Learning Musical Notation

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Mark Cole

Learning to read musical notation, including notes, can be an enriching and rewarding experience. Here are some steps you can follow to learn how to read musical notation effectively:

  1. Start with the basics: Familiarize yourself with the staff, which consists of five horizontal lines and four spaces. Notes are placed on these lines and spaces to represent different pitches.
  2. Learn the names of the lines and spaces: From bottom to top, the lines of the staff (treble clef) are named E, G, B, D, and F. The spaces spell out the word F-A-C-E.
  3. Understand note duration: Notes can have different durations, represented by their shapes. The whole note (an unfilled oval) is held for four beats, while half notes, quarter notes, eighth notes, and so on, have shorter durations.
  4. Memorize the note names: Each note on the staff corresponds to a letter. Starting from the bottom line and moving up, the notes on the lines are E, G, B, D, and F (which can be remembered using the mnemonic “Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge”). The notes in the spaces are F, A, C, and E (which can be remembered as “FACE”).
  5. Practice identifying notes: Use exercises and musical examples to practice identifying notes on the staff. Start with simple melodies and gradually progress to more complex pieces.
  6. Understand key signatures: Key signatures indicate the sharps or flats that are consistently used throughout a piece of music. Learning to recognize key signatures will help you identify the notes correctly and understand the tonality of the music.
  7. Study rhythm notation: In addition to notes, understanding rhythm notation is essential. Learn about different types of note values, rests, and time signatures, which indicate the number of beats in a measure.
  8. Use flashcards and apps: Flashcards can be a useful tool for memorizing note names. Additionally, there are numerous apps and online resources available that provide interactive exercises and games to help you practice reading notes.
  9. Practice sight-reading: Sight-reading is the ability to read and play or sing music at first sight. Regularly practice sight-reading exercises to improve your reading skills and develop fluency.
  10. Seek guidance from a teacher: Consider taking lessons or working with a music teacher who can guide you through the process, provide feedback, and address any specific challenges you may encounter.

Remember, learning to read musical notation takes time and consistent practice. Be patient with yourself and enjoy the journey as you discover the beautiful language of music notation.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.

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Learning To Improvise From Chord Charts

Posted on June 1, 2023 by Mark Cole

Learning to improvise off of chord charts, such as those found in the Real Book or Fake Book, is a skill that many musicians develop through practice and experience. Here are some steps and strategies that can help musicians learn to improvise effectively:

  1. Master your instrument: Before diving into improvisation, it’s crucial to have a solid foundation on your instrument. Develop a good understanding of scales, arpeggios, chord voicings, and technical proficiency.
  2. Learn music theory: A strong knowledge of music theory is essential for improvisation. Understand the relationship between chords, scales, and harmonies. Study the different chord progressions commonly found in jazz and popular music, such as ii-V-I progressions, blues progressions, and modal progressions.
  3. Study recordings and transcriptions: Listen to recordings of experienced improvisers and study their solos. Transcribe and analyze their improvisations to understand their melodic ideas, phrasing, and use of scales and arpeggios. This process will help you internalize the language of improvisation and develop your own musical vocabulary.
  4. Start with simple tunes: Begin by improvising on simple tunes with straightforward chord progressions. The Real Book or Fake Book can be excellent resources for this. Practice improvising over these progressions, experimenting with different scales and melodic ideas that fit the chords.
  5. Understand chord/scale relationships: Each chord in a progression can be associated with certain scales or modes that work well over it. Learn the appropriate scales for different chord types (major, minor, dominant, etc.) and practice connecting them smoothly as the chords change.
  6. Develop rhythmic and melodic ideas: Explore different rhythmic patterns and phrasing techniques to add variety and interest to your improvisation. Experiment with various note choices, including chromatic passing tones, approaches, and enclosures, to create melodic lines that connect with the chord progression.
  7. Use guide tones and target notes: Guide tones are the essential chord tones (typically the 3rd and 7th) that define the harmonic structure. Focusing on guide tones can help you outline the chord progression and create strong melodic lines. Target notes are specific chord tones or tensions that you aim to emphasize when transitioning between chords.
  8. Practice with backing tracks or a rhythm section: Improvising with a backing track or playing with a live rhythm section can simulate a real performance environment. This allows you to develop your improvisational skills in context and helps you improve your sense of time, interaction, and musicality.
  9. Play with others: Collaborating with other musicians is an invaluable experience for learning to improvise. Jam sessions and playing in ensembles provide opportunities to interact, respond to other musicians’ ideas, and explore different musical styles.
  10. Be patient and persistent: Improvisation is a skill that takes time to develop. Be patient with yourself and embrace the learning process. Practice regularly, challenge yourself with new tunes and progressions, and continually seek feedback and inspiration from experienced improvisers.

