By SingMusicalTheatre.com
Whether you’re a singer preparing for your next audition, a teacher looking for fresh material, or a musical theatre fanatic collecting your favorite scores, choosing the right sheet music platform can make a huge difference. Today, we’re diving into three major platforms that serve performers in very different ways: MusicNotes, Sheet Music Direct, and New Musical Theatre.
Overview of Each Platform
🎵 MusicNotes
MusicNotes.com is one of the most widely used digital sheet music platforms in the world. With hundreds of thousands of titles available across all genres, it’s the go-to source for everything from pop to classical to Broadway standards.
- Massive catalog across all genres
- Easy-to-use app for transposing, annotating, and playing back music
- Great for singers, pianists, and instrumentalists
- Pay-per-piece pricing model
Best for: Casual users and performers looking for popular songs and well-known show tunes.
💽 Sheet Music Direct
SheetMusicDirect.com, owned by Hal Leonard, offers many of the same titles as MusicNotes, but with one major difference: a subscription-based model called PASS. This allows users unlimited access to a huge library of digital sheet music for a low monthly fee.
- Over 1 million sheet music arrangements
- PASS subscription: Unlimited access for a flat monthly rate
- Fully integrated with Noteflight and Finale (notation software)
- Transposition and playback features included
Best for: Frequent users, teachers, and working performers who need a wide range of material regularly.
🌟 New Musical Theatre
NewMusicalTheatre.com is the boutique platform for performers who want fresh, contemporary musical theatre songs by today’s top emerging composers. Here, you’ll find harder-to-find material from writers like Kerrigan & Lowdermilk, Ryan Scott Oliver, Pasek & Paul (pre-Dear Evan Hansen), Joe Iconis, and many more.
- Exclusive catalog of new and rising composers
- Perfect for audition songs that no one else is using
- Transpositions often available at time of purchase
- Composer-forward, supporting writers directly
Best for: Musical theatre actors looking for unique audition material or songs that aren’t overdone.
Key Differences at a Glance
| Feature | MusicNotes | Sheet Music Direct | New Musical Theatre |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Pay-per-piece | Pay-per-piece or subscription (PASS) | Pay-per-piece |
| Best for | Popular songs & classics | High-volume users, educators | Actors seeking unique songs |
| Catalog size | Very large (all genres) | Very large (all genres) | Small but highly curated |
| Playback tools | Yes (via app) | Yes (via app or browser) | Limited or PDF only |
| Transposition | Yes | Yes | Yes (in select keys) |
Our Recommendation
If you’re looking for popular songs and Broadway staples with playback tools and tons of variety, MusicNotes is a trusted, polished experience.
If you’re a frequent user or teacher who needs multiple pieces each month, Sheet Music Direct’s subscription model can save you serious money while providing deep flexibility.
If you’re auditioning or just want to stand out with cutting-edge songs from rising composers, New Musical Theatre is an incredible resource that directly supports the future of musical theatre writing.
Final Thoughts
There’s no single “best” platform — just the best one for your needs. Many performers use all three depending on the project. Try each one and see which fits your workflow, budget, and musical taste best.
Happy practicing!