Do you want to know how to play or teach instrumental music better? The archive contains posts about teaching instruments. In addition, it contains posts with teaching tips for playing and notating music. Plus, there are posts that deal with traditional music theory and also the theory of micro tuning instruments.
Have you ever wondered why just intonation sounds different in different keys? This happens because the structure of just intonation diverges from equal temperament (the modern tuning standard), resulting in a different sound. Click to learn the answer to the question, “Why do just intonation keys have different aural characteristics?” Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
“What purpose do accidentals serve in reading sheet music?” Sharps, flats, and naturals (collectively called accidentals) grew out of a problem that needed to be fixed in the mediaeval music notation. The music theorists of the time slapped their fix onto the preexisting notation system, and that fix is still with us to this day. However, having confused generations of budding musicians, the results of the fix leave a lot to be desired. Click to answer the question, “What purpose do accidentals serve in reading sheet music?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
“What is a parallel mode and how does it work? And how does a parallel mode differ from a relative mode?” Many musicians find the concept of modes confusing. I can help! Click to answer the question, “What is a parallel mode and how does it work?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Has your child been asking about music lessons? Have you worried about how it will go? Learning how to play an instrument will help build your child’s self-confidence and self-concept. But what types of instruments will work best with your child’s learning style? In today’s post, we’ll discuss what you should consider when selecting an instrument. Click to answer the question, “What is a good instrument for a dyslexic child to learn?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“Do my hands’ sizes affect learning performance on the piano?” Yes, your hand’s size can affect your ability to play certain techniques and perform some types of music. Click to find out how your hand’s size can affect your ability to perform and what you can do about it. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“Can I write a song if I don’t play an instrument? If I have a melody and lyrics in my head, how can I create backing tracks for my song?” Good news! You too can write songs, even if you can’t play an instrument. Click to read, “How can I write a song without an instrument?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you ever find yourself asking, “Why can I play piano hands together but not separately?” Really, it depends on the type of music you play. Some pieces lend themselves to hands together work, while others will be better suited for learning hands separate. Click to learn the factors that impact how you learn a new piece of music. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
“Why am I so bad at reading sheet music? How can I learn to read better?” At least part of the problem rests with the music notation itself. Don’t worry, I can help you read music! Click to learn why you struggle with reading sheet music and what you can do about it. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
What’s the difference between just intonation and equal temperament? They differ in terms of how they sound, the number of notes, and their user friendliness. Click to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of each. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Have you ever wondered what the best practice strategies are? D’you want some music tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years? Mastering playing an instrument or singing can be both challenging and rewarding. Need some help? I’ve been teaching music lessons for over thirty years. In that time, I’ve gained tons of tips that’ll improve your skills. I’ll share a few of the best ones in today’s post, and even more tricks in the All-Purpose Music Tips and Topics posts. Click to get these valuable tips. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.