How to Learn Music

Many people play music by ear but don't know how to read notes. Once they learn music, their eyes are opened to a new world of possibilities. Even for people who don't play by ear but want to learn to read or play music, it's an exciting journey and transformation for them. Learn music and begin reading and singing or playing for your enjoyment and even the enjoyment of others.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Know that you can learn music on your own. With a lot of the new technology out there today, you can learn to read or compose music via simple keyboard or computer software.

2. Begin by buying books from a music store or checking out books from the library to study music. Start to understand the language.

3. Educate yourself and learn what the different note names and scales are. Discover the different types of notes and how long each type lasts musically. Gain knowledge about beats and timing. Find free music tutorials online. Get a hold of music theory with websites, such as "Data Dragon."

4. Listen to tunes associated with the sheet music. Look at how notes represent various sounds and how they are put together to form a piece of music.

5. Start practicing notes on your keyboard or another instrument. Learn to sing the notes and what their pitches sound like. Take voice or music lessons through a private teacher, a continuing education class or at a local school or college.

6. Stay involved with music. Join choirs and other musical groups, and participate in musical performances in your vicinity. Volunteer to help out with productions even if you're not in them. Expose yourself to all types of songs, tunes and sounds to learn music.

Resources

• Learn music with Data Dragon.
• Find out about a Yamaha keyboard with a built-in tutor system.