Looking for “What Could Have Been” studio sheet music? Whether you’re a pianist, vocalist, or guitarist, this emotionally rich piece is available in both digital and print formats, complete with interactive features and multi-instrument arrangements. This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from where to find the sheet music to how best to practice and perform it—ensuring musicians of all levels can interpret it expressively and legally.


Sheet Music Format and Accessibility

Digital Sheet Music Formats

The sheet music for “What Could Have Been” is primarily distributed in digital formats, making it widely accessible to musicians of all levels. Common file types include PDF and interactive sheet music formats like MusicXML and proprietary files for platforms such as MuseScore and Noteflight. These formats allow musicians to view, transpose, and play back the score on various devices, including tablets, computers, and smartphones.

Platforms such as Sheet Music Plus, Musicnotes, and Scribd offer instant downloads, often including features like adjustable playback tempo, transposition tools, and dynamic score-following. This accessibility benefits both solo performers and ensemble players, allowing them to tailor the music to their individual or group needs.

For those who prefer traditional formats, “What Could Have Been” is also available as a professionally printed score. These versions are often bound and formatted for ease of page turning, particularly important for pianists and accompanists. Copyright and licensing information is included with each version, ensuring legal use in educational and performance settings.

Licensing options typically include single-user licenses and educational group packages. Some publishers offer print-at-home options, allowing for immediate access while maintaining copyright integrity.

Interactive Features and Accessibility Tools

Interactive sheet music platforms enhance accessibility through a variety of features. These include:

  • Audio playback synchronized with the score
  • On-screen highlighting of notes during playback
  • Adjustable tempo and metronome settings
  • Notation customization, such as changing note size or background color for visually impaired users

These tools are especially useful for learners and educators, supporting auditory and visual learning styles. In addition, many platforms comply with accessibility standards for users with disabilities, incorporating screen reader compatibility and keyboard navigation.

Cross-Platform Compatibility

The sheet music is designed to function across multiple operating systems and devices. Whether accessed via iOS, Android, Windows, or macOS, users can utilize cloud-based libraries to store and access their music from anywhere. Apps like forScore, Newzik, and MobileSheets support annotations, page-turning via Bluetooth pedals, and real-time collaboration, making the score suitable for both individual and ensemble contexts.

Availability for Multiple Instruments

“What Could Have Been” is arranged for a variety of instruments, including piano, voice, guitar, and string ensembles. Each version is tailored to the instrument's technical and expressive capabilities. For example:

  • The piano version emphasizes dynamic control and arpeggiated textures.
  • The vocal score includes lyrics, phrasing, and accompaniment.
  • The guitar arrangement provides both chord diagrams and tablature for accessibility to players of varying skill levels.

This multi-instrumental availability broadens the song’s reach and allows for flexible performance settings, from solo recitals to group performances.

Educational Access and Licensing

Educators benefit from classroom licenses and institutional access, allowing multiple students to use the same resource legally. Some publishers offer integration with learning management systems (LMS), making it easier to assign, monitor, and assess student progress using the digital sheet music.

Additionally, publishers often provide sample pages or preview features, enabling educators and students to evaluate the material before purchase. This transparency supports informed decision-making, particularly in music education environments.

Mobile and Offline Accessibility

Recognizing the need for mobility, many digital sheet music services offer offline access. Musicians can download scores to their devices and use them without an internet connection—ideal for rehearsals, lessons, or performances in areas with limited connectivity.

Offline accessibility ensures that musicians are not reliant on live streaming or constant connectivity, making the score practical for a wide range of real-world scenarios.

Piano Arrangement

The piano arrangement of “What Could Have Been” showcases a balance between expressive melodic lines and harmonic depth, making it suitable for intermediate to advanced pianists. This adaptation emphasizes emotional resonance, often achieved through careful control of dynamics and pedal usage. The composition is typically set in a key that complements the lyrical elements—commonly A minor or C major—offering a rich, melancholic tone.

