Music copying and engraving

The essence of music copying and engraving is creating fully-realized, higher-quality versions of existing sheet music and scores, in both physical and digital formats. Using modern software like Finale, Sibelius, and Dorico, we can correct errors, fill in gaps, and make new performance options possible, while maintaining the highest standards of design, layout and craftsmanship.

We have worked with thousands of existing pieces in a wide variety of formats, sizes, ensembles, and notations, ranging from decades-old handwritten scores, MIDI files, and countless music notation files of all formats and sizes. By working with your style guide or by creating one for you, our attention to detail ensures that your music will be properly showcased for performance, publishing and reproduction, with deliverables in the notation software format of your choice, print-ready PDFs, or printed music.

NYC Music Services has been recognized with eight Paul Revere Awards for Graphic Excellence from the Music Publishers Association.

Engraving a new edition of Copland’s “Appalachian Spring”

Licensing and publishing agent

Today's composers have more opportunities than ever to showcase their music and engage directly with performers. Many composers want to self-publish their music, allowing them to have complete creative control and enjoy a larger share in downstream royalties.

With composers in demand not only for their music, but for personal appearances, residencies, teaching, and other duties, the complex mechanics of music licensing, printing, shipping, and fulfillment need full-time attention. NYC Music Services has bridged this gap, serving as the publishing agent for some of today's leading composers, providing services such as:

  • Negotiating agreements with performing organizations and licensees
  • Streamlining the music acquisition process
  • Maintain high-quality materials by leveraging our music preparation abilities
  • Making music available for sale in PDF or printed format from Notation Central, the official store of NYC Music Services

Representing self-published composer Quinn Mason at The Kennedy Center

Music printing, binding and shipping

Tired of taking your music to the local print shop, only to not have them understand the particularities of music printing? Let us do the work.

Simply send us PDF files, or music notation files in Finale, Sibelius, Dorico, or MuseScore format, and we can professionally print and ship your music — even if we didn’t prepare the music.

We’ll take a look at your files to make sure that they’re set up correctly for printing and work with you to correct any issues before they hit the press.

Services include:

  • Scores of any size up to 11”x17”, printed and spiral-bound
  • Parts or scores at 9”x12”, booklet folded and saddle-stitched
  • Parts and scores taped accordion-style for recording sessions or special performance situations
  • Full color printing on cover stock
  • Library and fulfillment services
  • Rush messenger service within New York City from our Manhattan location
  • Express and ground shipping service domestically or internationally

Preparing, printing and shipping music for Carnegie Hall’s Link Up program

 

Music transcription and takedowns

Transcribing music by ear is one of the most difficult musical tasks, but it can also be the most rewarding: it can save important or groundbreaking work from being lost to history.

We can transcribe music from audio or video recordings and re-arrange it to suit your needs.

Music transposition

We’ve all been there: your favorite song is in E-flat, but you need it in A-flat for your make-or-break audition. Our music transposition service can take any piece of music and transpose it to any key.

We have transposed everything from standard lead sheets to full orchestral opera scores. We can also transpose individual instrumental parts, like a trumpet in D to trumpet in B-flat.

Transcribing music by ear to bring “Adventures of Superman” back to life

Orchestration

NYC Music Services’ Philip Rothman has orchestrated more than 30 features appearing in theatres worldwide and on prime-time television, including the Emmy-nominated HBO films Taking Chance and You Don’t Know Jack, the critically acclaimed Showtime TV drama Ray Donovan, and the compelling PBS documentary series Faces of America.

Our approach involves taking composers’ sketches and MIDI mockups and transforming them into expertly orchestrated compositions that are ready to be recorded by studio musicians, all while meeting the demands of a fast turnaround.

Orchestration for film and television

Consulting and instruction

There are many Sibelius and Finale resources out there, but the best way to really learn the software is through customized instruction.

Whether you’re just getting started with the software and need a general overview, a more experienced user looking to take your skills to the next level, or an advanced user in need of customized advice, look no further.

You’ll schedule an appointment with Philip Rothman, expert Sibelius and Finale user, owner of NYC Music Services and principal editor of Scoring Notes, the authoritative web site about music notation software and related technology.

For group sessions, please contact us.