Tag Archives: music practice

Arachnophonia: Music – A Very Short Introduction

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the Arachnophonia is by student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features an ebook called Music: A Very Short Introduction. Thanks, Esther!

Music: A Very Short Introduction by Nicholas Cook

Music: A Very Short Introduction

If you’re passionate about music and seeking a scholarly yet accessible exploration of the subject, Nicholas Cook’s Music: A Short Introduction is a must-read book. Cook, a distinguished musicologist known for his work on musical understanding and analysis, especially on music performance, formulates complex concepts into an engaging narrative. This book not only provides a broad and understandable overview of the history, theory, and practice of music but also encourages a deeper appreciation of its multifaceted nature.

Even after just reading the first chapter of the book, “Musical Values,” I found myself rethinking my definition of music, its evolution over time, and how others might perceive it differently. In a generation where authenticity and identity are highly valued, it’s crucial to be aware of the origins and influences behind our values and how we use them to critique the sounds around us. Understanding different frameworks helps us appreciate the diverse contexts in which we interpret and enjoy the music we listen to.

For anyone intrigued by the interplay between music and its broader cultural context, Cook’s insights offer a rich analytical perspective that compels you to reflect upon your understanding of what music is.

Arachnophonia: Back to Band

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record(s) for the item(s) in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Eliana (class of 2024) and features books on musical technique for clarinet, oboe and flute. Thanks, Eliana!

Back to Band

Were you a band kid in high school that hasn’t picked up your instrument since you arrived at Richmond? If so, here’s your chance to get back into the swing of things! I played the clarinet – so I’m partial to upper woodwinds – but here’s a few books for late beginner/intermediate woodwind players that might help reinvigorate your love for your former instrument.

A Tune A Day For Clarinet

A Tune A Day For Clarinet

This book offers some initial lessons on tonguing, finger placement, and scales and also has accompanying pieces to work through that utilize the skills practiced. If you finish it and feel like a pro, volume two (also available at Parsons Music Library) has some more difficult songs and arrangements for even more growth.

Belwin’s Oboe Method

Belwin's Oboe Method

Also divided into multiple books, Belwin’s Oboe Method is a great way to return to the basics of oboe playing. It divides songs into keys, has some necessary scales and talks musical terms. If you move on to volume two, the songs get a little more complex and you learn all about syncopation.

Foundation to Flute Playing

foundation to flute playing

Foundation to Flute Playing takes a lesson-based approach; the book is divided into 59 lessons that get progressively more challenging, and the back is filled with some fun songs to try your hand at after making your way through the lessons. From the chromatic scale to cadenzas, this book doesn’t leave anything out!

If you played a different instrument and wanted to check out some books or scores for it, just ask any associate at Parsons Music Library and they’d be happy to help you find what you’re looking for!

Arachnophonia: Practice Makes Perfect?

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Editor’s note: Arachnophonia (“Arachno” = spider / “-phonia” = sound) is a regular feature on our blog where members of the UR community can share their thoughts about resources from the Parsons Music Library‘s collection.

All links included in these posts will take you to either the library catalog record for the item in question or to additional relevant information from around the web.

Today’s installment of Arachnophonia is by student manager Esther (class of 2025) and features a book about effective music practice. Thanks, Esther!

Practice Makes Perfect?

Deliberate Practice

If you’ve tried improving or mastering any type of skill, whether it be academic, athletic, or musical, you’ve probably heard the phrase “practice makes perfect.” However, this quote may eventually lead one to discouragement. How could you possibly become better if you aren’t practicing as much as you want to?

Elizabeth A.H. Green delves into the structure and logic behind intentional, productive practicing through her book Practicing Successfully: A Masterclass in the Musical Art.

Practicing Successfully: A Masterclass in the Musical Art by Elizabeth A. H. Green.

Professor Green was a highly esteemed teacher who taught with a focus on violin and stringed instruments. In the Practicing Successfully, she writes,” Ultimate success depends upon one immutable, inescapable, and well-publicized fact: the musician has to practice successfully or not.” When you see famous athletes or musicians, the one thing they mention is the continual efforts they’ve put in to reach the point they’re at. So, what makes them different from the others? One section of the book Professor Green points to is the physiological principle of practice and how we can adjust so that we can maximize the productivity of the session.

I have this book checked out personally to myself right now, but I recommend all musicians to take a look at it! Even if you are not a musician, these principles of practice can be applied to other aspects of life.