Music Copyist
What does a Music Copyist do?
What does a Music Copyist do?
A MUSIC COPYIST edits, organizes, and distributes the finished score from the ORCHESTRATOR to the cast, orchestra, creative team, and production team. MUSIC COPYISTS accomplish their task using notation software such as Finale, MuseScore, or Sibelius. They are responsible for every detail in the presentation of the final copy of the score and must consider how its appearance will affect the person using it.
Skills
Scoring | Transposing | Attention to detail | Notation Software | Organization | Music Theory
Pathways
Degree in Music Composition or Songwriting | Apprenticeships
How to become a Music Copyist
How to become a Music Copyist
Many colleges and universities offer degrees and concentrations in Music Composition, Transposing, and Scoring—all essential skill sets needed in order to become a music copyist. Post-college, most people seek out apprenticeships with established copyists or start independently by offering services in proofreading, transposing, and distribution.
Union/Professional Organization Affiliations
Resources
- George Heussenstamm’s The Norton Manuel of Music Notation
- Red-Hot Careers’ Music copyist RED-HOT Career Guide
- The Washington Post’s “A musical copyist makes sure a show hits all the right notes”
- The Finale Blog’s “Steven M. Alper on Preparing Music for Broadway”
NYC Music Services’ “NYC Music Services”