Often associated with lively and spirited musical compositions, the rondo form has left an indelible mark on classical and contemporary music alike. Derived from the Italian word “rondò,” meaning “round” or “circle,” the rondo form is characterized by its recurring theme, typically interspersed with contrasting episodes. From the classical symphonies of Mozart to the progressive …

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Musical forms are fundamental to understanding the architecture of music. They are, in essence, the blueprints of a composition, outlining how a piece of music is constructed. Think of musical forms as the skeletal framework around which melodies, harmonies, and rhythms are draped. This structure not only gives a piece its shape and character but …

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Music would be boring and lifeless without dynamics. Dynamics in music give motion, direction, and intention and fill a piece of music with emotion and meaning. Dynamics in music refer to changes in volume, tempo or speed, and feeling. Dynamics are generally marked with a combination of symbols and words or abbreviations. We often use …

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Rhythm is the heartbeat of music, the element that guides our feet in dance and our hearts in song. It’s the structured sequence of sounds and silences in time, creating the pattern by which music moves and breathes. But within this structure lies a compelling force that adds complexity and spice to the rhythm: syncopation. …

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The altered scale, a term that resonates with intrigue and sophistication in the world of music theory, stands as a cornerstone for jazz and contemporary musicians. At its core, the altered scale is a variation of the traditional major scale, but with a twist – it’s modified to include certain altered notes, which gives it …

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Music is a language that speaks to the soul, and just like any language, it has its own set of vocabulary and grammar rules. One such term that often intrigues both seasoned musicians and beginners alike is “passing notes.” But what exactly are passing notes, and why are they so essential in the world of …

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Dominant chords play a pivotal role in the realm of music, acting as the cornerstone of many compositions. At its core, a dominant chord is the fifth chord in a diatonic scale, often symbolized as the V chord. It possesses a unique tension, yearning to be resolved, which is why it’s frequently followed by the …

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Music, in its essence, is a language. Just like words form sentences and paragraphs, musical notes come together to create structures and patterns. One such foundational pattern is the binary form. At its core, binary form is a simple yet profound structure, comprising two contrasting sections that dance together in harmony. But why should someone, …

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If you’ve been studying music for even a short while you’ll have noticed that all the musical notes are written in five lines. This is called the staff or stave. You will also have come across a symbol at the very start of the musical notation, which is called a clef. By far the most …

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Classical music is all around us. We hear it in supermarkets, restaurants, films, television adverts, and in so many more places. From the monastic monks’ chants of medieval Europe to Chopin’s strikingly beautiful piano melodies; from the elegance of Mozart to the film music of Star Wars, classical music has influenced life for centuries and …

Classical music eras: what are the seven periods of music history? Read More »

“Do re mi fa so la ti da” is an instantly recognizable refrain. This is especially true if you have ever watched “The Sound of Music”. This is an example of solfege patterns being used to help teach a musical scale. For most musicians who take up an instrument, one of the first things you …

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