How to Read Music

• Free 352 page eBook: Basic Music Theory (2nd ed) by Jonathan Harnum
• Ricci Adam's Music Theory dot Net: Great flash-based music theory lessons
• Theory and Composition with Rick Louie
• Free music dictionaries: best one is here; also here and here.

Software Tools

• Noteflight: Free music-notation software. Highly recommended.
• Finale: Notation software, mostly for purchase, but ther are a couple cheaper options:
  • Reader: Read any Finale sheet music or music XML file and print it.
  • Low cost option: Finale Notepad ($9.95 download). Demo here.
• Sibelius: Similar to Finale, but no free/low cost option. However, there is:
  • Non-saving trial of Sibelius, to get an idea of how the program works.
  • Scorch: Allows you to view, play, and print any Sibelius score posted online.

Practice Aids:

• The entire Real Book (jazz standards) converted to Band-in-a-Box backing tracks. If you have this handy piece of software (see below), you can get a free copy of several hundred jazz tunes in the correct style and instrumentation.You'll have your own rhythm section to play with. A bit of chord knowledge is helpful but if you can copy the chords from a song, you're all set. I have one and love to play with it. Fantastic resource!
• NOT FREE )-: Band-in-a-Box is a great help for learning melodies, chords, and improvising whether its rock/pop, jazz, country, or bluegrass you're interested in playing. With the expansion packs your backup band will sound like real professionals. There are great lessons available, too. Comes in a variety of levels: MegaPAK includes most extras ($219. this is what I have and love it!), Pro version (Win: $106; Mac: $99), or the Everything Version with all expansion packs, tutorials and more ($499 Windows / Mac)
• Blogs (more added soon) :
  • The Practice of Practice (Harnum)
  • The Musician's Way (Klickstein)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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