Understanding Fixed Pitch Instruments Fixed pitch instruments, such as the piano and marimba, offer notes that are unchangeable in pitch—unlike the flexible notes of a voice or violin. I recall my first piano lesson, wrestling with the concept that C-sharp and D-flat are the same key yet represent distinct musical ideas. Navigating sharps and flats […]

Understanding Counterpoint Counterpoint is the art of weaving independent melodies into harmonious music. It’s musical multitasking, where each melody has its own personality yet complements the others. Historically, counterpoint has been a cornerstone of Western music theory, dating back to the Renaissance and Baroque periods. Composers like Bach and Palestrina mastered this craft, creating intricate works […]

Introduction to Rare Musical Notations Musical notation is the secret language of musicians—a collection of signs and symbols that guide us in what to play and how to play it. While most are familiar with basics like quarter notes and rests, the world of music is vast and rich with lesser-known symbols. Understanding these rare […]

Introduction I recall the first time I played a major scale on the piano. My teacher highlighted the fourth note, pointing out its curious character. It was solid and dependable in the bass, yet mysterious and unresolved in a melody. This duality is fascinating, creating stability and tension simultaneously. In this post, I’ll unravel the […]

Transposing instruments are the shape-shifting wizards of the orchestra, playing notes that sound different from what’s written on the page. This magical trickery often involves C and Bb keys. Imagine playing a Bb trumpet; a C on paper becomes a Bb in sound. It’s like ordering a coffee and receiving a latte. My first encounter […]

Introduction to Musical Rhythms There’s something enchanting about rhythms that make us tap our feet or nod our heads involuntarily. Swing music, with its infectious beat, is a perfect example. It’s like the universe inviting us to have fun. In contrast, reverse swing can feel like dancing the cha-cha on a tightrope—unfamiliar yet intriguing. Rhythms […]

Non-metric notation, like a free-spirited dancer, escapes the rigid confines of traditional meter, allowing composers to express musical ideas without a time signature. Its origins trace back to early Western music, notably in the ethereal Gregorian chants that resonated through cathedrals. As music evolved, so did our appreciation for this liberated form. Composers worldwide have […]

Introduction Have you ever found yourself humming a tune you just can’t place? That’s the magic of song identification. In our fast-paced world, naming that tune is like having a superpower! Whether it’s for settling debates with friends or satisfying personal curiosity, knowing how to identify songs from just a few notes is a valuable […]

Introduction to Saxophone Notation Playing the saxophone is a journey through history, and understanding its scores is like reading a musical map. The notation for the saxophone has evolved over the years, much like the instrument itself, transforming from simple diagrams to intricate symbols. For saxophonists, deciphering these symbols is essential for expressing the full […]

Introduction to Musical Notation When I first started teaching piano, I realized music notation is akin to a time-traveling language. It began in the Middle Ages with neumes—tiny squiggles guiding monks through chants. Over centuries, these symbols evolved into the intricate system we use today. Each note, rest, and accidental tells a story, serving as […]