Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: transcriptions (Read 2406 times) previous topic - next topic

transcriptions

The leader of my big band asked me to do a transcription of a chart she has on CD.
I have been using NWC to do this - what a great program!
My question is this:
Does anyone know what the going rate is for doing such a transcription
(she insists on paying me for my time and effort - not that I'm complaining...)?

Re: transcriptions

Reply #1 –
I've used NWC extensively for jazz band scores for the past couple of years. On the average, it takes between 20 and 30 hours for a typical 17 instrument chart.  That's just notating and printing - all the hard work has already been done by the guy who listened to the recordings, figured out the harmonies and rhythms, and painstakingly put them on paper so I could have a score to work with.

Guesstimate how long the project will take you. If you're not experienced, you're talking many many hours.  (You might find Amazing Slowdowner (http://www.ronimusic.com/)helps.)

I suggest you check with your local musicians' union The going rate will vary, of course, depending on where you live and the standard of living in your area.  You could check with your local musicians union for the going rate (scale) for an arranger or copyist.  Use google.com to search for the musicians' union local nearest to you.

Another guideline is, how much does a similar big band arrangement cost at the local music store or from some other source?  (Keep in mind that that price is based on being able to market the charts widely.)

My recommendation is to refuse the money unless you need it or unless you make your living with music.  After income tax, it's going to be only a fraction of what you are paid, and doing business with a friend destroys the friendship.

If it's a modern recording, why not call the leader of the group that recorded your chart?  He or she might be willing to sell you a copy and save you a LOT of time and effort.

Also, what's the name of the piece you want to transcribe?  Maybe someone looking at this forum might know where to get a copy.

Re: transcriptions

Reply #2 –
I has taken about 18 hours; I just have to add the piano and guitar comping stuff.  The recording is a 17-piece chart (plus vocalist), but we have 14 (actually 13 because our vocalist [the band leader] is one of our altos), so I am rearranging it as I "take dictation" off the CD.
I think I will check out the Amazing Slowdowner you mention; too bad I didn't ask this question before I started working...
A similar big band arrangement will cost around $40-$50, but if published, a chart could sell a thousand(s) copies.
I can't say that I make my living with music, but I have no other job than musically-related things.
As for getting an already-done copy of the chart, it's not going to be available for some time (my band leader just can't wait...), otherwise she would just buy it.

Re: transcriptions

Reply #3 –
What is the song?

You may be able to sell me a copy.

BTW: I use Amazing Slowdowner for transcription - excellent!

Barry Graham
Top Brass Events Band
Melbourne, Australia
http://www.topbrass.com.au
 

Re: transcriptions

Reply #4 –
The song is Perfidia, Linda Ronstadt version.