How can I learn to read music online?

[JonnyBoy12]

Sorry if this question has been asked before but I would really like to know how to read music and hope one of you can help me out. I can do many things including touchtype but can not read music or play an instrument. Would it have anything to do with the fact that I was never taught as a child?

Obviously it would be best for one of you to teach me in person but do not think any of you live really near me. Can you tell me a good book to borrow or the best site online to learn to read music and play an instrument?

I hope this will end on the right note and thanks for your replies.

[Barmaid]

I can't tell you how to learn it online. Probably the best thing is to go to a music shop and ask them for a beginner's tutorial. there are lots out there - I seem to recall a series by Joan Last, which helped me.

Difficulty is, its all very well learning to read music, yet without an instrument to practice on and understand the sounds, I imagine it would be very difficult.

Could you not buy an inexpensive keyboard or something?

[Jumbo747]

What instrument did you think you would enjoy learning to play? And whereabouts do you live?
You could always ask in a local music shop for a list of teachers - I would suggest that trying to teach yourself from scratch would be like walking in a fog; you would need a few pointers (and lots of encouragement!).

I wish you loads of luck - enjoy! (And go to a few good concerts in the meantime!)

[chrissa1]

I was going to say too, have you an instrument?

[Cruncher]

You might find easiest to buy a cheapish keyboard and simple piano tutor and put the two together. Learning to read music by itself is rather abstract, bit like learning latin, so putting what you learn into actual sounds will help cement your understanding. Big question is how many clefs you feel you need to read. Commonly there are two clefs - treble and bass. If you play a keyboard instrument you need to know both. If you play a flute or recorder or a violin you only need treble which is half the work. So maybe best to figure out first what you would like to do with your music-reading skills once you have them under your belt.

[JonnyBoy12]

Thanks for your kind and speedy answers folks. I have a descant recorder which means I only have to know half the things other people do. Is it true that if you play the piano you can play all other percussion instruments as well?

[jomifl]

You will not be able to learn to read music without access to some form of musical instrument, a keyboard would make most sense. A lot of music theory is not really based on obvious acoustical physics but on arbitrary conventions of notation that require a lot of learning by rote which can be tedious and frustrating . I couldn't recommend a good way as I haven't found one that works for me. Although I can painstakingly play a tune from written music I find it a lot easier and quicker to play by ear and /or from memory after 40 years or more. The important thing I think is to develop some skill with an instrument, then an understanding of how music works will develop in you at a subconcious level. Others will disagree and may well be right, just have a go.

[percypineapple]

buy a cheap keyboard from E-bay, buy some stickers to put on the keys ( also from ebay) get a music book that has tunes that you know, not a begginers piano book, better to get a keyboard players starter book, and your off. Keyboards £20, stickers £5. book £4. A lifetime of enjoyment for less than £30.
Percy.

[tamborine]

Keyboard

http://www.bgfl.org/c..._ftp/ks2/music/piano/

Sheet music

http://readsheetmusic.info/readingmusic.shtml

Amazing Grace

http://www.music-for-...ble-music-sheets.html