Music in theory

The next step is to learn which note goes where on the staff. Take a look at the piano.

So many notes and not a lot of lines and spaces? That’s why there are clefs. Clefs are there to tell us which section of the piano we are playing.

The higher notes are usually showned with a G Clef. The lower notes are showned with a F Clef.

The clefs are placed at the beginning of the staff. Like this:

But what to do if you want to play both at the same time? AH HA! We put both staff together like this:

Tomorrow… where the notes go!

What are those lines? How can I “read” them?

These lines are called STAFF or STAVE(s) lines. Usually there are 5 lines and 4 spaces per staff. Yep… nothingness counts in music… in more than one way, but that’s for later.

For each line and space there is a note. And each note has a name.
You each have probably watched “Sound of Music” at one point in your life? Do you remember the song “Do-Re-Mi” ? (a little reminder in order?)

AWWWW!

So the notes are named:

DO
RE
MI
FA
SOL
LA
TI (real name is SI but since there is another note that starts
with “S” they changed it to “T") (No, I don’t know who “they” are!)

In english, we often use the alphabet to designate a note:

DO - C
RE - D
MI - E
FA - F
SOL - G
LA - A
TI - B

Tomorrow, we’ll talk about Clefs and where each notes fits in the staff!!!

The structure of music is quite simple. It is composed of simple elements but showned all together makes it more complicated.

Could you “read” (sing) this?

Well, I’m sure you could read the lyrics! And since you probably know this song, you can sing it back to me. But really, do you understand what you are seeing? Well, let me make it easy for you!

Ok. So exactly what is music theory?

Here is the “official” wikipedia definition:

Music theory is the field of study that deals with the mechanics of music and how music works. It involves identifying patterns that govern composers’ techniques. In a more general sense, music theory also often distills and analyzes the elements of music – rhythm, harmony (harmonic function), melody, structure, form and texture. Broadly, theory may include any statement, belief, or conception of or about music (Boretz, 1995). People who study these properties are known as music theorists.

Boring no?

For you, what is music theory? Is it as boring as french class? or is it exciting as the first day of vacation? Let me know!

For me, music theory is the same thing as understanding your ABCs. It’s the basis of learning to read… music. And exactly like learning french, you have so many rules to learn, music also has it’s rules. But the good thing about music is: If you don’t follow the rules, it’s an interpretation!

So let’s learn the rules to better break them.

Well…

Hello there.

I’m new at this blogging thing, but I wanted to share my love interest. Music.

Most of us listen to music, sometime sing karaoke or play an instrument, others wants the fame and glory performing will bring them and others want to teach it. I have to say, I’ve touched all of it. Teaching, performing, karaoke-ing and listening to my fave artists.

Here, on this blog, I’ll talk of the technique of music. THEORY. Now, won’t that be fun?

Technorati Profile