To tell a tale about music, is quite simply to tell a tale as old as time. It’s probably been an important part of our lives ever since humans first evolved, and discovered the music and melody that came from their voices and the items around them in everyday life.

Today we have instruments, recording technology, and a dazzling array of musical styles and performers from all over the world that have created a varied and exciting culture.

Turn on the radio or visit a record store and you’ll hear anything from Pop, Rock, and Soul to Classical, Dance, Indie, and R&B, with Opera and Reggae in between. Each genre has its own story to tell, from it’s origins in society, to its successes and downfalls, and its impact on the culture of countries across the globe.

If you’re reading this then the chances are you’re already a part of the story, or you want to be.

Music can be a fun and rewarding hobby for people of all ages, enjoyed through workshops, choirs, after school clubs, or even programs for games consoles (i.e. Sing Star and Guitar Hero). Councils and Arts Development organisations across the U.K are always working to encourage participation in music as part of their arts programs too. It’s also been proven that music can have far reaching benefits as a form of therapy for those with disabilities.

For those more serious about music, there are several study options. Tuition through school or on a private basis can lead to exams in individual instruments or vocal work, and there are general music qualifications such as GCSE’s, A-Levels, and Degrees. The further you take the courses, the more advanced and technical the work will be, but it will normally fall into the following categories;

Performance: Learning and performing pieces using voice or an instrument. Starting with basic techniques, notes and chords, and moving on to playing complete songs.

Music History: Learning about different genres of music, and the achievements of great composers such as Mozart and Beethoven. Some courses also cover more modern styles of music, and how they were influenced by the music that came before.

Music Theory:Any study of music theory will be made up of two parts, firstly how to read music, and second looking at all the different parts that make up a piece of music or song. This will include song structure, rhythm, harmonies, and melody. This will aid any student in composing their own music/songs.

Music Technology: Music Technology can be studied on its own, or included as part of other music/performing arts courses. A growing number of schools have their own recording studio facilities, so it can be included in the curriculum at an earlier stage too.

If you already tick the boxes for skills, talent, and qualifications, chances are you’re thoughts will be turning towards the music industry and what it can offer you in terms of a job/career. For now, let’s just enjoy the music, as the industry itself is another story.