This article explores the Music Encoding Initiative (MEI) by examining the workflows that support its generation and manipulation within musicological research. Since its creation to fill the absence of a standard for encoding musical works, MEI has evolved into a powerful, flexible XML framework capable of representing not only Western common music notation but also specialised systems such as mensural, neumatic, and tablature notations.This study underscores how the choice of workflow is never neutral: it profoundly shapes the quality, sustainability, and interoperability of encoded data. It analyzes three principal modes of generating MEI files—via web applications like Verovio and MEI Garage, through integrated software solutions such as MuseScore and Sibelius (enhanced by plugins), and using programmatic approaches that rely on command-line tools or programming libraries. Each method presents distinct advantages and limitations, depending on the user's technical expertise, the complexity of the repertoire, and the scale of the project.Beyond generation, the article also addresses tools for enriching and editing MEI files, from metadata completion with MerMEId to more advanced, interactive environments like Mei-Friend, which combine score visualization with direct XML editing. Special attention is given to the encoding of early music, highlighting initiatives that adapt MEI to the complexities of historical notations.Ultimately, the article emphasises that adopting MEI is not simply a technical choice but one that entails significant human and scholarly considerations. It calls for broader training and the thoughtful integration of automated workflows to ensure that digital music editions are both robust and aligned with open science principles.
Published on August 26, 2025
