EZ Muzic Theory

Church Music: Contemporary or Traditional?

2008-02-14T14:27:00.000-08:00

In order to accomodate people's varying music tastes, churches provide different services offering diverse styles of music. The two most common are the "contemporary" and the "traditional."

When a service hosts "traditional" music, old hymns are likely to be played accompanied by a piano, but many times, a pipe organ and a full on choir and orchestra. "Contemporary" worship is generally led by a few worship leaders, guitar (acoustic & bass) players, keyboarder, drummer. Old hymns are only present if the melody is changed or set more to an upbeat rhythm. Many of my favorite songs are so-called "contemporary" music.

However, much controversy has arisen in churches over what is the more "Biblical" type of worship style or whether one type is right, wrong, inappropriate for God's house of worship, etc. This issue came to my attention not only after having experienced some friction at a previous church between the two services with different music types, but also in a theology class I'm currently taking.

Complaints should arise, of course, if for example the words of a song are found to be unbiblical in the doctrine they express. But, God simply desires our worship in whatever musical taste He's given us. Psalm 150: 3-5 says:

"Praise Him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise Him with the harp and lyre, praise Him with tambourine and dancing, praise Him with the strings and flute, praise Him with the clash of cymbals, praise Him with resounding cymbals."

God has given us different likes, talents, and gifts. We should use all of these things he has given us, including music, to worship Him. It's sad to see churches divide over the issue of different worship music.

1 Peter 4:10 states "Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms."

Both of these verses are affirmations of God's desire of our worship as styles of music change.

Personally, I love it when services integrate contemporary AND traditional music. The rich melodies and reflection of Bible verses of the old hymns combine so nicely with the inspiring words and upbeat rhythm of new songs.

Let's turn to Psalm 98:4 for classic inspiration:

"Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music"

Inspiring Worship Songs

2007-10-01T11:11:00.001-07:00

Part of music theory, I believe, is listening to songs and hearing harmonies and various music genres. Here are some pretty inspiring music videos based on some of my favorite worship songs~

Amazing Grace w/ My Chains are Gone-
Click HERE to listen to this song sung by Chris Tomlin
Chorus:

"My chains are gone, I've been set free,

My God, my Savior, has ransomed me!

And like a flood, his mercy rains, unending love, amazing grace!"

Amazing Love- AKA "You Are My King"-
This link is to a song beautifully sung by the Newsboys.

The chorus is:

"Amazing Love, how can it be? That you my King should die for me,

Amazing love, I know its true, and it's my joy to honor You, in all I do- let me honor You."

Blessed Be Your Name-

Click HERE

Chorus:

"Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your name,

Blessed be the name of the Lord, blessed be Your glorious name..."

Here I Am to Worship-

Click HERE , sung by Michael W. Smith

Chorus:

"Here I am to worship, here I am to bow down,

here I am to say that you're my God

You're altogether lovely, altogether worthy, altogether wonderful to me!"

How Great is Our God-

Click HERE, sung by Chris Tomlin

Chorus:

"How great is our God, sing with me, How great is our God,

All will see how great, how great, is our God!"

Indescribable-

Click HERE, sung by Chris Tomlin

Chorus:

"Indescribable, uncontainable, you placed the stars in the sky, and you know them by name

You are amazing, God!

All powerful, untamable: awestruck, we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim,

You are amazing, God!"

You are Holy (Prince of Peace)-

Click HERE , sung by Michael W. Smith

Does Age Matter?

2007-09-29T17:38:00.000-07:00

Two of the most pressing questions regarding teaching children music is: "how young is too young for a child to begin learning music?' and "how young is too young to start music lessons?"

While these questions have similar qualities, they are vastly different. A child can begin to be around and be familiar with music at a different age than actually starting music lessons.

