At WINDS SHEET MUSIC, a characteristic and crucial aspect of our work is
the 'accuracy of our sheet music'. On this page, we dive deep into our
commitment to transcription and explain our rigorous approach.
Perfect pitch, and more so 'advanced perfect pitch', is an essential element
in accurately transcribing intricate and complex pieces of music.
In addition, a keen sense of rhythm for accurately recognizing performance
rhythms, knowledge of music theory such as harmony and counterpoint, the
ability to recognize keys and cadences, and familiarity with music notation
and composition are essential to transcribe what is heard accurately onto
the score. Knowledge of conventions for different instruments and an understanding
of the characteristics and techniques of each instrument, as well as practical
experience in instrumental performance, are also critical. Moreover, proficiency
in using music notation software is necessary for creating suitable and
practical scores.
All of our transcription staff possess a high level of perfect pitch. Our representative, Mr. Otomo, who has over 20 years of experience in
transcription, and our dedicated transcription staff who have passed rigorous
recruitment examinations, create scores based on our company's unified
notation rules. The scores are repeatedly proofread at our headquarters
to provide customers with the best possible product. We do not outsource
any work and conduct all operations in-house. In addition, we use the top-of-the-line music notation software, "Finale 27," to create scores.
There are transcription support software available today that make it easy
to transcribe by analyzing pitch from sound spectrums. However, we do not
use these tools at our company. The reason is that we believe transcribing
by ear on your own is faster and more accurate.
These types of transcription support software have unique problems, such
as incorporating overtones and resonances, which can affect the accuracy
of the score. Although they are certainly useful for minor transcriptions
at the amateur level, at the professional level, the use of analysis software
results in more disadvantages than benefits, and there is no need to go
to the trouble of using such tools.
At our company, we have continued this business under the philosophy of
providing our customers with a completely faithful score, thoroughly analyzing
every note in detail, by excellent transcription staff who possess highly
advanced perfect pitch and musical theory.
Even for difficult parts, such as those with many notes in a chord, the
use of dissonant chords, similar-sounding instruments with similar movements,
or extremely low volume, we transcribe accurately while checking each constituent
sound for its resonance. In complex pieces with intricate performances,
we even identify the distinction between keystroke sounds and overtones/resonant
sounds based on the harmonic generation rule according to the chord and fingering.
Naturally, we do not make any shortcuts such as relying on arrangements that follow
the chord.
We also accept transcription requests for specified parts only, in addition
to transcribing all parts. We transcribe even very detailed ad-lib performances
faithfully without simplifying them. For fast performances, the key is
to increase the resolution that can independently recognize each small
movement of the sound. At our company, we have developed methods for taking
in sound sources and thoroughly train our sense of pitch, enabling us to
transcribe fast-playing parts with extreme accuracy. We listen repeatedly
until we get the sound right, without compromising and by carefully exploring
each and every note.
We faithfully transcribe all the performance details from the first to
the last measure without any omissions using repetition symbols such as repeat signs, first/second endings, and Da Capo (D.C.) or Dal
Segno (D.S.) markings. This is because even if a section is repeated, it
is rare that the exact same performance is repeated two or three times,
with slight changes usually made to the second iteration. Additionally,
commercial scores often rely heavily on repeat symbols such as D.C., D.S.,
first/second endings, which require repeatedly flipping back and forth
through the pages and can cause confusion and errors while performing.
To alleviate the stress and risks associated with page-turning, we generally avoid using repeat symbols, although we do use them when
appropriate for MIDI performances or pieces with long sections of exact
repetition, as this can improve the ease of use for the score.
For piano and keyboard, we accurately distinguish between the left and
right hands. If the hands are close together, it may be difficult to distinguish,
but in such cases we analyze the actual movements of the hands based on
factors such as the length of time each key is pressed, the distance between
notes, and changes in sound caused by the pedals.
For woodwind and brass instruments, we take into account the subtle differences
in tone and pitch caused by the instrument's unique fingering. We also transcribe all embellishments commonly used in solo performances.
Transposing instruments such as clarinets, saxophones, trumpets, and horns
are transcribed with the appropriate transposition. We can also transcribe
for concert pitch (in C) for the same price, and can create transcriptions
for both concert pitch and transposing instruments. For transposing instruments
that are substituted with an instrument in concert pitch such as a piano
or keyboard, we recommend transcribing in concert pitch.
For instruments such as guitars and horn sections in big bands that use
multiple instruments of the same type, we transcribe each instrument separately
instead of condensing them into one or two parts. (However, we can also
transcribe to a condensed format if requested.)
For guitar, bass, etc., we also offer the creation of accurate tablature (TAB notation) based on detailed analysis. We can accommodate special tunings and capos as well. Creating accurate
tablature requires extensive knowledge of the instrument's playing techniques
and methods. Only by utilizing perfect pitch and music theory on top of
this foundation and thoroughly analyzing the sound source, can we finally
create truly practical tablature.
