14Jul/119
Is it best to learn the basics of reading music before learning an instrument?
My Only Way Down asked:
Or is it best to learn to read it with the instrument? I have no experience with readnig music and I thought I should learn the basics before I start to play the violin.
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Or is it best to learn to read it with the instrument? I have no experience with readnig music and I thought I should learn the basics before I start to play the violin.
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October 26th, 2008 - 10:41
music reading
Not neccessary. Most people learn an instrument and learn to read music at the same time. It goes hand in hand, because you need to associate that note and its position on the staff with a certain sound, which you will be making with your violin.
It would probably be detrimental or maybe even impossible to learn to read music without having an instrument near by.
It’s not like the alphabet, although there are letters involved.
D
October 27th, 2008 - 23:41
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depends on your learning style, but usually being able to see the relation of notes of the page and playing the sounds on an instrument helps.
Personally I think piano is the easiest to learn on. When I was teaching my guitar students to read music, I first taught the notes on the piano.
October 30th, 2008 - 22:42
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I dont think its necessary, but its definately instrument dependant.
eg guitar is easy to learn without music,
reading music would be great though, i want to be able to
in fact i know a grade 8 pianist that cant read
so i’m pretty useless really
November 2nd, 2008 - 02:56
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It would be fine to check an online tutorial but you will also learn to read music and respond to what you are reading with action to produce a pitch by taking lessons. For violin, the accuracy of pitch production is very important.
November 3rd, 2008 - 19:08
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Usually it is done simultaneously although it is possible to learn to read without using an instrument. Learning music first by taking a choral class can give you a very good understanding of music and the only instrument needed is your voice!
November 4th, 2008 - 10:23
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It’s always best to learn the basics with anything. That helps you better understand your music the long run.
I played flute in the school band for over 10 years-elementary school up to the high school marching band.
I play bass guitar now and I know how to read music very well and understand the timing/notes and everything that is involved. It’s always best to learn everything you can so you can truly call yourself a musician.
November 5th, 2008 - 02:00
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You should learn both at the same time. Otherwise you will just be repeating what you already know when you do learn to play. Plus learning music without playing/singing is a very difficult concept to wrap your brain around.
Almost all method books (instrument lessons) will teach you notes, rhythms and fingerings as you go. A teacher will help you with tips and tricks that aren’t included in the method book.
The best way to learn is to join a beginning class for orchestra (it’s more fun to learn with others), get a private teacher (to work on your specific shortcomings) and practice everyday, even if it’s only a little while. If you can’t do all of that, cut out the private teacher first. If you still can’t do that, cut out the practicing everyday and practice as often as you can.
Good luck
November 7th, 2008 - 01:40
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there is no hard and fast rule. If you think it wold be an advantage, then do it.
I know years ago, teachers required that you do certain things before they would let you play your instrument.
How to take care of it.
How to hold it in rest position.
What the different parts of the instrument were called.
Some even made you memorize, the musical staff and the types of notes.
I think I would have been bored, and over anxious to play.
November 7th, 2008 - 18:24
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It certainly wouldn’t hurt, but I don’t know if it would help much either. Learning to read and play at the same time might take a bit longer at first, but long term is probably the best idea.
If you need a program to learn to read music, try Speedy Music Reading – you can combine it’s exercises with the violin (or use them seperately), and they say you can even learn to read music in under a week!