Yes, even legal mp3 downloads. The problem is that most people want type of music that you get on top 40 radio, Clear Channel synthesized, repetitive yet catchy, MTV Video ready, Pop/Rock and Hip Hop songs. This is a big problem for recording industry and for consumers because this is where losses to artists, writers and publishers start to add up. Unfortunately for music industry internet technology and savvy young customers are running three steps ahead of them.

So what should you do?

To get legal MP3 downloads go retail and go big

The best legal MP3 downloads can be found at major online music retailers.

1. iTunes.com has over 150 million MP3 Downloads. Create online mixes, link to over 1,000 radio stations across country, create mixes, download directly to your iPod or even purchase an iPod if you don’t have one. This large music catalog gives you access to almost every music genre that exists. There are also free samples available on a regular basis. No mystery here. Apple lists date directly on front page so you know when to come back and download your free songs. Free music on a schedule. Excellent!

This was fine if you played Piano or Violin. But, what happens if you wanted to get sheet music for Oboe, Viola or other instruments that are not at top of teenager choir list? And even if you could locate a store, would you have time to check out their items?

Now internet has taken some of guess work out of process. You can type “buy sheet music” into any search engine and come up with a long list of sites that will have what you need. The internet has opened up such a wide range of possibilities that you can even get sheet music that was custom designed for a single instrument or to take a choral performance and trim it down for a solo, or a small group.

The internet also gives you ability to comparison shop. Music is possibly one of most expensive hobbies around. If you take into account cost of tutoring, engagements, musical instruments (and their various replacements if you have children), maintenance, repairs and sheet music, it can cost a small fortune to keep up your skill.