In the present times, different people accept piano sheet music in different ways. Those, who were forced to take piano lessons as a kid, may clearly have a much more negative attitude than those who weren't (or had taken lessons voluntarily). However, no matter what the attitude is, almost every man knows very little of piano music's social influence through human history.

Is piano sheet music an ancient art?

The oldest musical manuscripts, found at archaeological excavation sites, were written during Babylonian epoch. It is scientifically proven that in many ancient cultures there were many attempts of writing music notation. As a rule, these were different types of religious songs or tunes.

However, it was 1709, when first pianoforte was actually constructed, marking the birth date of piano sheet music as we know it. Of course, there were other keyboard instruments before XVIII century - harpsichords and organs, which had a different keyboard layout compared to the piano.

Organs or harpsichords were primary instruments for masterpieces written by Bach, Beethoven, or Mozart - compositions which are nowadays considered to be classics of piano sheet music.

What is the use of piano sheet music?

There is a lot of "beginner-level" sheet music for pianoforte newbie's to learn how to play. In general, the complexity of available sheet music varies from simple or average to the ones used by professional performers to play at Carnegie Hall. Any music sheet has two grids of five parallel lines, so-called 'clefs'. The upper grid is called 'treble clef', and the lower is 'base clef'.

Treble clef is used to mark every note from middle 'C' and up, and the lower notes are located at the base clef. Your goal is to read the sheet, determining a note, chord, or pitch required to play. The second important piece of information, located in piano sheet, is duration of every note you play. Duration period is marked by the symbol used to write the note. Having both notes and durations in front of the pianist, the whole composition can be performed without knowing it by heart.

Can I learn playing from piano sheet music?

It is totally possible, though a newbie will certainly require a lot of training. Nevertheless, when you gain firm knowledge of note symbols and their locations at piano keyboard, you'll be capable of performing more complicated pieces. Also, keep in mind, that modern music is available on piano sheets as well as classical masterpieces. Of course, you'll still be far from becoming a world-class performer, but being able to play your favorite music piece is a joy itself. Your nearby music stores will surely offer a wide choice of piano sheet music for any skill or musical tastes.

Summary:

It is scientifically proven that in many ancient cultures there were many attempts of writing music notation. However, it was the year 1709, when first pianoforte was actually constructed, marking the birth date of piano sheet music as we know it. Nowadays, available sheet music varies from simple or average level pieces to the ones used by professional performers to play at Carnegie Hall.