Professional Score Setting Services

Turn your handwritten music into a beautifully set manuscript

History

Originally, handwritten manuscripts were mechanically set using manual typewriters whose keys were converted from letters and punctuation to musical symbols. Page turns and line breaks were indicated on the original score by editors who then distributed scores to “typesetters”. Spacing of notes and rests were proportionally calculated line by line in the typesetters head before typing; a difficult task for large ensembles. First the staves were typed onto the page, then the notes, articulation and performance symbols were filled in. Strict rules governed spacing of notes within a measure and the direction of note stems. Afterwards, beams, ties, slurs and phrase marks added by hand using special calligraphy pens, compasses and French curve templates. Titles and lyrics added on a separate typewriter with special fonts. The average pay was 50¢ per line. After meticulous proofreading, the finished manuscript was sent to the engraver for printing.

Computer software automates much of the tedium involved in music score setting. Justification of line and note spacing is calculated by algorithms and multipart music is lined up automatically. However, if left alone, computer software default settings often lose the elegance their older typesetting predecessors. Therefore it requires an experienced eye to produce fine looking scores from computer typesetting software. Our scores are both accurate and pleasing to the eye.

Delivery

Music manuscripts can be shipped as computer files, electronically, or as printed sheets.

Print Formats and Quality

Printing is handled by home printers for personal use or by high-end postscript printers on acid-free paper for professional-archival purposes.

To learn more, contact james@bairdguitar.com.