The Jazz Transcription Service
What instruments are you
able to transcribe?
Anything melodic. I can’t
do know any form of tablature, i.e. either guitar or drum, but in general
terms I can cover pretty much most other things, such as piano, vibes,
woodwind, brass, scat harmonica or guitar (normal staves). Just ask if you
have any queries.
Do you include chord
symbols
I will generally include
chord symbols in all transcriptions I undertake. The default is that I will
follow the chords of the main head where appropriate. If you require me to
undertake a more in-depth analysis of what is being played over what, this
will require more time and cost more but can be done.
Do your piano
transcriptions cover both right and left hand?
Again, as a default I will
always do this. If you want just the right hand melody transcribing in any
solo then please let me know when enquiring. Obviously, this will take less
time and cost less.
Can you transpose to any
instrument?
I can and frequently do
this for horn players. If you would like a piece transcribed to a different
pitch then please let me know at the outset. I will generally follow the
pitch of the instrument I am transcribing, i.e. Tenor saxophone in Bb.
Can you tell me about your
guidesheets?
This is something I’m able
to put together if you want a bit of general information about comping over
a particular track or part of a track. I’m able to put together a couple of
choruses giving examples of the sort of phrasing and harmony that is being
used on any recording, to assist you in learning how to perform a piece of
music.
How much detail do you
usually put on your leadsheets?
The default will usually
be to set out the melody with key changes. Please see
this example
for further details. If there is anything peculiar going on underneath the
melody or other artistic detail that I consider key to the performance, I
will usually try to record this as well. If you know when seeking a quote
that you are going to require this further detail then you are better
letting me know at the outset to avoid disappointment.
How long will it take you?
It depends on how long and
complicated the section of music is that you would like transcribed. This is
not my day job and I have a young family which takes up a lot of my time as
well. I am generally able to dedicate an hour or two to this each day.
How do I get the recording
to you?
I have a fairly extensive
library already, so it is worth enquiring as to whether I already have the
track. If not, you can e-mail it to me as an MP3 or other format, zip it and
e-mail it, or upload it to a service such as
filejumbo.
How do you take payment?
I ask for payment by
paypal before the transcription is undertaken. At that time I will try and
give you a realistic timescale for the transcription and set to work.
How much do you charge?
My standard hourly rate is
£15 per hour, however my quotations and charges are assessed very
generously. Even if I go over the time on which that quotation is based,
which I frequently do, you will not be charged you any more.
If I have an older
recording where the pitch wavers, can you overcome this?
This is something I’ve
been able to do in the past. Where you have concerns over a recording you
are sending me or from which you would like a transcription take, it is
always wise to give me a guide note or key of the piece to refer to.
If anything is not quite
right on the transcription, can you correct it?
This seldom happens, but
on the rare occasion where anything is wrong on not to your liking I am able
to go through and amend the notation as necessary at no extra charge. This
can sometimes happen with old recordings, where, particularly on the higher
register notes, there is a little pitch ambiguity.
What software do you use?
Transcribe and Finale.
You say that Jazznote is
an educational service, tell me more.
The transcriptions I put
together are designed exclusively with a view to helping any student of
music to better understand the performances of their favourite artists.
This FAQ list is always
going to be a work in progress, so if you have any sensible queries not
already listed here then its likely they will appear.