Understanding Music Theory Music theory is the secret recipe behind your favorite dish, the framework that reveals how music works. Imagine baking a cake without knowing the ingredients or steps—chaos, right? Similarly, music theory helps us understand the structure and language of music, enhancing our ability to play, compose, and appreciate it. When I began […]

Counterpoint is the musical equivalent of a deep, meaningful conversation. It’s where melodies interact, each voice maintaining its individuality while contributing to a harmonious whole. Johann Joseph Fux’s “Gradus ad Parnassum” serves as the counterpoint bible, guiding generations of composers. In my music journey, second species counterpoint, with its note-against-note simplicity, was a revelation. It […]

Introduction to Musical Key Debate Ah, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, an iconic anthem that evokes road trips and summer barbecues. Beyond its toe-tapping riffs and catchy lyrics lies a debate that has intrigued musicians for decades: the key it’s in. Understanding musical keys isn’t just academic; it’s like deciphering the secret language of […]

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 […]