Musical transcription: a process of self-improvement

Abstract

This article is part of the research I am developing for my professional master's degree in music. Based on semi-structured interviews with bass teachers from the Escola de Música de Brasília and using a consistent literature review, I elucidate the motivations and techniques used by musicians to transcribe music, in addition to discussing the flaws and positive aspects of this technique. It was possible to observe that motivations, as well as techniques, vary as much as the existence of musicians who transcribe, and that, despite being criticized, musical transcription, especially that aimed at musical and interpretative improvement, remains common among professional musicians and music students.