Posts

Showing posts from 2023

Why Claude Debussy Never Cared About Music Theory

Image
  Claude Debussy was born on August 22, 1862. So, I felt writing a blog post to celebrate would be appropriate. Debussy was a revolutionary composer who challenged the conventions of Western music. He was influenced by the impressionist painters, the exotic sounds of gamelan music, and the symbolist poets. He created a musical language that was expressive, colorful, and atmospheric. One of the most remarkable aspects of Debussy's music is his use of harmony. He did not follow the rules of tonality and functional harmony that dominated the music of his time. Instead, he used modes, scales, chords, and parallel movements that created a sense of ambiguity and fluidity. He also experimented with timbre, texture, rhythm, and form to create musical images that evoked moods and emotions. Debussy's music can inspire us to think outside the box and explore new possibilities in our own compositions. We can learn from his innovative techniques and his artistic vision. We can also apprecia

The Hazards of Pedantic Teaching

Image
The ultimate goal of any composer is to create music that moves the listeners. However, many students face the challenge of learning from composers who teach in a rigid and complicated way. This makes them feel frustrated or incompetent. This kind of teaching can discourage students or make them copy someone else’s style. Neither of these outcomes will help you express your own musical voice. Many instructors follow a traditional method of teaching you how to write the music they know how to write. They think this is a good way to learn because it is based on imitation. They hope that by writing like a more successful composer, you will improve your own skills. I often tell my students that the essence of the whole composition is hidden in the first four to eight bars of music. You may have heard that real creativity begins in the eighth bar, but once you learn how to go beyond the eighth bar effectively, you will start to grow and explore as a composer. The first few bars are easy to

Counterpoint: A Fundamental Technique for Music Composition

Image
If you want to learn more about the history and theory of polyphonic music, consider writing your own cantus firmus composition. A cantus firmus is a pre-existing melody that forms the basis of a polyphonic composition. It is usually a plainchant excerpt or a popular song sung by one voice, often the tenor, while other voices weave around it with different rhythms and melodies. A cantus firmus can have symbolic or musical significance and can be used to create unity and coherence in a complex musical texture. Some examples of composers who used cantus firmus technique are Dufay, Josquin, Palestrina and Bach. One of the most critical parts of counterpoint is learning to internalize the music you hear. You should first aim to audiate the cantus firmus. Once you can clearly hear the music in your mind's ear, you can begin to add the second line. In this way, you should continually develop your ability to hear additional voices as you progress.  In this blog post, we will give you some

Similarities of Classical and Baroque Music

Music has evolved through the centuries and undergone drastic changes. One of the most significant transitions was from the Baroque to the Classical period of music. In this paragraph, I will compare and contrast some of the main features of these two styles, such as ensembles, instrumentation, and counterpoint study. The Baroque and Classical periods of music have many similarities. While the style of music changed drastically, certain key elements remained the same between the two styles. Composers in the Classical period sought to simplify music and create clearly audible musical lines. In contrast, composers from the Baroque period were interested in creating complex and highly ornamented musical lines. The Baroque period occurs from approximately 1600 to 1750, and the Classical period extends from 1750 to 1820. Ensembles Ensembles are groups of musicians that perform together. Both the Baroque and the Classical period had similar types of ensembles, such as operas, orchestras, str

Composing a Melodic Skeleton that Unifies Harmony and Melody - Online Music Composition Lessons

Image
One of the challenges of composing music is to create a coherent and expressive melodic line that fits well with the underlying harmonic structure. A melodic skeleton is a simplified melody that outlines the main notes and intervals defining the harmonic progression. It can help composers to create melodies that are consistent, logical and memorable. A melodic skeleton can be derived from the chord tones, the notes that belong to each chord in the harmony.  For example, if the harmony is C major, G major, A minor and F major, the chord tones are C, E and G for C major; G, B and D for G major; A, C and E for A minor; and F, A and C for F major. These notes form the basic framework of the melody and can be used as starting or ending points for each phrase. However, a melodic skeleton can also include non-chord tones, which are notes that do not belong to the current chord but add variety and interest to the melody. Non-chord tones can be classified into different types according to their

