How can I (a musically illiterate person) hear some old sheet music?

March 2, 2020 11:56 AM

I am researching family history for a documentary project. One ancestor was a member of a military group that had its own music called "Owen's Quick Step". The sheet music for this march is in the Library of Congress. Ideally I could hire someone to record the piano piece for me to use in this project, but I don't know how to go about this. Can anyone advise?

This is the LOC sheet music.

posted by jefficator to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

I have used MuseScore to enter sheet music in. It takes a little bit to get used to the hot keys, but once you do it seems to be about the fastest way for a non-musician to get some rendition of something you've got sheet music for.

And it's free (I actually pay for a subscription to the site 'cause I get value out of that) and musician friends who have real DAWs also use MuseScore for composing and song entry.
posted by straw at 11:58 AM on March 2, 2020 [3 favorites]

This is not too difficult for a decent piano player. If there is a music conservatory or university with a music program in your area, any of the piano majors could play this for you. Most of the schools would also have some sort of recording studio available on campus (often in the music/performing arts buildings or the library) and if you don't mind if the actual quality of the recording beign less than professional, it should be fine. Many of these schools have boards where the public can post flyers looking for musicians. Offer to pay a small sum and I guarantee you that you'll get a response.
posted by acidnova at 12:03 PM on March 2, 2020 [1 favorite]

This seems like a job for Mefi Jobs.
posted by madcaptenor at 12:12 PM on March 2, 2020 [9 favorites]

Seconding Mefi Jobs. If you want someone local, and you don't have a nearby college to draw from, call a few piano teachers. I'm sure one of them would be able to record a song for a fee.
posted by ananci at 8:04 PM on March 2, 2020

I play in a band with a buddy who does lots of sheet-music piano reading for acting audition reels. MeMail if you want me to put you in touch.
posted by lauranesson at 3:12 PM on March 5, 2020