Hi, I’m Erik Kowarski. Welcome to my blog! At any time, please feel free to comment. If you find my posts useful, please like and share them. You can also subscribe so you’ll be notified of new posts. To go straight to the latest post, scroll down.
In this blog I try where possible to look at music, or at least Western music, as a whole, rather than in terms of a specific genre; to explore the underlying principles and learn by observation rather than by a set of rules.
The posts are grouped into categories. On the Posts page there is a list of individual posts within each category, oldest first. This is particularly useful for Basic Music Theory Lessons as they should be done in numerical order.
Categories
- _Introduction
- Basic Music Theory Lessons 1
- Basic Music Theory Lessons 2
- Beginner's Tips And Hacks
- Controversy Corner
- Music Theory De-Mystified
- Musicianship
- Musings
- News
- The Interval-Singing Project
- The Theory Of Practice
Basic Music Theory Lessons
Basic Music Theory Lessons is a 2-part course designed for beginners and self-taught musicians. Using clear explanations rather than rules it focuses on theory that applies broadly, across all genres. The emphasis is on learning by listening and observation.
The lessons can be done as a course, in small modules or as individual lessons.
If you’re a beginner, Basic Music Theory Lessons are the posts for you. Nothing is assumed, everything is explained from scratch. There are plenty of illustrations, audio clips and mini movies as well as practical tips and exercises. Every major point is backed by examples you can hear.
If you have a question, please post it as a comment and I will reply when I can.
Beginner’s Tips and Hacks
Beginner’s Tips offers some handy hacks and tips as well as lists for quick reference.
Music Theory De-mystified
Music Theory De-mystified, aka The De-mystified Files, is a series of brief investigations into what makes music theory tick. A very basic understanding of music theory is assumed, such as note names, key signatures and basic interval names. Although I still endeavour to explain related background information, the posts would get too long and with too many detours if I followed every back story. Instead, I try to look at one unusual aspect of music theory and provide some context.
Musicianship
A list of all posts which contain musicianship/ear training exercises. These include timing, rhythm, singing scales, pitching intervals, recognising notes in a triad and more.
Musings
Musings is a forum for discussion. The posts are my personal thoughts and observations- you might agree or disagree with my views. I would love to receive your comments.
The Interval-Singing Project
A survey looking for different intervals used at the start of popular songs in various genres. The aim is to build a database of familiar songs containing each interval, as a learning aid for singing intervals. The database will be available free to subscribers.
The Theory Of Practice
Tips on practice technique.
Please like and share my posts. If you have any questions, please leave them as a comment and I’ll reply as soon as I can.
Erik Kowarski