How to Compose an Original Piece with Harmony: Advice from Kevin Ure

Image
If you are interested in composing your own music, you might wonder how to create a coherent and pleasing harmony piece. Harmony combines different pitches that sound simultaneously, creating a sense of depth and richness in music. Harmony can also convey emotions, moods, and styles, depending on how you use it. One of the best ways to learn how to compose with harmony is to get advice from an expert. Kevin Ure is a composer and music theorist who teaches music theory and ear training courses at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He is also the instructor of The Composers Studio at UreMusic.com, where he offers online lessons and resources for aspiring composers. He has composed several works for various ensembles and solo instruments, such as Soliloquy , The Beast of Gevaudan , and The Garden Tower . In this blog post, we will share some tips from Kevin Ure on how to compose an original piece with harmony. These tips are based on his YouTube videos, where he explains various aspects

Orchestration for String Quartet: Tips and Tricks

Image
If you are a composer or an arranger who wants to write music for string quartet, you might be wondering how to make the most of this versatile and expressive ensemble. A string quartet consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello, and it can produce a wide range of sounds, textures and moods. But how do you orchestrate effectively for these four instruments? Here are some tips and tricks to help you create engaging and beautiful music for string quartet. 1. Know your instruments. Each string instrument has its own characteristics, such as range, timbre, dynamics and articulation. You should be familiar with the capabilities and limitations of each instrument and the players' preferences. For example, string players generally prefer keys with sharps rather than flats, as they are easier to play on their instruments. You should also know how to write idiomatic parts that suit the natural tendencies of each instrument, such as using open strings, harmonics or double stops. 2. Use d

Choosing a Music Notation Program

Image
Music notation is the process of writing down musical symbols and instructions that represent how a piece of music should be played or sung. Music notation software , also known as scorewriters, are computer programs that help you create, edit and print sheet music. They can also play back your music with realistic sounds and export your scores to various formats. But how do you choose the best notation program for music? There are many factors to consider, such as: - Your budget: Some notation programs are free or low-cost, while others require a subscription or a one-time purchase. You should compare the features and benefits of each option and decide what suits your needs and wallet. - Your skill level: Some notation programs are designed for beginners or students who want to learn the basics of music theory and notation. Others are more advanced and offer professional tools for composers, arrangers and engravers. You should choose a program that matches your current level of knowle

Using Connecting Tones to Create New Chord Progressions

I'm going to share with you a simple but effective technique to spice up your chord progressions: using connecting tones. What are connecting tones? Connecting tones are notes that link two chords together by creating a smooth transition between them. They can be either chord tones (the root, 3rd or 5th of a chord) or non-chord tones (any other note that is not part of the chord). Why use connecting tones? Connecting tones can make your chord progressions sound more interesting, melodic and coherent. They can also help you avoid awkward jumps or gaps between chords and create a sense of direction and movement in your harmony. How to use connecting tones? There are many ways to use connecting tones, but one of the most common and easy methods is to follow these steps: 1. Choose a chord progression that you want to work on. It can be any progression that you like or are familiar with, such as a I-IV-V-I or a ii-V-I. 2. Identify the highest note of each chord in your progression. This

How to Compose Music: A Beginner's Guide

Have you ever wanted to create your own music? Do you have a passion for melodies, harmonies and rhythms? If so, you might be interested in learning how to compose music. Composing music is the art of arranging sounds in time to create a musical piece. It can be done for various purposes, such as personal expression, entertainment, education or cultural preservation.  Composing music can also be a rewarding and fun activity that stimulates your creativity and imagination. But how do you start composing music? What do you need to know and do? In this blog post, I will share tips and steps to help you compose your first musical piece. What You Need to Compose Music Before you start composing music, you need some basic tools and skills. Here are some of them: - Musical instrument: You don't need to be an expert at playing an instrument, but having one can help you experiment with different sounds and ideas. You can use any instrument you like or can access, such as a piano, guitar, ke

How to Memorize Your Lines for a Play in 5 Easy Steps

Memorizing your lines for a play can be a daunting task. You may feel overwhelmed by the amount of text you have to remember and the pressure of performing in front of an audience. But don’t worry, there are some simple and effective ways to help you master your lines in no time. In this article, we will show you how to use repetition, association, visualization, emotion and practice to memorize your lines for a play with ease and confidence. Step 1: Rehearsal The first step to memorizing your lines is to rehearse them as much as possible. Pay attention to the other parts in the play and learn about the context in which your character exists. Don’t just listen for the cues that signal your entrance. When there is a dress rehearsal, stay the entire time and watch the play. This will help you understand the flow and structure of the story and how your lines fit into it. Step 2: Context The second step to memorizing your lines is to understand their meaning and purpose. Listen carefully t

