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Before recording: Use cassette only (CDs
can’t be “rewound” to the middle of a cut).
To record a cut from a recording:
-
First, listen to the recording.
Is each repetition of the tune the same?
And is it the way you play it?
If not, consider recording the tune live (see next section).
-
Advance the tape an inch or two past
the leader. Those first notes
are essential!
-
Include only the cut(s) having the
tune(s) to be transcribed. Record the entire cut of each tune.
If the tune is in a medley, record the entire medley and enter on the
order form which tune you
want (1st, 2nd, etc.)
To record live:
-
Advance the tape an inch or two past
the leader before pushing the Record button.
Those first notes are essential!
-
If possible, record in a quiet
place. If all you have is a
recording with background noise/speech (taped at a jam session, etc.), send
it, but note that such recordings may add time to process if the tune is
difficult to discern.
-
Play through the tune at least
twice, and exactly the same way each time (this is not the time to
demonstrate that you can’t make up your mind, or to show off your
creativity, unless the variations are to be transcribed, too). It’s OK to record fast tunes slowly, but play (or sing)
them up to tempo, too, so I know how they’re supposed to go (tempo has a
bearing on time signature).
-
There is no need to re-record due to
one or two small mistakes. Just
make a written note of the errors (don’t point them out while you’re
recording!).
-
Rhythmic accuracy is essential and
reduces transcription time. I
write what I hear.
When the recording
is finished:
-
Check that all tunes/songs are
complete and sufficiently audible on the tape.
-
Wind the tape to the beginning.
-
Label the tape on the side the
tunes/songs are recorded on.
I don't have
perfect pitch, just very good relative pitch. If you want the key to be other than what's on the tape, I can
do so easily.
For songs on tape, include typed copy of the lyrics with chords accurately placed
overhead with
capitalization and punctuation the way you want it.
The process: From your cassette, I
rough out each tune on paper before typesetting it, using Music
Publisher software. If you want chords, I may send you a preview copy so you can
enter the chords by hand where they belong unless it's already evident to me by ear. In any event, you'll get something to proofread and mail back via snail mail. I can mail you hard copy of the finished work(s),
or send via email attachment in MS Word or in a .pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
file. See the order
form for details.
- I've
gotten some fairly messy ones (see the before-and-after
sample), although the neater you make your copy, the
better.
- For vocal scores, please type, capitalize and punctuate the
lyrics way you want them. Lyrics written ALL IN CAPS don't tell me
what's supposed to be capitalized. If lyrics in caps are already on
the manuscript, type them on a separate page with appropriate capitalization
and punctuation.
- Double-check all notes for line or space placement on each staff to be sure
that, for example, second-line G on the treble staff really looks like a G
instead of almost an F.
- Make a copy of all drafts for your safekeeping before mailing, and send the most
readable copy to me; penciled drafts may not photocopy clearly.
About the transcription process
When I receive your materials, I
listen to your recording "recreationally" for a while to let the
sounds sink in. Only when I begin to put pencil to paper does the clock
start running on the hourly rate.
Once all notes
are entered in Music
Publisher, I will email or snail-mail you a copy for review before entering lyrics, should I
have questions about time spacing. In any event, you'll get
something to proofread and mail back via snail mail.
When the typesetting is completed I can mail you hard copy of the
music,
or send it via email attachment in MS Word or as a .pdf (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
file. (Note: I prefer to send sung responses for church-service bulletins
in MS Word. If your computer is compatible with Word, you can easily size
the music graphics to fit your bulletin's dimensions.)
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