How do you hear the difference between bass line and melody?
This is the kind of question which might seem trivial but can actually be quite challenging. So if you’re not sure if you can do it: don’t be embarrassed! Both the bass line and the main melody are essentially “tunes”, normally played one note...How to Start Sight-Reading Music in Choir
Scared of singing in a choir because you can’t read music? This tutorial demystifies the sight-reading process taking the fear our of choir singing.
Play Melodies by Ear Using Intervals: A Roadmap
A simple framework for learning to play melodies by recognising intervals. Work through these 5 steps to play any melody by ear on your instrument.
Want to play it? Hear it first!
Note: this post originally appeared on musiclessons4youonline.com in March 2010. It may sound like a contradiction, but if you want to create music when you play you must be able to hear the music first – in your head. This goes doubly if you want to improvise,...Break Songwriter’s Block Using Reference Tracks
All song writers experience writer’s block at some stage. Learn about the powerful technique of using “reference tracks” to break through your blocks.
How to Develop Your New Song's Theme
We think that the theme of a track just means its melody. But in fact theme is a much bigger concept and you should know all your options when writing music.
Let Your Ear Training Soar with Noteflight
Ever pick up a piece of sheet music and wish that you could hear the notes on the page? Working on ear training can be frustrating if you can’t hear the melody and don’t know how to pick it out on a keyboard. Noteflight’s online notation software can...Interval Recognition Tip: Mind the gap!
Here’s a great interval recognition tip: when learning intervals don’t just focus on the two notes. Instead try this approach for much greater success.
Melodic Dictation for the rest of us
Working out tunes by ear (“melodic dictation”) doesn’t need to be difficult or scary. These tips will help you conquer your fears and master melodic dictation.
Buildings and Chords: Draw Inspiration from your Environment
If you’ve ever struggled for musical inspiration or wanted to break out beyond the normal sounds, try these imaginative exercises to create something different.
5 Steps to Piano Improvisation
There is no longer a reason to be intimidated by piano improvisation! Follow these 5 steps to make real progress and enjoy your new improvisation skills.