  In this paper, we postulate that combining the domains of information
visualization and music studies paves the ground for a more structured analysis
of the design space of music notation, enabling the creation of alternative
music notations that are tailored to different users and their tasks. Hence, we
discuss the instantiation of a design and visualization pipeline for music
notation that follows a structured approach, based on the fundamental concepts
of information and data visualization. This enables practitioners and
researchers of digital humanities and information visualization, alike, to
conceptualize, create, and analyze novel music notation methods. Based on the
analysis of relevant stakeholders and their usage of music notation as a mean
of communication, we identify a set of relevant features typically encoded in
different annotations and encodings, as used by interpreters, performers, and
readers of music. We analyze the visual mappings of musical dimensions for
varying notation methods to highlight gaps and frequent usages of encodings,
visual channels, and Gestalt laws. This detailed analysis leads us to the
conclusion that such an under-researched area in information visualization
holds the potential for fundamental research. This paper discusses possible
research opportunities, open challenges, and arguments that can be pursued in
the process of analyzing, improving, or rethinking existing music notation
systems and techniques.
