How to File Sheet Music

After years or even months of playing an instrument, it's possible to gather a large pile of sheet music. If you're tired of having to dig through the same large pile every time you want to find a piece to play, spend a few hours organizing and filing your sheet music. This will help save you time so you can spend more time playing.

Things You'll Need

• Sheet protectors
• Hanging file folders
• File folder labels
• Filing cabinet

Instructions

1. Divide your sheet music into two piles. Create one pile for sheet music that is in good condition and a pile for music that has some minor damage.

2. Purchase clear sheet protectors for the damaged sheet music. Separate the sheet music by song and put one song in each clear sheet protector. This will keep the sheets from being further damaged. Using a permanent marker, write the name of the song on the outside long edge of the sheet protector.

3. Separate your music into different genres. Create file folder labels for hanging file folders with the different types of music. For example, you may have a stack of music for classical, rock, alternative, oldies and worship music.

4. Alphabetize the music once you've divided it into different types of music. This will help you find each song easily.

5. Place the file folder labels in the hanging file folders. Again, alphabetize the different genres of music. When you place the music in the file folders, keep them in their alphabetized piles. As you file the sheet protectors have the side where you wrote the title of the song facing up so it's easier to find.

6. Make a basket for items to be filed and leave it close to where you keep your music. When you're done playing a song, put the sheet music back in this basket if you don't have time to file it right away. This will help keep all your music located in a convenient place. Take a few minutes each week to re-file all the music so you're basket doesn't get overloaded.