Create Your Own Handbell Sheet Music! -Tutorial

There are lots of options on the Internet when it comes to finding already made handbell sheet music (most of which are free). But sometimes you will run into problems where the colors do not match your handbell set, they have changed the key of the music so it now won't work with your accompaniment (or maybe you need to change it for one reason or another), or maybe you just can't find handbell sheet music for the song you want.

So, in case it is helpful here's a tutorial on how to make your own handbell sheet music!

1. HERE is a template (or HERE'S a PDF of it) you could easily use to create your own bell music :) ...or just paste some shapes in your word processor to represent the musical notes.
NOTE: Depending on your program you may need to hit return or add page breaks to your document a few times before beginning since you are going to be working with pasting and inserting more than normal typing and without it you may find some grief later ;)

2. Now, if desired, insert a text box under each line of shapes to add the words of the music. (I usually just make the text box wide enough for the whole line and then use my "tab" and "spacebar" keys to get the words in just the right place).
TIP: Set the font size before adjusting the spacing or you will find much frustration later (I know this from lots of bad experiences;)

3. If you want to print everything with full letter/number labels and colors instead of hand labeling/coloring; once you have your shapes set up you'll want to insert a text box over the shape to add the corresponding note letter/number.

Horizontal

TIP: Think about how you are going to display your sheet music. Would it be best to make your pages line up in tabs and the line of music to go across the whole length of two or more pages (best if putting on a poster board or displaying in a horizontal line)? Or will it be best to have it like reading a book (best for vertical displays)? Also, consider the orientation/page setup of your pages to fit your needs best.

Verticle

 


4. Once you have your notes in proper order you can "fill" them in with the corresponding color to match your handbell set (this is often done by double clicking on the shape).

And VOILA! You have your very own custom handbell sheet music! Have fun!