How to Read Music (Basics) 1

Ever wonder how to read music?  Do you assume that it's just so hard that no one who is not a musician already could ever hope to do it? 

Actually, reading music is pretty easy.  With a little help, I think everyone can do it.  Take a look at this little, 3-minute video animation from the Khan Academy and conductor Gerard Schwartz. 

Words you might not know

Pitch--how high or low a note sounds.  A train whistle and bird cheeps sound high.  A tugboat horn and frog croaks sound low. 

Duration--how long a note lasts.  Most of the notes in Pizzicato Polka are moderate in duration (to see how the strings are making those sounds look here to observe them using a pizzicato technique).  Most of the notes in the Finale to the William Tell Overture are fast (or short) in duration--especially the notes played by the strings.   Most of the notes right at the beginning of The New World Symphony are slow (or long) in duration.  

I wrote a little quiz to help you find out what you learned from Lesson 1.  Take it for free here.  Take the quiz and watch the video as often as you like.  No pressure!

This is the first of six little videos about notes and rhythms.  Easy!  The entire series is here.  Reminder: make sure the sound is not muted by your browser or computer.  Use good speakers or headset! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQHcz7U01M4

Next week: ISIS killed his piano