Music Theory and Composition

Embellishments – The Grace Note – Part 24f

Don Rath Jr — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 06:51:35 +0000

The most common and simplest form of ornament in the sub-category of the grace embellishments is simply called the grace note. In a sense, the grace note is also a general name for a group of different types of grace embellishments which use the grace note as its basis. More specifically...

Embellishments – The Smooth Graces – Part 24e

Don Rath Jr — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 17:08:36 +0000

For the stringed instruments, the general method of production for the smooth graces is accomplished first by depressing the appropriate string to the fretboard or fingerboard, in an associated position or fret relative to the...

Embellishments – Foundation and Guidelines – Part 24d

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:31:11 +0000

Before continuing our presentations on embellishments, we must first lay out some basic guidelines which provide a background and which establishes the very foundation necessary for the study of them. The following details will provide...

Embellishments – The Ornamental Categories – Part 24c

Don Rath Jr — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 20:56:13 +0000

...a “big picture” overview of the different groups of ornaments, all of which are embellishments, as used in music composition and performance. Also, this particular article includes the description of each category...

Embellishments – Introduction – Part 24a

Don Rath Jr — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:52:43 +0000

...the embellishments are a collection of specific tools which provide a variety of enhancements to simple melody. Further, they provide additional musical instructions to the performers which extend or reduce a melodic sequence of...

Embellishments – Article Directory – Part 24b

Don Rath Jr — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 22:51:22 +0000

Embellishments are the tools known as ornaments which are used to enhance, through extension, addition or the reduction of the melody or a melodic theme in a music composition.

Music Licensing

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 14 Sep 2011 17:59:47 +0000

The idea of transferring the use of a piece of music to someone other than the copyright owner/holder involves making some distinctions as to which rights are being transferred. Due to the fact that the copyright includes...

Music Publishing Versus Self Publishing – Pros and Cons

Don Rath Jr — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:36:48 +0000

...there are two main ways of getting music published, either you publish it yourself or you find an existing music publisher who believes in you and your music. One thing rings truer today than ever before, you must think in terms of...

Expression in Music – Part 23a

Don Rath Jr — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 23:45:12 +0000

This foundation of understanding supports multiple areas of further study for the composer and for the performers of music, studies which could include instrument making, material science and acoustics for example. Since each plays major and important roles in the resulting...

Expression in Music – Categories – Part 23b

Don Rath Jr — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 16:32:03 +0000

Techniques and expressions are in many ways intertwined with one another and consequently it is important to delineate between the two. In most cases they are so intertwined that...

Expression in Music – Words – Part 23c

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 15:54:39 +0000

Collectively, the words used to define expression in music fall into three main categories, those which direct one or more performers to behave or to alter their performance technique, those which quantify or define the extent or degree of ...

Expression in Music – Word List – Part 23d

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 04:09:24 +0000

This concludes our expression word list as well as the series our mini-series Expression in Music. We hope you will continue your study of this concept moving forward as the knowledge learned will help you to improve conveying your musical ideas through the use of the symbolic language of music, music notation.

Lichty Guitars – Jay Lichty, Luthier

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 22:46:48 +0000

What enhances your satisfaction is the fact that you have played an important role in the design of your new musical instrument in a special cooperative dance with the person actually building your instrument. The icing on the cake comes when you are actually...

StringTunes – Website Updated

Don Rath Jr — Tue, 09 Aug 2011 21:32:46 +0000

For those who have an interest to reactivate an existing link which may have been lost or to those interested in exchanging links with us, we are certainly interested in linking together should our websites coincide and support one another. If you are interested please contact us...

The Components of Musicality

Don Rath Jr — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 03:55:40 +0000

The application of each of the components of musicality has a direct and indirect impact or influence on how we perceive music as a listener. Collectively, the composer must consider and use the various concepts or components of musicality in an attempt to create a musical masterpiece.

Music Composition – 10 Limits and Considerations

Don Rath Jr — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:50:30 +0000

In music composition there are several limits and considerations a composer must know which are related to both the instrument itself as well as for the artists and the performers of your compositions. There are other limitations which a composer must consider as well such as who their audience is, in what media is the composition directed, what style of music, what is...

The Violin

Don Rath Jr — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 20:26:12 +0000

...the violin is the closest sounding musical instrument to the human voice. It is difficult to argue that point. Also, the violin is profoundly expressive in nature and it is considered to be one of the most versatile instruments in the orchestra. The range of articulations...

The Viola

Don Rath Jr — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:28:35 +0000

Many claim that the sound qualities of the viola are mournful in nature. To a degree, this comment is true however the complete capabilities of the viola and its range of sonic character, of the possible sounds it is able to produce, goes way beyond...

The Ukulele

Don Rath Jr — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:35:41 +0000

The ukulele is very similar to the guitar in shape and construction but on a much smaller scale. The four most common sizes are the soprano, concert, tenor, and baritone ukuleles with scales, the distance between the nut and the bridge of the instrument, ranges from...

The Mandolin

Don Rath Jr — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:00:28 +0000

...techniques which include rapid arpeggios, tremolos and quick strumming techniques the mandolin offers a unique sound over other stringed instruments. Typically played with a plectrum or pick the tremolo technique, a rapid and repeated up and down stroke is...