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How to Write Music Manuscript: A Work Book in the Basics of Music Notation
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
3 people want to read
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November 21, 2022
Why I read this book: My music teacher kept pointing out my music transcription errors. I read this book to improve my transcribing ability.
Format: Hardcover, borrowed from the Rochester Central Library.
Synopsis: How to Write Music Manuscript: A Workbook in the Basics of Music Notation was written before computer music notation programs existed. This book tells you how to handwrite (or hand copy) music. It has great illustrations, as well as detailed explanations of how to hold your pencil to achieve thick or thin lines as needed. It even had a brief section with suggestions for left-handed people!
What I Thought: How to Write Music Manuscript... was awesome! As the title suggests, it is a workbook with spaces for the reader to trace shapes and practice writing them as well. Since this was a library book I used a music manuscript books to practice in. Since reading this book I have been able to correct most of the errors my teacher had been consistently pointing out in my transcriptions. The author, Gerald Warfield, defined everything, explained how, why, when and where things were used, and gave specific directions on how to make shapes used in music, as well as where to put them in relation to the notes &/or staff. He also explained how to space things out to make measures as legible as possible for the player. Other than writing orchestral or multipart scores, I think every other question I've had about writing and copying music (and a more than a few things I didn't realize I needed to know) were addressed. Some of the most helpful things included which rests to use when a measure doesn’t have a lot of notes, arranging things around an imaginary center line of each measure, how and when to use voices, where to place articulations, and how to write in lyrics. As I mentioned above, the author intended this to aid those who handwrite music; I still found it very helpful in learning to space things out in the music software I use (MuseScore). I do handwrite music a little, and the specific instructions given have improved the legibility of my handwritten music.
The Bottom Line: I have no complaints, (my teacher complains less too!) and am looking for a decently priced used copy. In my opinion, How to Write Music Manuscript…” is a must-read for anyone who writes or arranges music - either on paper or digitally.
Format: Hardcover, borrowed from the Rochester Central Library.
Synopsis: How to Write Music Manuscript: A Workbook in the Basics of Music Notation was written before computer music notation programs existed. This book tells you how to handwrite (or hand copy) music. It has great illustrations, as well as detailed explanations of how to hold your pencil to achieve thick or thin lines as needed. It even had a brief section with suggestions for left-handed people!
What I Thought: How to Write Music Manuscript... was awesome! As the title suggests, it is a workbook with spaces for the reader to trace shapes and practice writing them as well. Since this was a library book I used a music manuscript books to practice in. Since reading this book I have been able to correct most of the errors my teacher had been consistently pointing out in my transcriptions. The author, Gerald Warfield, defined everything, explained how, why, when and where things were used, and gave specific directions on how to make shapes used in music, as well as where to put them in relation to the notes &/or staff. He also explained how to space things out to make measures as legible as possible for the player. Other than writing orchestral or multipart scores, I think every other question I've had about writing and copying music (and a more than a few things I didn't realize I needed to know) were addressed. Some of the most helpful things included which rests to use when a measure doesn’t have a lot of notes, arranging things around an imaginary center line of each measure, how and when to use voices, where to place articulations, and how to write in lyrics. As I mentioned above, the author intended this to aid those who handwrite music; I still found it very helpful in learning to space things out in the music software I use (MuseScore). I do handwrite music a little, and the specific instructions given have improved the legibility of my handwritten music.
The Bottom Line: I have no complaints, (my teacher complains less too!) and am looking for a decently priced used copy. In my opinion, How to Write Music Manuscript…” is a must-read for anyone who writes or arranges music - either on paper or digitally.
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