A Complete Beginner's Introduction to 16th century Mensural Notation with Annette Bauer

Tuesdays 7:00-8:15pm Eastern Time
September 17 & 24, October 1 & 8

Are you curious about the origins of our Western modern notation system? How was music written down in the 16th century? Would you like to know how to differentiate longa, breve, semibreve, and minim? Are you up for a fun challenge playing from historical clefs? And what about those ligatures? 

There is no time like the present to dip your toes (and fingers) into the wonderful world of original notation, specifically mensural notation, the system primarily used during the 14th-16th centuries. Being able to read from the original greatly enhances our understanding of how the music we love works and can give new insights for our performance practice. One might compare this process to how reading a work of literature in its original language reveals a world of nuances hidden in even the best of translations.

Sign up for this introductory notation class of four weekly sessions starting in late September 2023! Our sessions will focus on reading and playing practice. We will work from easily accessible 16th century sources. We will take baby steps, and I am available to answer all of your questions. Music and recordings will be provided and can be used for your individual practice at home between sessions. Open to all instruments and singers. All levels welcome - basic abilities on your instrument/voice and basic music-reading skills are a prerequisite.

Sound files of the pieces are accessible for personal practice between classes.