Contemporary Scores, Sheet music, Arrangements, Transcriptions, etc...

[leoben]

Where can I find scores or transcriptions for contemporary music (Jazz, Blues, R&B, etc...) that are like the original recordings?

I'm teaching myself how to play piano (I know I should get a teacher..lol) I've made great strides but now I hit a wall. I can't progress as much as at first. I want to study the music and all its parts, the instruments, how they play with one another etc... Just like the way they do it in classical music. Where the composer tells you exactly what he wants you to play.

It seems that in contemporary styles (open to improv as they are) they only give you suggestions in the form of lead sheets, or progressions, with maybe a simple melody. Unfortunately for a novice its very difficult to navigate through this maze by his or herself. If they lack the technical experience and ability to harmonize they just wont be able to do it.

The reason why I'm asking is because I can't find decent scores out there of contemporary music. All Im getting is this hal leonard crap with double melody in the treble clef of piano part (ohhh so very frustrating!) and weak harmonies that are completely different than the song they are trying to arrange for. Its a massacre I tell you.

Soon (not soon enough Unfortunately) I will learn how to transcribe by ear, make my own arrangements, etc....But in the meantime I would like to study scores of great songs for piano like: You are so beautiful, Ordinary people, and the like

Thanks for responses

[ksnmohan]

Hi leoben,

I underook a Google Search for "Sheet Music Jazz and Blues" - plenty of sources are listed, some free downloads,  others against payment.

Pleae try them.

Best of Luck!

Prof K S (Mohan) Narayanan
Nusicologist, Composer, Teacher
Chennai, India