What is the melodic minor scale? The melodic minor scale is a variation on the natural minor piano scale. A natural minor scale is built from the sixth note of the major scale. For example, if we are in the key of C major the relative natural minor scale will be built from A. C …
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What is an octave? Before defining what an octave in music is, it is essential to understand the concept of intervals in music. An interval is the label musicians give the difference in pitch between two sounds. It is a core element of theory that is used to structure and understand melody and harmony. The …
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The music for the 2003 Walt Disney Productions film Pirates of the Caribbean is fun, energetic, and full of catchy melodies and harmonies. The film is based off the Pirates of the Caribbean themed rides at Disney’s amusement parks and has since blossomed into a multi-film franchise following the stories of many characters including Captain …
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If you struggle to remember the names of the notes when you’re reading piano sheet music, you’ll be interested to learn that there is more than one way to read music notes. While it is important to be able to recognize and name the notes in order to place your hands in the correct position, …
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What is the musical alphabet? Learning to play music is like learning a new language, and the first step is understanding the musical alphabet. It’s a simple, seven-letter sequence that helps you play your favorite songs, read music, and even create our own melodies. Just like the ABCs help you form words, the musical alphabet …
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From iconic ballets to expressive piano pieces, Tchaikovsky’s timeless works offer something for every pianist from beginners to professionals. Whether you’re looking to build on your skills or add to your repertoire, this guide help you learn and play his music. Let’s start by learning a little more about Tchaikovsky and why his works are …
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Bach’s music isn’t just for experts. From graceful minuets to soulful melodies, his works offer something even beginners can enjoy. This guide rounds up some of the most famous and approachable Bach pieces, perfect for building skill and confidence at the piano. Let’s explore why his music still inspires pianists today. 1. “Air on the …
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The piano is a dramatic instrument – there is no doubt about it. What other acoustic instrument has such an enormous range, both in register and dynamic? From some of the deepest and lowest pitches to the lightest of pianissimos, the piano can deliver huge drama at any moment. Not to mention the monumental worlds …
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Pitch is one of the most fundamental concepts in music and one of the primary ways musicians categorize how a note sounds. A particular sound wave might produce a low pitch, a high pitch, a definite pitch, or an indefinite pitch. The tools of music theory can be used to analyze these sound waves and …
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Ever wanted to play the iconic riff from “Still D.R.E.” by Dr. D.R.E on piano? This step-by-step guide will help you master the famous piano melody with ease. The beauty of “Still D.R.E.” lies in its simplicity. The song uses a repetitive chord progression that makes it easy to memorize and perfect for beginners. With …
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Rubato is a subtle and powerful technique in music. Derived from the Italian work rubare meaning “to steal”, rubato is an expressive technique where musicians deviate from the strict timing of a piece, creating a more emotional interpretation. Rubato has been a cornerstone of musical expression since at least the Romantic era and is essential …
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Learning to play the piano is a wonderful pursuit, but it can be thwarted due to a lack of time or energy. One reason people abandon piano is a lack of concentration that makes them feel unmotivated and distracted from their goal. As a result, students wonder how they can stay focused and motivated while …
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