Obviously, not knowing how to read music places no limits on musical expression, but in addition to having "an ear" for music, knowing what all those strange symbols mean has many benefits. It allows you to make music more quickly with others ("singing from the same hymnal") and better understand composers' intentions, trains the eye and exercises the brain, saves time in perceiving musical pieces, opens up a whole new world for you.
As you know, weekly choir rehearsal starts at 9:15 a.m. on Sunday mornings in the sanctuary. If there is enough interest in learning to read music, I will introduce 15-minute music-reading lessons during the 15 minutes after choir rehearsal, starting at 10:00 a.m. We will learn bits at a time.
Here is my schedule for March 2009:
| March 1 | Pizza Pie Notation (note value) |
| March 8 | Stems and Flags |
| March 15 | Sneaky Symbols |
| March 22 | Clef Hanging |
| March 29 | Don't Be Lost at "C" |
These lessons are open to all, not just choir members. If this looks like a skill you'd like to acquire, call (425.481.7534) or e-mail (elenash@comcast.net), or just show up! Reading music is easier than you think. Come and see for yourself!
Ele Nash, Music Director