Music notation is, in essence, a language. As in any other language, it must communicate thought clearly and simply. Music Notation is also like a fine painting; it is a work of art. In conjunction with live performance, it is the canvas by which a composer displays his creative ideas. The paper is the canvas while the notes and such are the colors. However, unlike painting or sculpture that can convey different ideas to different people, music notation needs to uniformly convey the same ideas to all people reading and playing it. Thus the closer it sticks to the commonly accepted guidelines, the greater the success will be of people reading it and playing it exactly as the composer intends. Understanding the composer’s intention can then allow them to make it their own in their performance.

So… the obvious next question is: what are the rules of proper music notation?

If you really are serious about being a good engraver, my suggestion is to get a number of good books and publications that will help you learn the how’s and why’s of notation. It’s more than getting the right notes on the correct lines and spaces with the proper rhythm. Study these how’s and why’s; apply them in your work and they will become habits you will naturally and consistently use.

However, for the benefit of those wanting it in a nutshell, the following is an alphabetical list of categories that will help you know where to start.

Accidentals; Articulations; Bar lines; Beams; Chords; Clefs; Dynamics; Key Signatures; Layout; Leger Lines; Lyrics; Meter; Notes; Ornaments; Rests; Scores; Slurs; Spacing; Staff (Staves); Stems; Systems; Tablature; Tempo and Expression marks; Ties; Time Signatures; Tuplets;

While not being completely comprehensive, this list provides a basis for study and knowing what is necessary to create great looking music notation. When the rules are followed and continuity exists, the result will be art and language that will be universal to all people. So press on ‘Rembrandt!’

A VERY HELPFUL LINK!

http://www.coloradocollege.edu/dept/mu/musicpress/notation_tables.html

MUSIC ENGRAVING RESOURCES

• Ross, Ted. 1987. Teach Yourself the Art of Music Engraving. Chas. M. Hansen Music and Books, Inc. Miami Beach, Florida. Subject: Music Engraving.
• Jacob, Archibald. 1947. Musical handwriting: or, How to put music on paper: A handbook for all musicians, professional and amateur. London: Oxford University Press, Subject: Musical notation.
• Roemer, Clinton.The Art of Music Copying
• Brandt, Carl, and Roemer, Clinton. Standardized Chord Symbol Notation.
  Sherman Oaks, CA: Roerick Music Co.
• Johnson, Harold M. 1946. How to write music manuscript an exercise-method handbook for the music student, copyist, arranger, composer, and teacher. New York: Carl Fischer, Inc. Subject: Musical notation --Handbooks, manuals.
• Donato, Anthony. 1963. Preparing Music Manuscript. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, Inc.
• "Standard Music Engraving Practice". 1966. New York: Music Publisher's Association.
• Music Printing & Publishing, Edited by Donald W. Krummel & Stanley Sadie. 1990. The Norton/Grove Handbooks in Music. W.W. Norton
• Foss, Hubert "Music Printing", from Practical Printing and Binding. London: Oldhams Press Ltd., Long Acre.