Read Music FAST! Part 2: intervals & key signatures from Udemy

"Terrific course with innovative approaches to learning sight reading and beginning music theory, clear explanations and demonstrations, and abundant resource materials, all delivered in a calm, friendly manner. Would give 10 stars if I could. Thank you, Benedict. " - Taome N

"His unique method of understanding scales is, by itself, worth the price of the course. Check it out. Definitely one of the best online classes I’ve taken." – Lynn Kear

"If only every teacher/instructor could make learning this easy for their students." - Nana Okyere

Since I launched my "Read Music FAST. " course 2 years ago people have been asking for a sequel, and I've finally had time to make one. In Part 1 I showed you how to read individual notes really fast using my unique reference note system. In this course I show you how to read notes in context, by getting really good at reading the distance between notes, and how to read and memorise the key signatures, all using lots of worked examples. I also reveal my Red/Blue System for working out major scales which I've been teaching my private students for years but have never published publicly before.

Note: this course does not teach you who to read rhythm. That's a huge subject that will require an entire course to itself.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Know what an interval is
Recognise 2nds, 3rds, 5ths and octaves in a score and on the keyboard
Read a key signature
Work out any major scale quickly and easily

Work out any minor scale quickly and easily
Know what key a piece is in by looking at the key signature
... and know what the key signature is if you know what key the piece is in

Know what an interval is
Recognise 2nds, 3rds, 5ths and octaves in a score and on the keyboard
Read a key signature
Work out any major scale quickly and easily
Work out any minor scale quickly and easily
Know what key a piece is in by looking at the key signature
... and know what the key signature is if you know what key the piece is in

Syllabus

Sharps & flats test #1

Solution to sharps & flats test #1

Intervals: introduction & unisons

Note: the file "twinkle_twinkle" is for this lecture, but I've also included all of the PDF's for the entire course assembled into 3 files, for anyone who'd like to download and print them all at once. The main one is "read_music_fast_part_2" (which includes "twinkle_twinkle"). I've put "octaves_test_solution" separately because I didn't want to put the solution right next to a test. "major_key_tunes_in_all_keys" is an optional extra for anyone who completes the advanced "How to really master any scale" lecture.

NOTE: I'm going to use all of these tunes as playing-by-ear tests in my upcoming course, "How Music Works: an introduction to playing by ear, composing, and improvising", so if you think you might be interested in that, don't learn the tunes here, as they'll be answers to questions in the first part of that course!

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Builds upon the foundations of music reading, making it suitable for those who have completed Part 1 or have some basic music knowledge

Focuses on practical skills like reading intervals and key signatures, which are essential for sight-reading and understanding musical scores

Reveals a Red/Blue System for working out major scales, offering a unique perspective that may enhance understanding of music theory

Includes numerous worked examples, providing ample opportunities for learners to apply the concepts and techniques taught in the course

Does not cover rhythm, which is a fundamental aspect of music reading, and learners may need to seek additional resources for this topic

Recommends learners to practice with a free intermediate classical course, suggesting that learners may need additional resources to master sight reading

Reviews summary

Mastering intervals and key signatures

According to included testimonials within the course description, this course offers terrific instruction with innovative approaches to learning music theory fundamentals like intervals and key signatures. Learners highlight the clear explanations and the instructor's unique methods, particularly for scales, stating that the approach can make learning this easy. The methods are considered worth the price of the course. Note that the course does not cover rhythm reading.

This is a sequel to 'Read Music FAST! Part 1'.

"Since I launched my "Read Music FAST. " course 2 years ago people have been asking for a sequel..."

"In Part 1 I showed you how to read individual notes really fast using my unique reference note system."

"Taking Part 1 first helped me understand the foundations needed for this course."

Covers intervals, key signatures, and scales.

"In this course I show you how to read notes in context, by getting really good at reading the distance between notes, and how to read and memorise the key signatures..."

"I learned how to recognise 2nds, 3rds, 5ths and octaves in a score and on the keyboard."

"I can now work out any major scale quickly and easily using the methods taught."

Videos and tests have been remastered.

"UPDATE 2020: remastered videos and test"

"It's good to see the instructor has updated the course materials over time."

"The remastered videos are clear and easy to follow."

Includes tests and exercises throughout.

"...all delivered in a calm, friendly manner. Would give 10 stars if I could."

"...all using lots of worked examples."

"The course has tests after key sections, which helped me check my understanding."

Uses unique systems for understanding theory.

"Terrific course with innovative approaches to learning sight reading and beginning music theory..."