Technically, the sheet music includes arpeggiated left-hand patterns and sustained right-hand melodies, requiring the performer to maintain clarity and phrasing. The notation often features tempo indications such as "Andante" or "Moderato," guiding the player toward a reflective interpretation. Pedal markings are strategically placed to enhance chordal resonance without blurring melodic lines.

The piano adaptation also integrates expressive markings such as crescendos, decrescendos, and fermatas, which assist in conveying the dramatic arc of the composition. These elements combine to make the piano score both emotionally engaging and technically rewarding.

Vocal Score Analysis

The vocal arrangement of “What Could Have Been” is designed to accommodate a broad vocal range, typically spanning from A3 to E5, making it suitable for both male and female vocalists. The lyrics are introspective and narrative-driven, requiring careful attention to diction and emotional delivery.

Breathing marks are thoughtfully placed throughout the score to allow natural phrasing without disrupting the lyrical flow. Phrasing is closely tied to the lyrical structure, with slurs and ties indicating legato passages that mirror the song's reflective tone.

Accompaniment is generally minimalist, often consisting of piano or guitar, allowing the vocal line to remain the focal point. This simplicity supports the emotional gravity of the lyrics while providing a stable harmonic foundation. Dynamics within the vocal score are essential for interpretation, with markings such as “p” (piano) and “mf” (mezzo-forte) guiding the vocalist through moments of vulnerability and strength.

Guitar Interpretation

The guitar version of “What Could Have Been” features a blend of fingerstyle and chordal techniques, offering different approaches for players of varying skill levels. The chord progressions are typically rooted in minor tonalities, such as Am–F–C–G, which contribute to the song’s introspective mood.

Fingerpicking patterns are commonly used in more advanced arrangements, with alternating bass lines and syncopated melodies that mirror the piano’s arpeggios. Simpler versions use strumming patterns that preserve the harmonic structure while allowing for expressive interpretation.

Guitarists are encouraged to use techniques such as hammer-ons, pull-offs, and slides to add nuance to the performance. Capo placement may also be suggested in some arrangements to match the vocal range or to simplify chord shapes.

Stylistically, the guitar arrangement can be adapted to fit genres like acoustic pop, indie folk, or even classical crossover, showcasing the composition’s versatility.

Cross-Instrumental Comparison

Across piano, vocal, and guitar arrangements, “What Could Have Been” maintains several core musical elements: a melancholic tonal center, expressive dynamics, and a lyrical narrative structure. Regardless of the instrument, the composition’s emotional depth remains central to its performance.

Shared elements include recurring motifs, consistent harmonic progressions, and a moderate tempo that allows for interpretive flexibility. However, each instrument brings unique qualities to the arrangement. The piano offers harmonic richness and dynamic control, the voice provides lyrical clarity and emotional immediacy, and the guitar contributes rhythmic texture and a more intimate sonic palette.

Performance challenges vary: pianists must manage independence between hands, vocalists must maintain pitch and breath control, and guitarists must navigate complex fingerings and transitions. These differences also create opportunities for ensemble performances, where each instrument complements the others.

Arrangement differences are most evident in textural density and dynamic range, with piano versions often being more layered, while vocal and guitar arrangements emphasize melodic clarity and rhythm.

Performance Considerations

Effective performance of “What Could Have Been” requires a combination of technical proficiency and emotional sensitivity. For solo practice, musicians should focus on mastering phrasing, dynamic control, and articulation. Repetitive sections should be approached with variation in tone and tempo to maintain listener interest.

Ensemble possibilities include piano-vocal duets and guitar-vocal combinations, each offering a different interpretive angle. Ensembles may also incorporate string or wind instruments for added texture.

Technical skill requirements differ by instrument: pianists need strong hand coordination, vocalists need breath support and expressive control, and guitarists benefit from dexterity and rhythmic accuracy. Musicians are encouraged to experiment with tempo and rubato to personalize their interpretation.

Interpretation guidelines suggest focusing on the narrative arc of the composition—building tension in the verses and releasing it in the chorus or bridge. Expression should align with lyrical themes, using dynamics and tempo shifts to convey emotional transitions effectively.

