Learn to read music
Time: 18:00 - 19:30
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
Course Code: MG131
Duration: 6 sessions (over 6 weeks)
What is the course about?
Learn how to navigate the written language of music.
Ideal introduction to Musicianship 1 and/or Music theory: grade 1.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
clefs and pitch notation on the 5-line stave
time signatures and metre
rhythmic values and their organisation into bars.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- identify and understand the main musical symbols and terms
- read and write basic time signatures and rhythmic notation
- read and write pitch on treble and bass clefs
- navigate simple scores.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for absolute beginners to music notation and terminology.
You need to be able to listen to and follow instructions in English.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Tutor presentation, explanation and demonstration
Music reading and writing exercises and practical exercises in clapping, singing and/or playing
Listening to and following printed music
Writing simple melodies and chords
There will be some homework between sessions to help you remember what you are learning.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
All course materials will be supplied by the tutor, and available in the google classroom.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Study of musicianship is an important support for practical music studies. From this course, you can progress to Musicianship 1 and/or Music theory: grade 1.
For more details, visit our blog: Musicianship and music theory at City Lit which lists our full sequence of musicianship and music theory classes.
Cerys Hogg is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, composer and improviser. Whilst studying Fine Art, specialising in performance art and installation, she developed her musical skills through performing as a jazz vocalist, drummer and pianist. A scholarship allowed her to study at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama on the post-graduate Jazz and Studio Music course. Here she specialised in jazz voice developing a personal approach to improvisation, harmony and arranging. Currently Cerys is combining her work as both multimedia artist and musician. She performs in KOGG, an experimental electronic music duo with fellow City Lit tutor, Selena Kay. Together they create music by sampling vocals, sound objects, and home-made instruments, combining composed and improvised material. They have performed live and are in the process of creating an album. An experienced teacher with a PGCE from the Institute of Education, Cerys has a reputation for delivering entertaining and engaging classes. She has a drive to demystify the elements of music, making it an accessible and enjoyable experience for all.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.