Independent musicians can put their own composition on site with a virtual tip jar.

3. WalMart.com is largest retailer in world and fortunately they have created their own system to offer mp3 downloads online. Download individual songs or buy an entire album. They have a huge music catalog and single songs are slightly cheaper than iTunes’ at 88cents each. The current catalog has over 400,000 songs in many categories.

4. Download.com has it all, Rock, Pop, Classical, Reggae, Punk and more. Millions of online surfers turn to this site for their MP3 downloads. While you’re there, you can also check out their software and games section. Certainly one largest and most comprehensive download sources online. As with Amazon, independent artists can register and upload their music.

5. LaunchCast is an mp3 download resource, online music station, music video channel and music store. Channels are extremely organized so you can do top 40 thing or click around for independent artists and cutting edge stuff.

However, if you get online and start checking for availability, you can often find small music shops in saturated markets like big urban areas. They can afford to offer great deals on musical supplies including sheet music, as well as more variety in number and types of musical products sold to public.

Another thing that helps in your search is that more shops are including detailed pictures and even mini digital files with musical samples so that you can see if you are getting right sheet music.

These mini downloads are especially important if you want sheet music for just one instrument out of an entire performance piece. Also, if you want rare or classical pieces, online demos will really help before you spend all of your cash.

The best places to start your search is via Google or Yahoo search engines, or check in their directories under musical supplies. In a few minutes you can find an entire list of music shops that can accommodate your needs.