Learn to Read Music: Beginners Course

Learn to read music notes and sheets with our music and singing short courses in Sydney!

Western music notation is a language that has been developing for thousands of years. It has been described as one of humankind's most creative achievements. We have designed this class to assist you in learning how to read and interpret the complex symbols and how they convey the composer's intentions. This music reading course is a course in Music Theory and Terminology.

The course fee includes two workbooks: Master Your Theory Grade 1 - Dulcie Holland, and Essential Music Theory Grade 1 - Gordon Spearitt.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this music course, you should be able to:

• read music notes/sheets
• interpret complex music symbols.

What will be covered in this music course?

Session 1: How to write music

• Note names and values (quavers, crotchet, minims, semibreves and rests)
• Drawing notes with stems
• Time signature (counting and rhythm in bars of 4/4 time)
• Barlines, double bar line and double bar repeat
• How to make up your rhythm
• The grand staff
• Treble clef and bass clef
• treble clef and bass clef note names for lines and spaces
• What an octave is (8ve).

Session 2: How to read music

• Recap the last lesson of reading music
• Dynamic abbreviations (p, mp, mf, f,<,>)
• Music terminology (e.g. crescendo, decrescendo)
• Legato and staccato notes
• Note names on a keyboard
• Semitones and tones
• Practice reading and writing notes on the staff (lines and spaces).

Session 3: Key signatures

• The C major scale
• Key signatures using sharps (G major)
• Key signatures using flats (F major)
• Relative major and minor scales (working out the relatives = major to minor, down three semitones)
• Hearing the difference between major and minor chords (major =happy sound, minor = sad sound).

Session 4: Writing music in major and minor keys

• Recapping the last three lessons
• Music signs and terms recap
• Transposing music in a different key
• Intervals
• Chords.

Who is this music course for?  

Anyone who wants to read music! No prior knowledge is needed. Great for those just starting in music, or experienced musicians who want a refresher on the basics.

Course venue

Live Online:

The class will be held via the Zoom platform. You will receive the login information on the day of your class via email. Textbooks will be delivered to your home. 

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd in the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)

If driving, there is no entry into Gordon Street from Victoria Road. Last block on your right before Victoria Road. Pedestrian access is opposite Prince Street.