You will have noticed that some songs sound more emotional and sadder than others. One of the possible reasons for this might relate to the type of piano chord being used. This article teaches you all about the C minor chord and its inversions. C minor is one of the most well-used chords in the …
C minor chord: inversions explained Read More »
Few composers in the history of western music have achieved the same level of fame and musical honors as Ludwig van Beethoven. Beethoven’s music is so ubiquitous that he finds himself as a member of the “3 B’s of Classical Music”, Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. Ludwig van Beethoven composed for a wide range of instruments …
Famous Beethoven songs, concertos, and symphonies Read More »
The song ‘Happy Birthday’ was written in 1893 by Patty and Mildred Hill – two sisters who were school teachers. The tune was originally called ‘Good Morning To All’ and it was written for the school students to sing every morning to start their day. Mildred Hill, who wrote the music, was born in Louisville, …
Learn to play “Happy Birthday” on piano: a beginner’s tutorial Read More »
Ear training is the art of honing one’s ability to recognize chuches, intervals, melodies, and chords solely by ear. It’s like developing a sixth sense for music, allowing pianists to play not just with their fingers but with their ears as well. Through a series of carefully crafted exercises, piano ear training opens doors to …
How to train your ears: ear training exercises and quiz Read More »
In music, tempo markings such as allegro, andante, and moderato, typically located at the beginning of a score, are crucial for determining the piece’s speed. These terms, integral to musical notation, indicate both the original tempo and any changes throughout the composition. Historically, tempo markings were used to denote specific dance styles or as titles, …
Tempo markings: Introduction to musical tempos Read More »
Cadences are fundamental elements in music theory, serving as critical markers that signify the end of a musical phrase or section. Similar to punctuation in language, cadences bring structure and clarity to musical compositions, allowing for a logical progression of ideas and themes. The importance of cadence in music extends beyond merely concluding a phrase; …
What is cadence in music: the art of ending a phrase Read More »
In the world of music, different textures create unique auditory experiences. One such texture, polyphonic texture, stands out for its complexity and beauty. Polyphonic texture is characterized by the simultaneous combination of several independent melody lines. In polyphonic music, each melody line is autonomous yet interwoven with others, creating a harmonious ensemble. The characteristics of …
What is polyphonic texture in music? Read More »
At music’s core lies the concept of ‘texture’ – a fundamental element that defines the overall quality and complexity of a musical piece. Texture in music is akin to the weave of a fabric. It’s about how the melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic elements are combined to create the overall sound of a composition. In this …
What is homophonic texture in music? Read More »
Sonata form, a staple in classical music, epitomizes the perfect balance between creativity and structure. Predominantly used in the first movement of multi-movement pieces, it’s a musical blueprint favored by many composers. This form essentially presents a theme, takes it on a harmonic journey, and then brings it back home, offering listeners a satisfying sense …
What is sonata form: a quick guide to classical structure Read More »
Texture plays a pivotal role in shaping the character and essence of a composition. It’s akin to the fabric of a garment, determining its feel and appearance. Among the various textures in music, one stands out for its simplicity and clarity: monophonic texture. This concept, although seemingly straightforward, holds a significant place in the tapestry …
What is monophonic texture in music? Read More »
Learning to read notes on the treble clef staff is one of the most important skills for a pianist to master. Treble clef, also known as G clef, is primarily used to notate melodies and chords that are intended to be played with the right hand. Think of the treble clef staff as a sort …
Treble clef guide: understanding music notation Read More »
In the realm of music theory, the concept of an octave plays a critical role. But precisely, what is an octave? In technical terms, an octave is the interval between one musical pitch and another that has double its frequency. The octave is a foundational building block in music, offering a measurable and structured approach …
What is an octave: unveiling the basics Read More »
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