FlexScore Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is a FlexScore?

FlexScores are flexible scores that let you print out lead sheets, large print, bulletin, or projection (melody or harmony) formats of hymns. You can also print out scores for orchestral instruments including brass and strings, or transpose, and resize music and text.

Q. Will the FlexScore play the music?

A. No, it will not; but see the Audio tab for a listing of Midi files and Recordings that may be downloaded for free.

Q. How do I select the score I need?

A. The scores are listed alphabetically. You will see the Accompaniment score by default. Click on the blue arrow under "Instrument/Format:" to select the score you want from the menu. Similarly, under "Hymn Instances:" click on the arrow to see the choices of hymnals and different tunes.

Q. How will I receive my FlexScore after I purchase it?

A. You will receive an email confirmation after your payment clears. To access the score, go to the "FlexScores" tab on your profile. Click the title of the score you purchased. You should see a blue banner on the score letting you know you have access to it. From there it may be viewed, configured, downloaded, and printed. You will also receive an email confirmation with a link to the score. 

Q. May I use the FlexScore many times, printing new copies each time?

A. Yes.

Q. Is the $11.99 FlexScore cost associated with a single hymn, or will $11.99 give access to all the FlexScores of the public domain hymns?

A. The $11.99 FlexScore is for a single hymn and includes all the formats for that hymn – 14 instrument scores, lead sheet, bulletin scores, large print, projection, pew and accompaniment (if different from pew). All formats are able to be altered, for example by transposing or resizing.

Q. What is the difference between the $2.99 FlexScore and the $11.99 FlexScore?

A. $2.99 buys one format of the hymn and allows the score to be altered. $11.99 buys all the available formats.

Q. May I buy the $11.99 FlexScore for a hymn and print copies of the music for all the instrumentalists in the church?

A. Yes, although, choral members are not counted as "instrumentalists." Separate FlexScores would need to be purchased for each choral member.

Q. May I buy the $2.99 accompaniment, lead sheet, or any instrument Flexscore and make copies for other musicians?

A. No. The $2.99 FlexScore single version/single user license is for a single user/musician. A license grants duplicating rights for congregational music only. To be able to make copies for other instrumentalists the $11.99 FlexScore must be purchased.

Q. May I buy the $2.99 projection version and project it for my congregation?

A. Yes. If the hymn text and tune are both in the public domain, you may project the hymn without any additional license. If the hymn text or tune are copyrighted then you will need a copyright reprint license to project the hymn. Most churches already have a copyright reprint license from CCLI, OneLicense.net or LicenSing. If your church has such a subscription and it covers the hymn in question, then you may project the score without any additional license. Otherwise, you would need to contact the copyright holder to obtain a license for a hymn that allows you to make multiple copies.

Q. May I buy the $2.99 bulletin version and include it in my church bulletin, making copies for my whole congregation or organization?

A. Yes. If the hymn text and tune are both in the public domain, you may make copies without any additional license. If the hymn text or tune are copyrighted then you will need a copyright reprint license to make copies. Most churches already have a copyright reprint license from CCLI, OneLicense.net or LicenSing. If your church has such a subscription and it covers the hymn in question, then you may make copies without any additional license. Otherwise, you would need to contact the copyright holder to obtain a license for a hymn that allows you to make multiple copies.

Q. May I buy the $2.99 pew version and make copies to include in a notebook for my congregation to use?

A. Yes. If the hymn text and tune are both in the public domain, you may make copies without any additional license. If the hymn text or tune are copyrighted then you will need a copyright reprint license to make copies. Most churches already have a copyright reprint license from CCLI, OneLicense.net or LicenSing. If your church has such a subscription and it covers the hymn in question, then you may make copies without any additional license. Otherwise, you would need to contact the copyright holder to obtain a license for a hymn that allows you to make multiple copies.

Q. Are FlexScores instrumental arrangements with different melodic lines?

A. No. FlexScores are instrumental parts that are the same as the hymnal version (usually in the SATB style). They can be used for transposed instruments, and users can change the key as they wish. However, they are not orchestral "arrangements".

Q. How does the Custom FlexScore work?

A. The Custom FlexScore allows you to add a different text to any FlexScore that you own which has a public domain tune. You can find the link to make a Custom FlexScore by clicking on the "My FlexScores" link. To enter the lyrics, click on the question mark, then on "Lyrics Entry Help" for instructions regarding breaking words into syllables and dealing with slurred notes.

Q. Are all FlexScores included for Hymnary Pro subscribers?

A. No, only Public Domain (PD) FlexScores are included, but that is about 75% of the total number of FlexScores on Hymnary, so your subscription gives you access to a lot of content. In fact, here is the complete list of public domain FlexScores.

Q. What do I have to do to get access to PD FlexScores if I am a subscriber?

A. Nothing. We try to make this process as easy as possible. Thus FlexScores will appear on pages for the corresponding hymn instances.

Q. If I am a Hymnary Pro subscriber, what happens at the end of my subscription?

A. The PD FlexScores that you have not purchased separately are no longer available unless you renew your subscription or purchase them.

Q. If I sign up for a Hymnary Pro subscription, what happens to the FlexScores I have already purchased?

A. They will continue to be available to you during and after your subscription.