So, for becoming familiar with music: this stage can be started as early as desired. Studies have shown that listening to classical music at an early age does wonders for the child's development process. From playing classical c.d.s around the house to introducing a young toddler to basic rhythms, claps, and basic instruments (Triangle, play set of drums, makeshift set of drums), providing a musically supplemented environment for young children is a GREAT idea. Classical music as opposed to hard rock music, has been scientifically proven to stimulate the processes of humans' brains. Therefore, if classical is played at an early age, not only will it introduce your child to the wonders of music, but it also may have a positive effect on their physical development.

As for starting music lessons: Many different music instructors possess different theories about what an appropriate age is for children to start music lessons. A music instructor that I know, believes that a good age to start is around 2nd or 3rd grade, or when the child can read fairly competently. Other music instructors I know have students who are as young as 3 or 4 years old.

I believe that it highly depends on the musical instrument, and the individual teacher's teaching style. For example: Choir or anything in a group setting is fine for younger children.

A child should definitely know their A-B-Cs & 1-2-3s before beginning music lessons and should be able to carry on a simple conversation and understand uncomplicated questions.

The problem is these requirements as listed above, varies for each child. That is why it is hard to estimate a specific age at which is appropriate to start music lessons. Once a child has met these standards, I believe that they are ready to start lessons. However, the parents need to be involved in their practice time and lessons, especially for youngsters in the age range of 3-7, and even up until the age of 10.

A decision to begin music lessons for children is highly dependent on the parents' priorities and desires. However, they must keep in mind that the child cannot go at it alone. Parental involvement is essential not only at lessons but also at home during practice time.

So does age matter? For music lessons, yes. For becoming familiar with music and melodies, no.

The Emmons Sisters

2007-09-26T09:47:00.000-07:00

Bursting into harmonies with toe-tappin' beats, these "Princesses of Bluegrass" play and perform music with inspirational messages and beautiful melodies twisted in one. With a banjo, upright bass, guitar, violin, vocals, and occasional piano, listeners get the full effect of straight-from-the-heart hoedown style music.

Visit their website: http://www.emmonssisters.com/ to listen to their music, read their biography, view photos, and read updates on their concerts!

Their new CD: "Turning Point" features uplifiting instrumentals and choruses that will keep you humming lively tunes for the rest of the day!

Let Your Kingdom Come!

2007-09-25T11:21:00.000-07:00

This song from Sovereign Grace ministries, Let your Kingdom Come, accurately describes what the Christian purpose and mission is, interwined beautifully in the music. The Lyrics are written below:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=M4175-06-51

Your glorious cause, O God, engages our hearts

May Jesus Christ be known wherever we are

We ask not for ourselves, but for Your renown

The cross has saved us so we pray

Your kingdom come

Chorus: Let Your kingdom come

Let Your will be done

So that everyone might know Your Name

Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth

Till Your sovereign work on earth is done

Let Your kingdom come

Give us Your strength, O God, and courage to speak

Perform Your wondrous deeds through those who are weak

Lord use us as You want, whatever the test

By grace we’ll preach Your gospel

Till our dying breath

Chorus: Let your Kingdom come

Let your will be done

So that everyone might know Your Name

Let Your song be heard everywhere on earth

Till Your sovereign work on earth is done

Let Your Kingdom Come!

E-Book Announcement!!!

2007-09-08T17:14:00.000-07:00

Announcing...

the Arrival of...

The Fundamentals of Beginning Music Theory E-book!!!

For an amazing price of only $15.00 (U.S.), you will be able to have a

resource, a guide, and a tool

you can use to get started on the road of music theory!

Great for:

Music Teachers
Music Students
Music Lovers!
...and for all those wannabes :-)

Click HERE for more information and to order now!!!

If you want to be able to enjoy, create, and experience music live never before,

order the "Fundamentals of Beginning Music Theory",

available NOW through lulu.com.

At the amazing price of $15.00 (U.S.), you will get lessons jam-packed with

information in an EZ-to-read & understand format!!!

