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 »
Have you ever wondered how musicians bring depth and warmth to their music? The secret lies in the bass clef. This musical symbol is responsible for notating lower-pitched sounds that form the foundation of many compositions. Without it, music would lack balance, missing the deep, resonant tones. The bass clef is especially important for instruments …
Mastering bass clef: a guide to notes & reading 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 Nnotation 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 »
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