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Your Free Sheet Music For September 2023 is Here!

Single artwork for "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

Your Free Sheet Music For September 2023 is Here

Download your copy of the sheet music for “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver today.

Originally written and recorded as “Babe I Hate to Go” by American singer-songwriter John Denver, for his 1966 debut demo album John Denver Sings, which the singer gave copies of to his friends and family for Christmas that year, the song was renamed to “Leaving on a Jet Plane” the following year at the request of Denver’s then producer Milt Okun.

Two years later, “Leaving on a Jet Plane” would be immortalized in popular music history when American folk group Peter, Paul and Mary released their version as a single. It was the group’s biggest and final hit, reaching No.1 on the Billboard Top 100 chart in the United States.

Following this, Denver re-recorded the song for his 1969 debut studio album Rhymes & Reasons, and then re-recorded it once more for 1973’s John Denver’s Greatest Hits. This has since become the version that appears on most of his compilation albums.

Typically sold for $12.95, the sheet music for “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver is available for FREE during September 2023. This version, transcribed for piano and vocals, is based on this performance. Grab your copy today!

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Single artwork for "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

Fun facts about “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver:

  • Despite being one of John Denver’s most well-known songs, neither his 1969 nor 1973 recordings ever made the charts.
  • “Leaving on a Jet Plane” was inspired by Denver’s childhood growing up in a traveling military family, and the struggles of leaving behind the people you love to earn a living as a touring musician.
  • Peter, Paul and Mary’s version of the song was featured in various United Airlines commercials during the late 1960s and early 1970s.
  • The song was featured in the first episode of the American musical-comedy drama, Glee. The fictional character, Will Schuester, sings it in the auditorium when he decides to leave his job as a teacher and become an accountant to better provide for his wife and child.

This version of “Leaving on a Jet Plane” by John Denver was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

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What Is Music Transcription, and How To Do It

Guitarist transcribing music

Music is a timeless art form that captivates our hearts and souls. It’s no surprise that many of us wish to preserve our favorite melodies or create new compositions. One way to achieve this is through music transcription – the process of translating music from an audio recording into written notation. In this blog post, we’ll explore what music transcription is, delve into a basic guide on how to do it yourself, and present a solution for those seeking a more efficient and accurate alternative.

Understanding Music Transcription: Unveiling the Process

Music transcription is the bridge that transforms the intangible beauty of sound into a visual representation. It involves carefully listening to a piece of music and notating each note, rhythm, and nuance to create a score that musicians can read and perform. Transcribers decode intricate melodies, harmonies, and even complex chord progressions, capturing the essence of a piece.

Doing It Yourself: A Basic Guide

While music transcription can be a rewarding endeavor, it’s important to note that it requires a solid foundation in music theory, a good ear, and time for meticulous work. Here’s a basic guide if you’re interested in attempting music transcription on your own:

  1. Choose Your Software: Utilize music notation software like Finale, Sibelius, or MuseScore to input your transcribed notes digitally. While they won’t help you transcribe, they will make the process much faster than pen and paper! If you’ve never used a notation app before, we recommend Musescore as the best free option available: www.musescore.org
  2. Listen Actively: Play the audio multiple times, identifying the key, melody, rhythm, and overall structure. Get a good picture of the overall song before diving into details.
  3. Segmentation: Divide the piece into manageable sections, transcribing one section at a time.
  4. Note by Note: Start by transcribing the main melody, followed by harmonies and accompanying instruments.
  5. Refinement: Revise and adjust your notation as needed, making sure it accurately represents the original recording.
  6. Proofreading: Review your transcription for errors and ensure it’s playable and comprehensible.

A Faster, More Accurate Solution

Undoubtedly, music transcription demands time, skill, and patience. If you find the process challenging or time-consuming, there’s a more efficient alternative: professional music transcription services. These services provide a swift and accurate solution for turning your favorite tunes into pristine sheet music.

Let Us Bring Your Music to Life

At Tunescribers, we specialize in turning melodies into beautifully crafted sheet music. If the DIY approach seems overwhelming, our team of experienced professionals is here to simplify the process for you. With our custom music transcription services, you can:

  • Ensure Accuracy: Benefit from our skilled transcribers’ precise ear for musical details.
  • Save Time: Skip the laborious task of manual transcription and receive your sheet music promptly.
  • Focus on Creativity: Free up your time to focus on playing, arranging, and interpreting music.

How It Works: Your Journey to Custom Sheet Music

  1. Share Your Audio: Provide us with a YouTube, SoundCloud, or Spotify link, or an audio file (MP3, MP4, M4a, MOV).
  2. Specify Your Vision: Let us know what you need: the instrumentation, any changes in key you need, and any other important details.
  3. Get Your Quote: Receive an instant price estimate based on your project’s scope.
  4. Prompt Turnaround: Normal turnaround time is 5-7 days, with a 2-day rush option available.

