I am often asked what books I recommend that focus on preparing scores and parts for performance and publication. Below are the books that I own and reference.
- Berklee Contemporary Music Notation by Jonathan Feist (2017).
Includes everything you need for creating readable scores and parts. Jonathan’s writing makes this a fun and informative read. If you only want to purchase one book on the topic, start with this one. - Behind Bars: The Definitive Guide to Music Notation (Faber Edition)
by Elaine Gould (2014).
One of the most comprehensive texts dedicated to music notation. 600+ pages. An indispensable reference. - Music Notation: A Manual of Modern Practice
by Garner Read (1966, 1971)
A classic book on the topic and one of the first. It provides information on the history and proper practice of conventional “classical” music notation - Music Notation: Preparing Scores and Parts
by Matthew Nicholl, Richard Grudzinski (2007)
Excellent information on page layout and design. - Music Engraving Today: The art and practice of digital notesetting (second edition)
By Steven Powell (2003)
Comprehensive text with lots of specific score examples. - PAS Guide to Drumset Notation
by Norman Weinberg (2002)
If you write for drumset, this is an indispensable book. - Music Preparation Guidelines For Orchestral Music
by MOLA (Major Orchestra Librarians Association)
An in-depth, succinct list of recommendations for score and part preparation. - Standard Music Notation Practice
Music Publishers’ Association (1996, 1993)
Free download. Some helpful information. - The Art of Music Copying : The Preparation of Music for Performance
by Clinton Roemer (1973, second edition, 1985).
An oldie, but a goodie. One of the first books I read on the art of music preparation. Out of print, but worth it if you can find a copy at a reasonable price.
Do you have others to add to the list? If so, please post a reply below.
This is a really good list of resources. And I’m not just saying that because of the kind comments about my own book….. Mine was absolutely informed by many of the others on this list. We all stand on the shoulders of Gardner Reed.
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