You do not have to learn to read music in order to play it. However it is equally true that there is no need to learn how to read and write in order to speak. In both cases it is about increasing your ability to communicate and present your ideas.
The way notes are arranged on a sheet of music are similar to the way words are arranged on a page in the Western alphabet. The difference is that instead of a sentence the notes are arranged on five lines known as a staff. Knowing this helps you to understand how a piece of music is constructed.
Instead of a capital letter to denote the start of a sentence we use what is known as a clef. There are two main types of clef. A top clef is probably the most well known example and covers most high pitched instruments and most singing voices. It is also known as a G clef due to the fact that it meets in the middle where you will find a G note. In this case the notes go from E, G, B, D and F when played from top to bottom with F, A, C, E in the space between the notes. F, A, C, E is relatively easier to remember, but most teachers come up with a mnemonic such as Elvis Grew Beard Dandruff Fuzz.
In the case of lower pitched instruments such as the tuba the bass or F clef is used. In this case the notes arranged spell G, B, D, F and A with A, C, E and G in the spaces between. Once you have noted this you then need to check the key signature next to the clef. If they look like a tiny b then it should be played flat, while tiny pound signs indicate it should be played sharp. If there is no symbol like this next to the clef then this is what is known as being played naturally.
You should then look at the key signature next to the clef. If the symbols next to the clef resemble a small letter b then the tone should be flat. The symbols that look like pound signs on a telephone are known as sharps. If there is no symbol then the piece is what is known as natural.
Now that you know the clef, key signature and time signature you can read the notes and rests. Examples of this include half, quarter and whole notes, accompanied with quarter, half and whole rests. Whole notes are indicated by circles, with a half symbolised by a d. The rests are symbolised with rectangles. There are other symbols and it is worth checking online for a full guide to the whole range of notes.
As stated before this is a basic guide to help you start to learn to read music. There are online demonstrations that can go into more depth and can be more specific to the instrument you are learning or your own type of singing voice. It is often a good idea to get tuition for a more in depth learning experience. With hard work and dedication you can learn the language of music.
The way notes are arranged on a sheet of music are similar to the way words are arranged on a page in the Western alphabet. The difference is that instead of a sentence the notes are arranged on five lines known as a staff. Knowing this helps you to understand how a piece of music is constructed.
Instead of a capital letter to denote the start of a sentence we use what is known as a clef. There are two main types of clef. A top clef is probably the most well known example and covers most high pitched instruments and most singing voices. It is also known as a G clef due to the fact that it meets in the middle where you will find a G note. In this case the notes go from E, G, B, D and F when played from top to bottom with F, A, C, E in the space between the notes. F, A, C, E is relatively easier to remember, but most teachers come up with a mnemonic such as Elvis Grew Beard Dandruff Fuzz.
In the case of lower pitched instruments such as the tuba the bass or F clef is used. In this case the notes arranged spell G, B, D, F and A with A, C, E and G in the spaces between. Once you have noted this you then need to check the key signature next to the clef. If they look like a tiny b then it should be played flat, while tiny pound signs indicate it should be played sharp. If there is no symbol like this next to the clef then this is what is known as being played naturally.
You should then look at the key signature next to the clef. If the symbols next to the clef resemble a small letter b then the tone should be flat. The symbols that look like pound signs on a telephone are known as sharps. If there is no symbol then the piece is what is known as natural.
Now that you know the clef, key signature and time signature you can read the notes and rests. Examples of this include half, quarter and whole notes, accompanied with quarter, half and whole rests. Whole notes are indicated by circles, with a half symbolised by a d. The rests are symbolised with rectangles. There are other symbols and it is worth checking online for a full guide to the whole range of notes.
As stated before this is a basic guide to help you start to learn to read music. There are online demonstrations that can go into more depth and can be more specific to the instrument you are learning or your own type of singing voice. It is often a good idea to get tuition for a more in depth learning experience. With hard work and dedication you can learn the language of music.
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