Hal Leonard Sheet Music
First of all, what is sheet music? For those who are not familiar with it, sheet music is simply a single sheet of paper with musical notation (music) on it. It can be on a napkin, a notepad, or an 8-1/2″ x 11″ sheet of paper. Hence, the term sheet music. “Music written on unbound sheets of paper” is how the dictionary describes it. Hal Leonard is a popular publisher of sheet music.
Hal Leonard sheet music can come in various forms. Some of it comes in single sheets. The other form of sheet music is when it is compiled into a book. There are benefits and drawbacks to each type of sheet music. It is all sheet music, just presented in different forms.
One benefit of single sheet music is its ease of carrying; it is lightweight, and easy to use. It can be reduced in size and used in marching bands. Hal Leonard sheet music can easily be put into music folders and used during concert performances. Single sheet music is user friendly.
The drawback to single sheet music is the fact that it can get cluttered. It can be easy to rip the corners and fray the edges. It needs to be handled with care.
The other form of Hal Leonard sheet music is when it is compiled into a book. Books have the drawback of being cumbersome and can be heavy. Get a number of Hal Leonard music books in a backpack, and you better have a strong back to carry them. I have found that it is easiest to copy the songs I most need from my Hal Leonard books. Then, I carry the single sheet music. It is much lighter to travel that way. This is another reason I love sheet music.
Another drawback to some music books is the fact that music is ‘broken’ in strange places. I have noticed that more high quality publishers do not do this as often – if at all. It is similar to reading a book when you need to turn the page at the most inappropriate time. Hal Leonard sheet music in music book form does not do this.
I buy my Hal Leonard sheet music to serve many purposes. One purpose is served by compositions known as ‘practice exercises’. Practice exercises, a part of sheet music, provide me with a way to keep my musical skills in shape. For instance, there are fingering exercises, tonguing exercises, and scales. All these exercises are found on sheet music. Most practice exercises are compiled together into a music book (as just mentioned). These music books, also known as ‘practice books’ are a must for any practicing musician. They are all necessary to my musical career. Hal Leonard sheet music is a necessity for me.
Another reason I buy Hal Leonard sheet music is to play new compositions. I may get requests from others who want to hear new songs. I find the Hal Leonard sheet music and practice. How fun!
A feature that I particular like about Hal Leonard sheet music is the fact that some compositions are printed in larger print. That is an added convenience sometimes.
Some Hal Leonard sheet music uses note lettering in their beginning level sheet music. I find that confusing since I learned ‘the old way’. I hear it works out well for new students, though. This is another example of Hal Leonard sheet music’s versatility.
Overall, my Hal Leonard sheet music may come in various sizes and forms. I would not have learned how to play a musical instrument without any form of sheet music. I cannot imagine my life without it. I have received many a smile and compliment due to my playing my Hal Leonard sheet music. Life would be difficult without my Hal Leonard sheet music.
