Neapolitan 6th

/in /by

What is the Neapolitan 6th Chord

The Neapolitan 6th chord (often abbreviated as N6) adds a touch of sophistication and unexpectedness to your music. Here’s how to play it:

Understanding the Neapolitan 6th:

  • It’s built on the flattened second scale degree of the key you’re in.
  • For example, in the key of C major, the second scale degree is D, but the N6 is built on Db (D flat).
  • It’s typically played in first inversion, meaning the third of the chord is in the bass.

Playing the N6:

  1. Identify the key you’re in.
  2. Flatten the second scale degree.
  3. Build a major triad (three notes) using the flattened second degree as the root.
  4. Play the chord in first inversion.

Here are some examples:

  • Key of C major: The N6 would be Db major (Db-F-Ab), typically played as F-Ab-Db.
  • Key of A minor: The N6 would be Gb major (Gb-Bb-Db), typically played as Bb-Db-Gb.

Some Uses for the Neapolitan 6th

Predominant Function:

  • The most common use of the N6 is as a predominant, meaning it leads smoothly to the dominant chord (V) which then resolves to the tonic chord (I).
  • This creates a strong and satisfying cadence, often used in classical and romantic music.
  • For instance, in the key of C major, a typical progression might be: Am7 – N6 (F-Ab-Db) – V7 (G7) – C.

2. Subdominant Substitute:

  • The N6 can sometimes substitute for the subdominant chord (IV), particularly when the IV chord is in first inversion (IV6).
  • This substitution creates a slightly different flavor compared to the original subdominant, adding a touch of chromaticism and emotional depth.

3. Modulation:

  • The N6 can be strategically used to modulate to a new key.
  • This involves smoothly transitioning from the current key to a different one.
  • By resolving the N6 to a chord in the new key, you can create a surprising and interesting shift in tonality.

4. Adding Chromaticism and Tension:

  • The inclusion of the N6 introduces a chromatic element to your music, meaning it uses notes outside the diatonic scale of the key.
  • This can create a sense of tension and anticipation, leading to the resolution to the dominant chord.

5. Emotional Impact:

  • The N6 can evoke various emotions depending on the context.
  • It often adds a touch of melancholy, yearning, or drama to the music due to its unexpected and somewhat unstable quality.

Tips:

  • You can find fingering charts for different instruments online or in guitar books, which will show you the specific placement of your fingers on the instrument to play the N6.
  • The N6 often resolves to the dominant chord (V chord) before leading to the tonic chord (I chord).
  • Experiment with using the N6 in your own music! Try replacing the V chord in a familiar chord progression with the N6 to add a surprising twist.

By understanding these steps and practicing, you’ll be incorporating the Neapolitan 6th chord into your music in no time!

Feel free to contact us if you interested in learning music theory.

Music Theory

/in /by

Music Theory

The term itself might conjure up images of dusty textbooks and endless drills. But what if I told you that music theory is actually easy to learn, incredibly rewarding, and opens up a whole new world of musical understanding and creativity?

What is it?

Simply put, music theory is the language of music. It’s a set of tools and concepts that help us understand how music is constructed, how different elements interact, and ultimately, how to create our own music. It’s like learning the grammar of a spoken language, but applied to the Music Theoryworld of sound.

Play and improvise with more confidence

By understanding scales, chords, and progressions, you can navigate the fretboard or piano with ease, experiment with different sounds, and express yourself musically.

Compose your own music

Music theory provides the building blocks for creating original pieces. You’ll learn how to combine notes, chords, and rhythms to bring your musical ideas to life.

Analyze and appreciate music on a deeper level: Understanding the “why” behind the music you love allows you to appreciate its intricacies and nuances on a whole new level.

Easy and Fun?

Many people shy away from music theory because they imagine it’s dry and complicated. But the truth is, it can be engaging and fun with the right approach.

Ready to unlock the magic of music?

If you’re interested in unlocking the secrets of music and taking your musical journey to the next level, let us know. With guidance and support, you’ll discover that understanding music is not just about memorizing rules. It’s really about unlocking a world of creativity, understanding, and enjoyment in the beautiful language of music.

Don’t let the fear of the unknown hold you back. Embrace the world of what makes music work. You’ll be surprised at how easy and enjoyable it can be to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the music you love. Remember, music is a language, and with the right tools and guidance, you can learn to speak it fluently.

Songwriting

/in /by

Songwriting is Easy!

Have you ever wanted to craft your own song but felt intimidated by the process? Songwriting isn’t just for professionals – it’s a fun and accessible creative outlet for anyone. It doesn’t take long to unlock the magic of chords and melodies, paving the way for your own musical masterpiece.

Songwriting

Aaron is writing his first song

Your First Song

  • Keeping it simple: We’ll break down music theory into uncomplicated, easy to understand concepts, using real-life examples and relatable songs.
  • Hands-on learning: You’ll be actively involved in the process, experimenting with chords and melodies from the very beginning.
  • Start with just a few chords: Popular music uses just a handful of chords in a song. We’ll start with those and progress through different keys. We can be as simple or complex as you’d like.
  • It is very straight forward: By the end of the session, you’ll have the practical skills to write a short chord progression, the building block of any song.
  • Refine the song: By tweaking the melody, lyrics, and chords as you go, we can perfect the song, experiment with the sections, and see where your creativity takes you. This is where the magic happens!