Elevate Your Musical Experience

Don’t let the complexities of music transcription deter you from preserving or creating your favorite tunes. Whether you’re a musician, composer, educator, or enthusiast, Tunescribers is here to transform your auditory inspirations into tangible sheet music. Contact us today to commission your custom music transcription and bring your musical vision to life.

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for August 2023 is Here

Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for August 2023 is Here!

“Life on Mars” by David Bowie

Written and recorded by David Bowie for his 1971 album Hunky Dory, “Life on Mars” is a glam rock ballad about a young girl who visits a cinema to escape reality, only to be disappointed by the experience and longing for a better life. The song’s surreal lyrics blur the lines between fact and fiction, with commentary about the film in the song and real-life issues (e.g., police brutality, Hollywood commercialization, mass tourism) being intertwined together. The main character’s daydreaming leads her to ponder the existence of life on other planets.

Widely considered to be David Bowie’s best song, “Life on Mars” has been praised for its surreal lyrics, complex chord structure, and soaring contributions by Mick Ronson (string arrangements, guitar) and Rick Wakeman (piano). Following Bowie’s death in 2016, the song was chosen for several tribute performances, with Lorde’s rendition at the 2016 Brit Awards being one of the most celebrated.

Typically sold for $12.95, the sheet music for “Life on Mars” by David Bowie is free during August 2023. This version is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Owain Jones.

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Fun facts about “Life on Mars” by David Bowie

  • Bowie originally wrote the song as a satire of “My Way” as performed by Frank Sinatra. “My Way” is an English reworking of the French song “Comme d’habitude”, a song that Bowie (pre-fame) had previously tried to rework into English but had been rejected by the French publisher.
  • The sound of a telephone ring, which had appeared in an earlier, unused take, can be heard at the end of the song.
  • Despite appearing on the 1971 album Hunky Dory, the song wasn’t released as a single for another eighteen months, during the height of Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust era.
  • In 2021 Rolling Stone magazine listed the song number 105 on its list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.

This performance of “Life on Mars” by David Bowie was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

 

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Introducing New Features: Get Custom Sheet Music From Spotify and iPhone Videos

You Can Now Get Custom Sheet Music From Spotify and iPhone Videos

Hello music lovers!

We are thrilled to announce some exciting updates to our website. These updates will take your sheet music experience to the next level. Our team has been working hard to enhance our services and provide you with even more convenient features and options. Without further ado, let’s dive into the new features!

Sheet Music Transcription From Spotify

Spotify is one of the most popular music streaming platforms, and we wanted to make it easier for you to share your favorite songs with us. Now, you can simply provide us with a Spotify link, just like you would with a YouTube link, a SoundCloud link, or an MP3 file. From there, our talented musicians will work their magic by ear and deliver high-quality sheet music for your chosen song.

If you don’t know how to get the Spotify link for a specific track, don’t worry! Check out Spotify’s help page on finding song links: https://support.spotify.com/us/article/share-from-spotify/

Sheet Music Transcription From iPhone Videos

For all the iPhone users out there, we have fantastic news for you! We now accept .MOV files, which means you can directly upload videos taken with your iPhone cameras.

This feature opens a world of possibilities, allowing you to capture live performances, jam sessions, or any musical moment you wish to turn into sheet music. Our skilled musicians will carefully analyze the video and create accurate sheet music arrangements for you to enjoy and share.

But Wait, There’s More!

We’re just getting started. These new additions are just a taste of what’s to come. We have an exciting lineup of features and enhancements planned for the near future that will further enrich your sheet music experience. Stay tuned for more updates and surprises, as we continue to innovate and cater to your musical needs.

We’re truly grateful for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. Your passion for music inspires us to push boundaries and create a platform that empowers musicians like you. We can’t wait to see what incredible songs you’ll bring to us next!

Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, let’s make beautiful music!’

Stay tuned,

Tunescribers team

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Free Sheet Music Giveaway For July 2023

Free Sheet Music Giveaway, July 2023

“Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” (1962), co-written and recorded by Neil Sedaka

It is common for an artist to revisit their past work. But it is less common for an artist to re-record and re-release their signature song in a drastically different style. But that is exactly what singer-songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka did with the song “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do.”

Recorded by Neil Sedaka, and co-written by Sedaka and Howard Greenfield, “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” was originally released in June 1962. It was an upbeat doo-wop number and a commercial success, climbing to number one on the Billboard Hot 100.

Then, 15 years later, to help revitalize his declining career, Sedaka would re-release the song as a slow piano ballad. This new version was inspired by singer Lenny Welch, who reimagined the song as a torch ballad five years prior. The move was a success: it reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100, and number one on the Easy Listening chart.

