Writing lyrics, crafting a melody, hooking an audience and making sure everything is as great as it can be: creating music is difficult enough as it is, no matter what genre or style you’re interested in.
From the production to mixing and engineering, there is so much to think about. But have you ever really given any thought to how you write down the music you’re working on? I mean actually writing it and keeping track of the notes and chords. Recording your thoughts and snippets of sounds is wonderful, but being able to express music in written form is an extremely old art form that still has plenty of value.
How to write music (also called notation) is great to know for a multitude of reasons, one of which being many music schools require the skill. Imagine trying to get into an engineering college without being able to read a diagram of a machine, or wanting to become an architect without knowing what to make of a blueprint.
Sure, there are digital offerings now which have made it easier to forget these techniques or circumvent them entirely. However, if you’re about to start almost any music program at a university, if you’re thinking of applying to a performance or composition program, or even if you’ve just been daydreaming about one day composing songs and full concerts, you need to start where everyone else has: learning to write music.
In addition to being implicitly worth understanding, notating can have some real-world practical uses as a musician. Copyists, Arrangers, Orchestrators, and Composers use notation in their work every day. And if you wind up working in classical, jazz, or any number of genres — whether you’re a full or part-time Jazz Musician, Section Member, or Principal Player — you’ll need to know how to read and write music.
Once you do get at least the basics and you are on your way to becoming a full-time, working musician, you can actually sell copies of the sheet music displaying everything you compose, and while it might not be a massive revenue source these days, it never hurts to put it out there and see if anybody wants to buy!
Where does one start when it comes to writing tunes and creating your own sheet music? I’ve compiled a few well-reviewed websites and apps, all of which can get you going or take you to the next level.
If you’re just getting started in the world of composing music, or if you’re considering a career in music that would require you to notate music and reproduce it in sheet form, you should know it’s a tough game to get into, and there isn’t often a lot of money.
This is the case with the music industry in general, but with genres typically associated with sheet music no longer topping the charts (they haven’t for a long time), a career in this field might be rough.
I’ll start my list of the best programs that can help you write sheet music with some free options, because it’s important to save even just a few dollars everywhere you can, especially if you’re a student.
In doing my research to write this article, one name kept coming up which seemed to be recommended by everyone: MuseScore.
A quick look at the site makes it difficult to believe the program is actually worth investing any time in, as it looks like nothing has been updated for a decade, with the exception of a few blogs with dates listed, but they actually do update it! However, not a ton has changed when it comes to sheet music and notation for several hundred years, so don’t let appearances steer you wrong.
It may be simple-looking, but there is actually a lot going on at MuseScore, and if you’re determined to learn about sheet music and you want to do it for free, this is a surprisingly great option.
The site offers everything you could need, from downloads of the latest edition of the program to videos that will walk you through what to do every step of the way, and even a handbook that will turn you into an expert at MuseScore. Of course, this will come later, after you’ve spent some real time playing around with it.
How to write music (also called notation) is great to know for a multitude of reasons, one of which being many music schools require the skill. Imagine trying to get into an engineering college without being able to read a diagram of a machine, or wanting to become an architect without knowing what to make of a blueprint.
Again, it might not look like much upon first glance, but LilyPond has some exciting things to offer…if you have the time to learn it. The program relies on a certain form of coding language to assist users in writing their music, and it’s somewhat daunting. Basically, if you want to master the ability to write a proper composition using LilyPond, you need to learn to speak (or type) their language, which will really only help you here.
This seems like a lot of effort to go through for this one use, but many people seem to like it regardless. Some have said it’s difficult, while others seem to know it was constructed from the outset to be user-friendly and help those who have a limited knowledge of this entire world, so why not spend a few moments seeing if you think it’s worth it?
Another free notation website with less-than-fantastic design: can you believe it? This seems to be an issue plaguing the sheet music world’s digital landscape, so while I’d normally be a bit harsher when it comes to the look, it appears we’re just going to have to move past ugly fonts and basic setup and consider these programs for their actual value.
