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 …
Rest symbols in music: notating silence 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 »
Ever noticed those two stacked numbers at the beginning of sheet music and wondered what they mean? They’re called time signatures, and understanding them is essential for keeping the beat and making music. Let’s explore how they help musicians play, read, and interpret music more effectively. What are time signatures? Time signatures, or meter, are …
The basics of time signatures: a beginner’s guide 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 »
Ever heard a song with a strange, beautiful harmony that felt unique and sophisticated? Chances are, polychords had something to do with it. Polychords are a secret weapon that can add rich layers and harmonic variation to any piece of music. In this guide, we will break down polychords, teach you how to play them …
Polychords: playing multiple chords together 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 commonly used to notate melodies and chords that are intended to be played with the right hand. In this article, we will learn all the secrets …
A guide to the treble clef: understanding music notation Read More »
Have you ever listened to a piece of music where every note seems to glide effortlessly into the next as if they were made for each other? That seamless, natural flow isn’t accidental, it’s a musical concept known as voice leading. Whether you’re working through classical masterpieces or modern pop hits, understanding voice leading will …
What is voice leading? 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 »
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 »
Music is a language, like all languages it incorporates a set of characters and symbols to communicate meaning. We 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. Think about them like basic units of time, almost like …
Beginner rhythm reading: quarter, half, whole notes explained Read More »
Piano accompaniment plays a crucial role in music, providing a strong, supportive base for soloists, ensembles, and vocalists. It adds depth and texture to a performance, complementing the main melody while enhancing the overall sound. Mastering piano accompaniment requires learning various techniques and patterns that seamlessly blend with the lead part, creating a cohesive musical …
What is piano accompaniment and how to master it? Read More »
Get a 7 day trial of Skoove Premium piano lessons
