Gaining musical literacy allows you to better appreciate music, opens doors to great conversations, and gives you a deeper understanding of the entertainment world and popular culture.

You don’t need to be a professional musician to become musically literate; all it takes is curiosity, dedication, and the willingness to learn. You’ll also be able to enjoy concerts, both contemporary and classical, in a new way when you’ve studied music and can understand just how talented (or untalented!) some people are.

Benefits of Musical Literacy

One of the most exciting aspects of becoming musically literate is the ability to have great conversations with interesting people. Music is a universal language that connects people from all walks of life. Whether you’re chatting with a friend who loves jazz, discussing the latest pop hits, or debating the merits of classical composers, musical literacy helps you join the conversation with confidence and insight. If you had the privilege of taking music lessons as a child, you already know how to speak the language, and you probably have friends who are into music as well. But many adults are building from scratch – and that’s perfectly fine.

Another perk is that you’ll better understand the entertainment industry. Whether you’re attending a live concert or watching a performance on television, understanding musical structure, notation, and history allows you to engage on a deeper level. You'll pick up on the subtleties of performance and arrangement, and appreciate how artists express themselves.

Gaining musical literacy can also boost your confidence. Knowing how to talk about music and recognize its complexities can make you feel like an "interesting" person in social circles. It’s a fun and impressive skill to have, whether you’re casually discussing music at a party or sharing your insights with fellow music lovers.

Musical literacy also improves the experience of attending musical events. Whether it’s a classical concert featuring Yuja Wang, a jazz show starring Kamasi Washington, or a rock concert, understanding the technical aspects of music allows you to appreciate performances more fully. You’ll begin to recognize the skill behind a guitarist’s riff, a pianist’s technical work, or a vocalist’s ability to project to the back of the auditorium without a microphone. It makes every concert more engaging, and you’ll find yourself more in tune (pun intended!) with the music.

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How To Achieve Musical Literacy

• Apps to Help You Learn Music Fluently

  Learning music is more accessible than ever, thanks to a range of apps that can help you learn music fluently. Apps like Yousician, Simply Piano, and MuseScore make it easier to learn how to play an instrument, read music, or even compose your own songs. Even DuoLingo is working on a music learning process that will teach you notes, rhythm, and more. From sheet music apps to progressive learning platforms like Skoove, you can learn about music on your phone.

• Get Familiar with Musical Notation

  Many musical genres work as a written language, and once you understand how to read it, you unlock the ability to engage with it more deeply. There are many online tutorials and resources that break down how to read notes, from basic treble and bass clefs to more advanced notation.

  Watching videos that explain pop charts and jazz notation can also help you understand the unique characteristics of these genres. Pop music often follows a more structured format with chord progressions and hooks, while jazz involves improvisation and complex rhythms. YouTube is a fantastic resource for learning about these styles, with countless channels dedicated to breaking down the theory behind popular songs and jazz standards.

• Familiarize Yourself with Basic Vocal, Piano, Guitar, and Instrumental Technique

  To fully appreciate the skill of musicians, it’s helpful to have a basic understanding of vocal technique and common instruments like piano and guitar. You don’t need to master these instruments, but gaining a general idea of how they work can deepen your appreciation for different genres and performances.

  For instance, learning about vocal technique will help you recognize the control and training behind a professional singer’s performance. Similarly, basic knowledge of piano and guitar chords will allow you to better understand the structure of songs. Even learning a bit about other instruments, like the violin or saxophone, can help you appreciate the wide range of technical skill involved in making music.

• Great Books on Music History

  To supplement your practical learning, consider diving into some great books on music history. One highly recommended read is America’s Musical Life by Richard Crawford. This book provides an insightful look at the history of American music, from early Native American sounds to modern jazz and pop music. It’s a fascinating journey through different eras and styles, and it helps you understand the cultural and historical context behind the music we hear today.

  Reading about music history not only gives you a broader perspective, but it also helps you connect the dots between different genres, movements, and artists. Plus, you’ll have some great trivia to share at your next social gathering!

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Be Patient and Enjoy the Process

Becoming musically literate is a gradual process, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. It’s important to be patient and embrace each step along the way. Don’t rush through learning music theory or reading notes—take your time to understand and appreciate the nuances. The goal isn’t just to “know” music, but to enjoy the process of discovering it.

You might not grasp everything right away, and that’s perfectly okay. The beauty of music is that it’s a lifelong learning experience, and there’s always something new to discover. Whether you’re learning about classical composers, jazz improvisation, or the structure of modern pop songs, each piece of knowledge you gain will enhance your appreciation for the art form.

Becoming musically literate is more than just learning how to read notes or play an instrument—it’s about connecting with music on a deeper level. The benefits of musical literacy are vast, from having meaningful conversations to attending concerts with a newfound understanding. By using apps, watching videos, reading great books, and familiarizing yourself with instrumental techniques, you’ll find another level of self-improvement, and you’ll understand the arts more deeply.

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