Here's another post from our old forums that was lost in the switch.
Brian
Hi guys. I just discovered this website and I think it's awesome. Lately I've been doing a lot of online research looking for info on basically how to be a working musician since all I want to do is live a life of music. I eventually stumbled onto this site and I'll just say it's gold!
One idea I've been wondering about, and think it would make a good article, is how to make some money as a music copyist. Have any of you guys done any kind of freelance finale/sibelius work for people, notating, transposing etc? I get the sense that it's a pretty solid field of work in itself. I'd love to see an article talking about the ins and outs of being a music copyist whether having an all out business or just doing freelance work here and there using craigslist.
Thanks!
Dave
I do some copyist work, but it's freelance change-the-key / transcribe-a-tune kind of stuff. Probably not what you're looking for.
I do know how to get a hold of some copyists. We've been doing a series of interviews on the site recently, check out our interview with Ben Cohn. We could probably find a copyist to interview.
Can you help? Write down 3-5 questions that you would like to ask a professional copyist, and I'll find someone to send them too. You can list them here in the forum if you want.
What do you think?
Brian
Here are some questions that first come to mind:
1. So I'm a college graduate with good finale skills. Where do I start as a copyist?
2. How do the logistics work with this kind of freelance work - payment methods, cost, etc?
3. Who is the primary market for a small freelance copyist and what is the best way to advertise to them?
4. Where can a new copyist expect to go? What opportunities are out there?