Finale NotePad has been noted (get it?) for its ease of use, which makes it perfect for somebody studying music as opposed to writing it for a living. You may one day find a job where you are fortunate enough to create great music and get paid for it, but for now, let’s focus on the learning part.
Finale might not be full of great features and it may have a limited amount of storage, but it could be the best option when truly just beginning. If you are simply learning notation because it’s required by your college, or if you want to understand the basics, try this.
Don’t expect to stick with it too long if you find out this is your thing and you enjoy it much more than you thought you would, though, as there are other choices with more to offer in the long run.
Okay, so there isn’t anything technologically exciting about this option, but you’re going to need to learn it at some point. If you want to compose music, if you’re already composing music, or even if you just want to one day be a full-time musician, it’s vital you understand how to read sheet music, and being able to write it is also right up there in terms of importance.
Once you’ve started learning all about sheet music, notes, and everything else that comes with the more old school (and I’m talking really old school) ways of writing songs and symphonies, try penning some of your own with absolutely no help at all. Sure, digitized programs are great, and apps certainly do make our lives easier in almost every way, but even in today’s high-tech world, it’s wonderful to know you can still write music with nothing more than a pen and some paper.
Try printing out some actual sheets and just starting, as the greatest musicians in history have done before you. It’ll take some getting used to, but if you’ve been practicing on your phone, tablet or computer, you should be able to pick it up rather quickly. If you’re looking for some sheets, try this site, which should have what you need to print and begin.
You should be aware while the free programs I listed might not have seemed ideal for one reason or another, they were at least free…and not a lot when it comes to making music is given away at no cost.
The apps and programs that come most highly recommended are not for beginners, as they often have hefty price tags attached, but if you have the money, or if you already know you’re going to be in the composing game long enough to make it worth your while, feel free to give these choices a try.
If you’re about to start almost any music program at a university, if you’re thinking of applying to a performance or composition program, or even if you’ve just been daydreaming about one day composing songs and full concerts, you need to start where everyone else has: learning to write music.
Self-described as “the fastest, smartest, easiest way for everyone to start to write and share music,” many who have downloaded and used the software would agree. When it comes to paid applications, Sibelius First is the industry leader. It is supposed to be the best option when talking about design, layout, and the set of features available. It doesn’t have everything you could ever want, but this can be a good thing, as too many features to play with can ruin a great composition.
Sibelius First is priced at $125, so it’s not ideal for those who have no idea what they are doing, though once you’ve made it past step one in learning how to read and write sheet music and you want to increase the amount of art you’re actually creating and setting in stone (or, paper), this is a fantastic option. It’s not too expensive once you know it’s worth it, and it will take you far.
If you liked Finale NotePad, the free option listed above, you’re sure to enjoy this paid tier. Finale PrintMusic comes with many more features you need to pay for, and while it will take you some time to learn how to utilize everything available in this program (as well as to understand all of the terminology, but this is why we go to school, isn’t it?), it’s worth it . . . and the $90 cost.
Again, this is a fairly-priced program for those who are already committed to a composition class or who are attending a music school, and it also comes highly recommended according to a number of reviewers.
There might not be an on-screen piano, which can be incredibly helpful when notating, but everything else about this seems wonderful, and at the end of the day, you’ll be able to print out your final composition, something highlighted in the very name itself.
The Encyclopedia Britannica defines music notation as:
“Visual record of heard or imagined musical sound, or a set of visual instructions for performance of music. It usually takes written or printed form and is a conscious, comparatively laborious process. Its use is occasioned by one of two motives: as an aid to memory or as communication. By extension of the former, it helps the shaping of a composition to a level of sophistication that is impossible in a purely oral tradition. By extension of the latter, it serves as a means of preserving music (although incompletely and imperfectly) over long periods of time, facilitates performance by others, and presents music in a form suitable for study and analysis.”
So, why should someone bother to learn music notation if it’s seemingly outdated? Haven’t computer programs made this skill unnecessary? No! Not at all! While it’s never been easier for a person to make music, that doesn’t mean that being able to understand those notes on the paper isn’t still valuable!
Here are the benefits of learning how to read and write sheet music.
Reading music offers a clear view of a musical piece’s structure and how it is composed. This leads to a better understanding of the composition as a whole.
