Music Theory for Dummies

As I said, the last time I was looking at this kind of information was back when I was not quite thirteen and to be honest, not giving it my full and undivided attention before we were once again, having an enthusiastic, if not entirely accurate - attempt at the chorus for "Come on baby, do the locomotive" on the keyboards.

A read through of the first few chapters left me ever so slightly confused and relieved that I had picked up the book intended for complete novices, like myself. I suspect that I may have read through the information again - and possibly a third time before the words begin to make sense and this new language will (somehow) become a little clearer for me.

Fingers crossed.

From humble beginnings

I love music. Listening to it, both songs and pieces of score from various television and film productions, there are some truly beautiful pieces out there.

Film scores, is what brings me to the Duduk. This instrument has been used in many film scores. Including a particular tune from the film The Chronicles of Narnia: the lion, the witch and the wardrobe.

On the commentary, the director (Andrew Adamson) mentions the instrument by name, which was where I was first intrigued to try and learn about this instrument for myself.

Mass googling here ensued and I discovered the properties of the instrument, made from apricot wood and comes in two parts, the reed and the actual tube which the reed is inserted into.

I also found that these instruments were for sale on Amazon and decided to buy one as a belated birthday present.

Of course, I had picked one of the more challenging instruments to play and without having much instruction, the idea of playing it fell by the wayside.

Recently, I started to learn the Welsh language. One of the more maddening ones, especially in terms of pronunciation, word order and spelling, it quickly occurred to me that if I could make some sense of this language, then surely the Duduk could be figured out too.

Back to google, and I discovered a book about playing this instrument on Book Depository. I ordered it and in the interim I borrowed a book on music theory from the library, try and get the hang of music notes and the terminology.

The last time I was actually studying music was back in year 8, it was an elective that barely lasted one term before we were on to the next one. I had tried my best, but now I want to try again. The Duduk produces such a beautiful sound and I would very much like to do it justice.

To that end, I have started this blog, as both the carrot for my endeavours and also as a chance to showcase what I learn as I embark on this adventure. Wish me luck!