Now, you can reproduce the magic of the original “Breaking Up Is Hard to Do” (1962) by downloading your FREE copy of the sheet music today! Typically sold for $9.95, it’s yours free in July. This version is for solo piano.

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Fun Facts About “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” by Neil Sedaka

  • The song’s iconic scat intro (“come-a come-a down, dooby doo down down”) was made up on the spot, as Sedaka and Greenfield could not come up with a lyric to properly introduce the song.
  • The song has been covered numerous times, most notably by Lenny Welch in 1970 and again by the Partridge Family in 1972.
  • Neil Sedaka claims that the 1975 version of the song was inspired by Lenny Welch’s song “Since I Fell for You,” as well as the work of Dinah Washington and The Showmen.

This version of “Breaking Up Is Hard To Do” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Gatot A.

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Free Sheet Music Giveaway June 2023: ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police

The single artwork for 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police
'Every Breath You Take' by The Police

Written by Sting and recorded by The Police for their fifth and final album Synchronicity (1983), ‘Every Breath You Take’ is a mid-tempo ballad sung from the perspective of a possessive person, watching over their lost lover at every turn.

The song features an iconic guitar riff played by guitarist Andy Summers, who was inspired by Béla Bartók’s violin duets while recording the part. There is also a backing piano accompaniment that consists of individual notes, repeated over and over, sprinkled throughout the song’s bridge.

Download your free digital copy of the sheet music for ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police today. Typically sold for $9.95, it’s yours at no cost during June 2023. This transcription is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Ulrika A. Rosén.

Download Free Sheet Music

The single artwork for 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police
‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police

Fun Facts About ‘Every Breath You Take’ By The Police

  • To the dismay of Sting, the song has earned a reputation for being a love song despite the dark themes and lyrics.
  • In 2019 the song was recognized by Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) as the most played song in radio history, with an estimated 15 million radio plays.
  • Sting wrote the song in response to the public outcry from his affair with ex-wife Frances Tomelty’s best friend, Trudie Styler.
  • The song was ranked No.305 on the Rolling Stone list of 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2021.

 

This version of ‘Every Breath You Take’ by The Police was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Ranita B.

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Free Monthly Sheet Music Giveaway, May 2023

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf.

“Ain’t Misbehavin’” is a 1929 jazz and early swing song written by Fats Waller, Harry Brooks, and Andy Razaf. It was first performed by Paul Bass and Margaret Simms at the premiere of Connie’s Hot Chocolates – a comedy musical revue written by Waller, Brooks, and Razaf – at Connie’s Inn, Harlem. The show eventually made its way to the Hudson Theatre on Broadway in June 1929, where it was renamed Hot Chocolates and Louis Armstrong made his debut as director of the pit band.

By the end of 1929 there were six recordings of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by not just Waller but also Louis Armstrong, Bill Robinson, Gene Austin, Ruth Etting, and Leo Reisman and his orchestra. The song was then rerecorded with vocals for the 1943 movie Stormy Weather, further exposing the song to a much wider audience. Since then the song has been covered by a diverse range of artists including Bing Crosby, Billie Holiday, Sam Cooke, and country music artist Hank Williams Jr., to name a few.

Typically sold for $9.95, the sheet music for “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is free to download during May 2023. This version is arranged for solo piano and based on this performance by Stan Whitmire.

Download Free Sheet Music

Here Are Some Fun Facts About “Ain’t Misbehavin’”:

  • In 1978 a musical called Ain’t Misbehavin’ was released on Broadway. It celebrated the life of Fats Waller, featuring many of his most famous songs including the title track, and it also portrayed life in the 1920s.
  • Fats Waller posthumously received the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 for his 1943 version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
  • During the original Broadway run of Hot Chocolates, Louis Armstrong was only supposed to play “Ain’t Misbehavin’” as a trumpet solo to reprise the opening. However, his performance was so well received, he was asked to come out of the orchestra pit band and play it on stage.
  • This arrangement of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is played in the key of Eb major at 75 BPM.

This version of “Ain’t Misbehavin’” was transcribed by Tunescribers team member Joanne V.

Spring Sale Discount Continues in May

If you remember last month’s email, then you will know that we announced a Spring sale discount on all custom sheet music orders. The good news is that this offer is still ongoing and will continue until the end of May.

To save 20% off your order for a custom transcription, arrangement, and/or backing track, simply type in the code SPRINGSALE at checkout and you will claim the offer. You will receive the same accurate, high-quality work that you have come to expect from our supremely talented team.