Learning to read and write melodies can make studying music less intimidating, even for those with little knowledge in this field. Just as kids learn basic skills like writing, drawing, and playing, music learners can access music through reading and writing music.
Once you learn how to read music, you can apply it to any genre or style of music, expanding your creative horizons and making you a better and more versartile musician overall.
Being able to read sheet music is vital if you plan to collaborate with other musicians. It ensures everyone stays in time and avoids confusion during band rehearsals or studio recordings. Even if you play by ear, knowing how to read sheet music helps with communication when working with musicians who don’t necessarily possess that skill.
Understanding sheet music is like learning a new language, and grasping how it all comes together allows musicians to communicate their musical ideas to others. Compositions can be written down and passed on to other musicians for generations to come. This is especially important if recording music is part of your future plans.
Learning to read sheet music also opens the door to a deeper understanding of music theory. You can begin to comprehend aspects of music such as scales, melody and harmony theories, intervals, and chord progressions more effectively. By understanding music theory, you become a more respected and skilled musician. This last benefit is a great reason to try learning to read music, regardless of any previous reasons that may have held you back.
Learning music notation allows you to delve deeper into the world of classical music, where the system plays a pivotal role. It enables you to decipher the intricate compositions of legendary composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Bach.
By understanding the notation, you can appreciate the nuances of classical works, such as the use of different instruments, complex harmonies, and detailed instructions for musicians. This newfound comprehension enhances your enjoyment of classical concerts and recordings, as you gain insight into the genius behind the notes on the page.
If you’re looking to become a musician who primarily works in classical music, appreciating it is key.
Proficiency in music notation opens the door to mastering multiple musical instruments. Whether you’re a pianist looking to explore the violin, a guitarist wanting to pick up the trumpet, or a percussionist intrigued by the flute, knowing how to read and interpret sheet music provides a distinct advantage. With notation as your guide, you can easily transition between instruments, as the fundamentals of music theory and structure remain consistent, making your journey as a versatile musician all the more accessible and enjoyable.
The ability to read music notation vastly expands your musical repertoire. It grants you access to a vast library of sheet music spanning various genres, from classical to jazz, pop, and beyond. Instead of being limited to playing by ear or relying solely on tutorials, you can explore a rich tapestry of musical compositions. This broadens your horizons, allowing you to discover new pieces, experiment with diverse styles, and build a catalog of sorts that reflects your musical tastes and interests.
Music notation proficiency opens doors to various professional opportunities in the music industry. Educators with a strong grasp of notation can effectively teach music theory and sight-reading to students, while conductors rely on notation to lead orchestras and choirs. Session musicians and studio players often read charts and scores during recording sessions, and arrangers use notation to create stunning musical arrangements.
Music is its own language–and that’s true in a number of ways. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of words specific to music, and you’ll have to understand many of them simply to get started.
Here are some words and phrases you will need to know as you begin to learn how to write music notation. This is, of course, by no means an all-encompassing list, but a fair place to start.
Accidentals modify the pitch of a note by raising or lowering it by one half step. Accidentals remain in effect for all notes of the same pitch for the remainder of the measure.
Articulation provides direction on how to play a single note, such as whether to play it staccato or legato.
A symbol placed at the beginning of the staff, which determines the pitch of a specific line and establishes a reference for all notes on the staff. This gives a “key” to the piece of music being performed.
A dot placed beside a note increases its duration by half of its original value.
Dynamics indicate how loud or soft a section of music should be played.
When the bass and treble clefs are joined together by a brace and lines, they form the grand staff. This greatly expands the range of notes that can be represented on the staff.
Lines that extend above and below the staff to represent notes that are too high or too low to fit on the staff.
The vertical lines on the staff divide the music into measures, which are used to organize the piece. The number of beats in each measure is determined by the time signature. Thick double bars indicate the beginning and end of a piece of music.
Musical pitches are represented by letters in the musical alphabet, which consists of the ascending pitches A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. Each line and space on the staff corresponds to a different pitch. The lower the note is on the staff, the lower its pitch. Notes are represented on the staff as little ovals.