Remember, improvisation is about expressing yourself and developing your unique musical voice. As you gain more experience, continue exploring different styles, techniques, and approaches to expand your improvisational abilities.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.

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Special Reminder: Cole Music Studio Recital on Tuesday, June 13 at 7 PM

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Mark Cole

Dear Students, Parents, Grandparents, and Friends,

We hope this message finds you well and filled with anticipation for an evening of musical joy! We wanted to remind you about the upcoming Cole Music Studio Recital, a showcase of talent and dedication, which will be held on:

Date: Tuesday, July 13, 2023

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Lower Auditorium

Crystal Creek Homes, 6010 12 St SE, Calgary

This event promises to be a wonderful evening where our students will exhibit their hard work and achievements on the piano, guitar, drums and singing. It will be a testament to their dedication and progress throughout this last year.

We kindly request that you mark this date on your calendars and plan to join us for a great evening of melodies and harmonies. Your presence and support mean the world to these talented individuals, and your applause and encouragement will undoubtedly inspire them to reach even greater heights.

Feel free to extend this invitation to your family, friends, and loved ones who would also appreciate the musical talents on display. The more, the merrier!

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate the beauty of music and acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our students. We look forward to seeing each and every one of you at the Cole Music Studio Recital on Tuesday, July 13 at 7 PM.

If you have any questions or require further information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at mark.cole@mac.com

Thank you for your continued support, and we can’t wait to share this memorable evening with you!

Warm regards,

Mark Cole

Cole Music Studio

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The Nashville Numbering System

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Mark Cole

Learning the Nashville Numbering System (NNS) can be a valuable skill for musicians, particularly in the context of country, rock, gospel and pop music. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you learn and understand the NNS:

  1. Understand the purpose: The NNS is a shorthand system used to represent chord progressions and relationships in a song. It allows musicians to communicate and transpose songs quickly and efficiently, especially in a collaborative setting.
  2. Familiarize yourself with the scale degrees: In the NNS, each degree of the major scale is assigned a number from 1 to 7. The numbers represent the scale degrees, with 1 being the tonic or root note.
  3. Determine the key of the song: Identify the key of the song you’re working on. This will serve as your reference point for assigning numbers to the chords.
  4. Assign numbers to the chords: Analyze the chords of the song and assign numbers based on their relationship to the key. For example, if the song is in the key of C major and the first chord is C major, you would label it as 1. If the second chord is D minor, it would be labeled as 2. Continue this process for each chord in the song.
  5. Memorize common chord progressions: Learn the most common chord progressions used in the Nashville Numbering System, such as 1-4-5 (the classic I-IV-V progression), 1-6-4-5 (common in many pop songs), and so on. Practice playing these progressions in different keys to reinforce your understanding.
  6. Practice transposing: One of the main benefits of the NNS is its ability to easily transpose songs to different keys. Take a song you’re familiar with and try transposing it to a different key using the NNS. Start with simpler progressions and gradually tackle more complex ones.
  7. Apply the NNS in real-life scenarios: As you become more comfortable with the system, apply it in practical situations. Use it when collaborating with other musicians, communicating chord progressions, or when reading lead sheets written in the NNS format.
  8. Seek resources and practice regularly: There are many online resources, tutorials, and chord charts available that specifically focus on the Nashville Numbering System. Seek out these materials and practice regularly to solidify your understanding and fluency.

Remember, learning the Nashville Numbering System requires practice and familiarity. The more you work with it, the more comfortable you’ll become in using it as a versatile tool for understanding and communicating chord progressions in popular music.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.

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Musicians: Boost Your Discipline

Posted on May 31, 2023 by Mark Cole

Discipline is a crucial aspect of musicianship and can greatly impact your progress and growth as a musician. Here are some tips to help you become more disciplined in practicing and improving your musical skills:

  1. Set specific goals: Clearly define your musical goals, both short-term and long-term. Break them down into smaller, achievable milestones that you can work towards. This will give you a sense of direction and motivation.
  2. Create a practice schedule: Establish a regular practice routine and stick to it. Set aside dedicated time each day for practice, even if it’s just 15 minutes. Consistency is key, and having a schedule will help you build discipline over time.
  3. Start with warm-up exercises: Begin each practice session with warm-up exercises to get your fingers, voice, or any other relevant muscles warmed up. This will help improve your technique and prevent injuries.
  4. Focus on fundamentals: Dedicate a portion of your practice time to mastering the foundational elements of your instrument or voice. This includes scales, arpeggios, sight-reading, rhythm exercises, and other fundamental techniques. Strong fundamentals provide a solid base for advanced skills.
  5. Break down complex pieces: If you’re working on a challenging piece of music, break it down into smaller sections and practice them separately. Once you’ve mastered each section, gradually piece them together. This approach makes difficult music more manageable and builds your confidence.
  6. Practice in different ways: Mix up your practice routine to stay engaged and prevent monotony. Besides playing or singing through pieces, try techniques such as slow practice, mindful practice, and practicing with a metronome. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you.
  7. Keep a practice journal: Maintain a practice journal to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement. Write down specific challenges, solutions you’ve discovered, and goals for your next practice session. This will help you stay organized and focused.
  8. Find an accountability partner: Partner up with a fellow musician, mentor or teacher who can hold you accountable for your practice. Share your goals and progress with them, and consider scheduling regular check-ins or practice sessions together. Mutual support and encouragement can boost discipline.
  9. Minimize distractions: When you’re practicing, try to eliminate distractions as much as possible. Put away your phone or any other potential distractions that can interrupt your focus. Create a dedicated, quiet space where you can concentrate on your music.
  10. Stay motivated: Find ways to stay motivated throughout your musical journey. Celebrate small victories, seek inspiration from other musicians, attend live performances, and remind yourself of the reasons why you love music. Book yourself for live performances, they will keep you extremely motivated to practice. Remember that discipline and passion go hand in hand.

