How to Read Music (sort of)
3 hours
Of course, no-one can learn to read music in a single session! But it is possible to explore how music notation works, and to discover how music notes, rhythms and expression are written on the page. This session provides a beginner’s guide to the basic principles of western music notation and score reading. No prior musical knowledge is necessary.
Course Content
Topics we will cover
- How pitch is notated
- Notating rhythm
- Time signatures, bars and barlines
- How different parts are written
- Notating expression
- Chords and chord symbols
- Conducting scores
- Notating choral music
- Navigation: da capo, dal segno, repeats and codas
- Percussion notation
- Gaining fluency
- Annotating scores
About Susan Deas
Susan Deas is a professional musician, lecturer and teacher. She has been teaching piano for over twenty years, and her students learn both classical and contemporary styles, including playing by ear and improvisation. Susan also gives professional development workshops and lessons to private music teachers. She performs professionally as a pianist and organist, and lectures in music theory and music appreciation for Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education. Susan’s training includes a Bachelor of Music with a major in Performance (Piano) and Musicology, a Master of Music Studies (Studio Pedagogy), a Bachelor of Arts (Communications), and an A.Mus.A in Musicianship. Susan is an Accredited Member of the Music Teachers’ Association of NSW.
More about Susan’s qualifications