All notes have a duration, or length, but the number of beats they receive is determined by the time signature and where they are placed on the staff.
Rests are symbols that indicate a pause in the music, where the musician does not play. Rests have values equivalent to notes of corresponding duration.
The staff is the foundation of written music, upon which notes are placed. It consists of five lines with four spaces between them, and serves as the framework for the presentation of musical symbols.
Ties connect two or more notes of the same pitch, creating a longer note. Slurs connect different pitches, indicating that the notes should be played smoothly and without interruption.
The time signature, also known as the meter signature, indicates the number of beats per measure and which note value receives the beat.
The full process of writing a music score is too complicated to get into here, and it requires quite a bit of education before it can be done. Instead of diving too deep into this topic, we’ll go over some steps that go into putting a music score together, simplified from much more detailed instructions compiled by WikiHow.
Devote ample time to reading copious amounts of sheet music while simultaneously listening to it, putting them together in your brain. This is an essential step, as without a fundamental comprehension of the musical score, how can one even begin to jot down their own composition?
It is impossible to transcribe sheet music if one can’t decipher the various notes and rests, identify the lines and spaces on the sheet, recognize the rhythm markers, comprehend the dynamic markers, and understand the key signatures. Before embarking on writing sheet music, developing a working knowledge of these crucial aspects is a must.
Are you going to write this score on paper or using an app or computer program? If you’re going to put it together by hand, you need to get some printed sheet music paper. If you’re going with a more tech-savvy option, try some out (and there are many mentioned in this article) and see which one you like best.
Whether you want to write for just one instrument or for a full symphony, you should still pick a single item to start with. You can write for several at once if they’re similar or work together closely, like several voices in a chorus or violins supporting one another. When you’re just starting out, it’s best to go slowly and work everything in one instrument at a time.
Right after selecting the clef, determine the time signature that will be applied to the music and note it down. Time signatures specify the quantity of notes and beats in every measure on the staff. The staff is separated into small sections of notes by vertical lines dividing it into measures.
Adjacent to the clef, you will find two numbers, one over the other, resembling a fraction. The numerator indicates the number of beats per measure on the staff while the denominator represents the value of each beat in the measure.
To lay a solid foundation for your composition, you must choose an appropriate time signature and mark it on the sheet right after the clef. A time signature denotes the number of notes and beats that are present within each measure on the sheet. The staff’s periodic vertical lines divide the measures into small sections of notes.
Just to the right of the clef, you will find two numbers that look like a fraction. The top number signifies the number of beats in each measure on the sheet, while the bottom number represents the value of each beat in the measure. Choosing the correct time signature is essential for establishing the rhythm and feel of the piece.
Before embarking on your musical journey and putting pen to paper, there is one fundamental step you need to take: determining the key signature. This critical piece of information is usually placed third in line on the sheet music, after both the clef and time signature.
The key signature indicates the sharps (#) or flats (b) that will define the tonality of the entire composition. The use of a sharp will raise the pitch of a note by a semitone, while a flat will lower it by the same amount. These symbols can appear sporadically throughout the piece or be established at the beginning to create a consistent musical landscape.
The sheet music is adorned with an array of notes and rests, each of which come in a unique style denoting their length, while the placement on the staff indicates the pitch of the note.
Notes are made of heads, which come in the form of dots or circles, and stems, which extend either upward or downward from the note head, depending on its position on the staff. These elements, in harmony with one another, create a beautiful melody that can convey emotions and tell stories through music.
There’s no “right” way to do this, but many musicians begin with the melody, which is typically the most memorable part of any piece. Once that’s done, add harmonies, breaks, and more. Play around with every part and change things up. Don’t worry if it’s taking a long time–you’re new at this!
Once you have a great draft you’re happy with, you can walk away for the time being, send it to someone, or decide it’s done. It’s entirely up to you!
The median yearly income for a composer is around $49,300, with an annual salary range of $42,000 to $59,000, according to Careers In Film. Rates for composers are self-determined, and those new to the field may earn very little, or even nothing, which is nothing new for the music industry. In contrast, those who have broken through and found some success can charge huge sums of money for their work. Scoring legends such as John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Danny Elfman boast net worths ranging between $75 million and $120 million. Their scoring fees can reach as high as $2 million per picture, according to Chron.com.
