Music notation and its importance is easy to overlook.
It can be overwhelming to learn how to read and write music notation ('staff notation' as we call it) due to the sheer amount of information one needs to keep in mind to have a smooth reading or writing experience.
My Experience With Music Notation
Though I can read and write music, I don't often use it for writing my music. The majority of the time, I prefer playing by ear and expressing myself in the moment with my instrument.
However, I use it for teaching music depending on the student and how they wish to express themselves musically/artistically.
That aside, I also go through older lesson materials I have collected over the years and just read through some transcriptions I find here and there to explore different perspectives.
I can honestly say that I wouldn't have had an understanding of this language without the ability to read staff notation.
Guitar tabs are also a great way to learn songs or write parts for students/musicians. But they are not as informative or specific as formal notation.
Since I come from a "self-taught" background, I only learnt the importance and advantages of music notation once I went to study music at Berklee College of Music.
Before I went there, I had learnt some basics of reading and writing music from the wonders and generosities of the internet and people sharing their expertise there.
Once I went to Berklee, I realised that what I knew was far from enough, and over the 4-5 years I spent in Boston, I got much better and adopted it while working and learning under some of the finest musicians and educators out there.
Full disclosure, I am pretty bad at 'Sight Reading.' But, I can read and write music well enough to read scores, and lead sheets, learn tunes/parts, and write my lesson materials/music.
The Advantages Of Music Notation
So based on these experiences, I have listed a bunch of points as to why it helps if you know how to read and write music notation.
Check them out below:
It is the official mode of communication for composed and improvised music in the western form of musical expression.
As a music educator, you must know, obtain, and utilise this skill to give the best possible education in western music.
A career as a professional musician is/can be very busy. In such cases, having a standardised mode of communication helps get the job done more efficiently. And that means more time to squeeze in more work and earn some extra bucks!
From my decently long musical career, I have found that a good grasp of music notation helps you visualise music in a way that gives more creative and artistic clarity.
Notations in music are one of the greatest learning assets/tools for students and professionals. The art of transcribing and analysing is something thousands of formally and non-formally educated students alike agree on!
Transcribing music is a must for any serious music student and professional. The art of learning music, solos, licks, melodies, etudes, etc., by ear and writing them down on staff is one of the most important methods of training every musician must go through.
If you want to dive into traditional musical forms such as Classical and Jazz music, knowing music notation is a must since they use it there.
Something Important To Keep In Mind
Now, let's take a few steps back so I can clarify one important thing.
Some may or may not agree with me here, but in my opinion, you do not NEED to know music notation to be a great musician.
It is very much possible to make music without it, period.
However, never a bad idea or a disadvantage to have this skill. It's always an advantage.
Want To Learn Music?
If you wish to learn the art of music and express yourself your way, email me: contact@subharaj.com for pricing and details!
*Open to students from all over the world and all age groups.
Here are some of the things I talk about in class:
Music fundamentals and theory
Ear-training
Composition
Improvisation
The guitar as a solo instrument
Musical, compositional, and improvisational philosophies
Artistry
Expression
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