February 5, 201016 yr My opinion: Short: I believe in scores. The end. Semi-short: If people want comments on piece that are intended to be played by real people, then the score is more relevant to the mp3 rendering IMO. The real people will read the score, not the mp3. Its like reciting a play by an audio reading of Shakespeare's Hamlet. It doesn't work. Period. Don't be lazy, post a score. No one is going to steal your work: your not good enough to steal from. The only composers people are stealing from are the ones long gone and dead. (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, Tchaikovsky, Holst, Mahler, etc. etc. etc.) Exactly. Or the modern day equivalents (John Williams, Hans Zimmer, etc.) Scores are required for further depth analysis. But I've found that composers have a different perspective on music than the usual person, regardless of whether the score is available or not.
February 17, 201016 yr Well I hope this doesn't make people look down on me, but I don't post scores simply because I can't write them... I have about 1 year of music theory and 1 year of guitar lessons. I have been playing guitar for 8 years however. And have been composing "score" style music for the past year or so. I understand the basics of notation, but couldn't sight read to save my life. But just because I'm not formally trained in music theory and notation doesn't mean I can't create works of art for the ears. Sure it might be easier or better if I'd had more training, but music to me is but a side hobby, something to pass time, enjoy, and give me a sense of pride and accomplishment. I don't post anything unless it sounds the way I intend it to, so I want critiques on how my music sounds, not how it looks. I know my point of view isn't a very common one on these forums, but I at least wanted to get this in the open. As for music majors/professional/aspiring composers, I agree that scores would seem to be an important part of your upload. It doesn't make much difference to me because I can't understand them... but I can at least give critiques from an audience point of view based on how your work sounds. My conclusion? The need for a score is relative to the intentions of the composer. ;)
February 17, 201016 yr Hopefully, I don't seem like a complete noob, but I'd just like to quickly add my 2 cents: Most non-pros aren't going to affrord the money to get a live orchestra ($10,000 for 4 hours!!) That is actually the main reason I veered away from composition in notation programs. It just feels so much more rewarding to get a brilliant, realistic sound file and no score, than just having a brilliant piece but only ever realising the potential in your minds and a shoddy MIDI file to show for your work. However, to those worried about stealing, I would be furious if I was caught in that sort of situation, but then again, I'd be really happy. Wow, I'm so good at this people try to steal from me!! Another point is that people will tend to come back for the real deal, so in a way, they could actually help you with publicity and so. Even though plenty of people here will disagree with me, that's my opinion on this subject :)
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