Full Time Piano Transcriber
Unlike working at a call center providing customer service or making dozens of sales calls, you’ll be able to work your transcription job from home and set your own hours. This means you can fit it around your own schedule and still make money while being able to enjoy a variety of other hobbies like playing music, writing, reading or spending time with family.
While some musicians find this job very rewarding, others struggle with it. Transcribing is a difficult process and can be overwhelming for someone just starting out. The key to success is to break it down into manageable chunks. Start with a simple song or solo and gradually build up to more complex pieces. Aim for a few minutes of attentive transcribing every day, free from distractions and without rushing. Over time, this will help you develop your musicianship and improve your performance on your instrument.
It’s also important to note that transcribing is a different skill than learning to play by ear. While the two techniques can be used together, they accomplish different goals. Playing by ear involves listening and translating what you hear into the sound of a musical note in your own voice or an instrument, while transcribing is the process of recording the sound of the music on a staff, which can be read and learned like any other sheet music.
How to Be a Full Time Piano Transcriber
When you’re ready to transcribe, choose a high quality recording of the piece and listen to it at least once through. This will allow you to pick out the main parts of the melody or harmony and determine the length, tempo, key and instrumentation of the piece. Once you’ve determined this, use a keyboard or MIDI-compatible digital keyboard to mark down the notes you hear as you listen. You can also use transcription software programs such as Sibelius and Finale that will automatically mark down the notes for you.
Depending on the complexity of the piece, you’ll then need to write it down in notation format. It’s best to practice this at the piano, since it’s easier to finger and is a more traditional instrument for transcription. It’s also helpful to be able to hear what you’re doing, so having a good set of headphones is essential.
It’s easy to get caught up in the “all or nothing” mindset when you’re trying to transcribe, but this will only slow you down and discourage you. It’s better to start with a short section of the music, rather than a full solo. This way, you can focus on the parts of the music that interest you and be confident you’ll have the skills to work out the rest later. As you continue to transcribe, you can move on to more complex pieces and eventually, even entire songs. The more you do, the more confidence and skills you’ll gain.