Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about our sheet music services, ordering process, pricing, and more.
Can’t find your answer? Contact us anytime — we respond within hours.
Have questions about our sheet music services? Browse our comprehensive FAQ covering ordering, pricing, delivery, file formats, revisions, copyright, and more. Whether you need music transcription, engraving, transposition, or proofreading, you’ll find the answers you need below.
Ordering & Pricing
Everything about placing orders, getting quotes, and pricing details
How do I place an order for sheet music services?
You can place an order by filling out our quote request form or contacting us directly by email. We’ll confirm details and send you a quote.
What files do you accept when placing an order?
We accept audio files (MP3, WAV), PDFs, handwritten manuscripts, images, and source files from notation software.
Can I send an audio file or handwritten manuscript for transcription?
Yes, we work with both audio files and handwritten music. We will convert them into clean, engraved sheet music.
Do I need to fill out a form or contact you directly via email?
Either works! Using the quote form helps speed up the process, but we’re happy to start via email if you prefer.
How does it work?
Request a quote or contact us with your file (PDF, audio, link). We’ll reply within 24 hours with a quote and delivery estimate. If you accept, we’ll send payment instructions. Once paid, we’ll begin work and keep you updated. You’ll receive the final score by email (PDF + optional formats). Let us know if you need any revisions — we’ll make sure it’s perfect.
How do I get a quote?
You can contact us via email, contact form, or the quote form. Attach your file, describe your project, and we’ll respond with a quote within hours.
Can you handle large projects?
Yes, our team is equipped to handle large-scale projects and deliver multiple transcriptions or arrangements in a short timeframe.
When are you open? When can I contact you?
You can reach out to us any time. We aim to respond within 1–4 hours, even on weekends. For phone/chat support, availability may vary, but we always reply as soon as we’re back online.
How can I contact you?
The best way is through our Contact Form or via email at [email protected]. We’re also reachable via chat on our website and social platforms like Facebook or Instagram.
How do you determine pricing?
We have different base prices for each type of service. Our prices start as low as $18/minute of audio for transcriptions and $10/page for copying/engraving. The final pricing is determined based on the length, style, instrumentation, and complexity of the project.
Is there a minimum project fee?
Yes. Most services have a minimum project fee of $39 USD (~$55 CAD). Some services have higher minimums: Music Arrangement ($49 USD), Music Composition ($99 USD), Orchestration ($199 USD), Session Musicians ($149 USD), and Vocal Mockup Productions ($49 USD). Vocal Tuning has no minimum — it is priced per track at $49 USD.
Do I pay before receiving the sheet music?
Yes. Full upfront payment is required before we begin work on your project. This is standard practice for online music services. If this concerns you, please contact us and we’ll find the best way to proceed.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes. We offer discounts on bulk orders and referrals, starting from 5% to 15%.
Turnaround & Delivery
Delivery times, rush options, and shipping details
What’s the typical delivery time for sheet music transcription or engraving?
Turnaround varies by service: transcription, engraving, transposition, and proofreading typically take 2–5 business days. Original compositions, orchestrations, and arrangements take 5–10 business days. Scrolling score videos, Synthesia tutorials, and vocal tuning are delivered in 3–5 business days. Rush delivery is available for all services.
Can I request same-day delivery for urgent music projects?
Yes, we offer same-day and express delivery options for an additional fee. Let us know your deadline and we’ll confirm the fastest possible delivery and provide a custom rush quote.
What happens if I have a strict deadline?
Let us know your deadline upfront. We’ll confirm whether it’s feasible and provide a custom quote if rush handling is needed.
Do you offer printed sheet music delivery?
Yes. We print and ship professionally bound scores in various sizes.
What paper sizes and options are available for printed scores?
Options include Letter size (8.5×11), Concert (9×12), Tabloid (11×17), Legal (8.5×14) and 12×18 sizes.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship worldwide with tracking. Shipping rates vary by region.
