Music Theory 
Review of the theoretical elements of music including sound and pitch, rhythm, melody, harmony, and notation.
The Difference Between First Violins and Second Violins
First Violinists and Second Violinists Why are violins divided into two sections in the orchestra? Does “playing second” mean the violinist is not good enough to play first violin? Let’s explore their differences. In symphony orchestras there are two sections of violins. The first violin section is always on the conductor’s left. Seating of second… Read More ›
Classical Music Period Part 3 – Romantic and Modern Periods
Daniel Kobialka with Leonard Bernstein As noted in the first of this series, the classification system describing the evolution of Western music follows that generally accepted by Music History Scholars. To date these newsletters have provided a look into the key periods of musical development including: Early (prior to 9th century) Medieval (9th to… Read More ›
Classical Music Period Part 2 – Renaissance, Baroque and Classical Periods
Part 2 in this series describes Western music created in the Renaissance period (15th to 16th Centuries), Baroque period (1700 to 1750), and Classical period (1750 to 1820). Take time to listen to one of the great pieces of music from this period. The version below is of Pachelbel-Canon in D available at https://www.wonderofsound.com/product/dreams-beyond-the-twilight-mp3/ Renaissance… Read More ›
Classical Music Periods – Part 1
Early and Medieval Music The classification system describing the evolution of Western music incorporated into the next series of newsletters follows that generally accepted by Music History Scholars. The following list of classifications provide a look into the key periods of musical development: Early (prior to 9th century) Medieval (9th to 14th century) Renaissance (15th… Read More ›
Can Computers Write Music?
The notion that a relationship exists between music theory and mathematics dates back to the Ancient Greeks who described the relationship as the “harmony of the spheres”. Today, researchers are utilizing fractal geometry to define these relationships. Fractal geometry, a relatively new field of math, provides a means to create mathematical descriptions of sound. It… Read More ›