The Art of Composing: The Importance of Music Theory

Image
When teaching music theory, I'm often asked about the role of music theory in music composition. Students want to know if a composer sits down and uses music theory to compose a musical work. While it's certainly possible to construct a practical work using the guidelines from music theory, master composers tend to compose more intuitively.  Quoting Arnold Schoenberg from his Theory of Harmony text:  "To hell with all these theories, if they always serve only to block the evolution of art and if their positive achievement consists in nothing more than helping those who will compose badly anyway to learn it quickly." Schoenberg's music is often performed poorly and misunderstood and is seen as overly formulaic. The procedure of 12-tone is not something Schoenberg invented; he discovered it through his own process of composing and analyzing his works. His texts on the process of composition are not intended to teach composers how to compose but instead offer models

What Are Acoustic Guitars Used For?

Image
The acoustic guitar has six strings that each play a different series of pitches and have a unique timbre. Acoustic guitars serve several purposes and are used in various contexts, including classical, country, popular, jazz, and blues music. An acoustic guitar is an instrument that does not require external power to create sound. These instruments have a built-in chamber that serves to amplify and distribute the sound without the use of an amplifier. The acoustic guitar is capable of playing any style or genre of music. However, there are some styles in which the acoustic guitar is featured prominently. Folk Music Folk music uses acoustic guitars extensively. The music generally consists of flowing melodies that lie naturally in most vocal ranges. This music is typically easy for most people to sing and uses basic chords to back up the melody lines. Folk music uses a technique called finger-picking in which the guitarist quickly picks at the strings with a single finger. This techniqu

How to Find a Music Tutor or Instructor

Image
When it's time to look for a tutor, it's essential to take some time to do your research. Looking for a teacher will save time, money, and frustration during lessons. The teacher’s job is to guide students and advise them on how to improve their abilities. It is not always possible to be your best critic; even professional musicians still take lessons to get that valuable second opinion. It is essential to look for a teacher you can relate to, teaches to your learning style, and takse teaching seriously. You should also decide from the beginning if you want to take it online or in-person. With online lessons, you may be able to access more prominent instructors who aren't available locally. In-person lessons are essential for some students who need demonstrations and don't want to deal with technology.  Research Options Find a list of teachers that specializes in your specific instrument. Prospective students can look in grocery store community boards and local coffe

Virtuoso Guitar Techniques

Image
Guitar techniques make it easier to play quickly and efficiently. Virtuoso guitarists have complete control over their instruments. They know the right approach for each situation and can switch rapidly and seamlessly between several different techniques. To become a virtuoso, you must first master the traditional method of guitar playing, then learn to play the advanced techniques comfortably. Any serious guitarist must learn virtuoso techniques to play at a high level. Alternate Picking The typical guitarist will  p lay the guitar using only downstrokes or upstrokes. This is perfectly normal and an acceptable way of playing. Virtuoso players also know how to quickly alternate the stroke, using a mixture of down- and upstrokes. This technique allows players to perform exceptionally quickly since they don’t have to wait for their arm to return to the original starting position. To perform this accurately, you should use the tip of the pick to increase your speed. Start slow and gradual

Picking a Song for an Audition

Image
Selecting the right song for an audition significantly affects your chances of getting a call-back. Whether you plan to audition for jazz, rock, blues, or opera, you must research appropriate music for the group. Personal preference may also play a role in the selection of music, but ultimately, you should play to the tastes and requirements of the group holding the audition. Some preparatory work and research make it possible to select an appropriate song. The Ensemble Learn about the  e nsemble holding the audition. Determine the style of music and what role you will perform. For example, a group that hires Broadway singers will likely want to hear music from Broadway and may be looking for a singer with range and versatility. If you audition for a choir, you should choose pieces demonstrating your ability to blend and serve as a soloist. If opera is the goal, you'll want to focus primarily on solo works. Listen to performances of the ensemble ahead of time so that you can deter