The Steps


Intro:
Before you begin
Step 1:
Learn the names of notes and clefs
Step 2:
Find where the notes fall on staves
Step 3:
Find where the notes fall on a keyboard
Step 4:
Understand note length
Step 5:
Understand time signatures
Step 6:
Understand key signatures
Step 7:
Know the common words and symbols



The Necessities


Some simple sheet music

Optional: a piano, keyboard or organ



Time


A few hours of close study should get you started; after that it's all about practice, practice, practice. Once you get it down, reading music will be as easy as reading this 2torial.

 

Arts and Crafts


2torial #0917:
Learn2 Read Music

Music to your eyes

A lot of people think music is difficult to read--but it's not. It's actually the simplest written language there is. And once you get the basics down, the rewards will last a lifetime.

Whether it's classical, rock, hip hop, techno, reggae, ambient, country, folk, jazz or anything else, music is written and recognized in the same way throughout most of the world.

Learning how to read music is a significant step toward eventually being able to play, sing or even write any song you want. And while this 2torial won't turn you into the next Duke Ellington overnight, it will provide the skills you need for a basic read.

Before You Begin

Before you tackle these steps, get your hands on some beginner-level sheet music to use as a reference as you're going along. See if you can find a copy of a song you like. This will be a tremendous help in familiarizing yourself with the basic fundamentals we'll present.

Another big help will be to find yourself an instrument. Even though you don't need one to read music in general, an instrument can be invaluable when it comes to understanding how a note's sound relates to what appears on paper. We'll focus on music for keyboard instruments, such as the piano or organ. However, music theory is generally universal, regardless of what instrument you're playing (including your voice).

If you don't have access to an instrument of your own, try renting or borrowing one from a friend. Sometimes community centers or religious organizations have instruments (especially pianos or organs) that are available for public use. Even if you're planning to sing the music you learn to read, it's important to know how it should sound and where to start.

On that note...

Go 2Step 1

 



 


2torial #0853:
Tune a Guitar

 

 

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