I have sung all my life but I know little about reading music, music theory, etc.?

Question

Does anyone have any suggestions for a nearly 40 year old to learn how to sight read music and still live life (work, kids, etc.)?

Answer 1

The easiest way to learn music theory is to go to your local music store and pick up a book by the piano method books. With those books usually are a plethora of theory books that begin at the very basic level (note reading) to more advanced theory. Take your time and look at the books to see where you lie amongst the various levels. Also look at book format, they are all different and you may find one more appealing than the other.

The other easy way to learn some music theory, sight reading, reading music is to learn a little piano. Once again, I suggest going to your local music store and gander at the piano method books. In these books you learn a little theory, mostly about the keyboard, if you want more theory and sight-reading check out all of the supplemental books in the series you choose.

If you do choose to learn the keyboard a little, you could easily work with one of your children and do it together (if they're interested as well). Most children in fourth-eighth grades know how to read music pretty well because it should be reinforced in their schooling (if public school).

I have a music degee, and from experience the best way to train your ear is to know the keyboard enough to plunk out notes for yourself.

Answer 2

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Answer 3

well, sight reading takes ( as you know) alot of time. I would really only worry about it if you were getting a degree in music or planning on persueing a career as a studio musician. I'm a guitarist and can transpose, put play and sight read at the same time?? why?

If its just one of those things that eat at you cause you can't do it or you just really want to learn, then ok, but I personally see no reason. If you can hit an F# for example, and know its an F#, then you just need to learn the staff and notation an sit down and write the notes out.

Its good to wanna improve, I play and write in just about any style, but I look at it like this, do I wanna waste time learning something I would barely use just because I think as a musician I oughtta know it? How many songs and lyrics could I have written in the time devoted to learning something I wont use?

Enjoy your talent, alot of the great musicians of the past 50 years can't sight read or keep time. They just "feel it". Thats true talent. Natural talent.

Answer 4

Are you going to be playing an instrument? If you're just planning on casual vocals, you just need some basic music theory to understand note values, rhythms, and some ear-training for intervals. My favorite theory book is the AB guide to Music Theory. It's British though, and some of the terminology is different, but it really breaks the concepts down well. You can buy books for theory and ear-training. Talk to the people at your music store, they'll hook you up.

Answer 5

I concur with Sara in that reading piano music brings a lot of information with it. But there are also specialized books for sight singing and ear training, which might be found in the bookstore of your local university as curriculum material. Some are geared on the "ear training for dummies" level ( no, it's not a real book, I'm just borrowing the name), some are for the more advanced.
Certainly draw your kids into this. they can only profit from the music and the quality time you spend with them on it. Don't be afraid of mistakes- a good case of giggles is always in order!
Best wishes

Answer 6

Try your city college or any school that's near which offers a music program. They usually have extension programs for music theory for beginners and even a lighter paced program for seniors wanting to learn. What's good about it is that you get to pick the time of class that will well suit you. I hope this helped.

Answer 7

try to find a music instuctor who is schooled in music reading theory and piano is helpful. something like once or twice a week should give you a idea how important these tools are to have if you are serious about your voice training. good luck, melody

Answer 8

Try the music theory for dummies book. These books are great at explaining things.

http://www.dummies.com/WileyCDA/DummiesTitle/productCd-0764578383.html

Answer 9

http://library.thinkquest.org/15413/
(the perfect website for you!)

http://www.emusictheory.com/practice.html
(very cool "high tech" website)

Both websites are interactive and informative. I also would suggest finding a local voice teacher at your nearby theater or in ads. Singing really is quite simple. I am sure that in time you will be wonderful. Please try the websites! They will surely help.