Music for Your Eyes

It is a common misconception that reading music too difficult; in actuality, it is a language which is understood by many. Unlike other languages, music is very basic, uncomplicated and uses only a few “letters”, or in the case of music, symbols. Being able to read and write this language is very fulfilling, and is a knowledge that would last for a lifetime.

Being able to read music is a significant step if you someday want to play an instrument, sing a song or even compose your own music. Now, to begin reading music, get some sheet music, preferably a piece of music that is basic and not too long. Also, make sure it has legible and clear markings; otherwise, music symbols may be confusing and may seem to look the same if you are just starting to become familiar with them.

To apply your music reading, getting an instrument to play would help. Even if you do not need an instrument to read music, having an instrument will make it easier to understand how a note’s sound correlates to what is written in the music sheet. A piano or a keyboard is an easy instrument to practice with, although the type of instrument does not really matter, because the same music theory applies to all musical instruments, even to your singing voice.

Now when you have the first piece of sheet music to read and an instrument to practice with, the next step is to acquire a list of music terms and definitions. Comprehending all the concepts is easier if you are going to apply them right after reading about them, or when you have understood the explanation behind each one.

It would also be very helpful to take up music theory classes, whether in school, through self study on the computer or reading some good books.

What is left to do now is to focus on studying the ideas behind reading music. Do not be discouraged when you first see all the unknown symbols on a music sheet– all these symbols have simple definitions and explanations. Understand and apply them, and you will be reading music very soon.

Music for Your Eyes