Files & Formats
Notation software, file types, and deliverables
What notation software do you use (Sibelius, Dorico, Finale, etc.)?
We primarily use Sibelius and Dorico. We also work with Finale, MuseScore, and Guitar Pro.
Will I receive both a PDF and the source file for my sheet music?
Standard delivery includes a print-ready PDF. Source files (Sibelius, Dorico, Finale, MuseScore, Guitar Pro, MusicXML) are available as a paid add-on on request.
Can I edit the score you send me?
Yes. We provide editable formats (Sibelius, Dorico, XML, or MIDI) depending on your request so you can make your own changes.
Can you match a specific publisher’s house style when engraving?
Yes, we can adapt to specific formatting guidelines or match an existing house style if provided.
Do you use transcription software?
No, all our transcriptions and arrangements are done manually by ear and input note-for-note using professional notation software.
Revisions & Refunds
Revision policies, satisfaction guarantees, and refund information
How many revisions are included with each project?
For objective services like transcription, transposition, and engraving, accuracy is guaranteed — we’ll correct any errors within the project scope at no extra charge. For creative services like arrangement, composition, and orchestration, two rounds of revisions are included. Additional revisions are quoted based on scope.
What if I change my mind after receiving the final score?
Minor adjustments are included in the revision phase — things like transposition to a different key, tempo changes, or small layout modifications. Major structural changes (adding new sections, reharmonization, combining separate projects, or fundamentally changing the direction) are considered new scope and require a new quote.
Can I request formatting or layout adjustments?
Absolutely. We can adjust layout, spacing, and pagination to suit your needs or publisher specs.
What if I’m not satisfied with the service?
We’re committed to your satisfaction. If something is off, we’ll revise until it’s accurate and meets your expectations.
Can I try your service before committing to the full project?
Yes. We can start with a short sample or portion of the work for a reduced fee.
Can you send me a free sample before placing the order?
We don’t offer free samples of your specific request, but you can view examples of our past work on our homepage and on individual service pages. We also offer small paid trials — we can start with a short portion of the work for a reduced fee before you commit to the full project.
Can I request a refund?
We guarantee 100% satisfaction. If the first draft doesn’t meet your expectations, we’ll revise it until it does. If we still can’t align on the vision, we offer partial or full refunds on a case-by-case basis.
Do you have any guarantee this is a safe service?
Yes. Music Notation Hub is a registered incorporated business based in Ottawa, Canada. Our website uses SSL encryption, and all payments are processed securely through Stripe. We have hundreds of positive reviews on Google and Trustpilot, with a track record of thousands of completed projects. Your files are handled confidentially and we’re happy to sign NDAs upon request.
Copyright & Privacy
Ownership, confidentiality, NDAs, and copyright questions
Do I need to own the copyright to the music I submit?
Not necessarily. If you own the copyright, the resulting sheet music is yours to use, publish, or sell freely. If the music is copyrighted by someone else, we provide the transcription for personal, non-commercial use only — you are responsible for obtaining any licenses required for commercial or public use. Public domain works require no permission.
Is my music kept private and secure?
Yes, we treat all submissions confidentially by default. Your audio files and project materials are used only to complete your project and are not shared with third parties. We may use anonymized excerpts of completed work for portfolio purposes unless you opt out in writing.
Do you sign NDAs for confidential projects?
Yes, we’re happy to sign NDAs upon request for sensitive or proprietary work. Even without a formal NDA, we treat all submissions confidentially by default and never disclose your original material without written permission.
If you transcribe my song, will I still own the sheet music rights?
If you are the copyright holder or songwriter, the resulting sheet music belongs entirely to you upon payment — you can use, publish, distribute, or sell it without restriction. We retain no rights to the deliverables. If the music is copyrighted by someone else, the transcription is provided for your personal, non-commercial use only. For copyrighted material, arrangement rights can be purchased via a separate buyout agreement — contact us for details.