Remember, discipline is built through consistent effort over time. By implementing these strategies and maintaining a positive mindset, you can enhance your discipline and make significant progress in your musical abilities.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.

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What Does The Bible Say About Waiting For The Lord?

Posted on May 29, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible provides several teachings about waiting for the Lord. Here are a few key aspects:

  1. Trust and Patience: The Bible encourages believers to trust in the Lord and wait patiently for His timing. Psalm 27:14 says, “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!” This verse emphasizes the importance of developing patience and having confidence in God’s faithfulness.
  2. Seeking God’s Will: Waiting for the Lord involves seeking His will and direction. Psalm 25:4-5 states, “Make me to know Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You, I wait all the day long.” It highlights the idea of surrendering to God’s guidance and desiring His wisdom while waiting.
  3. Active Trust: Waiting on the Lord doesn’t imply passivity but rather an active trust and obedience. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” While waiting, believers are encouraged to continue seeking God’s will and living according to His commands.
  4. Hope and Renewal: Waiting for the Lord involves cultivating hope and finding strength in Him. Isaiah 40:31 states, “But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This verse emphasizes that those who wait upon the Lord can find renewed strength and endurance.
  5. God’s Perfect Timing: The Bible teaches that God works according to His perfect timing. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says, “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” Sometimes, waiting for the Lord may involve enduring hardships or going through seasons of waiting, but the Scriptures remind believers that God’s timing is always perfect.

Overall, waiting for the Lord involves trusting in His faithfulness, seeking His will, actively obeying His commands, cultivating hope, and recognizing that His timing is best. It is a posture of patient expectation and reliance on God’s guidance and provision.

Check out my new book.. “Leading Worship ~ Notes from a Grand Adventure’ available in Kindle or Soft Cover Editions.  This is a great gift for the musician or worshipper in your life.

This blog is part of my vision to train over 100,000 worship leaders around the world. If you would like to support this vision you can help by giving any amount via PayPal here.

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What Does The Bible Say About Jesus’ purpose?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

Jesus speaks about His purpose in several instances throughout the New Testament. Here are some key statements made by Jesus regarding His purpose:

  1. Luke 19:10: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Jesus expresses His purpose as the mission to seek out and save those who are lost in sin and separated from God.
  2. Mark 10:45: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus states that His purpose includes serving others and offering His life as a ransom to bring redemption and salvation to many.
  3. John 10:10: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” Jesus contrasts Himself with the thief (representing evil) and declares that His purpose is to give people abundant and fulfilling life.
  4. John 18:37: “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.” Jesus affirms that He was born and came into the world to bear witness to the truth, emphasizing His role as the embodiment of truth and the revealer of God’s purposes.
  5. Matthew 20:28: “Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Jesus reiterates His purpose of selfless service and sacrifice, highlighting His willingness to give His life as a ransom for many.
  6. John 12:46: “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness.” Jesus identifies Himself as the light that has come into the world, offering deliverance from spiritual darkness through faith in Him.

These statements illustrate that Jesus’ purpose involved seeking and saving the lost, serving others, offering His life as a ransom, revealing the truth, bringing abundant life, and being the light that dispels darkness. His ultimate purpose was to reconcile humanity to God and provide salvation through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

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What does the Bible say about fighting Satan?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

Christians are taught to fight against Satan through various means, as outlined in the Bible. Here are some key teachings on how Christians can resist and combat the influence of Satan:

