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How To Read Sheet Music And Write Music For Beginners

Compose your own music! Once you learn how to read sheet music, the world of music composition opens up to you. Get started now! Read more.

4.6( 7 REVIEWS )
1449 STUDENTS
4h 16m
Students
1449
Course Skill Level
Beginner
Time Estimate
4h 16m

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About This Course

Who this course is for:

  • Aspiring musicians who want to unlock the world of reading and writing music.
  • Anyone curious about music theory and notation, eager to learn how to read sheet music.

What you’ll learn:

  • Understand what written notes represent and how to translate them into sound.
  • Grasp key concepts like major and minor scales, the building blocks of music.
  • Learn how to read sheet music, interpret various musical symbols, and understand musical structures.

Requirements:

  • No prior musical experience required! This course is designed for beginners.

Unlock Your Musical Potential

Learning to read and write music is an enriching journey that empowers you to:

  • Play your favorite songs by sight.
  • Compose your own melodies and harmonies.
  • Communicate effectively with other musicians.

This comprehensive course is your gateway to musical literacy. Through engaging video lectures, you’ll gain the foundational skills needed to decipher and create music.

Course Topics:

  • Introduction to Musical Notation: What are written notes and how do they work?
  • Treble and Bass Clefs: Understanding the different staff systems.
  • The Grand Staff: Combining treble and bass clefs for wider musical range.
  • Memory Tricks and Mnemonics: Easy techniques to remember notes on the staff while learning how to read sheet music.
  • Unveiling Octaves: Exploring the concept of frequency doubling.
  • Note Values Demystified: Whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes explained.
  • Measures and Barlines: Organizing music into manageable sections.
  • Understanding Compound Time Signatures: Delving into complex rhythmic structures.
  • Key Musical Terms Defined: Building your music vocabulary.
  • Major and Minor Scales: The cornerstones of Western music explored.
  • Sharps and Flats: Accidentals that alter note pitches.
  • And Much More!

Our Promise to You

By the end of this course, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to read sheet music and write with confidence.

10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.

About Your Instructor: David Brogan, M.Mus.

A Passionate Musician and Dedicated Educator

Hi there! I’m David Brogan, a professional musician with a Master’s degree in Music (M.Mus.). My passion lies in sharing the joy of music with others, and I believe that learning the piano is an accessible dream for everyone, thanks to the power of the internet.

Why Learn from Me?

  • Master’s-Level Expertise: I bring 32 years of professional experience and academic knowledge to the table.
  • Real-World Experience: I’m not just a teacher, I’m a touring musician who actively applies these skills.
  • Proven Success: My piano courses have empowered thousands of students to achieve their musical goals.

Join the Journey

Imagine the satisfaction of playing your favorite song, not just listening to it. Let me guide you on this transformative journey. Enroll today and invest in your musical future. Click the “Take This Course” button – you won’t regret it!

P.S.  “I wish I had never learned to play the piano” – said no one ever.

Course Curriculum

Section 1 - Course Overview & Welcome
Course Welcome And Overview 00:00:00
Your Brain On Music 00:00:00
Music & The Brain 00:00:00
Fur Elise Piano Score 00:00:00
PDF Documents 00:00:00
Section 2 - Who, What, When, Where, Why & How
What Is A Written Note? 00:00:00
Six Key Questions 00:00:00
From Say To Play 00:00:00
From 6 to 3 00:00:00
What To Play – Pitch 00:00:00
When To Play -Value & Duration 00:00:00
How To Play – Signs & Symbols 00:00:00
Recap So Far! 00:00:00
2D Music Model 00:00:00
3D Music Model 00:00:00
Onto The Page 00:00:00
Section 3 - What To Play
Introduction 00:00:00
Pitch 00:00:00
Treble Clef 00:00:00
Bass Clef 00:00:00
Grand Staff 00:00:00
Treble Clef Lines 00:00:00
Treble Clef Spaces 00:00:00
Bass Clef Lines 00:00:00
Bass Clef Spaces 00:00:00
Half Steps & Recap 00:00:00
Rhymes & Mnemonics 00:00:00
Guido’s Hands & Resources 00:00:00
Middle C4 & Ledger Lines 00:00:00
Octaves & Frequency Doubling 00:00:00
Ledger Line Tips & Tricks 00:00:00
In Context – Fur Elise 00:00:00
Section 4 - When To Play
Introduction 00:00:00
Whole Note – Semibreve 00:00:00
Half Note – Minim 00:00:00
Quarter Note – Crotchet 00:00:00
Eighth Note – Quaver 00:00:00
Sixteenth Note – Semiquaver 00:00:00
1/32nd Note – Demisemiquaver 00:00:00
1/64th Note – Hemidemisemiquaver 00:00:00
Table Of Note Values 00:00:00
Relative Note Values – Circular Chart 00:00:00
Rests 00:00:00
Dotted Notes & Rests 00:00:00
Tied Notes 00:00:00
Note Parts 00:00:00
Equal Terms (American/European) 00:00:00
Measures & Barlines 00:00:00
Time Signatures 00:00:00
Compound Time 00:00:00
Irregular Time Signatures 00:00:00
Definition Of Terms 00:00:00
Hierarchy Of Beats 00:00:00
Eastman Counting System 00:00:00
Triplets & Duplets 00:00:00
Rhythmic Examples 00:00:00
Section 5 - How To Play
How To Play 00:00:00
Major & Minor Keys 00:00:00
Chords – Maj Min Dim Aug 00:00:00
Chords -Inversions 00:00:00
Major Scales -Formula 00:00:00
Relative Minor Scales 00:00:00
Accidentals – Sharp Flat & Natural Signs 00:00:00
The Harmonic Minor Scale 00:00:00
The Melodic Minor Scale 00:00:00
Legato & Staccato 00:00:00
Recap So Far 00:00:00
Musical Terms – Signs & Symbols 00:00:00
Writing Conventions 00:00:00
Why Flat? Why Not Sharp? 00:00:00
Section 6 - Deconstructing Fur Elise
Deconstruction 00:00:00
Fur Therese? 00:00:00
Bagatelle 00:00:00
Beethoven’s Intent 00:00:00
Clef & Key 00:00:00
Time Signature & Dynamics 00:00:00
Pedal & Marking Up The Score 00:00:00
Accidentals & Rests 00:00:00
Editorial Markings & Bar Numbers 00:00:00
Double Barlines. Repeat Signs & 1st & 2nd Endings 00:00:00
Dotted Notes. Clef Change. Ledger Lines. 00:00:00
Chords. Flats. Ornaments. Eastman (Counting) 00:00:00
Slurs & Phrasing 00:00:00
Beyond The Page 00:00:00
Section 7 - Course Conclusion
Course Summary 00:00:00

