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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
A melody is one of the basic elements of music. Melodies are the part of music that is above the chords and rhythm. They can come in many shapes and sizes, and can have lyrics or be instrumental. They can be played very high, or very low. We can hear them played by instruments like …
What is melody in music: understanding its essence Read More »
The piano, with its wide range and versatility, is a cornerstone in the world of music. Among its many sounds, major chords stand out as fundamental building blocks of harmony. These chords are bright, and consonant, and often convey a sense of happiness and resolution. This article will delve into one of the most commonly …
What is A major chord on piano? Read More »
Have you ever watched a beautifully crafted ballet or other form of dance and seen the right hand of the dancer gracefully sway through the air while the left hand rests idle? Unlikely, right? Just like with ballet dancers, the left hand in piano plays an equally significant role. As you have mastered your right …
Mastering bass clef: a guide to notes & reading Read More »
Harmony is one of the basic building blocks of music. Chords and chord progression have a profound emotional impact on the way we experience music and the tendencies of chords have been well studied. But what happens when we flip harmony on its head? Enter negative harmony, a concept that’s been creating a buzz among …
What is negative harmony in music? Read More »
Do you know how to identify the rest symbol in music when reading sheet music? While listening to a song, it’s common to overlook the moments of pause, as your ear naturally gravitates towards active elements like lyrics, catchy melodies, or rhythms. However, the silence, marked by rest symbols such as the half rest, quarter …
Rest symbols in music: marking silence Read More »
The term “canon in music” brings to mind the timeless beauty of Baroque-era compositions, where melodies interlock and overlap in a delicate balance. But many musicians might wonder what is a canon in music, exactly? The canon is an old musical form, which developed out of the practice of counterpoint, and has captivated listeners and …
What is canon in music ? Read More »
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