Music transcription is the examination of music in order to record the pitch, onset time, duration, and source of each sound that happens in it. In the Western tradition, note symbols are used to denote these aspects in a piece of music.

The objective of transcription outside of the music conservatory and test hall is simply to assist you as a musician.

It could be:

• To recall a piece of writing;
• To assist musician in writing his music while trying to get inspiration;
• To take note what you are listening to;
• To communicate musical concepts with others;
• To examine how writing may be used to convey your music and how it links to your instrument and musical imagination.

Transcription and "melodic dictation" (writing down the notes of a melody) are frequently lumped together with music theory and ear training as chores that music students struggle with, fear, and eventually avoid. However, when treated correctly (as with music theory and ear training), they are effective instruments for developing musicianship and do not have to be a hardship. As a result, transcribing should always be considered as a tool rather than a challenge to be feared or avoided.