Introduction
Non-music majors, beginning learners, and community members are encouraged to explore what we have to offer. This section covers the basics of music theory and literacy, learning a new instrument, and ensemble opportunities for non-music majors.
Recommended Resources
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Learning to Read Music : make sense of those mysterious symbols and bring music alive
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
Basics of reading notated music from a music staff. Does not require that the reader play an instrument. -
Music Theory for Beginners
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
This book was developed for anyone interested in learning to read and write music and does not require any prior knowledge of music. Whether your goal is to gain a cursory understanding of music, become fluent in reading music, or start composing your own music, this text will provide everything you need for a solid foundation in music theory. -
Learn to Read Music
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Call Number: 780.77 SH18LA study of the fundamentals of reading musical notation that will teach the reader to read music.
Instrument Guides
Other Resources
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Keyboard Lessons for Beginners Teach Yourself How to Play Keyboard
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
Teach yourself how to play keyboard with our easy keyboard lessons for beginners. Comes with online access to free keyboard videos and audio demonstrating all examples. Also includes music score and keyboard animation. -
Making Music at the Piano : learning strategies for adult students
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Call Number: MT220 M37M3Written for early-level adult piano students of any age, the book enables students to play gratifying music while continuing to develop their skills steadily. The author discusses nearly every aspect encountered by the beginner, from appropriate goals and good playing habits to the basics of how people learn and how the piano works. Provides specific strategies for using practice time effectively and for developing rhythmic security and technical control of sound. -
Piano for Dummies
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
This revised edition with accompanying CD explains in friendly, uncomplicated language all the basics of music theory and applies it to playing the piano. And if you've been playing piano for a while - or took piano lessons when you were a child but haven't played since - you can pick up some valuable tips to improve your playing. -
Ukulele Lessons for Beginners Teach Yourself How to Play Ukulele
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
Teach yourself how to play ukulele with our easy ukulele lessons for beginners. Comes with online access to free ukulele videos and audio demonstrating all examples. Also includes music score animation. -
Playing the Guitar : a self-instruction guide to technique and theory
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Call Number: MT588N62 P431981Covers the basics of playing guitar and reading guitar music. Contains several songs for learners to try out. -
Classical Guitar Lessons for Beginners : Teach Yourself How to Play Guitar
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Online resource; accessible on campus computers or with NetID login.
Teach yourself how to play guitar with our easy classical guitar lessons for beginners. Covers the fundamental techniques and practical guitar theory required to learn to play the classical guitar including basic guitar chords for beginners, guitar notes for beginners, classical guitar scales, arpeggios and techniques for both hands. Suitable for all ages and all types of classical guitars.
The School of Music offers a large selection of ensembles that are open, by audition, to all students regardless of their major. Some ensembles are also open to community members. For a full list of the ensembles on campus that non-majors can participate in, please visit the School of Music online:
Below are some resources for helping musicians find community ensembles that are not necessarily affiliated with the University: