Does anyone know of a tutorial for music notation? I know how to read music (the dots), but I am confused as to the timing 3/4 time and definitely the “keys” of music. For instance, the only key I know is the key of C…no sharps, no flats. I don’t know what key a song is with one sharp, for instance, or one flat..two sharps, two flats.
I would like to understand music more–but the whistle books only concentrate on the timing of the notes, and what the notes are…I have that down.
The majority of Irish music is in G (one sharp, F#) or D (two sharps, F# & C#)
What are your musical goals? Are you wanting to understand Irish music or music in general?
Music theory can go pretty deep and much if it is, IMO, not necessary for playing Irish melody on the D whistle. If you can get a good grip on the G and D scales as well as the Dorian, Aeolian and Mixolydian modes which share the same F# and/or C# then you’ll be pretty well set. Understanding thirds and fifths (or basic chord structures) is also good for coming up with variations for your tunes.
Also, developing your ear by listening to the music is just as (if not more) important as music theory.
I once skimmed through the two most readily available music intro books: Music Theory for Dummies, and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Music Theory. They’re OK, but I didn’t like them. Too cursory, and not particularly well-written.
Edly’s Music Theory for Practical People looks much, much better to me. But I’ve only seen samples, not the complete book:
Thanks Pat for the google search. I tried that, but probably used too many words. I like those links!
Johnny–I guess my musical goals are just to have a basic understanding of the terms and what they mean–for instance…I don’t have a clue when you talk about a fifth or a third…(I have heard the term “fifth” before–but they relate to alcohol )
I just want to be able to understand when someone says that this music is in the key of “A”..what exactly that means and some other music language. I want to be able to play a piece by looking at the music and not having to hear it first. I agree with the listening…it is sooo important, especially with music like Irish or even Jazz where there is alot of improve/embellishments used.
Thank you MT Guru–I am looking at Eldly’s book right now..and I think it is exactly what I’m looking for. When I buy it and study it, I will give a report back to the group if there are others like myself, who don’t know music theory and lingo.
Thank you all for the quick and informative responses…on to my search and study!
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