Does transcription service violate copyright law?
Transcribing music for personal study, practice, and private use is a common and widely accepted practice. However, distributing, publishing, or commercially exploiting transcriptions of copyrighted music requires permission from the copyright holder. We do not provide legal advice — if you have questions about specific copyright situations, we recommend consulting a qualified attorney.
Can I sell your transcriptions online?
Only if you own or control the copyright to the original music. If the work is your original composition, you receive full ownership of the transcription and may sell, distribute, or license it freely. Transcriptions of copyrighted material belonging to third parties are provided for private, non-commercial use only and may not be sold or distributed without permission from the copyright holder. For copyrighted material you’ve had arranged, arrangement rights can be purchased via a separate buyout agreement — contact us for details.
Languages & Lyrics
Multilingual typesetting, IPA, and right-to-left script support
Can you typeset lyrics in foreign languages?
Yes, we support lyrics in all languages, including accent marks and special characters.
Can you align lyrics using IPA or phonetic guides?
Yes, we offer IPA transcription and proper alignment of phonetics for singers and language learners.
Do you support right-to-left scripts like Hebrew or Arabic?
Yes. We typeset in Hebrew, Arabic, and other RTL languages while maintaining correct musical alignment.
Custom Requests
Genres, instruments, arrangements, and special projects
Which songs can you transcribe?
We can transcribe any genre, style, or arrangement — from lead sheets to orchestral scores. Send us your request, and we’ll make it happen.
Which music styles do you transcribe?
All genres, including pop, jazz, classical, film, EDM, gospel, folk, and more.
Which instruments do you transcribe?
All instruments — piano, guitar, strings, winds, voice, orchestral, and more.
If I only want a portion of the song, do I have to pay the full price?
No. Just let us know the specific timestamps or sections, and we’ll quote based on that.
Can you create a karaoke or backing track?
Yes. We create backing tracks, orchestral mockups, and karaoke files using professional sample libraries or session musicians.
Can you adjust the transcription to my playing skills?
Absolutely. We can simplify or customize arrangements based on your level.
Can I see some examples of your work?
Yes! You can view examples of our work on our homepage and on individual service pages.
Can you help me frame a transcription for a gift or event?
Yes. We can prepare elegant layouts suitable for printing and framing.
Can you make a video tutorial to help me learn the piece?
Yes. We offer video tutorials like Synthesia for piano or interactive formats like Soundslice.
Can you develop my musical ideas into full songs?
Yes. We help clients turn melodies and lyrics into full songs and arrangements — including musicals.
I have a transcription but need it cleaned up. Can you help?
Yes. We offer proofreading and layout editing, as well as full musical review.
Technical Questions
File types explained, transcription methods, and learning aids
What is a sheet music PDF file?
A clean, printable version of your music that works across all devices.
What is a MIDI file?
A digital file containing playback info (notes, rhythms). Useful in DAWs or keyboards.
What is a Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore, or Guitar Pro file?
Editable files used in their respective notation programs. We can provide any format you need, including Guitar Pro files for guitarists and bass players.
What is a MusicXML file?
A universal format that can be opened in most notation programs like Sibelius, Dorico, Finale, or MuseScore.
If I send you a MIDI file, will that help the process?
It can help with note accuracy in some cases but often requires full cleanup, so we may still quote it like a normal transcription.
How do you transcribe music?
We do everything manually by ear — no AI or auto-transcription tools. Every note is reviewed by professional musicians.
Why not use an app for transcription?
Apps are inaccurate and messy. Our team ensures clean, readable scores with human musicality.
I’m not great at reading sheet music. Can you help?
Yes. We can add note names, large noteheads, fingering, or simplify the music to your level.
Do you offer educational versions of scores?
Yes. We can adapt scores for beginner learners with visual aids or simplified versions.
Still Have Questions?
Our team responds within hours. Reach out anytime for personalized help with your project.