Re: [Harp-L] learning to read music

["Splash!" <celtiac@xxxxxxxxx>]

I first learned to read music in a singing group.  And then in the choir at 
church.  Joining a Chorus or similar will give you a hands-on musical 
education that will carry over into all the instruments.  Learning to read 
music by singing will give you all the Keys and the notes in the chords, 
major, minor, natural minor, &c.

That made later learning an instrument so much easier once you know all the 
keys and their notations.  I can still sight-read the hymns at church today! 
And with a few minutes of study, I can play the single line melody part on 
either of the woodwinds, saxophone or flute.

Also learning the saxophone part in a horn section mix has been valuable 
when playing harmonica.  They occupy a similar place in the orchestral 
ensemble.

So, short answer:  Join the choir at church.

Splash!
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "christopher lee" <khalifa30@xxxxxxxxx>
To: "Harpl list" <harp-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, January 29, 2011 9:15 AM
Subject: [Harp-L] learning to read music


> Howdy Folks,
>
> I am a newbie who is learning to play harmonica (with a teacher) after
> carrying one around for over twenty years.  I have little-to-no
> musical background, and am interested in learning to read music while
> I am learning harp.  I realize -- having done a search of the Harp-l
> archives -- that whether or not to learn music is somewhat
> contentious.  I realize that it is not necessary, but I am interested
> in learning, and was wondering if anyone had advice about books or
> ways to learn music while simultaneously studying harp.
>
> Many thanks in advance for your advice,
>
> cass