Of course, the amount a musician or composer is paid varies greatly based on a number of factors. Is this a student film, or the next Marvel movie? Is it one special for TV, or a complete series? Is this piece for a composer to make a name for themselves, or a commission for a symphony? It’s impossible to give one solid answer to any of these questions, but the above numbers should provide some insight into what money can be earned in this field.
Music notation varies significantly across cultures and regions around the world, reflecting the diverse musical traditions and practices unique to each society. In the Western tradition, a system of standard notation has evolved over centuries, primarily using the staff, clefs, and notes on a five-line staff to represent pitch and rhythm.
This notation system is highly detailed and precise, providing composers and musicians with a comprehensive means of communicating musical ideas. Western music notation emphasizes individual note values, dynamics, and articulations, allowing for a high level of specificity in performance.
In contrast, many non-Western musical traditions employ alternative notation systems that may differ significantly from Western notation. Some cultures, such as those in India, use systems like the Indian classical music notation, which relies on a system of solfege syllables, rhythmic cycles (talas), and ornamentation symbols to convey musical ideas.
In traditional Chinese music, a unique notation system employs a combination of characters, numbers, and symbols to represent pitch and ornamentation. Many African traditions rely heavily on oral transmission and do not have a standardized notation system, emphasizing the importance of learning music through imitation and aural traditions.
The key distinction lies in the purpose of notation: Western notation is often detailed and prescriptive, aiming to capture the composer’s intentions precisely, while many non-Western notations prioritize conveying the essence and feel of the music, allowing for improvisation and variation within a defined framework.
The time it takes to learn to transcribe music varies widely based on several factors, including your prior musical knowledge, the complexity of the music you want to transcribe, and the frequency with which you practice.
If you have a solid foundation in music theory, ear training, and instrument proficiency, you may pick up basic transcription skills relatively quickly, perhaps within a few weeks or months. However, for more complex compositions or genres with intricate harmonies and rhythms, such as jazz or classical music, the learning curve can be steeper, potentially taking several months to a year or more to become proficient.
Consistent practice is crucial for improving transcription skills. Regularly transcribing music, starting with simpler pieces and gradually progressing to more challenging ones, will enhance your ear’s ability to recognize pitches, intervals, and rhythms accurately. Additionally, utilizing transcription software and tools can aid in the process. Ultimately, the time it takes to learn to transcribe music is a personal journey, but with dedication and practice, you can become a proficient transcriber capable of capturing musical compositions accurately.
Musical notation, the language that captures the essence of music, takes on various forms, each with its unique characteristics and purposes. Here are the five most commonly used distinct types of musical notation that have evolved over time to suit different musical needs and traditions.
- Standard Notation on Musical Staves
The cornerstone of classical music, this system employs musical staves, noteheads, bar lines, clefs, key signatures, and dynamics to precisely communicate pitch, rhythm, and expression. It serves as the bedrock of Western music notation, offering intricate detail and clarity.
- Lead Sheets
Often favored in jazz and popular music, lead sheets provide a simplified yet functional notation style. They typically feature melody lines, chord symbols, and lyrics, allowing musicians to improvise and harmonize around a basic framework.
- Guitar Tablature
Tailored for guitarists, tablature (tab) employs numbers and lines to represent frets and strings on the guitar neck. It offers a straightforward way for guitarists to play without requiring extensive music theory knowledge. Many people start learning music via tabs.
- Bar-Based MIDI Notation
Widely used in digital music production, this form of notation relies on MIDI data represented in bars and beats. It’s the backbone of electronic music, enabling precise control over electronic instruments and software.
- Graphic Notation
A departure from traditional symbols, graphic notation employs visual cues, shapes, and abstract imagery to convey musical ideas. Often found in experimental and avant-garde music, it allows for more interpretive and unconventional performances.
Each notation type brings its unique history and purpose to the world of music, catering to the diverse needs and creative expressions of musicians across various genres and traditions.
