Phrasing is what adds uniqueness and originality to a musician’s performance. By altering the stresses and focus points of a musical phrase, we are able to evoke different feelings from the same notes. This concept can be difficult to get a hold of when first learning about, so in this article we are going to do a mini class! Here, we will take the first few notes of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and phrase it in 5 different ways. Ready? Let’s get going!  Phrase 1 Here are the first 2 bars of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star as originally written! The melody is presented in a clear and concise ..read more

While melody may be the star of most musical compositions, harmony is what provides all the color! Harmony consists of the notes that support the melody, whether in the form of a vocal line or a chord progression. With a strong understanding of harmony, composers can create and enhance any mood they wish. In this article, we will explore the basics of the subject and how you can use it in your own writing! Single-Line Harmony This type of harmony is probably what most people think of when they hear the word! At its simplest, one singer or instrumentalist plays the melody, and a second plays a ..read more

For most listeners, the melody is the defining element of a piece of music. Melodies stick in our heads and connect a composition into a whole. Because of this, it is imperative that the melody is well-written and thought out in a composition! In this article, we will go over each element of a melody and provide some tips on how to improve your own! Melodic Structure A melody is not simply a grouping of notes in random order, but rather a pattern that has a structure and memorable quality. A great melody needs to balance the predictability of a set pattern with moments that break that pattern ..read more

Have you ever heard someone refer to the term “composition” when talking about music? Have you wondered how a composer is different from a songwriter? This article explains all that composition entails! Also, be sure to check out the blog over the next few weeks where we will be diving deeper into composition! Composition vs. Songwriting While similar, composition usually refers to a more in-depth musical creation. In songwriting, the focus is on melody and a simple chord progression or riff. In composition, there is much more development and musical variation. One could think of songwriting ..read more

Chrome Music Lab stands out as one of the finest free resources for musical education available online! It offers an array of games and interactive modules designed to enhance understanding in composition, synthesis, and music pattern recognition. In this article, we embark on a comprehensive exploration of each module Chrome Music Lab has to offer! Shared Piano As the name suggests, Shared Piano enables users on different computers to collaborate and play piano together, fostering enjoyable improvisation games. Song Maker This grid-based tool empowers users to craft melodies with multiple i ..read more

In the age of technological advancements, education has undergone a revolutionary transformation. While concerns about negative impacts like increased screen time and diminished focus often dominate discussions, it’s essential to recognize the numerous benefits technology brings to the learning process. This article delves into embracing technology in children’s music, and takes a look at some great tools to try out! Online Sheet Music Books and Song Listening Companies like Sheet Music Direct and Sheet Music Plus have revolutionized access to learning materials. With thousands of pages of sh ..read more

Everybody loves a good hack! While there are no magic shortcuts to mastering the piano, there are several activities that can enhance your skillset without dedicating extra time to monotonous scale practice. Here are our top five piano hacks! 1. Use Your Non-Dominant Hand for Daily Tasks Playing the piano is inherently challenging with your non-dominant hand. To boost your confidence and dexterity, incorporate your non-dominant hand into simple daily tasks like brushing your teeth, using your computer mouse, or lifting your coffee cup. Though it may feel awkward initially, with consistent pra ..read more

Sheet music serves as an invaluable tool for learning music, but a performance reaches a deeper level when the musician commits the piece to memory. This task can prove challenging, especially with longer and more intricate compositions. In this article, we explore our top 5 music memorization techniques! 1. Search for Patterns Music inherently follows patterns, and identifying them can significantly simplify the memorization process. Instead of fixating on individual notes, take a step back and view the piece through a broader lens. Grasping the overarching patterns in the music will expedit ..read more

Welcome to 2024! We trust your year is off to a fantastic start! As January marks the season of resolutions, we thought we’d lend a hand by suggesting some musical goals for the new year. Here are 5 musical New Year’s resolutions to consider! 1. Create a Practice Schedule Similar to hitting the gym, musical practice is a habit that needs cultivation. Once sitting down with your instrument becomes ingrained in your routine, progress becomes not a question of if, but when. Begin by setting a manageable goal that fits realistically into your schedule. Don’t aim for an hour of piano practice dail ..read more

Congratulations on completing your first original song! Now that your artistic masterpiece is ready, it’s time to make sure it reaches as many ears as possible. Promoting your new music can be a challenge, but fear not—we’re here to guide you with our top 5 ways to promote your song for free! 1. Post on Social Media Having a robust social media presence is crucial for today’s artists. Ensure you’re on as many platforms as you can manage, as your audience may differ across them. Consistency is key; since less than 20% of your followers see each post, regular updates throughout the day can help ..read more