Now we have a beginning, introductory grasp on how to read music notation. We have explored all the basic issues involved in what and how music notation symbols are used to represent and communicate how to play a piece of music.

The basics:

1. What notes to play.
2. When to play those notes & how long they last.

It also contains other characteristics, for example:

3. How to count the rhythm – time signature.
4. What scale is being used – key signature.
5. What speed to play the piece – tempo.
6. How loudly or quietly to play those notes – dynamics.
7. What qualities those notes should have; such as staccato (sharp & disconnected) or legato (smooth & connected) – phrasing & timbre.

I hope this gives you a good introduction to the essential skill of reading music. The sooner you learn this skill the quicker your ability to play music will greatly improve.

And in the end that is what all this stuff is about!

Happy playing ... and reading!

Understanding Music Notation Lesson 17 – Summary

Christopher Schlegel

Tutorial 018 - Learning To Read Music (Page 17 of 17)

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