Music search, reimagined
Scorch is a local search engine for MusicXML libraries. Index once, then play a chord or tap a rhythm to surface matching scores instantly.
MIDI-ready search
Play a chord or tap a rhythm and jump to the right score fast.
Scorch is a mash-up of SCOre seaRCH. It started when, as a composer with thousands of files, I spent an hour opening dozens of files to find one melody. That frustration sparked a mission: make score search robust, reliable, and fast.
Built as a desktop app with a local background service, so your library stays private and searches stay instant.
These placeholders map to the Scorch workflow: index the library, search by harmony, melody, and rhythm, then jump into the match.
Start with the basics: titles, composers, lyricists, tempo text, key signatures, or specific notation elements. Then narrow by instrument requirements or ensembles to pinpoint the right score.
Filter by title, composer, arranger, lyricist, rights, or duration. Exact-match toggles keep results precise.
Look for time signatures, key signatures, tempo markings, lyrics, or directions. Ideal when you remember a specific notation detail.
Specify instrument counts, transpositions, or ensembles to find scores that match the players you actually have. Results include matched instruments and full instrument lists for quick checks.
Here is the melody search flow. The same approach powers chord and rhythm search, so you can play or tap what you remember and let Scorch find the match.
Select a MIDI input and begin listening. Scorch captures the phrase and prepares it for search.
The contour graph and note table show how Scorch interprets your phrase, including MIDI notes and pitch-class matches.
Results appear in a searchable table. The MusicXML viewer pinpoints the melody in the score so you can confirm the match immediately.
Use MIDI to play a chord or tap a rhythm. Scorch responds in near real-time and ranks the best matches.
Search exact pitch-class sets, transposition-invariant chord qualities, or full sequences. Scorch keeps the harmonic context intact.
Scorch watches your folders and can accept MusicXML directly from Dorico, MuseScore, or Sibelius. New files show up without re-indexing everything.
The open beta launches mid 2026. Melody and rhythm indexing, deeper similarity search, and enterprise-ready service mode are on the path.
Want to help shape the beta? Tell us about your score library and we will invite you to the early cohort.
Sign up for product news, the mid-2026 open beta, or both