September 20th – October 20th, 2020
Looking back to the first time that I picked up my ukulele from UVic, to now on October 20th, I have most definitely learned a lot! In this reflection, I will be covering my progress with reading music as outlined in my Musicianship Goal sheet.
Remembering How to Read Music
Up until this semester, I probably haven’t looked at a music sheet since I was in grade 7, playing the drums! I used to be able to read music pretty well, since the age of 7 when my mom put me in piano lessons. I took piano for 2 years, then took it again when I was around 13 years old. When I was around 9, I began to take drum lessons for around 5 years! My teacher didn’t focus much on reading notes, however. In grade 6, I was in the school band and took up the trumpet, so I was able to practice reading sheet music again. But ever since I stopped playing the drums in grade 7, I haven’t really looked over music notes since. When I found out that I was going to be in a music class this semester, I was pretty excited!
Right away, I tried to get caught up. I met with my grandma, who is very musical and taught music to children, and she went over the notes with me, reminding me the mnemonic “every good boy deserves fudge”, and “FACE”. I think something that also really helped me tune my music reading skills was actually the work sheets in our class. All the information I had previously learned came flooding back to me as I began putting my previous knowledge to the test.
I think that I am successful in my note reading skills, however I still struggle a bit with remembering the notes before and after the staff. However I am better at reading the notes within the staff, can remember each measure and what it does, and the rhythm/how long you are supposed to hold each note. I will keep practicing though, I know I’ll be a pro by the end of the term!