Reading music

[Deadly Ferret]

I know practically nothing about written music, but would like to learn how to read it so that I am prepared for violin lessons. Is it something that can be self-taught, and if so how difficult/frustrating is it? My girlfriend also wishes to learn, as she will take piano lessons. Is it something she and I could do together, for example find some book and just sit down and study, or would it be better if we were to go to classes?

Thanks.

 

[phykell]

There are lots of music theory books to choose from but the best range are from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music:

http://www.abrsm.org/?page=home

...but check www.musicroom.com too. Eric Taylor does a good graded music theory series.

The two reference books I'd recommend though, and they're relatively cheap, are Eric Taylors AB Guide to Music Theory books 1 and 2:

http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/011274/details.html

Reading music isn't all that difficult to do, it's sight-reading that takes serious practice but no doubt you've got that particular pleasure to come yet

As for violin, it's not the instrument for me I must admit. I think it takes a lot of dedication because it's not as rewarding (IMO) to play as a piano, which is of course the best instrument of all

 

[Deadly Ferret]

Thanks very much, I know good advice when I see it.

I take it sight-reading is the act of playing to sheet music, doing both things in time, as opposed to just being able to interpret the symbols?

The reason I see the violin as being for me, is that I have a romantic view of the instrument, largely I think due to being a big Sherlock Holmes fan. Another bonus in my eyes is the smallness and portability of the instrument.

 

[phykell]

Yes you're right about what sight-reading is. As you progress through the grades, if you choose to do the examinations, you'll find that there are sections to test your sight-reading which emphasises what an important skill it is. It's very beneficial as it lets you learn pieces quickly which is of course more rewarding and will increase your enjoyment and there's nothing quite like picking through a piece of music the first time you've ever seen it.

 

[The Bear]

Here is a link to a really nifty online training exercise for the basics of reading music (although there is loads more on there for the more advanced player)

Just follow the tutorial link on the top left hand side and it will get you on your way

oh by the way, the site has audio examples as well to help you out!

Click me

 

[Scam]

I take it sight-reading is the act of playing to sheet music, doing both things in time, as opposed to just being able to interpret the symbols?

Slightly odd explanation there, so i'll clarify. Sight-reading is simply playing a piece through, the very first time you read it. So every time you pick up a new book with new stuff to play and you try to play it through the first time, you're sight-reading. I was quite bad at it (saxophone), but luckily i was very jazz-orientated so didnt have to worry too much. Sight-reading is probably one of the worst parts of a music examination, besides the singing. Why on earth did i have to sing if i wanted to play the sax?!

 

[FranchiseJuan]

One thing to remember is not to expect the sight-reading of music to come too quickly. Being able to read sheet music can come in a week, once you know what the notes mean, but having an indepth knowleadge of what the tempos and moods that music is written in means, takes time.

It took me about 6 months of piano to be able to sight-read, but you can get to the stage that you can pickup a piece of music and play it roughly first time. For me the hardest part is having the tempo going in your head, and knowing the difference between the differant tempos (3/4, 4/4, etc.).

 

[Vixen]

As for violin, it's not the instrument for me I must admit. I think it takes a lot of dedication because it's not as rewarding (IMO) to play as a piano, which is of course the best instrument of all

The violin is much more difficult to play than the piano. Anyone can play a piano and make it sound good with a little practise, but the same cannot be said of the violin .

If you're a beginner, then I would expect your teacher to start you from scratch. If you really want some stuff before you go, then I'd recommend getting the grade 1 abrsm theory book. The suzuki method books are very good for starting with no knowledge of music, but some violin teachers really don't like them as they teach form and nothing else.

 

[alexthecheese]

I'm learning at the moment and I have to say having a tutor in front of you telling you how to do it is way way easier than trying to extract valuale information out of a book. Use the book as an addition to tutoring if you can, I can +1 on the recommendation for the Eric Taylors AB books, they're about a fiver each and have everything you need to know.

 

[arty]

The best way to learn to read sheet music is to play at the same time. I wouldn't worry too much about being able to read before you start to play - I've taught people who said they could read music and they usually tripped over themselves almost immediately. It's normally much more challenging learning to play the instrument, and the reading will catch up very very quickly

arty

 

[phykell]

The violin is much more difficult to play than the piano. Anyone can play a piano and make it sound good with a little practise, but the same cannot be said of the violin .

What you mean to say is that the violin is such a limited instrument that it's much more difficult to play something that people *want* to listen to. Also, I don't really know how you can compare the two instruments for difficulty when they're so different Hey I like Danse Macabre as much as the next person but a violin is just another single voice in the orchestra compared to a piano

 

[Vixen]

What you mean to say is that the violin is such a limited instrument that it's much more difficult to play something that people *want* to listen to. Also, I don't really know how you can compare the two instruments for difficulty when they're so different Hey I like Danse Macabre as much as the next person but a violin is just another single voice in the orchestra compared to a piano

The violin isn't limited at all . Anyone can hit the right keys in the right order on a piano, but it actually takes some musical ability to get fingers in the right place and correct bowing for a violin.