For vocal notation, the method of rhythm notation varies depending on the
language of the song. Even if you request vocal transcription without the
option of adding lyrics, we generally assign notes to each syllable of the lyrics. This allows you to accurately add lyrics yourself. In addition, for vocal
notation, we create wider gaps between notes to make it easier to input
lyrics.
Perfect pitch (Absolute pitch) is the ability to identify the name of a
musical note without any reference to other pitches, simply by hearing
a musical sound - sound with a regular vibration - such as a spoon striking
a glass, a clock alarm, a bird chirping, or a car horn. It's as if the sound enters the ear as the words 'Do Re Mi Fa So La Si
Do'.
Listening to music using perfect pitch is like watching a magic show from
the opposite side of the stage. You can see through the tricks. To put
it another way, it's like being able to see the framework of a building
as if it were transparent. You can understand the structure of the music
without looking at the score. The more you listen to music, the more you
can learn about the mechanics of music by intuitively feeling it in your
body.
However, perfect pitch alone is not sufficient for practical musical activities.
It needs to be combined with the ability to recognize changes in pitch,
such as the ability to detect when "do" has changed to "re,"
relative pitch, and knowledge of music theory, such as chord progression
and meter. By combining these abilities with perfect pitch, one can accurately
and intuitively discern each note and the key of the piece when listening
to music, even without reading the score.
Is absolute pitch necessary for transcribing music? Our company's stance
is that advanced absolute pitch is necessary for transcribing difficult music.
It is essential for a transcriber to possess a high level of absolute pitch. However, for transcribing at a general level, it is not necessarily required
to have a high level of absolute pitch. In an octave, there are only 12
notes from "Do" to "Si," so if the melody or bass line
consists of single notes that differ greatly from the movement of other
instruments, transcribing with the help of music theory or relative pitch
is possible to some extent. Various transcription support tools may also
have a certain effect depending on the situation (however, relying too
much on them may lead to a decrease in pitch sensitivity). In addition,
for transcribing percussion instruments such as drums (excluding those
accompanied by musical sounds such as timpani), absolute pitch is generally
unnecessary.
However, when transcribing instruments with chords or parts that are difficult
to hear even as single notes, the presence or absence of a high level of absolute pitch greatly affects
the accuracy of the transcription. Absolute pitch enables the extraction of each note in a chord and allows
for the accurate and efficient determination of the constituent notes. It is impossible to transcribe at a level that satisfies all customers
without absolute pitch. Of course, the ability to understand instruments
and music, recognize fast movements of sound, distinguish between fundamental
and harmonic tones, recognize keys and chords, and make accurate judgments
based on a wide range of performance experience and technique are also
important factors for accurate transcription. However, even if a transcriber
excels in these areas, without a high level of absolute pitch, there are
limits to transcribing difficult music. A high level of absolute pitch has the power to strongly support these
abilities, making it an indispensable tool in transcribing music.
For those with perfect pitch, sheet music is like "paper that produces
sound." By looking at a musical score, they can mentally hear the content and
"listen" to the sound. It is even possible to sight-read and
perform all parts of an orchestral score in their head. As a result, they
can easily notice simple and common mistakes in the sheet music they create,
such as forgetting to add sharps, flats, or naturals. Music often produces
discordant sounds when even slightly out of tune, but for many performers,
it can be difficult to identify errors in the sheet music. These mistakes
can be quite significant. One notable mistake that often appears in transcriptions
made by those without perfect pitch is forgetting to add accidentals.
The most challenging part of transcribing music is analyzing chords. Identifying the component notes of a chord requires more advanced pitch
perception than analyzing fast-paced playing. When individuals without perfect pitch transcribe music, they may accurately
identify the chords, but they may have incorrect numbers or arrangements
of the component notes, or they may overlook the existence of small notes
behind louder notes or add extra notes or harmonies from other instruments.
This is because they cannot clearly recognize individual notes and instead
rely on theory and intuition to guess the chords. As a result, it often
leads to the transcriber's "arrangement", rather than a precise
transcription. This is the main reason why performances of sheet music
may feel "off" or "not quite right."
It is recognized that perfect pitch is not a binary choice of either having
it or not having it, but rather a difference in degree of how much one has it. In other words, everyone has perfect pitch to some degree, and no one
has absolutely none of it. To give an example, humans are able to distinguish
colors such as "red," "blue," and "yellow"
just by looking at them. Colors are a type of electromagnetic wave that
differ in wavelength of visible light. Humans recognize the difference
in wavelength of visible light as "colors." Similarly, pitch
(or tone) of sound is determined by the difference in wavelength of sound
waves, and anyone can distinguish whether a sound is "low" or
"high" by listening to it. This means that they are able to recognize
the difference in wavelength of sound waves as pitch. By improving this
recognition ability, one can eventually identify all 12 pitches within
one octave. This level is generally defined as perfect pitch, but not having
reached this level does not mean that one does not have perfect pitch.
Moreover, it is not widely known that there is a level beyond this. Perfect
pitch, which can accurately transcribe all music, is insufficient at this
level, and a higher level of perfect pitch is required.
