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Guess many of you now asking yourself: micro-what? Microtonal music is kind of a rare thing, but it’s still pretty interesting.
What is microtonal music? Intro to microtonality is always a long way to go, but it is definitely worth it. In the case when you already know how to make music in an ordinary way, you are ready to become a maestro of microtonal scales.
In this article, we will present an introduction to microtonal music and offer some pieces of advice on where to start.
What is microtonal music, and how can you implement it into your track?
Foremost, let’s form a microtonal music definition. It is the music direction that uses intervals more diminutive than half-tone, which is the most minor interval in the traditional Western 12-ton system. If you are a beginner and want to immerse yourself in the world of microtonal music examples, here are a few steps and suggestions that can assist you with starting:
1. Understanding the basics
First, it's essential to understand the instruments associated with microtonal music. In traditional Western music, an octave is divided into 12 equal parts (semitones). Microtonal music can divide an octave into more parts, such as 24 quarter tones, 31, or 53 intervals.
2. Listening to microtonal music
Familiarize yourself with works by composers who are the maestro in featured microtonal functionality. Here are some well-known microtonal composers and performers:
- Harry Partch: An American composer known for his custom instruments and 43-tone microtonal systems.
- Alois Hába: A Czech composer, one of the pioneers of quarter-tone music.
- Ben Johnston: An American composer who used extended just intonation.
3. Studying the theory
Study the theoretical foundations of microtonal functionality. There are various tuning systems, such as:
- Quarter-tone system: Dividing semitones into two equal parts.
- 31-tone system: Dividing the octave into 31 equal parts.
- Pythagorean tuning and meantone temperament: Alternative tuning systems based on pure intervals.
4. Practical application
Try composing and performing it. You can use:
- Special musical instruments: For example, unique guitars or keyboards tuned according to a microtonal pitch.
- Electronic instruments and software: Modern synthesizers and programs (such as Max/MSP Scala) allow you to create and perform this music.
5. Educational resources
- Books and articles: For example, Harry Partch's "Genesis of a Music" or articles in specialized music theory journals.
- Online courses and lectures: Various platforms like YouTube offer courses and lectures.
Microtonal music: how to prepare yourself?
Before getting into the microtonal music journey, it's essential to feel confident in your basic musical skills. By mastering these, you'll be well-prepared to explore this unique world of microtonal instruments.
Tip: find a well-developed app as a helper. We can recommend Talented.
Talented is a mobile application that teaches music theory to individuals who are new to the genre. It will follow you with different units from the beginning until your finest moment. Through quick, straightforward lessons and activities, you would discover where to start and how all those parts play together. Best of luck with your musical endeavors!