The Beauty of Holiday Sheet Music In The High-Tech World Of Today

                                                       The Beauty of Holiday Sheet Music In The High-Tech World Of Today
Jeff Pike
    December 2, 2024


FORWARD NOTE: When searching for sheet music these days, I regularly use and highly recommend Sheet Music Plus

Happy Belated Thanksgiving to everyone, and since this is the first day of December, I wish you a very Merry Christmas Season. Throughout the Thanksgiving season, I have been partaking in some intense soul-searching and expanding my gratitude list for who and what I am thankful for. My list is long, and I assume it might contain much of what yours does. For all who know me, it would come as no surprise that music and all it entails is high on my gratitude list. As I pondered all the beautiful things about music I am thankful for, one seemingly obvious lifeblood of music came to mind - sheet music, especially holiday sheet music.

I grew up in a musical family and started learning to read music at a young age when I began guitar lessons at 10. I started reading vocal sheet music when I joined my first school choir at 13 and piano lessons at 16. Throughout school and college, sheet music was a part of my daily life. Then, when I entered the "real world" and followed my career path, I slowly began to find that I did not rely on it as much. I was blessed with a very good ear and could listen to most of the music I needed to learn and figure out accurately and quickly. (NOTE - This was many years before the internet and YouTube) However, knowing I could easily track down the sheet music was a blessing if I couldn't. (ANOTHER NOTE - If you don't use it, you lose it) I believe this overlooked gratitude has come back to the forefront of my mind because this past year, thanks to some incredibly talented friends and the projects we are pursuing together, Gino Vannelli, Greg Goebel, Eric Baumgartner, Olivia Ivey, and Paul Tate have brought sheet music regularly back into my life. I have quickly discovered I am a bit rusty, but I am slowly getting back up to speed, and with the holidays now here, I may have some free time to practice more.  

I have deeply loved classic Christmas music ever since I was a small child. I have a lifetime of memories that revolve around singing in school choirs, church choirs, and community choirs, around a piano or organ with my Mother and friends, and, going back many years, my Grandmother and her family. Since there is so much good holiday music and many songs are only sung around one time a year, sheet music was a necessity for one reason or another.

Sadly, as technology has grown, the sheet music industry is not what it used to be, and many titles are no longer easy or even possible to find. However, some online sheet music companies do exist. The one I use now regularly and recommend highly is Sheet Music Plus. I have been thinking a lot about this topic this past month, and in my new blog, I delve into why sheet music is a wonderfully beautiful musical and social tool during the holiday season. Enjoy, and never be afraid to sing loudly.

The Beauty of Holiday Sheet Music In The High-Tech World Of Today

In today's digital world, where almost everything can be accessed at the tap of a screen, it is easy to forget the simple pleasures and practical advantages of physical sheet music—especially during the holiday season, when music plays such an essential part in family gatherings, performances, and seasonal joy. While apps and digital platforms offer convenience, there is something uniquely timeless and satisfying about holding a piece of holiday sheet music in your hands. Here are some of my thoughts on why physical sheet music should remain a cherished staple for musicians and music lovers alike, even in this high-tech world.

1. A Tangible Connection to Tradition

The holiday season is all about tradition, and what could feel more nostalgic than turning the crisp pages of a songbook filled with carols, hymns, and festive classics? Physical sheet music connects us to the past, recalling memories of family sing-alongs by the piano or playing in a school band concert. It is a bridge to the holiday magic of previous generations. The tactile experience of flipping through a favorite collection of holiday songs can evoke a deeper emotional connection to the music, something a screen cannot replicate.

2. A Screen-Free Zone

In a world where screens dominate nearly every aspect of our lives, physical sheet music offers a rare opportunity to disconnect and immerse yourself fully in the music. This is especially important during the holidays when family time and mindfulness should take center stage. Whether playing "Silent Night" by the fireplace or performing a lively version of "Jingle Bells" for a holiday party, using a printed score helps you stay present in the moment, free from notifications and distractions.

3. Perfect for Ensembles and Group Settings

Holiday music is often about coming together. In these settings, physical sheet music is much easier to manage than sharing a screen. Everyone can have their own copy, no one has to deal with the brightness of screens in a candle-lit room, and you can quickly make notes or mark specific passages as needed. Passing around digital devices can also feel impersonal—there's a community aspect to handing out sheet music and creating music together without the interruption of technology.

4. Reliability and Accessibility

We've all been there: the app crashes, your battery dies, or the Wi-Fi goes out just as you're getting to your favorite song. With physical sheet music, none of those technical hiccups are a concern. You don't need a charger or a signal—just your instrument, your voice, and the music in front of you. It's a reliable option whether you're performing for a crowd or enjoying a quiet moment alone.

5. Customization and Markings

Musicians of all skill levels know the importance of marking up their music. Maybe you need to slow down the tempo on that tricky run in "O Holy Night," or highlight a dynamic change in "Carol of the Bells." Physical sheet music lets you easily jot down notes, fingerings, and reminders directly on the page, personalizing the music to your needs. While digital apps sometimes offer annotation tools, they rarely match the ease and immediacy of a pencil or pen in hand.

6. Aesthetic and Sentimental Value

There's something undeniably charming about the look and feel of holiday sheet music. Whether it's a well-worn book of Christmas classics with vintage illustrations or a beautifully printed score of modern holiday favorites, sheet music can be a part of the festive decor. It's not uncommon to find old music books passed down through generations, with notes from past players adding a layer of sentimentality to the experience. Those markings and doodles become part of the family's musical history. Digital music may offer instant access to an infinite catalog, but it lacks the tangible warmth of physical scores.

7. A Great Gift

For music lovers, a thoughtfully selected piece of holiday sheet music or a festive songbook makes a wonderful, personal gift. It's a present that invites creativity, nostalgia, and joy. A beautifully bound collection of carols or holiday songs is a keepsake that can be revisited year after year, unlike a digital file that can easily be forgotten or lost in the shuffle.

Conclusion: A Timeless Treasure in a Modern World

In a world that's constantly pushing us toward the next big tech advancement, there's something special about slowing down and embracing the analog. Physical holiday sheet music offers a connection to tradition, reliability, and a more profound experience of the music itself. While digital tools have their place, when it comes to the holidays, sheet music's physical form stands as a timeless reminder of what the season is truly about—gathering together, making memories, and sharing in the joy of music.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas filled with the music of the season.

Jeff Pike