So whatcha' waitin' for? Click HERE to get your guide to learning,

succeeding at, and experiencing the world of music and EZ music theory!

Note: Lulu.com sells my product. They are a reliable, online digital marketplace, providing a place for entrepreneurs like me to sell products!

Thank you & God Bless!

~Kate N. :-)

http://stores.lulu.com/KateN

Practice tips

2007-08-30T10:46:00.000-07:00

Practice makes Perfect.....Practice makes Perfect.....Practice makes Perfect

A teacher's favorite phrase. The phrase that makes students everywhere groan. The phrase that is associated with long, dreadful hours of playing monotonous-sounding scales and exercises.

Think Again!!!

While practicing any musical instrument can take hours of your time, it doesn't have to, if you know the key to getting work done quickly. Here's how:

1. Always warm-up

Now, this seems at first like a contradiction to what I just said, doesn't it? After all, warming up is the 5 extra minutes at the beginning of practice time that seems to do little other than adding a seemingly unnecessary thing onto your timetable. However, warming-up your fingers/voice in the beginning saves you from mistakes later on in your practice. You 'work-out' your fingers or your voice by doing simple, basic exercises to get them ready for the harder stuff. Here are some things you could do no matter what your instrument of choice is:

Scales- anything from Do, Re, Mi, to La, la, la
Chords- (piano)
Alternating notes- (voice) la, fa, mi, do, re, fa, so, la, ti, do, re, do!! *sings Sound of Music*
A simple song such as 'Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star' or any Gavotte, Minuet that exercises simple chords, melodies, and harmonies

At the gym, you warm-up by stretching. It only takes 5-10 minutes, but is absolutely critical so that you don't injure yourself, but instead slowly get your body used to the motions. This is the same way with music-- it is critical to get your voice/fingers used to what you're going to be spending a chunk of time doing.

2. Attack repertoire next

Now that you're all warmed up, it's best to go to the songs that add on to what you just practiced. Depending on how much stuff your teacher assigned you and how long you have to practice, I'd say spend 1/2-2/3 of your time on this. These are the songs that you're really going to learn new techniques from. This will complement whatever other tasks you must do, whether recitals, accompanist positions, etc.

Here's some great repertoire books:

Celebration series
Suzuki method series
Bastien books

3. Save performance songs for last

So why should you save this stuff for last? Well- b/c you're well warmed up by now. You've covered, and mastered techniques, spent time refining them, and learned theory. Put it all to work in these fancy, show-y, dramatic, emotion-tugging songs or tunes!

Music books

2007-08-14T09:59:00.000-07:00

Aside from music theory, another resource that is needed among music teachers are music books with songs and other repertoire for the student to study. With so many repertoire books out there it's hard to narrow it down to which ones really work and are foundation-layers, and which ones are mere copycats or less-than-helpful guides.

So here are some of my favs.-

For String Instruments (Violin, Viola, Cello)

The Suzuki Method

For the Piano/Keyboard

Celebration Series

The Bastien Books

About EZ Muzic Theory

2007-08-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

EZ Muzic Theory was created in order to provide an effective way to teach, learn, and experience music theory.

Using teaching methods, and providing tips on how to get started in the world of music, EZ's goal is to emphasize the importance of music theory. In a fast-paced world that wants to be caught up in the latest crazes, we sometimes forget that in order to achieve certain things, we must go back to the fundamentals. As the music/ipod/composing craze grows, music theory has an even more important role. Areas explored and addressed by EZ Muzic include:

How to find music software to get started on composing

Teaching tips

Resources that educate students/parents/teachers on the basics of theory

How to get started....

and so much more

Really, the possibilities to explore in music are endless! In addition, EZ Muzic believes that ANYONE can learn music and music theory, even if you have had zero exposure to music up until this point! By learning to recognize certain patterns and aspects of music, one will able to know as much as one who has studied music their entire life!

