Audio to Sheet Music? Meet Klangio

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is whether there is a tool that can accurately transcribe an audio recording into sheet music. My standard response is that if one ever does emerge, it will likely be sued out of existence pretty quickly, as there are SO many problems with this when it comes to protecting IP and copyrights. I have personally seen some really good technology demoed over the past decade, but I rarely see them actually see the light of day because of those copyright issues. That said, I have seen a tool called Klangio quite a bit over the past few years that claims to do exactly that. Klangio uses AI to convert standard audio recordings to create Sheet Music, TABs, MIDI and MusicXML. It can also transcribe directly from a YouTube video link! While it’s far from perfect in my opinion, it does what is says and will likely only get better (at least while it’s available).

Klangio has developed a suite of tools that turn audio recordings into sheet music, MIDI files, or tablature with pretty decent accuracy. Their individual products—Piano2Notes, Guitar2Tabs, Drum2Notes, and Sing2Notes—are purpose-built for specific instruments and voices, and they’re all bundled together under the Transcription Studio platform. The premise is simple: play or sing into your device’s microphone or upload an audio file, and receive a notated version of your performance or the imported audio in seconds. In short - you can upload any audio file and download a MusicXML file. Amazing. I tried out the Transcription Studio and while the transcription had a bunch of errors, it was impressive to see the output. It actually works.

The educational applications are obvious here. For starters, Klangio opens up new possibilities for allowing students to play the music that they personally enjoy. I can just imagine the number of Taylor Swift and Kendrick Lamar transcriptions!! The simple audio recorder that allows student to notate what they sing or play is a great option for ear training and aural skills instruction. Students can record themselves playing a simple melody by ear, then compare the AI-generated transcription to their own attempt at notating it manually. It’s a powerful form of immediate feedback, one that assesses their listening, analysis, and critical thinking skills.

It also has clear uses in the composition and improvisation learning process. Imagine your students working on short improvisations in class—whether on keyboard, guitar, or voice—and then using Klangio to generate notation they can analyze and revise for use in their own compositions. For young composers, this tool can help demystify the leap from audio to notation, reinforcing the idea that their musical ideas are worthy of being preserved and studied.

There are also lots of possibilities when it comes to instrumental practice. Guitarists and drummers, in particular, benefit from the ability to visualize their performances using Guitar2Tabs and Drum2Notes. Students can track their rhythmic accuracy and see where they’re placing notes relative to a beat. Similarly, singers using Sing2Notes receive immediate feedback on pitch and rhythm, helping them self-correct between rehearsals and develop a more refined ear.

Klangio’s interface is clean and intuitive, making it really easy to use. The transcription accuracy was better than expected, especially with clear monophonic input, and it supports a wide range of file types. For teachers looking to incorporate more technology into their programs—or for students who are already creating music outside of class—this tool serves as a bridge between performance and notation, between sound and structure.

But with all that promise comes responsibility. One area where Klangio raises a real concern for me (and the publishing industry) is copyright. While it’s tempting to drop a Taylor Swift vocal track or a Charlie Parker solo into the platform and see what it spits out, doing so could very well (and more than likely does) constitute a violation of intellectual property law. Transcribing copyrighted works without permission—particularly if you’re planning to distribute the sheet music or use it in public settings—puts both students and schools in murky legal territory.

Fair use provisions in education can offer some protection, particularly when excerpts are used in transformative ways or for non-commercial purposes. However, these laws are nuanced and not one-size-fits-all. In practice, the safest approach is to limit Klangio use to original student compositions, works in the public domain, or music that you’ve explicitly secured the rights to use. Students can and should be taught how to respect the creative work of others while still exploring their own musical voices.

Music educators also need to be aware of their institution’s policies around copyrighted material. What’s permissible in one district may not be in another. Klangio does state that their service is designed for personal use and that transcriptions are not automatically shared or published online, which reduces risk to some degree. Still, it’s wise to consult your school’s legal or tech team before making it a core part of your curriculum.

In short, the tools that Klangio offers represent an exciting leap forward for music education. It puts powerful creative tools in the hands of students and allows teachers to extend their impact far beyond the classroom. But like all great tech, it should be used thoughtfully. With clear guidelines and respect for copyright, this tool can become an invaluable part of the modern music educator’s toolkit.

You can try Klangio for free. I suggest taking an audio recording of a work less than 3 minutes long and seeing what you think. For non pop music, allow Klangio to detect the instruments. It won’t be able to discern separate parts for instruments (Trumpet 1 & 2 for example), but it will get most of the part in a staff. If you upgrade, you get the ability to download the transcription into a variety of file formats, and you get unlimited scans. The pricing is pretty affordable for now.

Let me know what you think!