Individual Practice Approaches

To successfully perform “What Could Have Been,” musicians must adopt a focused and structured practice regimen tailored to their instrument. For pianists, this includes isolating intricate arpeggios and practicing dynamic control to match the emotional tone of the piece. Vocalists should prioritize breath control and phrasing, especially in sections where lyrical expression drives the musical narrative. Guitarists benefit from slow, deliberate practice of chord transitions and fingerpicking patterns, gradually increasing tempo as muscle memory develops. Utilizing tools such as metronomes, digital tuners, and practice apps can assist in maintaining consistency during individual sessions.

Ensemble Possibilities

While “What Could Have Been” is often performed as a solo piece, its harmonic and melodic richness makes it suitable for ensemble arrangements. Duets between piano and voice are particularly effective, allowing for a nuanced interplay of melody and harmony. A trio format—such as piano, voice, and guitar—can enhance the emotional depth and textural complexity of the piece. When performing in an ensemble, synchronizing tempo, dynamics, and phrasing becomes paramount. Musicians should rehearse transitions, cueing methods, and expressive interpretations as a group to ensure cohesion.

Technical Skill Requirements

Each instrument demands a specific set of technical skills for a convincing performance of “What Could Have Been.” Piano players should be comfortable with intermediate to advanced techniques, including pedaling for sustain and legato, voicing between hands, and dynamic shading. Vocalists require a moderate vocal range, precise control over vibrato, and an ability to convey nuanced emotion through tone and diction. Guitarists must handle both rhythmic strumming and melodic fingerpicking, often switching between techniques within a single passage. Across all instruments, sight-reading ability and interpretive sensitivity are essential for mastering this composition.

Interpretation Guidelines

Interpreting “What Could Have Been” involves more than technical accuracy—it requires conveying the emotional essence of the piece. Musicians are encouraged to study the context of the composition, whether it's the lyrical narrative in vocal versions or the harmonic progression in instrumental arrangements. Dynamics should be used expressively, with subtle crescendos and decrescendos to mirror the song’s emotional arc. Rubato can be tastefully applied to enhance the lyrical qualities of the melody, particularly in solo performances. Consistency in tempo and articulation is important, but performers should also feel empowered to bring their own emotional interpretation to the music. Listening to multiple interpretations of the piece can provide insight and inspire a more personal delivery.

Educational Applications

Learning Applications

"What Could Have Been" serves as a valuable educational tool for developing musicians across skill levels. Its availability in sheet music for piano, voice, and guitar allows students to engage with the piece through multiple instrumental perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of musical structure, harmony, and expressive interpretation. The song's moderate tempo and emotionally resonant melodic lines make it especially suitable for intermediate learners aiming to refine their phrasing, dynamics, and timing.

For piano students, the arrangement encourages the development of hand independence, arpeggiation techniques, and expressive pedal use. Vocalists can practice breath control, articulation, and emotive delivery, while guitarists benefit from chordal fluency and fingerstyle precision. The piece’s cross-instrumental nature also promotes musical literacy, enabling students to recognize how a single composition is adapted across different notational systems and instrumental capabilities.

Teaching Potential

Educators can utilize "What Could Have Been" in both one-on-one and classroom settings. The song lends itself well to thematic lessons on musical storytelling, arrangement techniques, and cross-instrumental transcription. Piano teachers can guide students through the piece’s dynamic shaping and tempo rubato, while vocal coaches may focus on lyric interpretation and diction. Guitar instructors can use it to introduce alternate tunings or chord voicings, depending on the arrangement.

In ensemble settings, the piece offers an opportunity for collaborative learning. A small group of students playing piano, singing, and accompanying on guitar can explore timing coordination, balance, and interpretive unity. This makes the piece a strong candidate for performance in recitals and music workshops.

Practice Recommendations

To maximize learning outcomes, students should approach the music in structured segments. Pianists can isolate left- and right-hand patterns before integrating, while vocalists may benefit from initial speaking of lyrics to understand phrasing. Guitarists should practice chord transitions and fingerpicking patterns slowly, gradually increasing tempo.

