Methods for providing a musical user interface are disclosed. A notation window with a musical sign, for example, a note is displayed. Selection of the sign is received. A time duration indicator at a selected sign is displayed. User manipulation of the time duration indicator to adjust time duration of the selected musical sign is received. The dynamically changed time duration indicator is displayed while receiving user manipulation. A beat ruler with beat marks and a staff are displayed. Selection of the note is received. A beat mark corresponding to the selected note is determined and then modified. Next, a modified beat mark is displayed. The selected note changes a position on the staff along the beat ruler in response to an input from a user. Determining, modifying the beat mark, and displaying the modified beat mark is repeated while the position of the selected note is changed.