The piano, with its wide range and versatility, is a cornerstone in the world of music. Among its many sounds, major chords stand out as fundamental building blocks of harmony. These chords are bright, and consonant, and often convey a sense of happiness and resolution. This article will delve into one of the most commonly …
What is A major chord on piano? Read More »
Have you ever watched a beautifully crafted ballet or other form of dance and seen the right hand of the dancer gracefully sway through the air while the left hand rests idle? Unlikely, right? Just like with ballet dancers, the left hand in piano plays an equally significant role. As you have mastered your right …
Mastering bass clef: a guide to notes & reading Read More »
Harmony is one of the basic building blocks of music. Chords and chord progression have a profound emotional impact on the way we experience music and the tendencies of chords have been well studied. But what happens when we flip harmony on its head? Enter negative harmony, a concept that’s been creating a buzz among …
What is negative harmony in music? Read More »
Do you know how to identify the rest symbol in music when reading sheet music? While listening to a song, it’s common to overlook the moments of pause, as your ear naturally gravitates towards active elements like lyrics, catchy melodies, or rhythms. However, the silence, marked by rest symbols such as the half rest, quarter …
Rest symbols in music: marking silence Read More »
The term “canon in music” brings to mind the timeless beauty of Baroque-era compositions, where melodies interlock and overlap in a delicate balance. But many musicians might wonder what is a canon in music, exactly? The canon is an old musical form, which developed out of the practice of counterpoint, and has captivated listeners and …
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Hemiola, a term deeply rooted in the world of music theory, is a rhythmic device that adds a unique dimension to musical compositions. It involves the presentation of two bars of triple meter as if they were three bars of duple meter. This intriguing rhythmic phenomenon plays with the listener’s perception, creating an engaging and …
What is a hemiola in music and how to use it? Read More »
The tritone, a term that sparks both intrigue and bewilderment among music enthusiasts and learners alike, stands as a pivotal element in the realm of music theory. This musical interval, enigmatic yet fundamental, has shaped the landscape of music across various genres and eras. But what exactly is a tritone in music, and why does …
What is the tritone? The fear of church music Read More »
In music, tempo markings such as allegro, andante, and moderato, typically located at the beginning of a score, are crucial for determining the piece’s speed. These terms, integral to musical notation, indicate both the original tempo and any changes throughout the composition. Historically, tempo markings were used to denote specific dance styles or as titles, …
Tempo markings: Introduction to musical tempos Read More »
Suspended chords, often abbreviated as “sus” in music, represent a fascinating and unique element within the tapestry of musical harmony. Unlike traditional chords, which are firmly rooted in a sense of resolution, suspended chords introduce an air of anticipation and unresolved tension, adding a distinct color and emotional depth to musical compositions. At their core, …
What is a suspended chord in music? From basic to advanced Read More »
You may be surprised to know that there are different musical terms for the same musical concepts and ideas in different parts of the world. While the language of music is universal, as societies evolve and change, their dialects inevitably change as well. Such is the case between British and American musical terms. It’s fascinating …
British vs American musical terms: what is the difference? Read More »
In the realm of music, a sequence is a recurring pattern. It resembles a structured repetition game with notes or chords, where each iteration involves slight modifications. The concept of a musical sequence is pivotal in understanding the dynamics of musical flow and transformation. In the study of music theory, the analysis of sequences is …
Sequence in music: exploring patterns and impact Read More »
Modulation in music is a fundamental concept, referring to the process of changing from one key to another within a composition. This technique is much more than a simple shift in notes—it’s a critical tool used by composers to add variety and expressiveness to their music. The importance of modulation lies in its ability to …
Modulation basics in music: theory and practice Read More »
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