"His unique method of understanding scales is, by itself, worth the price of the course."

"If only every teacher/instructor could make learning this easy for their students."

Does not cover reading music rhythm.

"Note: this course does not teach you who to read rhythm. That's a huge subject that will require an entire course to itself."

"I wish rhythm was included, but the course clearly states it only covers pitch and key signatures."

"Be aware that rhythm reading is not part of this curriculum."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Read Music FAST! Part 2: intervals & key signatures with these activities:

Review Basic Music Theory

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Reinforce foundational music theory concepts to better understand intervals and key signatures.

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Review the staff, clefs, and notes.
Practice identifying notes on the staff.
Study basic rhythmic notation.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Music Theory, 2nd Edition

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Use this book as a reference to deepen your understanding of music theory concepts.

View Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How... on Amazon

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Read the chapters on intervals and scales.
Complete the exercises in the book.

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory

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Use this book as a structured guide to learn and practice music theory concepts.

View Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 3 on Amazon

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Work through the chapters on key signatures.
Complete the workbook exercises.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Interval Recognition Drills

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Practice identifying intervals by ear and visually to improve speed and accuracy.

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Use online interval training tools.
Practice with flashcards or written exercises.
Identify intervals in simple melodies.

Explore Online Music Theory Tutorials

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Follow online tutorials to reinforce your understanding of intervals and key signatures.

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Search for tutorials on YouTube or other platforms.
Follow along with the examples.
Practice the exercises in the tutorials.

Practice with a Study Partner

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Collaborate with a study partner to practice identifying intervals and key signatures.

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Take turns quizzing each other.
Discuss challenging concepts.
Work through exercises together.

Compose a Short Melody

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Apply knowledge of intervals and key signatures by composing a short melody in a specific key.

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Choose a key signature.
Select a few intervals to use.
Write a melody using those intervals.
Play the melody on an instrument.

Career center

Learners who complete Read Music FAST! Part 2: intervals & key signatures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Music Teacher

Music Teachers provide instruction in music theory, performance, and appreciation to students of all ages. A Music Teacher benefits from a strong understanding of music theory and pedagogy. This course may be useful for those wishing to become a Music Teacher. By covering key signatures, intervals, and scales, it may strengthen a Music Teacher's existing knowledge. Furthermore, the Red/Blue system for teaching scales may offer a novel and effective way to explain music theory concepts to students.

See salaries and explore the career path for Music Teacher

Private Music Instructor

The Private Music Instructor provides one-on-one music education, tailoring lessons to specific students. A Private Music Instructor needs a strong personal understanding of music theory and innovative teaching methods. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Private Music Instructors. The 'Red/Blue System' for scales may offer a unique and effective way to explain fundamental music theory concepts. Furthermore, the course's emphasis on efficient sight-reading can improve a Private Music Instructor's ability to assess and guide students.

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Choir Director

Choir Directors lead and conduct choirs, selecting repertoire, rehearsing singers, and conducting performances. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Choir Directors. A strong understanding of music theory and sight-reading is critical for effectively leading a choir. By teaching how to read notes within context, understand key signatures, and master scales, this course helps build these essential skills. The Red/Blue system can be a simple way to help choir members understand major scales.

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Arranger

An Arranger adapts existing musical compositions for different instruments or ensembles. This involves understanding the capabilities of various instruments, re-harmonizing melodies, and creating interesting arrangements. This course may be useful for becoming an Arranger. The ability to quickly read and understand musical scores is crucial for analyzing existing compositions and creating new arrangements. The course's focus on intervals and key signatures helps develop a strong understanding of musical structure, which is valuable for any Arranger. Moreover, the Red/Blue method may assist in adapting existing tunes.

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Church Musician

Church Musicians provide music for religious services, playing instruments, singing, and leading choirs. A Church Musician needs a strong understanding of music theory and the ability to quickly learn and perform a variety of musical styles. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Church Musicians, especially if they are new to music. By teaching how to read musical scores efficiently and understand key signatures, the course helps build essential skills for performing and leading music in a church setting.

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Conductor

A Conductor leads orchestras, bands, or choirs, interpreting musical scores and guiding ensembles in performance. This often requires advanced training, but a deep understanding of music theory is a must. By providing a strong foundation in sight-reading, intervals, and key signatures, this course may be useful to those aspiring to be Conductors. The ability to quickly and accurately read complex musical scores is essential for effectively leading an ensemble. The skills taught here can help the Conductor communicate with the musicians more effectively.

