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1500 questions
25
votes
4 answers
As a composer, should I be composing music for an instrument I don't play?
I wanted to know if composing music for a specific instrument demands that you know how to at least play the instrument. I'm sure if you know how the instrument sounds by itself as well as within an orchestral setting that's enough. As a composer,…
Chris Olszewski
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25
votes
11 answers
When practicing a new piece, how do you prevent repetition from dulling the punch?
When I start on a new song, I tend to do so because I'm completely absorbed by the piece and its emotion. Inevitably, I have to play recordings of the piece a few dozen times until I'm comfortable playing it. Within a few plays, the original…
TheEnvironmentalist
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24
votes
5 answers
Why is a doubling of frequency called an octave?
I understand that when two frequencies have a ratio of 2^n:1 for any natural number n, they are said to be n octaves apart. Moreover, they sound "essentially the same" to our ear. However, why do we split an octave into eight notes in the first…
user1936752
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24
votes
1 answer
"inuendo" in a piano score
I have a question about music notation:
- - - in - - - u - - - - en - - - - - do - -
It appears in a music book edited by Willard A. Palmer, Bach, Prelude in C Minor, BWV 999, measure 26 to 29.
Can somebody kindly explain to me what these notations…
jsmath
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24
votes
9 answers
What made 4/4 time the most common time signature?
Most music is written in 4/4 time, and in today’s world it seems to be the accepted norm. Now, that doesn’t mean mainstream music doesn’t use alternate meters, but it’s just less common than I imagined.
What made 4/4 time stand out and become the…
Hazel へいぜる
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24
votes
8 answers
Are there reliable, formulaic ways to form chords on the guitar?
I'm new to guitar, but am an experienced pianist, which is relevant.
On the piano, a root form Cmaj triad of C-E-G can be made minor by simply shifting the E a semitone down. This is true for all major triads. If you can form any root form major…
temporary_user_name
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24
votes
3 answers
Three diagonal lines that cross through both staves
What do these three thick diagonal lines that cross through three measures of both staves mean, and what are they called?
I think they indicate that you repeat the previous three measures, but I'm not entirely sure.
LunaZiggy
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24
votes
4 answers
Why are thirds used to construct chords?
I am (slowly) learning music theory on the guitar. I've begun learning about scales and chords, and it seems that all chords are built using some combination of thirds.
For example, a minor triad is constructed using a minor third interval and then…
sdasdadas
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24
votes
3 answers
Why are modern string bows concave instead of convex?
Every bow that I have seen used to play an orchestral stringed instrument, regardless of the style of music being played, has the same concave design. By concave I mean that there is a slight curve of the wood towards the bow hair (which is…
feetwet
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24
votes
5 answers
What is the difference between 'martelé' and 'détaché' bowing?
As the title asks, I wish it could be clear to me. Can someone give me a good characterization? Do you produce them differently on a cello than on a violin or viola?
ogerard
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24
votes
7 answers
Operating guitar for 10 years but can't make music
I'm failing to understand why I'm not being able to play actual music, thus I thought it'll be interesting to hear opinions of other people:
I have a strong spatial intelligence - I think in pictures and have a relatively good memory for I can…
user44769
24
votes
2 answers
What are Head voice and Chest voice
Head voice and Chest voice were discussed in this question about natural voice, but despite singing in choirs for nearly 9 years I have never heard of them.
Can someone provide a good description of them and what each one is used for?
Doktor Mayhem
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24
votes
4 answers
Where can I get started with my improvisation?
I have been playing the alto saxophone for a while now. I have also improvised from time to time and have some theoretical and practical background on the instrument, harmony, scales, etc.
I have played several pieces from the Real Book in many ways…
Edgar Gonzalez
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24
votes
6 answers
Why can't we leave all mics on during a gig?
We have a six person blues band. Our bass player is also our sound person. During a gig, he periodically forgets to turn on mics for soloists or turn on instruments from the board. My husband has asked him why he can't leave all the mics on, as he…
Evelyn Ward
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24
votes
7 answers
Is there any way for my to become a better judge of my playing? Especially while I'm playing
When I'm playing my flute I sound fine, but when I listen to a recording I sound terrible. Is there any way for me to become a better judge of my playing? Especially while I'm playing, I want to be able to know if the sounds I'm making are good.
user39730
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