What is the treble clef? What is a treble clef? The treble clef is a symbol musicians use to notate pitches above and around middle C on the piano. The treble clef symbol is also known as G clef because it describes the location of G, specifically the G above middle C, or G4. …
Treble clef notes: understanding music notation Read More »
What is a frequency? In simple terms, frequency refers to the number of sound wave vibrations per second. If there are enough of these vibrations in a second the ear perceives this as a sound we call a pitch. The faster the vibrations, the higher the pitch; the slower the vibrations, the lower the pitch. …
Note frequencies: understanding sound and pitch Read More »
Ever noticed those two stacked numbers at the beginning of sheet music and wondered what they mean? They’re called time signatures, and understanding them is essential for keeping the beat and making music. Let’s explore how they help musicians play, read, and interpret music more effectively. What are time signatures? Time signatures, or meter, are …
The basics of time signatures: a beginner’s guide Read More »
Do you know how to identify the value of the notated silences known as ‘rests’ when reading sheet music? While listening to a song, it’s common to overlook the pauses and silences, as your ear naturally gravitates towards active elements like lyrics, catchy melodies, or rhythms. Rests contribute significantly to music’s structure and expression. Understanding …
Musical rests: types, symbols & duration Read More »
When you start learning the piano, one of the first things you’ll hear about is rhythm. But what does that really mean? Rhythm is simply the timing of the notes you play — it’s what makes music move and feel alive. It’s the steady beat you tap your foot to and the pattern of long …
Understaning rhythm in music: simple guide for beginners Read More »
Music is a language, like all languages it uses characters and symbols to communicate meaning. Musicians use different note symbols to communicate the duration of notes in music. In this article, we will learn about whole notes, half notes and quarter notes. These note values are the basic units of time in music, almost like …
Understanding basic note values: quarter, half, and whole notes Read More »
Middle C is often the first note the beginners learn to identify on the piano. It is a solid foundation to begin any piano study. How to find middle C on the piano Middle C is quite easy to find on the piano. Take a minute to look at the keyboard. Do you notice any …
Middle C on the piano: how to find it & why it matters Read More »
A melody is the sequence of notes that create a musical phrase, often the most memorable part of a song. Whether you’re listening to a pop song or a classical piece, the melody is what often sticks with you. Melody doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s closely linked with other musical elements like rhythm and harmony. While …
Melody in music: Understanding the core of music Read More »
If you want to start playing jazz, learning a few key scales is one of the fastest and most effective ways to get there. Scales are sets of notes that help you understand melodies and get to grips with jazz. Jazz scales are groups of notes that can help give jazz its unique and colorful …
Mastering jazz scales: a beginner’s guide to getting started Read More »
Have you ever wondered what a seventh chord on piano is? 7th chords are commonly found in genres like jazz and blues and are synonymous with the sounds of the genres. These interesting piano chords add a bit more flavour than standard chords and are great tools for composers and performers to learn. In this …
Mastering 7th chords on piano: a complete guide Read More »
Music theory often feels like a treasure hunt, uncovering new gems that can transform your playing and composing. Today’s focus is quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies. Let’s explore these three fascinating ways to build chords that break away from western traditional norms. Whether you’re a seasoned pianist or just starting out, understanding these harmonies can …
What are quartal, quintal and secundal harmonies? Read More »
Have you ever heard a song and been captivated by its smooth transitions or groovy bassline? You’ve already experienced the magic of slash chords. These versatile musical tools are the secret behind many iconic pieces. Slash chords add depth and emotion that elevates simple chord progressions to breathtaking compositions. What exactly are slash chords and …
Slash chords: what are they and how to use them? Read More »
Get a 7 day trial of Skoove Premium piano lessons
