thank you for creating this app for us!
Developer Response 05/19/2024
Hi Cflair33,Thank you so much for your detailed and enthusiastic review! I'm thrilled to hear that Beat Note: Drum Notation has become such an integral tool in your teaching and personal practice. It's incredibly rewarding to know that the app is helping you prepare materials, tackle difficult sections with your students, and capture ideas on the fly.I'm especially glad you find the notation export features, the ability to display for student follow-alongs, and the intuitive sequencer helpful. Some features are more mature than others, and your feedback confirming which ones are intuitive and effective is invaluable. It helps ensure I focus on improving areas that need it while maintaining what works well.Knowing that Beat Note saves you time and contributes to your students' improvement is fantastic news! I'm dedicated to making the app as useful and effective as possible for drum educators like yourself, and your review motivates me to keep enhancing it.Thank you for your positive feedback about my involvement and the community we are building together. I'm passionate about drumming and committed to continuous improvement based on user feedback. If you have any more suggestions or ideas, please don't hesitate to share them!All the best,Derek
Helped me with my band
05/18/2025

DC Analytical
This app is for drummers and made by drummers which is unique compared to others I researched. The thought that went into it shows. The ability to hear how a groove is ‘supposed’ to sound was game-changing and eye-opening. I can read music and drum notation just fine but the audio component here was a missing link for me. I use this app to write my own grooves per the song needs and per my ability (versus slavishly trying to replicate the pro drummer on are a recording..:). practicing w the app lets me methodically add complexity if I cleanly handle the simplified groove that I entered. I also use the beats as an in-ear click track (but it is my beats, not clicks) when rehearsing with the band. My bandmates have remarked how much steadier I sound. So many applications of this amazing app. One more: if you are the type that gets distracted by standard click-clicks of metronome (i do) this app is for you! My only beef is I wish the developer would make more youtubes and turn the blog into videos.

Developer Response
Hey there,Wow — thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredible review. It’s really meaningful to hear from someone who not only uses Beat Note deeply but also understands what went into designing it for drummers, by drummers. I love how you described the “missing link” of hearing grooves instead of just reading them — that’s exactly the problem Beat Note set out to solve.It’s awesome to hear how you’re using the app to write your own grooves, gradually add complexity, and even run your personalized beats as in-ear click tracks for rehearsals. The fact that your bandmates noticed the steadiness in your playing — that’s the best kind of feedback possible.I really appreciate your note about wanting more YouTube content and blog videos. You’re totally right — visual, play-along style resources can go a long way in showing what’s possible inside Beat Note. What kind of videos would be most helpful for you — demos of features, practice breakdowns, or real-world band applications?If you’d like, you can add or upvote this idea on the Beat Note Product Roadmap, which helps me prioritize future updates. And since Apple reviews take about two days to appear, the fastest way to chat or share feedback is through the “Email Derek” option in the app’s Settings tab, or over on Instagram @BeatNoteApp.Thanks again for such a thoughtful and inspiring review. It means a lot to know Beat Note is helping your band sound tighter and your grooves feel stronger.Keep creating,— Derek
Helped me with my band
05/18/2025

DC Analytical

This app is for drummers and made by drummers which is unique compared to others I researched. The thought that went into it shows. The ability to hear how a groove is ‘supposed’ to sound was game-changing and eye-opening. I can read music and drum notation just fine but the audio component here was a missing link for me. I use this app to write my own grooves per the song needs and per my ability (versus slavishly trying to replicate the pro drummer on are a recording..:). practicing w the app lets me methodically add complexity if I cleanly handle the simplified groove that I entered. I also use the beats as an in-ear click track (but it is my beats, not clicks) when rehearsing with the band. My bandmates have remarked how much steadier I sound. So many applications of this amazing app. One more: if you are the type that gets distracted by standard click-clicks of metronome (i do) this app is for you! My only beef is I wish the developer would make more youtubes and turn the blog into videos.
Developer Response 10/31/2025
Hey there,Wow — thank you so much for taking the time to share this incredible review. It’s really meaningful to hear from someone who not only uses Beat Note deeply but also understands what went into designing it for drummers, by drummers. I love how you described the “missing link” of hearing grooves instead of just reading them — that’s exactly the problem Beat Note set out to solve.It’s awesome to hear how you’re using the app to write your own grooves, gradually add complexity, and even run your personalized beats as in-ear click tracks for rehearsals. The fact that your bandmates noticed the steadiness in your playing — that’s the best kind of feedback possible.I really appreciate your note about wanting more YouTube content and blog videos. You’re totally right — visual, play-along style resources can go a long way in showing what’s possible inside Beat Note. What kind of videos would be most helpful for you — demos of features, practice breakdowns, or real-world band applications?If you’d like, you can add or upvote this idea on the Beat Note Product Roadmap, which helps me prioritize future updates. And since Apple reviews take about two days to appear, the fastest way to chat or share feedback is through the “Email Derek” option in the app’s Settings tab, or over on Instagram @BeatNoteApp.Thanks again for such a thoughtful and inspiring review. It means a lot to know Beat Note is helping your band sound tighter and your grooves feel stronger.Keep creating,— Derek
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Long Overdue — and Absolutely Worth It
05/17/2025

