The Staff Speaks: Reading and Hearing Music’s Legacy

Staff System, Notes, and Pitch

By: Kevin Ure

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

This introductory book serves as the first installment in a comprehensive series. It expertly guides readers through music theory and ear training, presenting clear, bite-sized lessons. Whether you’re a novice or an advanced user, you’ll delve into the intricacies of pitch and note-naming conventions. These straightforward exercises will significantly transform your perception of pitch and sound.

While advanced users may be tempted to skip these foundational lessons, it’s essential to note that they contain critical information not covered elsewhere. Drawing from nearly a decade of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate-level music theory, composition, and aural training, this book provides valuable insights for all music enthusiasts.

Introduction and Goals: The Staff Speaks begins with an introduction that clearly outlines the goals of the series, aiming to demystify music theory by starting with the basics of the staff system, notes, and pitch. This sets a solid foundation for the reader.

Importance of Understanding the Basics: The Staff Speaks emphasizes the importance of understanding the staff system, notes, and pitch, explaining how these elements are crucial for reading, writing, and performing music.

Navigating Lessons and Exercises: With tips on navigating lessons and exercises, this book is accessible for both beginners and advanced learners. It ensures that all readers can benefit from the exercises and practical applications provided.

Historical Context: Informative historical context sections provide a background on the evolution of musical notation, adding depth to the reader's understanding of the subject.

Detailed Explanations: Detailed explanations of concepts such as the staff system, lines and spaces on the staff, and the significance of different clefs help build a comprehensive understanding of music theory.

Practical Applications: Practical applications and exercises are provided throughout the text, reinforcing the theoretical concepts discussed. This hands-on approach enhances the learning experience.