This guide walks you step by step through choosing and preparing sheet music using Musicnotes.
You do not need to read music.
You do not need to understand music theory.
If this feels confusing at first, that’s normal.
This guide is here to make the process simpler, one step at a time.
When searching on Musicnotes, use both the song title and the artist name.
This helps you select the correct version of the song.
You should see:
- the song title
- the composer or songwriter
- a preview image of the sheet music
If the title and artist match the song you want, you’re on the correct page.
Look for the section that lists the format or scoring.
You should see:
Piano/Vocal/Guitar
This is the format you want.
It works for singers, pianists, and guitarists.
If you see other formats, choose Piano/Vocal/Guitar.
Use the play button on the page to listen to the song.
The audio on Musicnotes is a simple vocal guide.
It helps you hear the melody and know which notes to sing.
The preview helps you:
- confirm you chose the correct version of the song
- try different keys
- get a general feel for the melody
After you purchase the sheet music, you will be able to play the entire song and sing along from start to finish.
A key simply means how high or low the song is.
Changing the key does not change the song.
It only changes where the notes sit in your voice.
Look for a button that says something like “10 keys available.”
Tap or click it to open the list of keys.
You may see:
- plus (+) numbers
- minus (–) numbers
- letters, sharps, or flats
You do not need to understand these terms.
- Keys with a plus (+) are higher than the original key
- Keys with a minus (–) are lower than the original key
What to do:
- choose one option
- listen to the preview
- sing along
- notice how your voice responds
You are looking for the version that feels the most comfortable overall.
It does not need to feel perfect.
If you are unsure, choose the original published key at the top.
That is always an acceptable choice.
Before purchasing, you will only see the first page of the sheet music.
This is normal.
On that page, you will usually see:
Guitar chords
These symbols tell a guitarist which chords to play.
Melody + lyrics
This is the part you sing.
Piano accompaniment
This is what the pianist plays to support you.
You do not need to read or understand this music.
This preview is only to confirm that you chose the correct format.
If your sheet music looks similar to the examples shown here, you’ve done it correctly.
After purchasing, Musicnotes allows you to:
- play the entire song from start to finish
- sing along using the full audio
- change keys if needed
- then print once you’ve chosen the best key
You may also see something like “1 of 3.”
This simply means you are previewing the first page.
The remaining pages appear after purchase.
Nothing is missing.
Students are responsible for preparing their own sheet music.
If you print your sheet music:
- print single-sided only
- make sure nothing is cut off at the edges
- ensure all notes, lyrics, and page numbers are visible
What may look unimportant to you may be essential for the musician.
If your song is more than one page, tape the pages together in an accordion style.
Lay all pages out side by side with the music facing up.
Join each page edge to edge using clear tape.
The pages should fold open like a zig-zag so the musician can move through the song without flipping pages.
Digital sheet music is acceptable on an 11”, 12”, or 13” iPad or tablet where pages can be easily viewed and flipped.
Musicians cannot read sheet music from a phone.
Do not email or send sheet music in advance.
Bring all sheet music with you on the day of your session.
You do not need to prepare perfectly.
You do not need to understand the music.
You only need to bring it.
If your Musicnotes screen matches what’s described in this guide, you are fully prepared.