Now for some music basics. Treble clef For higher pitched instruments Bass Clef Lower pitched instruments Class Rhythm Exercise: Divide up into groups of four. Each group needs to come up with a two minute musical work to perform in class. You may use standard music notation or a hybrid graphic notation and music notation style. You will have 20-30 minutes to write and practice your piece before you perform it in class. You can use any instrument, sound, or voice at your disposal. Perform the piece in front of the class. Turn in the music at the end of your performance with each group member's name on the paper to receive credit (worth 30 points). CHORDS (In Class Piano Demonstration) Major Chords Minor Chords Seventh Chords Major Seventh Chords Whole Tone Scale Minor Second Related articles How to Tune Your Guitar with Your iPhone (iphone.appstorm.net) The perfect movie soundtrack: Hans Zimmer - Inception (netnewmusic.net)

Today we are going to talk about Rhythm and Music Notation . In 4/4 Time there is Four Quarter Notes to a measure. You would count them 1-2-3-4. Most popular music is written in 4/4 time. It is probably the most popular time signature in western music. If a piece were in 3/4 time, then you would have three quarter notes per measure. You would count this 1-2-3. A waltz is a good example of a piece in 3/4 time. In 2/4 time there will be two quarter notes per measure. Like a march. The conductor directs the orchestra. It is also his or her job to catch any mistakes and to run rehearsals. The Sleeping Beauty Waltz Example of a March Not all music is in simple duple or triple meter. Many musical styles from nonwestern countries combine all types of meters and rhythms into very complex interweavings of music. Indian Tabla Music AfroCuban Music Javanese Gamelan Music Compare the meters and rhythms of the thre previous examples. How were they different? How were they the same? How do thes...

Image by Cuito Cuanavale via Flickr Some quick pointers on learning how to write music: Learn basic keyboard. Piano lessons help you learn about music theory , chords, and melodies without having to wade through crazy theory books. Plus, then you will be able to write much easier. Do you want to write pop or classical? For pop, you can get away with a lead sheet (pretty much just chords, melody line, and basic rhythm). If you want to write for something a bit more advanced, then you will need to learn about music notation . There are lots of online sites that will start you out on that. (I can answer any questions, too). For jazz , classical training is helpful, but not necessary. Oh, and there are plenty of computer programs that will write the music for you (ex. Garageband, Logic, Cakewalk). You play, and it prints it right out! Get some feedback on your writing. Whether its a teacher, a peer, or just a friend in the band , you need to get some feedback when you write, espec...

Image via Wikipedia \ Hello Everyone, So maybe you play in a band, learned some piano, or just want to write music. Well, writing music is rewarding and exciting. If you get good at it, other people will love to hear your music and might even pay you for it! In any case, learning how to write music is not easy. Here are a few pointers on learning how to write music: Learn basic keyboard. Piano lessons help you learn about music theory , chords, and melodies without having to wade through crazy theory books. Plus, then you will be able to write much easier. Do you want to write pop or classical? For pop, you can get away with a lead sheet (pretty much just chords, melody line, and basic rhythm). If you want to write for something a bit more advanced, then you will need to learn about music notation. There are lots of online sites that will start you out on that. (I can answer any questions, too). For jazz , classical training is helpful, but not necessary. Some computer programs that...