 

 

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for April 2023

Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for April 2023

‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis

Written by Otis Blackwell and Earl Salmon Burroughs (under the stage name Jack Hammer), ‘Great Balls of Fire’ was recorded by American rock and roll musician Jerry Lee Lewis and released on November 11, 1957. It is Jerry Lee Lewis’s most popular and highest-selling single, selling over one million copies in the first ten days of its release in the United States.

The song is about a man falling in love with another, their exciting interactions (“You kissed me baby, woo, it feels good”), and the man feeling nervous but excited about the event (“I chew my nails and I twiddle my thumbs. I’m really nervous but it sure is fun”). The term ‘great balls of fire’ is a southern expression, one used to exclaim delight or surprise, and is thus used in the song to describe feelings of love and lust.

Download your free copy of the sheet music for ‘Great Balls of Fire’ performed by Jerry Lee Lewis today. Usually sold for $12.95, you can get it for free through all of April 2023.

Download Free Sheet Music

Here are Some Fun Facts About ‘Great Balls of Fire’ by Jerry Lee Lewis:

• The original 1957 Jerry Lee Lewis recording of the song was ranked the 96th greatest song ever by Rolling Stone.

• In the 1986 film Top Gun, the character LTJG Nick “Goose” (played by actor Anthony Edwards) plays the song in a bar. The song is then played again by the son of LTJG Nick “Goose” (played by actor Miles Teller) in the sequel Top Gun: Maverick.

• Despite the fruitful collaboration with session musicians, Sidney Stokes (bass) and Larry Lin (drums), on the original 1957 recording of the song, Jerry Lee Lewis claimed that he never played with them ever again.

• Initially, Jerry Lee Lewis was hesitant to record ‘Great Balls of Fire’ due to his religious upbringing, but he was eventually convinced to by Sun Records owner Sam Phillips. Jerry Lee quickly grew to love the song, injecting a high level of energy and enthusiasm into his performance.

This song was transcribed for solo piano by Tunescribers team member Angel P.

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20% Off Custom Sheet Music Orders in April and May 2023

Get 20% Off Your Custom Sheet Music Orders in April and May 2023

At Tunescribers we take enormous pride in being able to help musicians, performers, and teachers learn to play their favorite music at a fair and reasonable cost. That is why we are proud to announce our biggest sale ever!

For the whole of April and May 2023, you can save 20% off your order for a custom transcription, arrangement, and/or backing track. You will receive the same accurate, high-quality work that you have come to expect from our supremely talented team.

To claim this time-exclusive discount, simply type in the code SPRINGSALE at checkout and you will receive 20% off your custom order. This offer is valid throughout the months of April and May 2023.

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Your Free Sheet Music Giveaway for March 2023

Written and produced by Freddie Perren and Dino Fekaris, and then recorded by Gloria Gaynor (as the B-side to a cover of “Substitute” by Willie H. Wilson), “I Will Survive” was released on October 23, 1978.

A signature song for Gloria Gaynor, “I Will Survive” has earned a reputation for being a celebration of female empowerment, and a powerful anthem for the LGBTQ+ community, especially during the height of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The enduring legacy of “I Will Survive” is also evident in the number of diverse artists who have covered it, including the alternative rock band Cake, and the ‘Queen of Soul’ Aretha Franklin on her 2014 album, Aretha Franklin Sings the Great Diva Classics.

To mark the 45th anniversary of the original release of “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor, treat yourself to a free digital copy of the sheet music, arranged for solo piano, and based on a performance by Nazareno Aversa. Originally sold for $12.95, you can get it for free throughout March 2023. Grab your copy today!

Download Free Sheet Music

Here Are Some Fun Facts About “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor:

• “I Will Survive” was originally released as a B-side, to accompany a cover of “Substitute” by Willie H. Wilson. However, after the former significantly outperformed the latter, Polydor Records re-released it as a standalone A-side.

• “I Will Survive” was recorded near the end of a three-hour long recording session, with 30 minutes left to go. Since the song was originally intended as a B-side, it was recorded under the assumption that few people would actually hear it. As a result the backing track was mostly improvised.

• In the 2021 edition of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, “I Will Survive” was placed at number 251. This was a significant jump from the 2010 edition of the list, where it reached number 492.

• This transcription of “I Will Survive” is written in the key of A-minor, played at 80 Beats Per Minute (BPM).

This song was transcribed for piano by Tunescribers team member Wei F.

Exclusive Discount Code for Custom Backing Tracks

Want to learn a new song with an accurate, high-quality instrumental backing track? Now you can for less at Tunescribers! During March 2023, when you order a custom backing track valued at over $100, type in the discount code BT30 to receive 30% off your order. Our backing tracks are arranged and performed by highly skilled musicians, and you get a high-quality MP3 recording which you can play on any modern device. You’ll receive your backing track within a week of placing your order, and we also offer a 48-hour rush service by special request.

This offer is valid throughout March 2023.