Resources

Resources

My Sight Reading Is Weak- Will I Struggle?

Many members of the choir read music like the ordinary person reads a newspaper,
but some of us joined the choir with weak skills in this department. If you don't read
music at the moment you will certainly develop a desire to do so, and there are some
resources listed below that we suggest you work through to acquire some basic skills.
The more you learn about reading music, the more you will enjoy the rehearsals!

Singing / Music Lessons

We have also arranged for two professional singing teachers to be available during
rehearsals so that members can easily take occasional lessons to improve their
technique. The lessons involve leaving the main rehearsal for 30 minutes and a small
fee is charged.

Computer-Aided Learning

In recent terms, some members of the choir have been producing versions of the
music we are rehearsing in the form of MIDI files. These are files which play on a
computer and allow you to listen to the music while reviewing the score at home.

Click here to see what music files are available.

By creating a file with a boosted soprano part (for instance), a soprano can easily
listen to her part while following the score at home. These files are created by some of
the choir members, and have the Music Director's approval. If you are a beginner you
will find this resource very useful. Unlike the provision of sheet music, which is
guaranteed, these 'MIDI' files are created by members for members on an 'ad hoc'
basis.

Resources for Beginners:

1. How to read music, Helen Cooper, Omnibus press, ISBN-10: 0711900957
2. First steps in music theory grades 1-5, Eric Taylor, Associated Board of the Royal
Schools of Music, ISBN 1 86096 090 1

There are also many web-based resources for learning about the rudiments of music,
such as:

3. http://www.musictheory.net
4. http://library.thinkquest.org/15413