Errors on Sheet Music

[The Real MC]

Back when I was learning to play, sheet music was a place to start. As my playing and ears progressed I realized that the only thing that was error free on most sheet music were the lyrics.

 

Even the sheet music for classical pieces can be wrong. If I'm looking for something, I pass on anything with the byline "Arranged by..." as it is a red flag.

[MotiDave]

Back when I was learning to play, sheet music was a place to start. As my playing and ears progressed I realized that the only thing that was error free on most sheet music were the lyrics.

 

Even the sheet music for classical pieces can be wrong. If I'm looking for something, I pass on anything with the byline "Arranged by..." as it is a red flag.

Arranged is code for not correct. Agree.

[PianoMan51]

I grew up taking lessons from a jazz pianist, but who also started me in classical.

 

I remember having WTF moments when he would occasionally tell me: "No, that's a wrong note in the printed music."

 

Later in college I got used to my teacher (who was a student of Bartok) telling me: "No, forget that stuff that (however had edited the Bach or Chopin sheet) had added."

 

Ten years ago I started in a bi-weekly Dixieland band. The charts were severely f'ed up. The bass player and I ended up using them for what we could get and then using our ears for the rest. This took about six months of playing to achieve.

 

I think this is true for every profession. Mistakes slip through and you have to use your full experience.

[Song80s]

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I think this is true for every profession. Mistakes slip through and you have to use your full experience.

 

I am more opinionated. I see a general decline in attention to detail the past +20 years.

 

There seems to be an attitude, of " I can skate by. Plus the rules will change in 6 months so trying to be perfect and/or thorough today is a waste of time. And I won't get caught ".