Basic Music Theory

by Ron Goldenberg

For those of you interested in music theory I would recommend that you try the website

www.Musictheory.net

It’s not only written in an easy-to-follow format, but it is also extremely well done with examples and pictures. Topics range from notes, rests, time signatures and key signatures to intervals, chords/triads all the way to chord progressions and more complex topics. There is something for everyone at any level of experience.

And best of all …….. it is FREE!!

The Goldenblog - 2021, July 24th

Standard of Excellence Book 1 and 2
Get the backing accompaniment

by Ron Goldenberg

We use the Standard of Excellence books as part of our rehearsal repertoire from time to time.

The books come with CDs that play the band part for each practice piece as a background for your instrument’s part. When you are practicing on your own it is much more beneficial and enjoyable to play along with the accompaniment.
This music is available for free online.

For Standard of Excellence Book 1 go to:
https://kjos.com/standard-of-excellence-book-1-cd-part-1-2.html

For Standard of Excellence Book 2 go to:
https://kjos.com/standard-of-excellence-book-2-cd-part-1-2.html

You must click on the AUDIO tab to access the music.

Happy practising!!!
Ron

The Goldenblog - December12th

Playing Along with a Backing Track

by Ron Goldenberg

The most pleasurable moments that I have when playing alone in the depths of my basement are when I play along with a backing track. There are several kinds of backing tracks available but the ones that I purchase usually have several instruments playing a song in which the melody is left out. I fill it in with my saxophone. For instance, I purchased the backing track for the jazz standard Misty from jazzbacks.com (approx. C$11). The download came with PDF sheet music for the lead/melody instrument for three types of instruments: a C instrument (like a flute) a Bb instrument (like a Clarinet, Tenor sax, Trumpet …) and an Eb instrument (like an Alto or Bari sax…). It also came with a backing track with piano, drums and a bass.

You get your sheet music ready put on the track and away you go. You are the lead in a quartet! Sounds awesome and is a real rush.

I would like to share this great experience with you so I have put sheet music and a backing track on a Google drive which you can access at the link below. I have included the songs Misty and the Shadow of Your Smile for your playing enjoyment.

The sheet music for Misty is missing the first 4 bars and the 4/4 time signature. The first 4 bars are a rest and you come in on beat 4 of bar 5. I included a little audio segment for those of you who need assistance with the count in. The Shadow of Your Smile also has sheet music for bass instruments in C.

Please enjoy yourself thoroughly. I would love to hear from you to know what you think and how you are enjoying it. Please email me, rongold@videotron.ca.

Here is the link.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/13dZMeU2r8eS6IvrvhPMTRXmo-POKNv7p?usp=sharing

Happy holidays to you and your families!