Requests are now but a click away

The requests feature is a component of the Members' Fora, but it seems that few dare venture there. ;) I don't know why. The fora are your ultimate friend because you have the opportunity to express yourslf freely. Whatever you need, be it a score, an audio recording, help with software, something you'd like to share ... it can all be done through the fora.

Post your requests there. View the requests that others have made. Tells us all about your favourite new recording or old-time fave.

We don't bite !! ;)

You will have to fill out a registration for everybody's security sake. But that takes only seconds. After that you will have free rein...

So come and visit the fora. Let's get talking!

Tip: Midi files as a tool

You may have already seen the large increase in Midi files now online. What are they good for?

If you are looking for a score that is still under copyright, a Midi file can be a good alternative. There are several examples of notation software, Finale and Sibelius being the most popular, that allow you to import a Midi file. Once imported, the software treats the data as if you played it all in yourself. Hence you can edit the data or simply print out the score from the software itself. Voila! You have the score. Most of these Midi files are produced by professionals, so you really do get a credible score out of it.

The other great use for Midi files is if you are wanting to produce an arrangement of a piece of music. Rather than having to play each part before getting into the arrangment, Midi files have all that leg work done for you. Load the Midi file into any software sequencer and you can dive right in to the real creative part... not that playing isn't creative... ;) But if you have some ideas you want to try out, you can dive right into them while the iron is hot... before the creative spark dies.

So in some aspects Midi files can be better than scores. They will never replace them but Midi files definitely have their place in the Music Studio.

As always... Happy music making !

-=Hemingway=-

Vocal scores are excellent resources

If you have checked into any vocal scores or read the 'terminology' pull-down, you know that vocal scores consist of three elements:

• a staff of the notes sung by the soloist(s)/choir
• the words or libretto sung
• two-staves of piano accompanyment

This makes vocal scores great resources in several types of situations.

For instance, you can listen to your favourite opera or choral work and follow along in a much simpler environment. You really don't need a full score for this... unless you really want to. You can also sing along very easily. ;) [but please don't disturb the neighbours]

Also, and this is especially great for pianists, you have ready-made piano music to extract your favourite instrumental passages for playing. You can even re-score your favourite arias as piano solos.

For in-depth study of a piece, there's nothing like the full score. That's why, as much as possible, I like to give you the choice of both types of scores. And now you know why there are so many vocal scores online here.

I sincerely hope you are enjoying the library. Oh, and I just added another 160 major works, including all the Mozart symphonies listed individually on their own page. You can access it from the main Mozart page.

Welcome to all visitors and members

It's hard to imagine, but in less than 5 weeks we've grown to well over 4,000 premium classical scores online.

I'd like to draw your attention to a small feature on the downloads page. Just below the current file additions pull-down notice you will see "For information on dealing with problem PDF files...Click HERE". Please be sure to click on that prompt. If you ever run into problems with a PDF file you've downloaded from here or anywhere, that is a resource you are going to need. It's a great tip I ran into just yesterday.

Are you looking for something particular? If we don't have it yet, leave a request in the "members' forum".

New Additions in the Download Area

Another 100+ files have been posted in the download area. Many of these ones are major 19th century operas, but there is a good amount of other great music too. Check out the pull-down information post on the downloads page. Remember, you can also check new file posts from the 'Show New Posts by Date' menu item under the Music Library banner.

I am going through my list of essential music and posting these items first before going on to other music. I sincerely hope you find these additions useful.

Have you told your friends about Hemingway's Studio yet? Building a community here depends as much on you as it does me. But I am very happy that we are getting visitors like you to these pages. This all started just a few short weeks ago and already people are finding the library of good use. That makes me feel really good !!

More scores and sheet music added

I have just added another 95 files to the download area. Check the pull-down listing there for details.