Curating a 'Core' Sheet Music Collection

Hi everyone,

In todays post I will be talking about curating a 'core' sheet music collection.

What is a 'Core' Sheet Music Collection?

A 'Core' sheet music collection is made up of pieces that are essential for your development; and also these pieces everyone should learn at least once on their instrumental journey.

Research

I would highly recommend that you do some research to find out what pieces would form part of your 'core' sheet music collection. Youtube is a good place to start, as once you start looking it should start to give you an idea of what everyone whose learning/ playing your instrument has learnt and played in the past. Also, look professional musicians  who play your instrument; and see if you notice any pieces repeating, as this should also give you an idea.

Make a List

When you do your research; make a list of any pieces that you repeatedly come across by professional musicians. This will provide you with a starting point to help you to start building your 'core' sheet music collection.

Extended Repertoire Lists from Exam Boards

I'm aware that some music exam boards offer an 'extended repertoire' lists for the practical music graded exams to give you more choice on what you like to do for your practical graded music exams. Within these 'extended repertoire' lists they contain 'core' pieces from well known composers. The more classical repertoire usually starts around Grade 3. 

* ABRSM & Trinity College both offer 'extended repertoire' lists for all grades.

Explore Different Publishers

Have a look into publishers to see if they offer the pieces of music that your interested in. You might find that quite a few publishers offer the same piece of music. This will enable you get a range of different prices, different editors; and some editions even offer a variety of different cadenzas and also information related to the piece/s that you have purchased. My personal favourite publishers are Henle and Barenreiter.