Helpful Online Tools
Metronome Online - This tool will help you keep a steady beat.
Printable Staff Paper - This site lets you print paper to use for writing music.
A-Z Music Glossary - This glossary will help you define any unfamiliar music words.
Band Fingering Charts - There is a fingering chart in your book, but this is another version you can use. First, locate where the note is on the staff (which line or space it's on). Then, figure out if it's flat, sharp or natural, by looking at the key signature, and looking for accidentals. Once you know that information, find the note in the chart.
Noteflight - This site is a free way to notate music using your computer. If you like to compose music, use this link to make your work look professional. You need to sign up for an account, but you can create up to 50 songs for free.
Games
Music Theory Quizzes - This site has a ton of music theory quizzes to try. Keep it simple by testing your note name knowledge, or mix it up by learning to hear different intervals. There's a lot to choose from!
Note Name Game - Be sure to pick the clef for the instrument you play!
Just for Percussion
How to Practice
- Pinpoint trouble spots. Work on small sections at a time, rather than full pieces. Like the pieces of a puzzle, all the measures will fit together eventually.
- Slow down! There's no need to play your music at performance tempo right away. Increase the speed once you KNOW you can play a spot with no mistakes.
- Use metronome to keep a steady beat for you. You might be surprised by how difficult it is to keep in perfect time. (There is an online metronome in the "Helpful Web Tools" links below.)
- It's ok to make mistakes, but only practice the correct notes and rhythms. Fix mistakes when you make them. Once you fix a mistake, repeat the section a few times to make sure it sticks.
- Write in your music (in pencil). Examples of good things to write include:
- places where it's very important to look up at the conductor
- circle dynamic or tempo markings
- places where you should take a breath
- the counting (numbers) for a tricky rhythm
- articulation markings
- forward arrows to remind you to hold out a note longer
- the name of one or two tricky notes (If you find that you have to write in every single note name, talk to Mrs. Zielinski for some help.)
- Have some fun! End your practice session with the music you just improved, or a song you really enjoy playing.