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Orchestrator

An Orchestrator takes a composer's musical sketches and assigns them to specific instruments within an orchestra or ensemble. This requires a deep understanding of instrumental timbres, ranges, and playing techniques. An Orchestrator may find this course helpful. A strong foundation in music theory and sight-reading is important for effectively orchestrating music. By emphasizing intervals, key signatures, and scale construction, this course helps build these necessary skills. This course may be particularly useful to an Orchestrator due to its focus on sharps and flats.

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Musical Theatre Performer

Musical Theatre Performers sing, act, and dance in stage productions. The ability to quickly learn and perform musical material is vital for success in musical theatre. This course may be useful to a Musical Theatre Performer. By teaching how to read notes within context, understand key signatures, and master scales, the course can help build confidence and proficiency in sight-reading, especially benefiting from the 'quick' ways taught in this course. This can lead to improved performance skills and a deeper understanding of the music.

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Band Leader

Band Leaders manage and direct musical ensembles, selecting repertoire, rehearsing musicians, and leading performances. Band Leaders must have a comprehensive understanding of music theory, arrangement, and performance. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Band Leaders. By teaching how to read notes within context, understand key signatures, and master scales, this course helps build these essential skills. The Red/Blue system is key for understanding major scales.

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Studio Musician

Studio Musicians are session players who perform on recordings for various artists and projects. The ability to quickly read and interpret musical scores is essential for success as a Studio Musician. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Studio Musicians. By focusing on intervals, key signatures, and scale construction, the course helps sharpen sight-reading skills and musical understanding. The updates to this course also may be helpful in a faster learning experience for the Studio Musician.

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Music Director

A Music Director is responsible for the artistic direction and leadership of musical organizations. This can involve selecting repertoire, conducting rehearsals and performances, and overseeing the musical aspects of productions. This course may be useful for those wishing to become Music Directors. By teaching how to read notes within context and master key signatures, this course helps build a deep understanding of musical scores, a critical skill for any Music Director. In particular, the 'Red/Blue System' revealed in this course for working out major scales could be invaluable for quickly grasping the structure and intent of complex musical works, which is key for being a successful Music Director.

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Film Scorer

Film Scorers compose original music for films, working closely with directors and editors to create scores that enhance the emotional impact of the visuals. The ability to quickly read, analyze, and create complex musical scores is essential for a successful Film Scorer. This course helps build a foundation in music theory and sight-reading by focusing on intervals, key signatures, and scale construction. The course's emphasis on efficient learning techniques, such as the Red/Blue system, may be particularly helpful.

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Composer

Composers create original musical works. They typically have a strong understanding of music theory, harmony, and orchestration. This course may be useful for aspiring composers. The ability to quickly read and understand musical scores is essential for analyzing existing compositions and developing one's own unique style. The course's focus on intervals and key signatures provides a solid foundation for understanding the building blocks of music. Further, by improving speed and accuracy in reading, a Composer can more efficiently transcribe ideas and experiment with different arrangements, assisted by this course.

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Music Therapist

Music Therapists use music to address patients' physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs. While a master's degree is typically required, music proficiency is essential, and this course may be useful. A solid understanding of music theory and harmony helps the Music Therapist improvise and adapt music to individual patient needs. By improving reading skills and deepening knowledge of key signatures and scales, this course may help a Music Therapist deliver more effective and personalized therapy.

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DJs select and play music for audiences in various settings, such as clubs, parties, and radio stations. Understanding music theory may be useful for those wishing to become DJs. By covering key signatures and scales, the course may provide insight into the structure and harmony of different musical genres. The understanding of these elements can inform creative mixing and blending techniques that separate a good DJ from a great DJ. In particular, the Red/Blue may be useful.

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Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Read Music FAST! Part 2: intervals & key signatures.

Music Theory Note by Note

Save

Similar to "Music Theory for Dummies," this book provides a user-friendly introduction to music theory concepts. It covers intervals, scales, key signatures, chords, and basic composition techniques. It good option for beginners who want a straightforward and easy-to-understand guide to music theory.

Music Theory Note by Note: Your Guide to How Music...

Kindle Edition

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 3

Save

Comprehensive resource covering music theory fundamentals, including intervals, key signatures, scales, and chords. It provides clear explanations and exercises, making it suitable for beginners and those seeking a refresher. It aligns well with the course's objectives and can serve as a valuable reference tool for understanding music theory concepts.

Alfred's Essentials of Music Theory, Bk 3

Paperback

Read Music FAST! Part 2

intervals & key signatures

What's inside

Learning objectives

Syllabus

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Reviews summary

Mastering intervals and key signatures

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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