Here are 3 basic keys you need to understand if you’re serious about learning to read music:
1. Repetition is critical if you want to learn to read music.
OK, not the most exciting form of learning in the world, but the simple fact is it works. Even as children we learn to speak through repeating our parents and the others around us. The more you read music notes (even if slowly), taking it in, ensuring you mull over the points made, again and again, visualising it in your head, the more it will stay in your brain…
Most of you have studied for exams by reviewing, and the first stage or two of learning to read music is much the same thing – BUT – take your time. Do not cram. Read small sections, and really take them in, concentrate on that small musical “phrase” and let it settle in the brain. You’ll start to ease it in to the subconscious quite easily this way, just the way top musicians do. They study music reading in small pieces and then proficiency comes all of a sudden.
2. Visualize Music Notes and Musical Basics.
By breaking down subjects into similar groups (for example, particular music notes, the signs for different keys, different musical notation, basic music theory) you can learn their value and meaning very easily. But do this by using prompt cards, or even better, an online music reading course. If you’re going to use cards, here’s what to do:
Write down in large print, notes and their names, key signatures and so on, on one card each. Stack them in a pack, and turn each over one at a time. Concentrate of what you see, focus on its exact detail and meaning, take a mental snapshot of that card. Then move on to the next. The amazing part is that your mind quickly picks up on the information, even when you don’t realize it. After doing this for several days, cover up the music note, or the time signature, or whichever you happen to be practicing, and try recognising and reciting the note without help. You’ll be suprised how much you retain. (Hint: to really speed up your learning to read music, integrate as many senses as possible… More to come in the next post)
3. Use “Dead” Time Studying Music Reading.
Do not over do it. You’ll get frustrated, tired and bored if you go at it too hard. Too many people try to learn to read music in an evening and after 3 or 4 solid hours of studing they’re burned out and their brain hurts! (Not to mention it’s not even an effective way to learn)
Put in 15-20 minutes per day studying your music notes, music theory and learning how to read music. Use 5 or 10 minutes ‘here or there’ between classes or on a break at work. Most people find this small amount of time each day, without disrupting other parts of their lives, and it means you get a good, regular session of learning.
Perhaps even more important than learning how to read music in the first place is retaining what you’re learning! Small but consistent amounts of time often will have far more retention benefits than a four hour cram!
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