Colin McLaurin
Beat Note is exactly the kind of app drummers have needed for years. It simplifies the process of creating drum charts and worksheets in a way that’s intuitive and efficient—something traditional notation software has always struggled with, especially for drum set writing.With Finale sunsetting and Dorico still falling short in this area, Beat Note is stepping in at just the right time. Even better, the developers are clearly invested in improving the app. I sent in a few suggestions and got a thoughtful, detailed reply with links and explanations tailored to my questions. That kind of responsiveness is rare—and hugely appreciated.While it’s still growing and missing a few features, it's already a powerful tool and shows every sign of becoming the future of drum notation. Highly recommended.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Long Overdue — and Absolutely Worth It
05/17/2025

Colin McLaurin

Beat Note is exactly the kind of app drummers have needed for years. It simplifies the process of creating drum charts and worksheets in a way that’s intuitive and efficient—something traditional notation software has always struggled with, especially for drum set writing.With Finale sunsetting and Dorico still falling short in this area, Beat Note is stepping in at just the right time. Even better, the developers are clearly invested in improving the app. I sent in a few suggestions and got a thoughtful, detailed reply with links and explanations tailored to my questions. That kind of responsiveness is rare—and hugely appreciated.While it’s still growing and missing a few features, it's already a powerful tool and shows every sign of becoming the future of drum notation. Highly recommended.
Huge help to a new drummer!
Jan 4

msturg
As a new drummer (and an old one at that), I found this app fantastic. I use it for practice every day. Very intuitive to use, I can put down what is in my head, listen and adjust, then take it to the kit and try it out. I have also found I can notate a fill or beat quickly when just messing around, before I lose it. (Mind like a steel sieve.) For me keeping time has been a challenge. Practicing with a basic beat with the click allows me to develop fills that work. I understand syncing between devices is coming, I look forward to that feature. For now, It’s easy to send (I just text myself) a beat from my iPad to my computer plugged into the mixer. Looking forward to new features, nice app!

Developer Response
Hi msturg,Thank you so much for the five star review and for taking the time to share how Beat Note fits into your daily practice.I love hearing that it has been a huge help as you get deeper into drumming, especially how intuitive it feels for capturing what is in your head, listening back, adjusting, and then taking it straight to the kit. Being able to quickly notate a beat or fill before it disappears is exactly the kind of real world problem I hoped the app would solve. Your “steel sieve” comment genuinely made me smile!It is also great to hear how you are using a simple click and basic beat to work on time and build fills that actually work musically. That practice flow is spot on, and it is awesome that Beat Note is supporting that process for you every day. I am glad the current sharing workflow is working for you too, even if it is a creative text to yourself solution.You are right that syncing between devices is coming. That feature is already on the Product Roadmap, and community input plays a big role in shaping how it gets built. If you have specific scenarios in mind, like how you move between iPad, computer, or rehearsal setups, I would love to hear more context. You can upvote the existing sync request and add your details there.Just a quick note that Apple reviews are delayed by about two days, so the best way to share ideas or feedback is through the Beat Note Product Roadmap, connecting on Instagram at @BeatNoteApp, or using the “Email Derek” option in the app under the Settings tab.Thanks again for the kind words, the encouragement, and for being part of the Beat Note community. I am excited to keep building this with drummers like you!All the best,Derek
Huge help to a new drummer!
Jan 4

