1. Τι είναι η Μουσική; Έχεις ποτέ χτυπήσει ρυθμικά το πόδι σου σε ένα τραγούδι ή έχεις σιγοτραγουδήσει μια μελωδία που έχει “κολλήσει” στο μυαλό σου; Αυτό είναι η μουσική σε δράση! Αλλά τι είναι πραγματικά η μουσική; Είναι κάτι περισσότερο από απλός ήχος – είναι οργανωμένος ήχος με σκοπό, που χρησιμοποιεί τα στοιχεία της…
Μουσική γραφή & μουσική σημειογραφία
Η μουσική είναι μια “παγκόσμια” γλώσσα. Γράφουμε μουσική χρησιμοποιώντας ένα σύστημα από σύμβολα που ονομάζεται μουσική σημειογραφία. Το πεντάγραμμο (staff) είναι η βάση της μουσικής σημειογραφίας. Επιπλέον, οι διαστολές (bar lines) χωρίζουν τη μουσική σε μικρότερες ενότητες, κάνοντάς την πιο εύκολη στην ανάγνωση. Η κλάσμα χρόνου (time signature) δείχνει πώς ομαδοποιούνται και μετριούνται οι χτύποι….
The ii-V-I Progression in Jazz
The Core of Jazz Harmony The ii-V-I progression is one of the most fundamental harmonic patterns in jazz. It appears in countless standards such as Autumn Leaves, Misty, and My funny Valentine. Basic Forms in Major and Minor In Major Keys A typical ii–V–I in a major key looks like: Dm9 → G9(13) → Cmaj9(…
Jazz Voice Leading – Diatonic & Chromatic
Omission of Chord Tones & Rootless Voicing When voicing these harmonies, it is common practice to omit certain chord tones. The 5th is the most commonly omitted note in a chord. Since the 5th appears early in the harmonic series, its main function is to reinforce the root rather than add strong harmonic colour. As…
Tuplets : Triplets & Duplets
Tuplets occur when rhythms divide the beat in an unexpected way. Using a triple division in a simple meter or a duple division in a compound meter. These rhythmic groupings create variations that fall outside the normal subdivisions of the time signature. Tuplets are groups of notes that do not naturally fit within the standard…
It’s not just Theory, It’s Etymology!
When teaching the chapter on “Tones & Semitones”, I always have two rules: This is very important not only to define these terms but to understand how to apply this theory to your musical instrument. So, let’s start: First it’s the Tone (Τόνος) or Whole Step: The large acoustic distance between two consecutive notes. And…
Modulation in Tonal Music
In music theory, smooth transitions between harmonies help keep listeners engaged. One of the most powerful ways to achieve this is through modulation. Modulation is one of the most effective tools composers use to create contrast. Furthermore, to maintain listener interest, and expand the expressive range of a musical work. By moving from one tonal…
“Avril 14th” by Aphex Twin
Today, we are diving into the delicate world of “Avril 14th” by Aphex Twin. This legendary track is celebrated for its unique production, its simple yet hauntingly melancholic timbre. This piece is a modern classic. The Origins: Drukqs and the Disklavier Released on the 2001 double album Drukqs. The track, “Avril 14th” has become a staple…
Chords 101
What is a Chord? A chord is the simultaneous sounding of three or more pitches. The first chords we learn are the triads, where each note is separated by the interval of a third. In these triads, the first note is called the root (or fundamental), the second is called the third (because it is…
How to Find the Key Signature for Major and Minor Scales
Let’s look at some useful tips for identifying the key signature or the specific scale on a piano score. How can we determine how many sharps or flats a scale has, or name a key based on the accidentals shown at the start of the staff? Let’s follow a systematic process based on memorisation and…