musescore / musescore/MuseScore
Hyphen and Underscore in lyrics are not distinguishable with screen reader
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@shoogle is already working on this.
Since Jun 23, 2026.
accessibility
P2
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- C++
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Description
Issue type
Accessibility issue (e.g. for keyboard-only or screen reader users)
Description with steps to reproduce
It is nice in 4.7.3 to be able to hear when hyphens and underscores are present in lyrics to split syllables and signify a melisma. But currently they just both read as "extension line" by the screen reader. It would be helpful if these spoke what they actually are.
STEPS:
- Create a short score with some lyrics splitting syllables between two or more notes with a hyphen and a melisma (underscore) below a tie or slur.
- Use Alt + arrow to move along these and notice that both read as "extention line" by the screen reader.
Also see original issue to make these read #19510.
Supporting files, videos and screenshots
N/A
In which versions of MuseScore Studio is this issue present?
4.7.3
Regression
No.
Operating system
Windows 11 with NVDA
Additional context
No response
Checklist
- This report follows the guidelines for reporting bugs and issues
- I have verified that this issue has not been logged before, by searching the issue tracker for similar issues
- I have attached all requested files and information to this report
- I have attempted to identify the root problem as concisely as possible, and have used minimal reproducible examples where possible
Contributor guide
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Assessment
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