The concept of downloadable sheet music is not new, but what sets Great Scores apart is that the company offers downloadable arrangements that are designed for different levels of ability, from beginner to advanced. Great Scores offers arrangements for piano, keyboard, woodwind, brass, and stringed instruments. The arrangements for the solo instruments all come with piano accompaniment, and many include an MP3 backing-track recording of the piano part.

Scores are available in a variety of genres, including classical, jazz, pop, rock, ragtime, calypso, and Christmas music. Sheet music and scores are displayed using Sibelius Scorch technology so you can preview and play them, slow them down, and change key signature. Having purchased a score, you can print it out from your computer.

The Great Scores Web site has other interesting features. The Name That Tune feature lets you browse through and audition short extracts of classical themes, which is useful if you know the melody of a classical piece but can't think of its title. The site also lists whether a particular piece was used in an advertisement or film, provides biographical data on a variety of artists (not just classical composers), and offers a glossary of musical terms. The company even provides a number of free scores, which can be found at various locations on the site. Great Scores; email info@greatscores.com; Web www.greatscores.com.