Websites With Free Music: Where to Find Free Sheet Music Online

Let’s face it... sheet music gets lost and damaged. I don’t know a single musician who hasn’t had a nightmare about showing up to a performance only to realize they forgot something important.

That’s why it’s useful to know which websites with free music you can rely on. Whether you need a replacement part, a full score, or something new to explore, having access to free printable sheet music can be a lifesaver.

Below is a list of some of my favorite websites with free music and sheet music, along with notes on what each site does best.

IMSLP

IMSLP is one of the largest libraries of public domain music available online. Because the music is in the public domain, there are no copyright restrictions on using or printing these scores.

The size of the database is impressive, with hundreds of thousands of musical scores, thousands of composers, and tens of thousands of recordings. The site supports multiple languages and organizes works alphabetically, making it surprisingly easy to navigate once you get used to it.

I use IMSLP for two main purposes: finding PDF versions of etude books I already own, and viewing full scores for pieces I’m practicing. One thing beginners should know is that many titles appear in their original language, which can make searching slightly confusing at first.

MUSOPEN

MUSOPEN is another solid option among websites with free music. Like IMSLP, it focuses on public domain sheet music and recordings, though the catalog is smaller.

One advantage of MUSOPEN is the ability to search by instrument, which makes it easier to find trumpet music or other instrument-specific material. The site also offers a streaming radio station and an education section with articles aimed at beginning musicians.

The site does include ads, but the resources are still valuable, especially for students who want guided exploration.

8Notes

8Notes organizes its sheet music by instrument and offers a wide variety of options, including music for recorder and mandolin.

Within each instrument category, music is further sorted by genre, difficulty level, and style. There are also play-along tracks, which can be especially helpful for students.

For teachers, one of the biggest strengths of 8Notes is the availability of popular music. Teaching concepts through familiar songs can keep students engaged and shorten the learning curve. There is also a paid version available for those who want access to additional material.

MuseScore

MuseScore is built around user-generated content. Musicians from around the world upload their own arrangements, which means the library is constantly growing.

Because the music is community-created, quality can vary, but the site allows users to favorite pieces. This gives a helpful signal about which arrangements others have found useful.

MuseScore also includes practice tools such as playback with highlighted measures, an on-screen keyboard, and a built-in metronome. Some of these features require a paid membership, which may or may not be worth it depending on how often you use the site.

Mutopia Project

The Mutopia Project offers a smaller collection of free sheet music, but it spans a range of musical styles.

All pieces are either in the public domain or released under Creative Commons licenses. Files are available in several formats, including PDF and MIDI, which can be useful for different practice and teaching needs.

BandMusicPDF

Many websites with free music focus on solo or orchestral repertoire. BandMusicPDF is specifically dedicated to wind band music, making it a valuable resource for band directors and students.

The site includes thousands of pieces and provides helpful details such as grade level, missing parts, date, and genre. These features make it easier to assess whether a piece is practical for a specific ensemble.

Free Scores

Free Scores has an extremely wide range of material, including some less common genres. The site’s search functionality allows filtering by composer, instrument, and style.

One standout feature is the selection of free choir music. Many listings include brief historical context and high-quality recordings, which can be useful for both learning and teaching.

Free Blank Sheet Music

Sometimes you don’t need existing music—you need blank sheet music, also called manuscript paper.

Instead of buying a notebook, you can print this free version we’ve created for you and start composing or arranging right away.

What Did We Miss?

There are many great websites with free music, and new ones appear all the time.

If there’s a resource you use regularly that we didn’t include, let us know. We’re happy to keep this list updated as new options become available.