Using the digital sheet music’s playback features—when available—can provide students with auditory references to guide their practice. Looping specific sections for repetitive learning is especially effective for mastering intricate or expressive passages.

Skill Development Opportunities

"What Could Have Been" supports the development of numerous core music skills:

  • Sight-reading: Clear notation and well-structured layout facilitate reading practice.
  • Emotional interpretation: The piece’s lyrical and harmonic content encourages expressive performance.
  • Technical growth: Instrument-specific challenges promote dexterity, breath control, and coordination.
  • Musical analysis: The song’s structure and recurring motifs offer material for harmonic and formal analysis.

In particular, the piece's adaptability across instruments makes it ideal for comparative analysis in music theory or composition classes, where students can investigate how melody, harmony, and rhythm are treated in different instrumental contexts. By engaging with "What Could Have Been" from multiple angles, learners gain a holistic view of music-making that transcends their primary instrument.

Additional Resources

Online Sheet Music Platforms

Several major digital sheet music providers offer versions of "What Could Have Been" arranged for different instruments. These platforms often include features such as interactive playback, transposition tools, and printable versions. Notable platforms include:

  • Musicnotes: Offers high-quality, officially licensed arrangements for piano, voice, and guitar, often with customizable playback and key options.
  • Sheet Music Plus: A comprehensive library of arrangements for various skill levels and instruments, including ensemble and solo versions.
  • Virtual Sheet Music: Provides downloadable PDF files and MIDI files, which are useful for practice and performance preparation.

These platforms are particularly helpful for musicians seeking flexible access to the composition, whether for solo practice or ensemble performance.

Instructional Video Content

For those looking to deepen their understanding of "What Could Have Been" through visual aids, platforms like YouTube host numerous tutorial videos. These often include:

  • Step-by-step piano tutorials with on-screen notation
  • Guitar chord breakdowns and fingerstyle demonstrations
  • Vocal covers with tips on phrasing and breath control

Channels such as HDpiano, JustinGuitar, and professional vocal coaches provide detailed breakdowns that can enhance both technique and interpretation.

Music Forums and Communities

Engaging with online music communities can provide peer support, performance tips, and arrangement suggestions. Websites like:

  • Reddit’s r/sheetmusic and r/musictheory: Great for discussing interpretation, harmony analysis, and sharing user-made arrangements
  • MuseScore Community: Offers free, user-generated sheet music and allows musicians to interact and collaborate
  • PianoWorld Forums: Useful for pianists seeking feedback and guidance on Feenstra’s solo composition

These communities foster collaborative learning and can be a valuable resource for both beginner and advanced musicians.

Academic and Music Education Resources

For those interested in a deeper theoretical or pedagogical understanding of the piece, academic publications and educational websites can offer insight. Resources include:

  • JSTOR and Google Scholar: For musicological studies on contemporary piano compositions and digital sheet music distribution
  • Berklee Online and Coursera: Offer courses on music theory, arrangement, and performance that can be applied to studying this piece
  • IMSLP: While primarily a public domain archive, it provides comparative access to similar compositions and historical context

These tools are particularly handy for educators and advanced students analyzing the composition’s structure or integrating it into a curriculum.

Software and Digital Tools

Digital music tools can greatly enhance the practice and analysis experience of "What Could Have Been." Recommended tools include:

  • Sibelius and Finale: For arranging, transposing, or analyzing sheet music
  • Noteflight: An online notation editor that allows for real-time collaboration and playback
  • SmartMusic: Offers assessment tools and accompaniment features, ideal for educators incorporating the piece into lessons

These software options help musicians not only play the piece but also understand and adapt it to various performance contexts.

The studio sheet music for “What Could Have Been” provides musicians with an expressive, flexible, and educationally valuable composition available across digital and print formats. Whether you're practicing solo, teaching a class, or performing with an ensemble, there's an arrangement suited to your goals. Explore interactive platforms, take advantage of educational tools, and let this powerful composition inspire your next performance. Ready to dive in? Start by downloading the sheet music from a trusted platform and bring this evocative piece to life.