About This Course

Who this course is for:

  • Aspiring musicians who want to unlock the world of reading and writing music.
  • Anyone curious about music theory and notation, eager to learn how to read sheet music.

What you’ll learn:

  • Understand what written notes represent and how to translate them into sound.
  • Grasp key concepts like major and minor scales, the building blocks of music.
  • Learn how to read sheet music, interpret various musical symbols, and understand musical structures.

Requirements:

  • No prior musical experience required! This course is designed for beginners.

Unlock Your Musical Potential

Learning to read and write music is an enriching journey that empowers you to:

  • Play your favorite songs by sight.
  • Compose your own melodies and harmonies.
  • Communicate effectively with other musicians.

This comprehensive course is your gateway to musical literacy. Through engaging video lectures, you’ll gain the foundational skills needed to decipher and create music.

Course Topics:

  • Introduction to Musical Notation: What are written notes and how do they work?
  • Treble and Bass Clefs: Understanding the different staff systems.
  • The Grand Staff: Combining treble and bass clefs for wider musical range.
  • Memory Tricks and Mnemonics: Easy techniques to remember notes on the staff while learning how to read sheet music.
  • Unveiling Octaves: Exploring the concept of frequency doubling.
  • Note Values Demystified: Whole, half, quarter, eighth, and sixteenth notes explained.
  • Measures and Barlines: Organizing music into manageable sections.
  • Understanding Compound Time Signatures: Delving into complex rhythmic structures.
  • Key Musical Terms Defined: Building your music vocabulary.
  • Major and Minor Scales: The cornerstones of Western music explored.
  • Sharps and Flats: Accidentals that alter note pitches.
  • And Much More!

Our Promise to You

By the end of this course, you’ll be well on your way to mastering how to read sheet music and write with confidence.

10 Day Money Back Guarantee. If you are unsatisfied for any reason, simply contact us and we’ll give you a full refund. No questions asked.

About Your Instructor: David Brogan, M.Mus.

A Passionate Musician and Dedicated Educator

Hi there! I’m David Brogan, a professional musician with a Master’s degree in Music (M.Mus.). My passion lies in sharing the joy of music with others, and I believe that learning the piano is an accessible dream for everyone, thanks to the power of the internet.

Why Learn from Me?

  • Master’s-Level Expertise: I bring 32 years of professional experience and academic knowledge to the table.
  • Real-World Experience: I’m not just a teacher, I’m a touring musician who actively applies these skills.
  • Proven Success: My piano courses have empowered thousands of students to achieve their musical goals.

Join the Journey

Imagine the satisfaction of playing your favorite song, not just listening to it. Let me guide you on this transformative journey. Enroll today and invest in your musical future. Click the “Take This Course” button – you won’t regret it!

P.S.  “I wish I had never learned to play the piano” – said no one ever.