When one's level of perfect pitch exceeds a certain threshold, they are
able to instantly name a single note, and become aware that they have perfect
pitch, which enables them to transcribe music by ear. However, at this
level of perfect pitch, the ability to transcribe music is limited to very
simple pieces. There is a significant difference in the degree of perfect
pitch among people who possess it, from those who can recognize the sound
of a single note played on an instrument in front of them, to those who
can accurately transcribe complex chords in poorly recorded music. While
there are many opinions that "perfect pitch is not necessary for transcribing
music," the accuracy of transcriptions varies depending on the difficulty
of the transcription and the level of perfect pitch. Therefore, it is considered
more accurate to say that "a high level of perfect pitch is required for difficult transcriptions,
while even a low level of perfect pitch is not necessary for easy transcriptions." Moreover, people who believe that they do not have perfect pitch
but can transcribe music may be performing only low-level transcriptions
that do not require perfect pitch, or they may actually possess some degree
of perfect pitch and are unconsciously utilizing it while transcribing.
However, the transcriptions made by such individuals often contain many
small errors.
Utilizing music theory can also be a powerful tool for transcription. By narrowing down the potential chord progressions using theory, transcription
becomes easier. The harmony theory regarding chord progressions based on
closely related chords is particularly effective. Especially in the case
of chord progressions for chorus, pads, and strings, the so-called "pad
playing" note arrangement, it is very important to consider counterpoint and harmonic theory.
Creating readable and consistent sheet music is crucial in music transcription.
Inconsistent sheet music refers to those with inconsistent use of accidentals,
note duration, modulation timing, and bar line position, particularly in
sections where the same cadence or phrase is repeated. To create consistent
sheet music, attention to detail is necessary for each individual note,
as well as a comprehensive understanding of the overall musical structure. Consistent sheet music is easier to read and reduces the effort required
to read it.
It is also important to use appropriate notation based on the performer's style, genre of music, and
musical instrument. For example, in a fusion music with intricate rhythms that require advanced
playing techniques, it is necessary to accurately transcribe the rhythm
and note duration to faithfully represent the performance. On the other
hand, in a ballad with improvisational solos that require the performer
to play with emotion and nuance, a sheet music that is too rigidly accurate
may not be suitable. In this case, it is better to adjust the notation
to reflect the performer's rhythm and phrasing while maintaining accuracy
and consistency. This process requires balancing accuracy and consistency, and our company takes pride in our ability to achieve this balance.
Optimizing the layout of the entire sheet music, including the notation font, size of the staff, and number of measures
per line, is crucial for readability. We use the latest version of the
top-rated music notation software, "Finale 27," which offers
a wide variety of notation fonts that we carefully select for each piece
of sheet music.
Notation fonts have their own unique features and characteristics. For
instance, fonts that excel at identifying single-note heads are often used
for vocal, violin, saxophone, and other single-note instruments, while
fonts that excel at identifying chords are often used for piano and guitar
music. Fonts that excel at displaying very small notes, such as those found
in fast solo pieces, are often used for such music pieces. Fonts with good
visibility of key signatures and accidentals are often used for songs with
many key changes or frequent modulations. However, as there are many factors
to consider, we comprehensively judge and select the fonts for each piece of sheet music
based on the overall balance, readability, and ease of performance. Additionally, customers can specify their preferred notation fonts. If
you have a particular font in mind, please let us know when placing your
order. You can also specify the font for text elements such as song titles.
Furthermore, the notation of pitch and rhythm varies depending on the instrument
being used. Each instrument has its own convention for notation, and we
create sheet music based on the notation method that follows this convention.
Therefore, if the transcriber is not familiar with the instrument being
played, the resulting sheet music may be difficult to use, even if the
pitch and rhythm are accurate.
On the other hand, if the purpose is to edit and play the transcribed sheet
music using MIDI instead of playing it with the actual instrument, the
notation method is significantly different from that used for performance
purposes. For example, ornamentation symbols need to be notated with the
actual pitch value, or they will not be accurately reflected in MIDI. Also,
for guitar, it is necessary to notate the actual chords instead of using
the abbreviation symbol (slashes) for strumming.
We inquire about the purpose of the sheet music when we provide a quote
to our customers, because the appropriate notation method varies depending
on its use. For each song, our experienced transcriber, who is familiar
with the instrument, is assigned to perform the transcription, and multiple
personnel confirm the content to ensure that the sheet music provided is
"ready to use."
Creating easy-to-read sheet music is our transcription philosophy, along
with accuracy. We aim to deliver sheet music that is not only "correct," but
also easy to use and consistent with its purpose. We repeatedly check the
sheet music we have created and provide it to our customers only when we are 100% confident in its quality.
The know-how of our music transcription is refined as we gain experience,
and our sense of pitch also improves over time. Our music transcription
techniques, which have been honed through numerous requests from customers
since our establishment, are sure to meet your expectations. We take great pride in our absolute confidence in the accuracy and readability
of our sheet music! Please leave your sheet music creation to us!
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