Music is a language, like all languages it uses characters and symbols to communicate meaning. Musicians use different note symbols to communicate the duration of notes in music. In this article, we will learn about whole notes, half notes and quarter notes. These note values are the basic units of time in music, almost like …
Understanding music rhythm: quarter, half, and whole notes Read More »
Music theory often feels like a treasure hunt, uncovering new gems that can transform your playing and composing. Today’s focus is quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies. Let’s explore these three fascinating ways to build chords that break away from western traditional norms. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just starting out, understanding these harmonies can …
What are quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies? Read More »
Have you ever heard a song and been captivated by its smooth transitions or groovy bassline? You’ve already experienced the magic of slash chords. These versatile musical tools are the secret behind many iconic pieces. Slash chords add depth and emotion that elevates simple chord progressions to breathtaking compositions. What exactly are slash chords and …
Slash chords: what are they and how to use them? Read More »
Have you ever wondered how musicians effortlessly create melodies and harmonies, or what is a scale degree? Scale degrees are fundamental to grasping music theory, helping you understand the structure of music more efficiently. A scale in music theory is a sequence of notes played in ascending or descending order with a specific interval structure. …
Music theory is the toolbox every musician uses and whatever level you’re at you can always learn something new and exciting to add to it. Theory is an essential aspect of music that provides a foundation for understanding the mechanics and structure of music. One of the most useful concepts in music theory is the …
Circle of fifths: how It works and why it matters Read More »
Have you ever looked at a piece of piano music and noticed that it is split into two parts? These two parts show the treble clef and bass clef. Together these clefs describe which notes to play in which hands. Most beginners learn to read the treble clef first. This means that much less time …
Mastering bass clef: a guide to notes & reading Read More »
When exploring major and minor chords and scales, you’ll notice that these two tonalities form the main foundation of harmony in Western music. Whether you’re building a chord progression or analyzing a melody, understanding the differences between major and minor chords is essential knowledge for every pianist. What is the difference between major and minor …
The main differences between major and minor chords Read More »
To play the A major piano chord, begin by locating the note A, which is the note prior to the last of the three black keys. Once you’ve found it, combine A with C♯ and E to create the A major chord. A major notes The A major chord is made up of three notes: …
A major piano chord: How to play A major chord on piano? Read More »
Modes are part of the basic building blocks of Western music theory. If you’ve ever heard a music teacher talk about modes you may well have noticed that they all have Greek names. These musical modes come from the earliest days of music history. Put simply, a mode is a type of scale, just like …
Musical modes: what are they and how do they function? Read More »
Dotted notes are a fundamental concept in music theory, playing a crucial role in shaping the rhythm and structure of musical compositions. They introduce a level of rhythmic complexity that enhances the expressiveness of music. What are dotted notes? A dotted note is a musical notation that indicates a note should be played for a …
The comprehensive guide to dotted notes in music Read More »
Do you know how to identify the value of the notated silences known as ‘rests’ when reading sheet music? While listening to a song, it’s common to overlook the pauses and silences, as your ear naturally gravitates towards active elements like lyrics, catchy melodies, or rhythms. Rests contribute significantly to music’s structure and expression. Understanding …
Understanding rests in music and their role in notation Read More »
Bebop scales are a secret weapon in the arsenal of jazz musicians. These scales bridge the gap between complex harmonic theory and fluid improvisation. What exactly are bebop scales and how can you use them to create that swinging jazz sound? In this article we will dive deep into the theory behind bebop scales, explore …
Bebop scales and how to use them? Read More »
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