Most people think that ear-training has to do with perfect pitch. They think that you need perfect pitch for ear-training, or for picking chords and melodies out by ear, but…
Music is often described as a language. Music isn’t a literal “language,” but it contains information, even if it isn’t information we can express in words. Lyrics and descriptions don’t…
Standard notation has inherent limitations. There are many nuances in modern musical styles which staff notation can’t capture. You can play a piece of music perfectly, as it's written, while…
The most important single measure of your abilities as a modern musician is your ability to interact with real music in real time. It’s the key to learning modern music.…
Music educators write a lot about “musical literacy.” To classically-trained musicians, the definition of “musical literacy” is self-evident. It's the ability to read staff notation. Reading chord charts or guitar…
Let's look at the history of modern music in terms of its complicated relationship with standard notation. To understand why classical teaching methods are out of step with the needs…
There are so many common misconceptions surrounding music and music education that it’s hard to know where to begin. The popular mindset around “music lessons” has roots going back to…
Back in 2010, the UK government published a "Music Manifesto" which promised to "provide every young person with first access to a range of music experiences," and "provide more opportunities…
Go to: Reading Music By Ear – Part 1 Musicians often say that figuring out a song by ear is like working a crossword puzzle. People who learn to play…
The scene in Peter Shaffer’s Oscar-winning film Amadeus, where Mozart is able to play by ear the march Salieri had written for him, after hearing it played only once, is…