Music Transcription

Yes, and there is no degree in music theory required. A variety of music notation software can transcribe a live recording of a polyphonic or monophonic musical composition into sheet music.

One example is ScoreCloud, which can handle MIDI or audio files and provide intuitive editing and syncing across all your devices.*

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

If you’re the songwriter, then it is not illegal. Where you might wade into the murky waters of copyright and intellectual property is with any attempt at transcribing a piece of music that you do not own. This is the same as when a performer attempts to perform a piece of music by a famous artist or an arranger releases a remix of a popular song.

If you are going to transcribe a song, you should choose one within your playing ability. After it is transcribed, listen to it. Automatic music transcription will likely need some tweaks. Once you have the music notation version ready, you’ll want to pick out certain parts of the music to play back for a closer listen. It’s easiest to start with the bass line and then test the music transcriber’s version on a musical instrument. If you can listen and play the instrumentation simultaneously, you should be on the right track to create your sheet music.

The best music transcription software on the market now includes Sibelius, Transcribe!, ScoreCloud, AnthemScore, Soundslice, and MusicTrans.*

*Upwork is not affiliated with and does not sponsor or endorse any of the tools or services discussed in this section. These tools and services are provided only as potential options, and each reader and company should take the time needed to adequately analyze and determine the tools or services that would best fit their specific needs and situation.

Transcription services typically charge by the minute for sheet music transcription. On average, a transcriber can charge anywhere from $18 to $35 a minute for music, but rates can vary based on the transcriber's experience and the complexity of the music.

A common automatic music transcription software is AnthemScore.* It allows users to convert audio recordings in MP3, WAV, and other audio files into sheet music or guitar tabs. It also includes powerful editing tools that enable the transcriber to tweak notes, beats, and time signatures. The transcriber can then print and save their music as a PDF, a Midi file, or an XML file.