The Music Stem

Music Reference Library

Reference books for musicians: terms, symbols, chords and scales, instruments, history, ear training, practice, composition, careers and auditions.

The Music Dictionary

Music terms A to Z, with their meanings.

Music Symbols Atlas

Read the page like a musician. Find a sign by its name or its shape. Each entry says what the mark asks you to play.

Musical Terms in Translation

The words you meet in Italian, French, German and Spanish scores. Start from the English idea and see how each language writes it. Italian markings are understood everywhere.

Chords and Scales

Every shape built from C, ready to hear and transpose. Each formula counts from the root, which is 1. A ♭ lowers a degree by a semitone and ♯ raises it. The C examples make the shapes easy to compare, and every one moves to any key.

Instrument Explorer

What each instrument does, how it speaks, and what to practice. Choose an instrument to see its range, its place in the music, its key techniques and one thing to practice. Ranges are in sounding pitch, with written pitch given for transposing instruments.

Practice Library

Exercises with a clear task and a way to check it. Choose one or two exercises for what you need now. Try it, check it and then take the next step.

Composer's Handbook

Motif, harmony, counterpoint and form to write, hear and revise. Choose one technique, write a short example, listen and then revise. Note names are at concert pitch.

The Musician’s Ear Library

Short listening exercises, played on piano. Listen first and then answer. Replay as often as you like before you check.

Music History Timeline

Landmarks across the world's music. Moments, people and inventions that changed how music is made and heard. Each tradition here has a longer story than one date can tell.

Music Careers Atlas

Paths through a working life in music. Roles in performance, creation, production, teaching, business and technology. Each one lists the core skills, a first project to try and what the work is really like.

Audition Preparation Handbook

Prepare what you can control. How to read the requirements, practice for a reliable performance, make a prescreen recording and walk in ready on the day.