📖 CSV Format Guide

Overview

ScorePulse uses a sparse data model where you only specify bars where something changes. You don't need to list every bar—just the ones where tempo, time signature, or rehearsal marks change.

The CSV file uses semicolon (;) delimiters, not commas. This allows commas to be used in text fields.

CSV Structure

The first row must be the header row with these exact column names:

BAR NUMBER;TIME SIGNATURE;DIVISION;TEMPO;REHEARSAL MARKING;TEXT MARKING

Column	Required	Description
BAR NUMBER	Yes	Sequential integer starting from 1. Every bar must be listed.
TIME SIGNATURE	When changes	Format: 4/4, 3/4, 6/8, 7/8, etc.
DIVISION	For irregular meters	Accent pattern like 2+2+3 for 7/8 time
TEMPO	When changes	BPM (20-300) or transition: acc, rit
REHEARSAL MARKING	Optional	Letter or number: A, B, 1, 42, etc.
TEXT MARKING	Optional	Tempo text: Allegro, Andante, etc.

Column Details

BAR NUMBER

Must be sequential integers starting from 1. Every bar in your piece must have a row, even if all other columns are empty.

1;4/4;;120;A;Moderato
2;;;;;
3;;;;;
4;3/4;;;;
5;;;;;

TIME SIGNATURE

Standard notation with numerator/denominator. Only specify when it changes.

Supported formats:

• Simple meters: 4/4, 3/4, 2/4, 5/4
• Compound meters: 6/8, 9/8, 12/8
• Irregular meters: 5/8, 7/8, 11/8
• Cut time: 2/2, 3/2
• Sixteenth meters: 7/16, 11/16 (requires DIVISION)

DIVISION (Accent Pattern)

For irregular meters, specify how beats are grouped using + notation:

• 7/8 → 2+2+3 or 3+2+2 or 2+3+2
• 5/8 → 2+3 or 3+2
• 11/8 → 3+3+3+2 or 2+3+3+3

TEMPO

Specify tempo in BPM (beats per minute), or use transition markers:

Value	Meaning
120	Set tempo to 120 BPM
acc	Begin accelerando (gradual speed up to next tempo)
rit	Begin ritardando (gradual slow down to next tempo)

Tempo must be between 20 and 300 BPM.

REHEARSAL MARKING

Letters or numbers used by conductors to identify sections. Common formats:

• Letters: A, B, C...
• Numbers: 1, 2, 3...
• Bar numbers: 9, 25, 42...

TEXT MARKING

Descriptive tempo/expression text that appears with tempo changes:

• Allegro, Andante, Adagio
• Più mosso, Meno mosso
• Maestoso, Cantabile

Complete Example

Here's a sample score with various features:

BAR NUMBER;TIME SIGNATURE;DIVISION;TEMPO;REHEARSAL MARKING;TEXT MARKING
1;4/4;;120;A;Moderato
2;;;;;
3;;;;;
4;;;;;
5;;;;;
6;;;;;
7;;;;;
8;;;;;
9;3/4;;;B;
10;;;;;
11;;;;;
12;;;;;
13;;;acc;;
14;4/4;;140;;Allegro
15;;;;;
16;;;;;
17;7/8;2+2+3;;C;
18;;;;;
19;;;;;
20;;;;;
21;;;rit;;
22;;;100;D;Andante
23;;;;;
24;4/4;;;;
25;;;;;

This creates a score with:

• Starts in 4/4 at 120 BPM (Moderato)
• Changes to 3/4 at bar 9 (rehearsal B)
• Accelerando in bar 13, reaching 140 BPM (Allegro) at bar 14
• Changes to 7/8 with 2+2+3 grouping at bar 17 (rehearsal C)
• Ritardando in bar 21, settling at 100 BPM (Andante) at bar 22
• Returns to 4/4 at bar 24

Tips for Success

1. Start with bar 1: The first bar must define at least a time signature and tempo.
2. List every bar: Even empty bars need a row with just the bar number.
3. Use semicolons: Not commas! Semicolons separate columns.
4. Check your divisions: Make sure accent patterns sum to the time signature.
5. Transitions need targets: After acc or rit, the next tempo bar is the target.