Sheet music

Lore & Background

Sheet music from the 20th and 21st century typically indicates the title of the song or composition on a title page, cover, or at the top of the first page. If the songwriter or composer is known, their name is typically indicated along with the title. The sheet music may also indicate the name of the lyric-writer or arranger. For old folk music, traditional songs, and very old traditional hymns and spirituals, the word 'traditional' is often placed where the composer's name would ordinarily go. Title pages for songs may have a picture illustrating the characters, setting, or events from the lyrics.

Reader's Guide

Sheet music serves as a record of, a guide to, or a means to perform a song or piece of music. It enables instrumental performers who can read music notation or singers to perform a song or piece. Music students use sheet music to learn about different styles and genres of music. The intended purpose of an edition of sheet music affects its design and layout: study editions may have smaller notes and less concern for page turns, while performance scores require readable notes from a music stand and careful placement of page turns. In classical music, authoritative information about a piece can be gained from studying written sketches, early versions, final autograph scores, and personal markings on proofs and printed scores. Comprehending sheet music requires the ability to read music notation, though some composers have produced music without being able to read or write in musical notation.

Did You Know?

• Sheet music can be presented on computer screens and played back using scorewriter programs since the 1980s.
• In jazz, many tunes are notated using chord charts that indicate chord progression and form.
• Professional country music session musicians often use the Nashville Number System, which indicates chord progression using numbers.