 

[Scam]

Are you two really arguing over which instrument is better or harder? Come off it

These forums are getting more and more argumentative every day...

 

[p4radox]

It took me about 6 months of piano to be able to sight-read, but you can get to the stage that you can pickup a piece of music and play it roughly first time. For me the hardest part is having the tempo going in your head, and knowing the difference between the differant tempos (3/4, 4/4, etc.).

Agreed. I've been able to play the piano for a long time now, but I still struggle slightly with sight-reading. I can play a piece the first time I see it, but the tempo and rhythm will be all over the place. It's subtle differences like between 3/4 and 6/8 that are difficult. I'm not a natural musician at all, but it is really satisfying to be able to play a piece well, especially if it's taken quite a bit of work to get to that stage.

 

[arty]

Anyone can hit the right keys in the right order on a piano, but it actually takes some musical ability to get fingers in the right place and correct bowing for a violin.

Why aren't you an international concert pianist then?

arty

 

[phykell]

Are you two really arguing over which instrument is better or harder? Come off it

Why not? It's all subjective, I don't particularly like the violin, I didn't choose it as an instrument (2nd to piano) preferring a Euphonium if you must know Hey it means you can then pick up other three valve brass instruments relatively quickly (or at least the principle).

The violin isn't limited at all .

One clef to follow. No polyphony hence no chords. No bass line with a separate melody. Screechy sound (OK, cheap shot ). Limited dynamic range. Don't get me wrong, the violin is a fine instrument, in its place (usually with a load of other string instruments), and something which I can admire, but it isn't in the same league as a piano. I think you'll find that many people agree with me, that for example, the solo violin isn't the most comfortable instrument to listen to. I certainly can't imagine choosing to listen to a solo violin over any number of great solo piano works. Also, if I were to choose, I'd choose a viola anyway...

Anyone can hit the right keys in the right order on a piano...

Oh come on, you're having a laugh now aren't you?

...but it actually takes some musical ability to get fingers in the right place and correct bowing for a violin.

Stop, I can't take any more. Must ...resist ...

No I have to say it, being a musician is all about how you interpret the music, and how you control your instrument of choice. To say that one instrument requires musical ability, implying another does not, certainly when we're talking about violins and pianos, is missing the point entirely.

However, here's a t-shirt for you:

http://www.cafepress.com/violin_student.24226713

Of course, if we're talking about the difficulty and skill with regards to playing a musical instrument, then what about the organ or do you think the violin is more demanding than that? Let me give you an example, I reckon I can do a pretty good Toccata & Fugue (the D minor) on the piano. Only the other week I was trying out our local church organ and the resident organist showed me how to play it properly but how about we let Karl Richter demonstrate?

Seriously, watch this, it's absolutely amazing - watch for the heel and toe technique on the foot pedals.

 

[Vixen]

Why aren't you an international concert pianist then?

arty

The piano bores me. I love the violin, and played it for years until I no longer had a band or orchestra to play with. We never had space for a piano when I was growing up, and as soon as I do and can afford it, I'll get one. I've never had the same interest in it though, it has always been something to accompany me, not a solo instrument.

phykell, you really are just clutching at straws, and I wasn't looking for an argument, so I'm not even going to bother.

EDIT: no, one thing. I'd much rather listen to this

 

["andy"]

pfft the above mentioned musical instruments may be good

but

 

[phykell]

The piano bores me.

So if hadn't bored you, you'd *be* a concert pianist, is that it?

The piano bores me. I love the violin, and played it for years until I no longer had a band or orchestra to play with. We never had space for a piano when I was growing up, and as soon as I do and can afford it, I'll get one. I've never had the same interest in it though, it has always been something to accompany me, not a solo instrument.

Have you ever noticed that the piano needs no accompaniment? For example, the Liverpool Philharmonic events calendar for 2007 will contain a number of solo piano performances and zero solo violin performances. No, for me the violin is a voice in the orchestra with the occasional sojurn into solo territory.

phykell, you really are just clutching at straws, and I wasn't looking for an argument, so I'm not even going to bother.

When did it become an "argument"?

I'll try the link later Did you watch Karl Richter though?

 

[Riiya]

There are lots of music theory books to choose from but the best range are from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music:

http://www.abrsm.org/?page=home

...but check www.musicroom.com too. Eric Taylor does a good graded music theory series.

The two reference books I'd recommend though, and they're relatively cheap, are Eric Taylors AB Guide to Music Theory books 1 and 2:

http://www.musicroom.com/se/ID_No/011274/details.html

Reading music isn't all that difficult to do, it's sight-reading that takes serious practice but no doubt you've got that particular pleasure to come yet

As for violin, it's not the instrument for me I must admit. I think it takes a lot of dedication because it's not as rewarding (IMO) to play as a piano, which is of course the best instrument of all

What's the best way to learn to play a piano from scratch with a keyboard? In what order should you learn everything, and what if you don't want to pay for lessons - they are expensive.