Unatainible Sheet Music
Unatainible Sheet Music
#0Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 9:57amIs there anyway to get sheet music from shows without a published Vocal Book. I would like to use a peice from Violet by Tesori/Crawley but there is no vocal book for it. Any suggestions for this?
#1re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 10:02am
What you are asking for is ILLEGAL!
That said-check obscure book stores, and online.
#2re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 10:42amYou could always find a musically inclined friend to help you out and do melodic dictation.
JBSinger
Broadway Star Joined: 11/12/04
#3re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 11:13am
The easiest way to do it is to ask the composer/lyricist themselves. Check out the ASCAP or BMI websites to see where they are affiliated. They generally have a contact for the publishers of a certain song. Most times, its the composer's apartment or something. Write them directly and simply ask. 9 out of 10 times it works for me.
The other thing you can do but its more involved is to ask for a perusal score from MTI. It is more costly (deposit/shipping) but then you'll have the score to review for a while. I would definitely try the first method before going to MTI for the score.
#4re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 2:37pm
JBSinger - I tried that once with Jason Robert Brown and he flat out refused me - saying "I'm not in the music publishing business - you'll just have to wait along with everyone else"...
JBSinger
Broadway Star Joined: 11/12/04
#5re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 2:49pmYes, he was one who wouldn't/couldn't give me a song. Even a lead sheet! His assistant flat out lied to me about lead sheets existing. Eventually, I was able to get a copy of an unpublished JRB from a cabaret friend who sang it for a benefit. However, I have had much success with Sondheim, Kander, Schwartz, Menken, & R&H organization. It just depends. Good luck!
AnothaPartofMe
Broadway Star Joined: 5/22/04
#6re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 3:08pmHow do you actually approach a composer, whether through email or written letter, for a copy of their music?
JBSinger
Broadway Star Joined: 11/12/04
#7re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 4:02pmGenerally, I introduce myself as a singer-actor who appreciates their work (in a non-effusive sort of way) and that you would love to get a copy of "X". I also offer to pay postage or copying charges. Most of the time they just send no problem. The bigger names have all cooperated with me. The smaller names seem to blow me off. If you are in NYC there are so many venues performing new work where the composers are present. they are generally pretty approachable and you could just ask them how to get ahold of something. The Duplex used to hold New Mondays and now there are all those "Songbook" performances. Just be polite, respectful and don't ask for too much. Remember, they WANT people to sing their songs. :)
#8re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 11:30pmThanx guys. Well the show is close to 10 years old, and has no vocal book and isn't that popular. Thanx for the advice!
#9re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/10/04 at 11:41pmPM me - I can get you anything you need.
#10re: Unatainible Sheet Music
Posted: 12/11/04 at 1:41amIt is understandable that newer composers wouldn't want their music floating around for free. It is easy for a Sondheim (who will be getting money from West Side Story until the day he dies) to grant rights (which he does so extremely graciously and promptly). But for a Jason Robert Brown who hasn't established himself in that sort of a situation it is best to know exactly where your music is.
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