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.
On the electric keyboard can you play dynamics? Well, that depends on the type of keyboard that you buy. In music, dynamics refers to the volume and intensity of sound, ranging from very soft (pp = pianissimo) to very loud (ff = fortissimo). Not all keyboards can play loud and soft through the keys though. Click to learn what you need to think about when buying an electronic keyboard. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you struggle with reading music notes? Have you always wanted to learn to read music, but found it too hard? Try rainbow colored music notes. This post has stories about musicians who’ve achieved music literacy through color coded music notation. Click to learn about accurately reading musical notes and the colors of a rainbow. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
How can you make a note be long and short simultaneously? How can legato notes be played staccato? Mozart created a mixed staccato/legato notation to use in his piano pieces, and it still confuses musicians to this day. Click to answer the question, “How can legato notes be played staccato?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you want tips for how to stay calm and cool before a concert? Today’s post contains two tips to help keep your nerves at bay. Click to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Have you ever asked yourself, “Should I learn to play the piano one hand at a time or simultaneously?” The answer might surprise you. Click to find out the practice strategies used by the most effective practicers. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Have you ever asked, “What are the small “>” signs above or below the notes?” We call them and other signs like them articulations of force. Read on to learn what they tell us to do when we see them in sheet music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Are you confused by the squiggly lines in the score? Have you ever wondered, “Why do pianists occasionally play their hands at different times as they perform?” Answer: because it makes the music sound sophisticated and plays an important stylistic role in piano music. Click if you’d like to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.
Do you want to give up on learning music theory? Does it seem pointless to you? Music theory can help with sight reading skills on the piano. It’ll be useful for improvisation and composition. It even helps with performance practice. If you still have an open mind, read “Do I Really Have to Learn Music Theory to Learn How to Play Piano?” to understand the ways it can help you to better play the instrument. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.
Have you ever wondered, “Why do minor keys sound sad and major keys sound happy?” Has this phenomenon been hardwired into us, or does culture impact how we perceive scales? In fact, it’s a little bit of both. Read more to learn how this works. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.
Do you want to learn how to read music, but just can’t? Are you a teacher that has students with good ears who struggle with reading? Having a good ear can be a two-edged sword. The student can pick up music quickly by ear. However, the same strength can create challenges for score reading. Read more to learn why it’s so hard for someone with a good ear to learn to read sheet music. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.