I have lyrics for a bluegrass song but I need music written for it so it can be performed. This my first and only song. How do I get music written for it? Thanks.
jordu
For many, you just accomplished the easy part. Do KNOW any bluegrass musicians? What instruments do you have in mind? Who's going to perform it? You just want to have a recording, or break open the country music awards? What may help would be describing to your musician/accomplice how it should sound. Like Earle & Merle doing a breakdown, or Vassar Clements on fire? A melodic women's trio...bluegrass...aye... any music has endless items to communicate to your musician of choice. If yer song doesn't fly don't think they hate you. (well, depends) Just keep on writing. They'll get better. Good luck. Long trips start with the first clog..er...step.
bookworm14
Hello. Thanks for your reply. No, I don't know any bluegrass musicians. The instruments should include guitar, mandolin, bass, violin, and banjo. I have a definite idea of how it should sound, but I am not a singer either. I could tape a vocal, but how does that get me to the printed music? That's what I need, the score. Where do I go?
jordu
To get started, lots of bluegrass musicians don't need to read music. Give out a set of changes(chord patterns) and they'll use their own strengths to apply. The best can read or 'ear it-either way. Watch out when trying to get violinists to play fiddle. They ain't both & the same. One way to get the song sketched out as a starting point for SOMETHING to work with would be to whistle or "la la la" it to a wave to MIDI converter program. Lots of them here
http://www.hitsquad.com/smm/win95/MIDI_CONVERTERS/
and there's a Mac page too. If you can, start yer singing or whistling on a 'real' note from a piano or what. Good picks would be A or E, maybe C or G. ONE of them should be in your range. Once you have a MIDI file, it can print notes. Again...many options, or it'll make heiroglyphics look easy. If you don't know or play, you'll really need some help. Guaranteed the song won't be YOUR song the way you envisioned it, so be open minded to something good that others suggest. Musiicians might be found at a local Musicians Union office, pegboards at music stores. People toting cases in public. Google search for them in your area. Amazingly good players you've never heard of (real jobs interfere) are all over the place. And a good idea on the side might be to get some guitar lessons. You won't believe the inspirations you can get, even by accident. Good hunting. There are players out there with lots of toons & no words. Maybe find a fit you never expected.