Psalm 108: 1-3

"My heart is steadfast, O God; I will sing and make music with all my soul. Awake, harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn. I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations; I will sing of you among the peoples."

Coming Soon E-book Announcement!!

2007-08-07T13:44:00.000-07:00

Expected to arrive any day now, is:

EZ MUZIC THEORY's publication of:

'The Fundamentals of Beginning Music Theory'!

Are you:

-Looking for a resource to learn music theory?

-someone who wants to get caught up in the music-composing craze and needs the foundational knowledge on how to start?

-a music teacher needing a guide on what basics need to be taught...and how?

-a student who loves music and wants to dive into what it's all about?

-a student who DOES NOT LIKE MUSIC and wants nothing to do with it...but NEEDS TO KNOW certain aspects for a course, or because your parents want you to?

-needing a tool because you just don't know what to do or where to start?

Then this e-book is the answer for you! Providing information and the tools to get started, 'The Fundamentals of Beginning Music Theory' is a work of compiled easy-to-understand information.

ALL of this is coming soon!! Keep checking this blog for the 'Now Posted' announcement!!!!

~~Providing an effective way to learn music theory~~

Inexpensive Music SOFTWARE

2007-05-30T13:22:00.000-07:00

For all of those budding composers, music techies, or people wanting to create your own songs, music...and somehow, clip art, there's a great software out there called:

Finale SongWriter- "Bring your songs to life"

While the newest version is kinda pricy, if you go on Amazon.com, you can purchase it for under $50! I did this, and am gonig through the helpful tutorials and tips they provide. What's also nice about it, is that there are step-by-step instructions on how to get started (for both Windows and Mac), and all of it is presented in a user-friendly format. You can explore and experiment with different arrangements and melodies- it's so fun!!

Music Clip Art

2007-05-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

As I work on music theory products, I often run into having to use music clip art. There are a couple of places where I have found that offer free music clip art without excessive hassles of royalties, etc. All it involves is having to agree to the terms of service, as well as citing their website on your project page. Here are the websites:
http://skdesigns.com/internet/music/images/
http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/Strasse/2943/index.html

More can be found by going on Google images.

Why Should One Learn Music Theory?

2007-04-30T12:56:00.000-07:00

Before I was around, there used to be a game show, where contestants were given part of a phrase/common word, and then within the course of a couple seconds, had to say the first thing that popped into their hand when they thought of that word. My aunt was on this show, and the word she was given was: "Snake". Not being able to think very clearly, she said the first thing that came into her mind, which was "Cobra"- the correct answer, though, ended up being "Rattle".
If this same game was played in today's world, and the word was "Music", it seems like the first thing that would come to most people's minds, would be "Ipod" or "Download" or something to that effect. It seems like our world, or at least America has become immune to classical music or classical music learning, but instead associates everything music-related to the latest pop stars or American Idol (a very entertaining show, btw), or Ipods. But, as this music revolution has erupted, so as the composing of music.
My cousin plays guitar, and like many other people, have gotten started in the art of improvising music. Here's where the classical roots of music theory comes into play- no matter what type of music that one wants to compose, listen to, or simply comprehend, the roots and concepts of music theory must be employed and understood to a good enough extent.

The art of music theory is made up of the learning of notes, values, and the way music notes work together in order to create a harmonizing sound. So this is why people should learn music theory- the ez way!! It delivers it to you in an easy to understand packet, giving you what you need in order to compose music or whatever it may be that you need to do!

Getting Started with Music Theory!

2007-04-25T09:46:00.000-07:00

So, what is music theory? How does it have an impact on music...all the notes......the black and white scribble on a page of music? Music theory is the backbone of all music, because it consists of the creation and harmonizing of notes in a way that flows smoothly, and in a rhythm that's easy to follow. It is something that anyone can learn, whether you're a seasoned instrument player, or a beginning music student. Each post on ezmuzictheory will be talking about an aspect of music theory, or explaining a concept. So here's to music theory!!!
~Kate