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![Scanned image of the current content page](https://crowd-media.loc.gov/musical-theater/1906-to-1909/2016748208/5.jpg)
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![A digital collage of various items of colorful musical theater sheet music from the Library of Congress. Visible titles include A la Broadway, "The eyes of youth see the truth" from Cohan Review 1918 (featuring an image of a stage with women performers in dress of the time), Her Majesty's Ship Pinafore by Arthur Sullivan (featuring a caricature of an admiral on a sailing ship), "Flower of the Ranch" (featuring a running horse and beautifully rendered red poppies).](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/CampCard_MusicalTheater.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=HrxYyXc9nbCz0qQUMay9O%2FABtns%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
Transcribing Sheet Music of the Musical Theater
In this campaign, we aim to transcribe nearly all text found in these 16,000 pieces of sheet music from 1880-1922.
Our goal in transcribing sheet music text is enabling keyword search and improving discovery.
This transcription project may not suitable for all volunteers. Some items include potentially offensive and racist language and views, which reflect both their time and circumstances.
![Screenshot of a page of By the People illustrated instructions for - includes an actual page of sheet music with annotations showing which information should be captured in a Library of Congress transcription.](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/SheetMusicDOs.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=tP46wB2LXgfR11%2B18BtuMf5qex4%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
DO transcribe
Capture the sheet music's descriptive text, including titles, lyrics, publication information, and advertisements.
You should also transcribe tempo markings, such as moderato, allegro, allegretto, etc.
Transcribe these in the order they appear on the page.
![Screenshot of a page of By the People illustrated instructions for - includes an actual page of sheet music with annotations showing which information should not be captured in a Library of Congress transcription.](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/SheetMusicDONTs.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=e%2FOpfmp5ABc14er6%2BoFwlKyUxZ8%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
DON'T transcribe
Do not transcribe musical notation, such as time and key signatures or dynamic markings.
Do not transcribe hyphens within lyrics.
![Screenshot of a page of By the People illustrated instructions for - includes an actual page of sheet music with annotations showing which information should and should not be captured in a Library of Congress transcription.](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/SheetMusicMoreInfo.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=drRVcgFqdi9%2Fw5EWgo5JQW2V4fk%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
Learn more
We've created an illustrated guide to transcribing sheet music to help you along.
View and download it here: Transcribing Sheet Music PDF.
![Black and white photograph showing a sign nailed to a fence in front of a wide flat prairie with no other discernable features. Sign says "watch out for prairie fire match & cig"](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/ContentWarning3.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=ngDFqO1wwk7aJChRujJD0B7t%2BmI%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
Not suitable for all transcribers
Because of potentially offensive and racist language and views, which reflect both their time and circumstances, this transcription project may not suitable for all volunteers.
We have many other collections available for transcription on our Campaigns page.
![Screenshot of the By the People transcription interface showing the open "How-To" guide which includes the headers:
About This Campaign
Get Started
Transcription: Basic Rules
Transcription: Things to Avoid
Transcription: Printed Text & Images
Transcription: Unusual Text
How to Review
How to Tag](https://crowd-content.s3.amazonaws.com/card_images/How-To.png?AWSAccessKeyId=ASIAZAMZA3WH5JHBWF3H&Signature=T8o%2Baz6j0UUk409NUQqOAfKIg7Y%3D&x-amz-security-token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjED8aCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIQC4HuhggIca%2BtBzqqNXYfedSLDtlP8VaLM%2F%2BDVxLYz8zgIgfmJTjLgiwEdls6EnvLiRP9IoXZVRH5sBj0es6p%2BwjGwq7AMIRxADGgw2MTkzMzMwODI1MTEiDLg5Pb5XRolNDa66xSrJA6K0TuDzHyNN92BKM4Q0nr0aDsNryTW7V%2FTj5HV%2FI7OVE7bkhBNfD%2FPIy6Oo5xertgMlFqJsR680zQiYNwYNd0zftCQUgOADlyVo8ZBIx0nS%2BaUmHaCzycDz49JGP17WbdXnid%2BPaHDGhvGiYlT%2B0NWfDMBETVcxLrlccclRCufqh7sCJWzHkXaqFB7LO93A3RyZnIXymA%2F5yG1PIKm7VFHQgV%2FFLUQUvlVXpYn%2F0ALQSb5r%2FioPfBqmgiuaGg1NKuxYFl7iSaWti81vCFBLLrwmLK1jjMvb7iLhro4bSduGMVMBjoj%2Frw3nuZwngWsP4sk%2FV%2B9ho%2BcabqR3Skyiojs8CI0FSrYCnPWHWkMYmuT35AqlR6CuUpQWBRa4sVe5Vw29uTqH9OfDjyzgV9qTiw%2F%2FhYZZSIbonCoqV8LZtuBTughK3adinGyKoaunqHWN4Zywb8YAuaE4tRbflft4mxGvjbtttvSdAmvpmB%2F4Pspx0YFcaG0vUAjlhGK4nFHRt1%2FZzI9FWvy%2B472R2Vpmf0XOQXsCXQbGvbWH8%2B%2B0ivsH5JhfRLKiLoukXlT069FmoJQ9sj4L8rHvYg5OGhYjVxLLO6I91xrxowow7IbZvAY6pQHns78wIuDXMjpBAOj0xeKGohuocW7xjZYuTDJX5Mp57YHUf9a0MFvPxJotHxbLinBGBDm2rAm%2BHva%2FjBQlP%2Bfp8r0A%2F%2FThROO2bMc8%2Bly0%2Bc8MEqEuxfWlYdO8gaNFGwpLUOLJTk4NrvYs2dm6CrHoZlvHfrTMY25ouEYPUsK8x%2Bnj5yBUdvuHMC1ag4LGCoXC%2BDgzANl%2F8FS9xSbEkQNOW9ZCjGM%3D&Expires=1737905149)
Need more help? Check out the How-To Guide
You can access full instructions at any time while transcribing or reviewing. Just click the blue How-To Guide button above the transcription box.
The guide also includes campaign descriptions and other helpful context under "About This Campaign".
View or print instructions in a separate webpage by visiting How-To at the top of your screen on any page.