Sheet music

Sheet music is a written or printed representation of music, using symbols to show pitches, rhythms, or chords for a song or instrumental piece. Like books in other languages, it was traditionally made on paper, papyrus, or parchment. Since the 1980s, it has also appeared on computer screens, with scorewriter programs that can notate music electronically and, in some cases, play it back using synthesizers or virtual instruments. The term "sheet" distinguishes written music from sound recordings, radio or TV broadcasts, or live performances captured on film or video. In everyday use, "sheet music" can refer to printed publications tied to a new film, TV show, album, or other popular event. The first printed sheet music using a printing press dates to 1473.

Sheet music is the primary way Western classical music is notated for learning and performance by singers, instrumentalists, or ensembles. Many traditional and popular Western music styles are often learned by ear, though sheet music versions may still exist. The term "score" is a common alternative for sheet music, and it can also refer to music written for theatre, orchestra, opera, ballet, television, or film—the latter being called a film score.

Elements of sheet music from the 20th and 21st centuries typically include the title on a cover or first page. If the piece comes from a movie, musical, or opera, the main work’s title may appear. The composer’s or songwriter’s name is usually listed, along with the lyricist if different, and the arranger if applicable. For old folk music, traditional songs, blues, bluegrass, or old hymns, the author may be unknown, and the word "traditional" is often used instead. Title pages for songs may feature illustrations from the lyrics; instrumental works may omit them unless the music is programmatic.

Musical notation varies by genre. In most classical music, melody and accompaniment are notated on a staff with round note heads. The staff typically includes a clef (like bass or treble), a key signature (e.g., four flats for A♭ major or F minor), and a time signature (e.g., 4/4, sometimes shown as a large C for common time). Music from the Classical period onward often indicates tempo with Italian terms like allegro or grave, and dynamics for loudness or softness. Lyrics, if present, appear near the melody notes. Baroque or earlier music may lack tempo or dynamic markings, as performers were expected to know them from experience. In contemporary classical music, composers may use their native language for tempo (e.g., "fast" or "schnell") or add metronome markings. These classical notation conventions, including English tempo instructions, also apply to sheet music for 20th- and 21st-century popular songs. Pop songs often show chord names above the staff (e.g., C Maj, F Maj, G7) for guitarists or pianists to improvise accompaniment. In jazz, many tunes use chord charts indicating chord progressions and form, though professional jazz players can usually read classical-style notation.