msturg

As a new drummer (and an old one at that), I found this app fantastic. I use it for practice every day. Very intuitive to use, I can put down what is in my head, listen and adjust, then take it to the kit and try it out. I have also found I can notate a fill or beat quickly when just messing around, before I lose it. (Mind like a steel sieve.) For me keeping time has been a challenge. Practicing with a basic beat with the click allows me to develop fills that work. I understand syncing between devices is coming, I look forward to that feature. For now, It’s easy to send (I just text myself) a beat from my iPad to my computer plugged into the mixer. Looking forward to new features, nice app!
Developer Response Jan 29
Hi msturg,Thank you so much for the five star review and for taking the time to share how Beat Note fits into your daily practice.I love hearing that it has been a huge help as you get deeper into drumming, especially how intuitive it feels for capturing what is in your head, listening back, adjusting, and then taking it straight to the kit. Being able to quickly notate a beat or fill before it disappears is exactly the kind of real world problem I hoped the app would solve. Your “steel sieve” comment genuinely made me smile!It is also great to hear how you are using a simple click and basic beat to work on time and build fills that actually work musically. That practice flow is spot on, and it is awesome that Beat Note is supporting that process for you every day. I am glad the current sharing workflow is working for you too, even if it is a creative text to yourself solution.You are right that syncing between devices is coming. That feature is already on the Product Roadmap, and community input plays a big role in shaping how it gets built. If you have specific scenarios in mind, like how you move between iPad, computer, or rehearsal setups, I would love to hear more context. You can upvote the existing sync request and add your details there.Just a quick note that Apple reviews are delayed by about two days, so the best way to share ideas or feedback is through the Beat Note Product Roadmap, connecting on Instagram at @BeatNoteApp, or using the “Email Derek” option in the app under the Settings tab.Thanks again for the kind words, the encouragement, and for being part of the Beat Note community. I am excited to keep building this with drummers like you!All the best,Derek

Thanks for using Drum Notation by Beat Note! NEW FEATURES - New users now get a quick onboarding experience so Beat Note can tailor your first session to how you play and teach. - Educators now get a guided setup checklist to help you create, customize, and share your first beat with students. Each step is tracked automatically so you always know where you stand. Includes a free PDF export for you to try. IMPROVED - Improved audio and visual playback alignment when using Bluetooth headphones, AirPlay, screen mirroring, and similar wireless devices. Thanks, Kaleb! FIXES - Fixed an issue on macOS where pressing the space bar while editing a beat name could accidentally start or stop playback. The space bar shortcut is now reserved for playback controls only. Thanks, Micheal! - Fixed an issue on iPad where tapping "Clear All Notes" did not immediately refresh the beat grid. Thanks, Pietro! - Fixed the articulations popover appearing too close to the edge of the screen on iPad (portrait) and macOS. Thanks, Kevin! Remember to check out the Beat Note roadmap under the Settings screen to learn about upcoming features and vote on user-requested ones. As always, thank you for your support. This update also includes additional bug fixes, performance improvements, and stability enhancements. Have feedback? Tap Settings → E-mail Derek. I'd love to hear from you!

Version 5.3 2d ago

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:
- User Content
Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
- User Content
- Identifiers
- Usage Data
- Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Accessibility

Information

Seller: Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC
Size: 86.3 MB
Category: Music
Compatibility: Requires iOS 15.6 or later.

iPhone
Requires iOS 15.6 or later.

iPad
Requires iPadOS 15.6 or later.

iPod touch
Requires iOS 15.6 or later.

Mac
Requires macOS 12.5 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later.

Apple Vision
Requires visionOS 1.0 or later.
Languages: English
Age Rating: 4+

4+

Learn More
In-App Purchases: Yes

Educator Tier Annual + Free Trial $59.99

Educator Tier Monthly (No Trial) $6.69

Educator Tier Annual (No Trial) $59.99

Creator Tier Monthly (No Trial) $13.49

Creator Tier Annual + Free Trial $119.99

Learn More

Developer Website

Privacy Policy

Supports

Family Sharing

Some in-app purchases and subscriptions may be shareable with your family group when Family Sharing is enabled. Learn More

More by Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC

View

Gap Click by Benny Greb

Simple & Intuitive Metronome

You Might Also Like

View

Drum Notes: Beats & Notation

Sheet Music, Grooves, Patterns
View

DrumToolz

Toolz for drum mastery.
View

GrooveClix Metronome

The Game Changer Metronome!
View

RhythmBot

Master complex rhythms
View

InstaDrum - Be a Drummer Now

Learn drums & play music beats
View

Beatlii: Drum Lessons

Fun Way to Learn the Drums
View

PolyNome: THE Metronome

Practice, Perform & Map Songs
View

Metronome & Rudiment Practice

Drum Accuracy & Speed Trainer
View

Drum2Notes - Transcribe Drums

Transcribe audio to drum sheet
View

Poly Metronome

Polyrhythms & Setlists

Drum Notation by Beat Note

Ratings & Reviews

Absolute game changer for drum teachers & students!

Helped me with my band

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Long Overdue — and Absolutely Worth It

Huge help to a new drummer!

What’s New

App Privacy

Data Linked to You

Data Not Linked to You

Accessibility

Information

Supports

Family Sharing

More by Kick Snare Hat Apps, LLC

Gap Click by Benny Greb

You Might Also Like

Drum Notes: Beats & Notation

DrumToolz

GrooveClix Metronome

RhythmBot

InstaDrum - Be a Drummer Now

Beatlii: Drum Lessons

PolyNome: THE Metronome

Metronome & Rudiment Practice

Drum2Notes - Transcribe Drums

Poly Metronome