"Line" or "System"

[themeandvariation]

This question is for teachers and students.
Do you use "line" or "system" when referencing a score?
Which do you think is more common?
Do you think that "line" is more colloquial, and "system" more formal or proper?
I'm writing a book, and although I was brought up using "line," I'm wondering if that term has fallen more into disuse.
Your comments would be most helpful.
Thanks!

[lelle]

Not a native English speaker, I have always said "system".

[themeandvariation]

Thank you, lelle.  I appreciate your input.

[lostinidlewonder]

Never said "system" in my life when referring to a line of music in a score while teaching."Line" makes immediate sense but "System" requires definition, logically this makes it a more clumsy term to use. In all orchestras or musical groups I've been with none used the term system, perhaps it's just for snot nosed academics lol. I'm in Australia.

[brogers70]

I've heard both, maybe system a bit more often than line.

[themeandvariation]

Never said "system" in my life when referring to a line of music in a score while teaching."Line" makes immediate sense but "System" requires definition, logically this makes it a more clumsy term to use. In all orchestras or musical groups I've been with none used the term system, perhaps it's just for snot nosed academics lol. I'm in Australia.

Yes, I've always said "line" - and all the musicians I've worked with have only used the word "line."
I was pretty surprised when a musician friend - reading my manuscript - (and this person has played with classical ensembles and writes music...) said he never heard the word "line" used when referencing a score.
I have used the word "system" when discussing an orchestral, or chamber music score, but never for piano music.
Thanks for chiming in!

[themeandvariation]

I've heard both, maybe system a bit more often than line.

Thank you for offering your thoughts.
It seems, given the mixed responses so far, that I'll have to slip in an explanation in the book to avoid confusion. Something I didn't even consider before.