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Translating about music? Here are some very helpful resources!

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'Music (232/365)' photo (c) 2011, tim geers - license: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/
For about a year I worked with a Russian music website translating posts about modern music and how musicians market themselves. That included social media (how musicians use social media, tips for other artists, most popular platforms etc.), news in the music world, life of well-known singers/groups etc. Our cooperation recently ended, but I am very thankful that I had this opportunity. While doing all those translations, I made a note of several resources that can be used as a reference for other translators. Here they are:
1) Music business terms: this glossary (in English) has some basic terms used in the music business world;
2) Music terms (glossary) - if you need more music terms (not just business, but all kinds of other terms that musicians use - different types of rhythm, tempo etc) you can look here. This English glossary is really helpful. Normally, most of those terms are not translated, but transliterated, but you need to doublecheck that in each individual case.
3) Music Business dictionary - the fullest dictionary of music business terms that I know;
4) Website for musicians and music entrepreneurs - this is a website created in order to help new musicians promote themselves. But it also has a glossary of terms used in song production.
5) Musical terms used in Nonmusical senses - a cool link that has music expressions used outside the world of music. I absolutely love this post!

If you are a music translator, what other good links/resources can you share? I am looking forward to hearing from you!
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  1. AnonymousMar 12, 2012, 7:00:00 AM

    Olenka,
    Thank you so much for all these useful sources! All of them are so interesting! :) Tanya M.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Olga ArakelyanMar 12, 2012, 9:04:00 AM

    Dear Tanya, you are very welcome! Hope they are helpful :)

    ReplyDelete

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