Writing Music

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How to Write Music with Proper Notation

Most music today is written and published using music notation software. Sibelius and Finale are two very well established and powerful applications which can be used to print any type of music imaginable. However, we can still write out music by hand just as easily and effectively as ever. In some cases, it is much more appropriate (and less expensive) to write music by hand.

 

There are only three things needed to write music by hand:

1. Blank sheet music. There are several different versions of it on this website, and you are free to print as many copies of the staff paper as you like.

2. A well-sharpened #2 pencil. Avoid using pen -- you will probably need to erase something at some point, and pen will make a mess.

3. Knowledge of proper music notation and how to draw music notes and symbols. That information is also on these pages. Just follow the links in the section below to get started. If you have never written music before, it’s best to begin with how to draw noteheads. Otherwise, you may jump to whichever subject you need to learn.

 

Music Notation

How to Write Music

Besides blank staff paper, this site includes instructions on how to draw music notes and symbols. You can learn how to draw notes, ledger lines, clefs, rests, note values, accidentals, time signatures, and other musical symbols.

Getting started with the basics:
Noteheads
Ledger lines
Treble clef
Bass clef
Accidentals