The Road Less Travelled:
Reading Music
Learning to read music it carries the same benefits as learning to read and write any other language. Learning new music or musical concepts from transcriptions and books is highly efficient. Writing down your own tunes and musical ideas for yourself and others also carry tremendous benefits. Learning intricate songs and songs in large quantities is expedited. Teaching and playing new music on the spot is much easier. The aim for the first part of this course is to be able to play simple melodies and chord progressions on different positions on the guitar. We will explore navigating ledger lines, notated articulations (bends, slides, pulls, hammers)… and MOST importantly, reading rhythm- melodically and harmonically.
Format: Online 1 On 1
Lesson Length: 30min, 45min, or 60min
Lesson Price: Starting at $27USD
Topics Covered in this Course:
LEVEL ONE
- Simple Melodies in open position
- Reading in 5th position
- 12th position
- Reading accidentals
- Rests and ties
- Repeats: D.S, D.C, repeat brackets and 1st/2nd ending, codas
- Rhythmic studies and counting
- Reading music in C, G, D, F and B Major
LEVEL TWO
- Triadic chord sequences
- 7th chord + Extension reading
- Chromatic melody reading
- Lead sheet interpretation
- 3/4, cut time, 6/8 reading
- Advanced rhythmic/melodic reading
- 2-4 part line reading
- Digital and manual music notation formats
- Multi sharp/flat key signature reading
FAQs
Who is this course for?
Level 1 is for players with no experience reading music at all. Level two is for more advanced readers and people that have completed the first course.
Do I need to know theory for this course?
We will go over any necessary theory during the lessons, but if you already have a general understanding of how the treble clef staff works, and basic note length identification, that will make things go faster.
Does it matter if I play electric or acoustic?
Not at all, use the type of guitar you play with most.
What style of music is this for?
I will curate examples relevant to the styles you like to play, but I will pull resources from a variety of styles. Anything from pop, rock, jazz, blues, r&b, Latin, metal, grunge, soul, singer/songwriter, funk, reggae, etc are all fantastic or fingerstyle, are all fantastic. The 12 notes don’t change no matter what style. Rhythms are also written in a consistent manner despite what style of music they’re in.
What do I need for this lesson?
All lessons are done through zoom. A reasonably fast, clear internet connection, a webcam, and your guitar are the basic requirements. If you wear headphones, make sure there is an onboard microphone to pickup the sound of your guitar. If you have an audio interface, that’s even better to separate your guitar signal and your headphone signal. A big monitor is also helpful to clearly see me, my guitar, and any written material I display on the screen
Can I record the lessons?
Yes, but I ask that you keep them for your own private viewing.
Can we play together during the lesson?
It is possible, but only if you have an account with JamKazam, a direct Ethernet cable to your router, talkback mic, and appropriate digital I/O. Jamkazm will run an automated test on your setup and let you know of any signal speed bottlenecks.
Cancelled Lessons Policy
Students can cancel one lesson of the course provided there is 24hrs notification… in which case I will reschedule that lesson for you. Additional absences will not be refunded or rescheduled.