Course Curriculum

Section 1 - Course Overview & Welcome
Course Welcome And Overview 00:00:00
Your Brain On Music 00:00:00
Music & The Brain 00:00:00
Fur Elise Piano Score 00:00:00
PDF Documents 00:00:00
Section 2 - Who, What, When, Where, Why & How
What Is A Written Note? 00:00:00
Six Key Questions 00:00:00
From Say To Play 00:00:00
From 6 to 3 00:00:00
What To Play – Pitch 00:00:00
When To Play -Value & Duration 00:00:00
How To Play – Signs & Symbols 00:00:00
Recap So Far! 00:00:00
2D Music Model 00:00:00
3D Music Model 00:00:00
Onto The Page 00:00:00
Section 3 - What To Play
Introduction 00:00:00
Pitch 00:00:00
Treble Clef 00:00:00
Bass Clef 00:00:00
Grand Staff 00:00:00
Treble Clef Lines 00:00:00
Treble Clef Spaces 00:00:00
Bass Clef Lines 00:00:00
Bass Clef Spaces 00:00:00
Half Steps & Recap 00:00:00
Rhymes & Mnemonics 00:00:00
Guido’s Hands & Resources 00:00:00
Middle C4 & Ledger Lines 00:00:00
Octaves & Frequency Doubling 00:00:00
Ledger Line Tips & Tricks 00:00:00
In Context – Fur Elise 00:00:00
Section 4 - When To Play
Introduction 00:00:00
Whole Note – Semibreve 00:00:00
Half Note – Minim 00:00:00
Quarter Note – Crotchet 00:00:00
Eighth Note – Quaver 00:00:00
Sixteenth Note – Semiquaver 00:00:00
1/32nd Note – Demisemiquaver 00:00:00
1/64th Note – Hemidemisemiquaver 00:00:00
Table Of Note Values 00:00:00
Relative Note Values – Circular Chart 00:00:00
Rests 00:00:00
Dotted Notes & Rests 00:00:00
Tied Notes 00:00:00
Note Parts 00:00:00
Equal Terms (American/European) 00:00:00
Measures & Barlines 00:00:00
Time Signatures 00:00:00
Compound Time 00:00:00
Irregular Time Signatures 00:00:00
Definition Of Terms 00:00:00
Hierarchy Of Beats 00:00:00
Eastman Counting System 00:00:00
Triplets & Duplets 00:00:00
Rhythmic Examples 00:00:00
Section 5 - How To Play
How To Play 00:00:00
Major & Minor Keys 00:00:00
Chords – Maj Min Dim Aug 00:00:00
Chords -Inversions 00:00:00
Major Scales -Formula 00:00:00
Relative Minor Scales 00:00:00
Accidentals – Sharp Flat & Natural Signs 00:00:00
The Harmonic Minor Scale 00:00:00
The Melodic Minor Scale 00:00:00
Legato & Staccato 00:00:00
Recap So Far 00:00:00
Musical Terms – Signs & Symbols 00:00:00
Writing Conventions 00:00:00
Why Flat? Why Not Sharp? 00:00:00
Section 6 - Deconstructing Fur Elise
Deconstruction 00:00:00
Fur Therese? 00:00:00
Bagatelle 00:00:00
Beethoven’s Intent 00:00:00
Clef & Key 00:00:00
Time Signature & Dynamics 00:00:00
Pedal & Marking Up The Score 00:00:00
Accidentals & Rests 00:00:00
Editorial Markings & Bar Numbers 00:00:00
Double Barlines. Repeat Signs & 1st & 2nd Endings 00:00:00
Dotted Notes. Clef Change. Ledger Lines. 00:00:00
Chords. Flats. Ornaments. Eastman (Counting) 00:00:00
Slurs & Phrasing 00:00:00
Beyond The Page 00:00:00
Section 7 - Course Conclusion
Course Summary 00:00:00

Course Review

4.6

4.6
7 Ratings
  1. Anonymous

    Review on this course

    5.0

    Having now finished with the online course regarding How to read and write music, it has not given me more knowledge about the subject at hand more than ever!

    This by far is a fantastic course for those who are music fans, wanting to read or write music or just wanting something to put on their CV at the end of the day.

    This course is great for ALL ages and I highly recommend this course to anyone I know so enjoy this fantastic course because who knows this course might just change your life…forever!

  2. Anonymous

    No ratings yet

    Excellent Good illustrations, easy to understand demonstrations

  3. Anonymous

    Read and write music

    5.0

    Fabulous course

  4. Anonymous
    Thomas Heaton Spitters April 24, 2018 at 21:18 PM

    Music Theory Course.

    4.0

    This series of lessons, while not over technical, is just what is needed to have a relation between composition, reader and the sound produced. The lessons also emphasize reading though one in addition has really good “how to’s” for writing and composing and other facets of bringing sheet music to life. The course recommends, once the lessons are finished, to keep at the reading of compositions and various notation as this is a realm in itself of the musical arts. Great!

  5. Anonymous

    Thumbs Up

    4.0

    Excellent introduction into reading and writing music. Thank you David!

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