Music for Your Eyes - By: Angela Nazario

It is a common misconception that reading music is very hard; in actuality, it is a language which is understood by many. Unlike other languages, music is very basic, straightforward and utilizes only a few "letters", or in the case of music, symbols. Knowing how to read and write this language is very rewarding, and is a skill that would be treasured for a lifetime.

Being able to read music is a significant step if you someday want to play an instrument, sing musical numbers or even compose a new melody. Now, to begin reading music, you must first get some sheet music, preferably a piece of music that is basic and not too lengthy. Also, get sheet music which has readable and clear markings; otherwise, music symbols may be confusing and may seem to look the same if you are just starting to familiarize yourself with them.

To apply your music reading, getting an instrument to play would help. Even if you do not need an instrument to read music, having an instrument will help you understand how a note's sound correlates to what is written in the music sheet. A piano or a keyboard is an easy instrument to practice with, although the type of instrument does not really matter, because the same music theory applies to all musical instruments, even to your singing voice.

Now when you have the first piece of sheet music to read and an instrument to play, the next step is to get a list of music terms and definitions. Comprehending all the concepts is easier if you use them right after studying them, or when you have understood the explanation of each one.

It would also be very helpful to enroll in music theory courses, whether in school, through self study on the computer or studying some good music theory books.

What is left to do now is to focus on studying the concepts behind reading music. Do not lose hope when you first see all the unfamiliar symbols on a music sheet-- all these symbols have their definitions and explanations. Understand and apply them, and you will be able to read music in no time.

About the Author

Angela Nazario, is a freelance Internet programmer who enjoys writing articles about learning to play music for Music Wizard's "Library of Music Articles" . WEBMASTERS: Using this article requires links to remain in place.

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