To learn music is to learn a new language

As a music teacher, part of my job is to teach my piano and voice students to read music.

Reading music is equivalent to reading a new language.

Learning to read music can teach us so much

Look at a sheet of music and see if you can understand what is going on.

For example:

1. What are the notes being played?

2. Are the notes in harmony or dissonant?

3. Is the volume loud or soft?

4. Where do you get louder or softer?

5. Is the music supposed to be played smoothly or detached?

6. How fast or slow do you play each note?

7. What expression do you want to convey?

What do you hear when you listen to music?

All of this and more are expressed on one piece of sheet music.

As you can see reading music is a language all of it’s own.

Irving Berlin, the great American composer, only played in one key. He had a piano that would transpose his song and a musical secretary that would notate and record what he played.

So clearly not all musicians can read music.

Often these musicians are referred to as being able to play by ear.

Still they express themselves with the power of music.

So what are some benefits of reading music?

1. Increases self-esteem

Music overall boost confidence

2. Makes learning a new language easier

3. To improve your skills and ability

4. Helps to explain the mysteries of music

5. To play classical pieces

6. To have a career in music

7. Improve reading and comprehension skills

8. Sharpens concentration

9. Have a sense of achievement

Do you read music? What benefits have you seen from learning this second language?