  1. Prayer: Christians are encouraged to engage in fervent and persistent prayer. Prayer allows believers to communicate with God, seek His guidance, and ask for His protection against the schemes of the Devil (Ephesians 6:18-19, Matthew 26:41).
  2. Scripture and Truth: Christians are called to immerse themselves in the Word of God, the Bible. Scripture serves as a source of truth and provides guidance for discerning right from wrong. It equips believers to resist temptation and combat false teachings (Ephesians 6:17, 2 Timothy 3:16-17).
  3. Put on the Armor of God: Christians are instructed to put on the spiritual armor of God, described in Ephesians 6:10-18. This metaphorical armor includes the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (which is the Word of God). This armor represents various aspects of faith, righteousness, truth, and preparedness in spiritual battle.
  4. Resist Temptation: Christians are urged to resist the Devil and his temptations. James 4:7 states, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” By relying on God’s strength, believers can stand firm against temptation and choose to follow God’s ways (1 Corinthians 10:13).
  5. Seek Fellowship and Accountability: Christians are encouraged to surround themselves with fellow believers, forming a community of support and accountability. Together, they can encourage one another, pray for each other, and provide mutual support in the face of spiritual battles (Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:1-2).
  6. Stay Vigilant and Discerning: Christians are called to be watchful and discerning, aware of the Devil’s tactics and the potential dangers of false teachings. They are to test everything against the truth of God’s Word and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 5:8, 1 John 4:1).
  7. Rely on the Power of Christ: Ultimately, Christians are reminded that their strength comes from Christ. By having a personal relationship with Jesus, relying on His grace and power, they can overcome the influence of Satan. The victory has already been won through Christ’s death and resurrection (Philippians 4:13, 1 John 5:4).

It is important to note that the battle against Satan is not fought in one’s own strength but in dependence on God. Christians are called to trust in God’s power, follow His guidance, and lean on the resources He provides to overcome the schemes of the enemy.

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What does the Bible say about the Devil?

Posted on May 27, 2023 by Mark Cole

The Bible provides insights into the character and purpose of the Devil, also known as Satan. Here are some key descriptions and teachings about the Devil from the Bible:

  1. Fallen Angel: The Devil is depicted as a fallen angel who rebelled against God. He was originally created as a powerful and beautiful angel but became corrupted due to his pride and desire for autonomy (Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-17).
  2. Deceiver and Father of Lies: The Devil is described as a deceiver who disguises himself and his intentions. He seeks to lead people astray from God’s truth and promotes falsehood (John 8:44, 2 Corinthians 11:14).
  3. Adversary: The Devil is portrayed as an adversary of both God and humanity. He opposes God’s plans and seeks to hinder the work of believers. He is described as a roaring lion, seeking to devour and destroy (1 Peter 5:8).
  4. Tempter: Satan tempts individuals, enticing them to sin and turn away from God. He exploits human weaknesses and desires in order to lead people astray (Matthew 4:1-11, 1 Thessalonians 3:5).
  5. Accuser: The Devil is referred to as the accuser of believers, constantly seeking to bring charges against them before God. He seeks to condemn and discourage God’s people (Revelation 12:10).
  6. Prince of this World: The Devil is described as having a certain degree of authority and influence in this fallen world. However, his power is ultimately limited and temporary, as Jesus has triumphed over him through His death and resurrection (John 12:31, Colossians 2:15).
  7. Defeated Foe: The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ came to destroy the works of the Devil. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has conquered sin, death, and the Devil. The ultimate destiny of Satan and his followers is eternal punishment (Hebrews 2:14-15, Revelation 20:10).

It is important to note that while the Devil is a powerful and influential figure, Christians are encouraged to resist him, relying on the strength and protection of God (James 4:7, 1 Peter 5:9). Believers are also reminded that greater is He who is in them (the Holy Spirit) than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4).

For more insight on defeating Satan, click on this link: What Does The Bible Say About Fighting Satan?

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New Life In Christ

Posted on May 23, 2023 by Mark Cole

In 2 Corinthians 5:17. Paul writes: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” What does he mean? To understand its meaning, let’s do a ‘quick dive’ into the verse in its broader context.

In this passage, the apostle Paul is discussing the transformation that occurs in the life of a person who becomes a follower of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that when someone is “in Christ,” meaning they have a personal relationship with Jesus and have surrendered their lives to Him, a profound change takes place.

The phrase “the new creation has come” refers to the spiritual rebirth and transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. It signifies that through faith in Christ, a person is spiritually renewed and becomes a new creation in God’s sight. This transformation is not merely an external change but a deep internal renewal of one’s nature and identity.

The subsequent statement, “The old has gone, the new is here,” signifies that the previous sinful nature and the patterns of behavior associated with it have been replaced by a new life in Christ. It emphasizes the idea of leaving behind the old way of living and embracing a new way of thinking, feeling, and behaving.

In essence, this verse highlights the transformative power of God’s grace through Jesus Christ. It speaks of the forgiveness of sins, reconciliation with God, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, which enables believers to live in accordance with God’s will and experience a renewed life. It signifies a radical shift from the old life dominated by sin and separation from God to a new life marked by righteousness, spiritual growth, and a deepening relationship with God.

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