Introduction to Combination Tones Imagine listening to a duet where two instruments play distinct notes, yet you hear a third note chiming in. This intriguing phenomenon is known as combination tones. Discovered by Italian violinist Giuseppe Tartini in the 18th century, these tones occur when two frequencies interact, creating additional tones that we perceive. It’s […]

Introduction to the 6m Chord Chords are the spices in your musical stew, mixing notes to create harmonious flavors. The 6m chord, or minor sixth, adds a subtle depth. Constructed with a root, minor third, perfect fifth, and a sixth, it’s a versatile tool in any musician’s toolkit. This blog post will explore the magic […]

Introduction to Indigenous Rhythms Indigenous rhythms have always captivated me. Their beats form the heartbeat of cultural identity, weaving stories and traditions into sound. In many indigenous cultures, rhythm serves as a language, conveying emotions and histories. Odd time signatures often appear within these rhythms, adding complexity and intrigue. I recall listening to a Native […]

Introduction to Left-Hand Piano Techniques In piano performance, the left hand often plays the unsung hero, providing the foundation that supports the melody. A balanced performance requires both hands to dance together seamlessly, much like a well-rehearsed tango. Think of the iconic bass lines in pieces like Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” or the rhythmic drive in […]

Introduction to Musical Notations Imagine opening a treasure map with symbols leading you to hidden gems; that’s what musical notation is to a musician. These notations are the language of music, dictating everything from rhythm to dynamics. Symbols like clefs, notes, and rests are common landmarks. Each has its role, with the time signature setting […]

Introduction to the B-String Phenomenon Ah, the notorious B-string! Many guitarists, myself included, have experienced the frustration of tuning this string perfectly, only to strum a chord and hear something akin to a cat yowling in protest. It’s almost a rite of passage for guitar players to grapple with the B-string’s tendency to sound off. […]

Introduction to Chord Spelling Chord spelling in music theory serves as the grammar of our musical language, organizing notes within a chord to ensure each finds its rightful place. Picture baking a cake—you need the correct ingredients in precise amounts. Similarly, chord spelling ensures our musical recipe is flawless. Enharmonic equivalents, such as G♭ and […]

Introduction to Diminished Chords Diminished chords are the mysterious characters in music—intriguing, unsettling, and full of depth. Built by stacking minor thirds, they create a tense, unresolved sound akin to a musical cliffhanger. Composers from the Baroque era to modern times have used diminished chords to add drama and tension. I remember playing one on […]

Introduction to Baroque Notation Imagine stepping into a grand concert hall of the 17th or 18th century, where composers like Bach and Vivaldi were the rock stars of their time. The Baroque period was marked by opulence, emotional expression, and intricate musical compositions. Notation served as the secret code that unlocked these masterpieces, enabling musicians […]

Introduction to Musical Symbols Musical notation serves as a roadmap for musicians, guiding us through the rich landscape of a composition. Without it, we’d be adrift, much like searching for hidden treasure without a map. Symbols such as the fall, doit, and mordent add expressive flair to music. These aren’t mere squiggles; they’re the secret […]