Learning the music theory isn’t just about understanding notes and scales. It’s about:

  • Unlocking your creativity: Gaining the tools to express yourself musically and explore different genres.
  • Boosting your confidence: Knowing how chords work together empowers you to experiment and write unique music.
  • Appreciating music on a deeper level: Develop a richer understanding of your favorite songs and artists.

Ready to embark on your musical journey? Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone looking to refresh your knowledge, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t let the fear of complexity hold you back. Take the first step towards your first song.

Songwriting is a journey. Embrace the process, have fun experimenting, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. With a little practice and a few simple steps, you’ll be surprised how quickly you can craft your own unique and personal song. So, grab your guitar and get ready to be amazed by your own musical potential!

Let us know if you would like to learn more.

Google Drive

/in /by

Printing Music and Saving to Google Drive

Google Drive

Google Drive

Remember the days of scrambling for lost sheet music, wrestling with crumpled pages, and lugging around binders overflowing with loose papers? There’s now a way to keep a hard copy as well as access your lessons anytime, anywhere: Google Drive.

Over the last several years, students have been able to access their folder on my Google Drive to download or view all their music and lessons. They still receive paper copies, unless they prefer not to, and can print or read right from Google Drive.

Some of the Benefits

  1. Lost Music: Your sheet music is safely stored in the cloud, accessible from any device, anywhere, anytime. No more digging to find that elusive piece – a quick search and you are ready to play.
  2. Most Current Copy: No more hunting for the latest version – changes are automatically saved, ensuring everyone has the most up-to-date copy. No more messy handwritten corrections, just a single, pristine digital sheet music file.
  3. Convenient: Getting access is a breeze! I will simply send a link to your email, and you can access it instantly on your phone, tablet, or computer. No more printing, photocopying, or lost papers – just seamless access to the music you need.
  4. Intuitive and Accessible: It is very user-friendly interface. Navigating folders, uploading files, and sharing access is simple and intuitive, even for those less tech-savvy.
  5. Beyond Music Sheets: You can also access videos, songs, and other resources alongside your music sheets.

Also…

  • Leave a Question: Google Drive offers a variety of commenting tools, ideal for highlighting specific sections or leaving personalized notes. If you have questions on a part of the music, you can write a note right on the sheet making feedback a breeze. Then I will see it at the next lesson.
  • Multiple Instruments: For students who are taking lessons on multiple instruments, you can even have a folder for each one keeping your music library organized and easily navigable.

Of course, no solution is perfect. Some students might still prefer the tactile experience of paper, and ensuring everyone has reliable internet access can be a challenge. But for the countless advantages it offers, this is one tool that can make your lessons that much better.

Using Google Drive is optional but a great help for your musical journey. If you have any questions about how it works, please contact me.

Guitarists Under 10

/in /by

How Drums and Backing Tracks Inspire Young Guitarists!

For guitarists under 10, the traditional “go it alone” practice often falls flat. It can feel repetitive, lonely, and frankly, not that exciting. But throw in some drums and backing tracks, and suddenly, learning explodes into a full-fledged band experience.

This combo is a huge hit especially with the under-10 crowd

There’s something amazing about the moment a young guitarist plugs in, strums their first chord, and a wave of sound washes over them. But add in the pounding beat of a drum, the driving energy of a backing track, and suddenly you’ve got a musical launchpad for future rockstars! That’s the joy of incorporating drums and backing tracks into guitar lessons for younger students, it’s a game-changer. Forget scales and metronomes (for a bit, at least). This is about pure fun and unleashing the inner rockstar. Here’s why it works:

Guitarists Under 10

Zane a week before our first jam session!

1. Instant Gratification: Imagine a kid struggling with a new chord progression. Now imagine them nailing it along side drums and a cool backing track. The sense of accomplishment is immediate, and that positive reinforcement fuels their musical journey.

2. It’s a Band Experience (Miniature!): With just two instruments and a backing track, the drums and guitar create a full band sound. Kids get to feel the energy of playing in a band, even if it’s just them and their teacher. It’s collaborative, exciting, and fosters a sense of community.

3. It’s So Much Fun! At the end of the day, music should be enjoyable. The combination of drums, guitar, and backing tracks are inherently fun and engaging. It sparks creativity, encourages movement, and lets kids lose themselves in the music.

4. It’s Not Just for the Younger Students: Even older guitar students get a kick out of this dynamic practice method. It adds variety, challenges their timing and improvisation skills, and reignites the pure joy of playing music.

Keeping Guitarists Under 10 Engaged

It’s more than just practice – it’s a gateway to a world of musical discovery, collaboration, and pure, unadulterated fun. Remember, the key to keeping young hearts engaged in music is to make it feel like an adventure. So, the next time you see a young guitarist, remember – a miniature band is waiting to take them on a musical adventure. Let’s turn up the volume, grab some sticks, and watch them as they begin the next level of playing.

If you would like to know more, feel free to leave a message, we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.