I love to reminisce about the old days when sheet music played an important part in the pop music culture of the time. As soon as a new song was introduced, either by a burlesque singer or by being sent out on radio waves, millions of people would rush out to the music or department store to buy the latest song in sheet music form. Almost everybody owned a piano or could visit as friend who was lucky enough to have one. Piano lessons were part of every child’s education in those days.
A while ago, our chorus music committee leader needed some pictures to supply a theme for the upcoming show on Irving Berlin melodies. I was able to gladden him with twenty samples of songs Berlin wrote in their original colorful form. Today, these graphic reminders of past musical pleasures are available from many sources. Most antique stores have a box of old music you can go through. Relatives who are up in years often have a box or suitcase full of old sheet music they are glad to get rid or. Garage sales and rummage bazaars occasionally have donated to them whole boxes of music. Of course, as a collector you only want music sheets which are in excellent condition.
Most fun are the songs of Tin Pan Alley from the early 1900’s. I have found some rare examples of sheet music from the mid 1800’s, but I have never heart these songs sung.
You also may want to limit your collection to a certain category that pleases you. Most valuable are portrayals of ethnic life in America, covers with pictures of ships, planes or automobiles, or of famous people. It goes without saying that there are certain rare covers which bring huge prices, but you don’t have to worry about finding one of those, even though you never know. Easier to collect are sheet music featuring girl’s names, (wanted by their namesakes), famous singers, movie and Broadway hits, and patriotic themes.
I’m sure your older relatives or grandparents can sing or even play most of the songs you find. It’s fun to categorize and preserve your sheet music collection in clear plastic sleeves and chat or trade around the world with other collectors. I found it not too difficult to produce a CD presentation including two or three hundred of your favorite covers along with names of the composer and date, the lyricist, and the celebrity on the front. If you are offering them for sale, include the price. You can follow the popular price guides or depend on supply and demand. Most excellent quality sheet music covers of a collectible nature are worth from ten to twenty dollars on the market to the right people. You might even find a copy of ‘Their Song’ for framing.
