Archive for music for beginners

birdlandmusic | February 2, 2012
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How To Help Your Kid Learn to Play Saxophone

So you rented a saxophone, purchased one or are about to do one of the other. Actually this part is typically the easiest part. The real work and issues are how to help your child get the most out of learning to play the instrument.

After teaching countless students over the years it is my humble opinion that if it is not enjoyable then it is really hard to excel at learning to play the saxophone.  The first real trick is to get your kid enthusiastic.  There is no real fool proof method for this unfortunately.  But one show stopper is the force to play routine.  One one had it is good to get a practice routine, but on the other, if it is implemented to rigidly at first, you run the risk of killing the fun.  Some ways to approach it may be to try listening to music that includes saxophone.  If you listen to Jazz and big band music this is easy. If not there is plenty of R&B, Hip Hop, Rock, Salsa, Latin Music, and even classical music for the Sax.

Perhaps it is easiest to start with what you know and what excites you.  Excitement and Joy are easily transferable in your expressions and voice when you listen to some music that you dig.  Your kid will see this and get excited too. Later you can always reach outside your comfort zone and listen to something else that may inspire you and your child.  Listening to music as a daily event is as important to any young musician or any musician. The more you hear, the more are familiar with different sounds, and the easier it is to play them.

Often I find that most beginners want to practice some, however, by the time they get home, particularly with kids, they do not always remember or know how  to focus on the details of the lesson.  In addition, they are not always able to get around the difficulties of a particular lesson.  I often encourage communication with parents of my students at the end of each lesson.  I try to point out what issues in fingering the note, or problems with the lip and mouthpiece etc, etc, and try to explain in very simple terms to the parent on how to instruct their child around these obstacles.  Something as simple as learning to move your hand a certain way. Or just repeating a movement with the hands over and over to get the fingering correct without even blowing on the mouthpiece can make or break learning a new note or concept.  In addition understanding how the mouthpiece and reed work together and taking home tips each week on when your child needs to loosen or tighten their lip to get a note is really something you can help them with if you take a few minutes to understand it.

Just driving them to and from the lesson and getting them a saxophone will work for those students that have a natural desire to play. -But even these students would progress so much faster and easier if you went into it a bit further with them.

Finally, selecting a saxophone is important. There are many good brands at different price points to rent or buy.  Whatever price point you are able and comfortable with the most important thing is that it is in good playing condition and the notes are easy to play.  A saxophone with leaks because the pads do not close properly will make it very difficult for a student to learn and frustrate them to a point that even if they did really find it fun they would soon not.

The major brand names recommended by many teachers are a safe bet.  There are also some brands not on the recommended list that will typically serve the purpose just as well for less money.  Rental programs are good for the obvious reasons of not having to buy and the maintenance is typically included.   However, rent to own and rental programs obviously have less financial incentive. So if you wish to be more financial savvy buying one new or used or one which is a good value off brand will typically safe you money.

In summary to simplify this if you think of three questions every week with your kids lesson it could be:

  1. Is my kid having fun?…If the answer is no, you need to fish around some with music and listening to it with them to find the sweet spot.
  2. Am I engaged with my child’s instructor and grasping the concepts of what challenges them in each lesson to be able to show them how to get around the difficulty?…If not you need to make sure you ask the teacher and get some help on how to teach them during the week
  3. Is your kid’s instrument playing at it’s best potential?  Your child’s teacher will be able to tell you if some notes are not playing well.  However, unless they repair themselves which is possible, you should take it to someone who does and get it fixed if need be.

If you can figure out the above balance and walk the line needed to keep it fun, keep it moving and keep it fixed then you are doing your part.

Kathy Perkins, Woodwind Instructor, Worcester MA

Category: music for beginners, musical instrument | Tags:
birdlandmusic | September 16, 2011
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Music and Money… It can Happen (With a lot of work, of course)

Think being a musician is just a pipe dream? We fully realize that many people dream of becoming rock stars, jazz musicians, or even movie film composers. We’re not giving you advice on how to achieve fame and fortune through the music industry—we’re simply here to help you realize your dream of becoming a musician. Just like any other profession, you’ll need to learn the basic skills and techniques involved with the field. It’s really possible to make money from performing music. You just need to have the right mindset.

  • Don’t already play an instrument? Pick one and stick to it. There are many reasons why learning a musical instrument is beneficial to your brain—music makes you think in ways that you aren’t used to. When you choose an instrument and work solely on it, you’ll be able to focus your practice time.
  • Learn some music theory. It’s always a good thing to know. You’ll need to learn about music notation, chord structure, chord progressions, and some melodic conventions. This isn’t a quick study—you’ll have to be dedicated to it.
  • Try to find some local musicians to practice with. Sharing and sharpening your musical skills with friends and colleagues is truly priceless.
  • Make sure you create a structured practice schedule. It’s not always easy to carve out enough time to practice—so you need to make sure to manage your time wisely.
  • Consider taking some private music lessons. It’s easy to find instructors at colleges, conservatories, and music stores in your area.
  • Once you’re comfortable, you can work your way up to playing gigs at some local establishments!

 

Here at Birdland Music, we have everything you need to get started. Our musical instruments and music accessories can get you on the right track.

Category: music for beginners, musical instrument, popular music |
birdlandmusic | September 1, 2011
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You can Learn the Keyboard at Any Age

Learn the piano at any age with Birdland Music's supplies

Have you taken notice that there’s a growing interest in many different areas of adult education? That’s right, learning a new musical instrument isn’t just for kids anymore. In fact, there are so many benefits for adults that choose to learn the keyboard. People are living longer, and there’s never been a better time for people of all ages to embrace musical education. After all, the whole goal here is to keep the brain active. There’s no better activity than music! We stress this with children, but it’s just as important for adults. Playing music maintains sharpness of the mind—and that’s something we can all appreciate.

 

Contrary to what you might have heard, older people certainly do have the capacity for learning musical skills. Age doesn’t hinder this, and there’s growing evidence that suggests that musical instruction can actually slow the loss of brain function in the elderly.

 

What learning the keyboard can do for you:

  • You’ll develop self confidence. When you set a goal for yourself to practice a piece of music and follow through with it, you’ll feel so good about yourself. Playing the piano, organ, or keyboard is a great way to help develop that personal character.
  • The keyboard is a great way to relax. Sometimes it’s just therapeutic to sit down, tickle the ivories, and let your stress melt away.
  • Playing the piano is a skill that many people admire. It takes time and dedication to learn, and people will respect you for it.
  • If you get comfortable enough, you can play with a group or a band. What better way to keep your brain alive than to share your love of music with a bunch of like-minded people?

 

You can find great keyboard and digital piano products right here at Birdland Music.

Category: music for beginners, musical instrument, popular instruments |
birdlandmusic | February 28, 2011
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Why Harmonicas Make Playing Music So Much Fun!

The harmonica, also known as the French harp, is a small wind instrument held in hand while playing. It can be played by inhaling and exhaling through several air slots. Kids love playing these because they’re easy to learn and provide fun entertainment and lively music. Also, harmonicas are small so they can easily be carried in a shirt pocket or pants pocket. Many adults love them for these same reasons!

The most common key on the harmonica is C. Harmonicas that are played in the Appalachian South only play a diatonic scale, but not chromatic intervals that are between diatonic scale tones. Therefore, these harmonicas are typically sold in various models based on keys. For instance, there are G-harmonicas, D-harmonicas, C-harmonicas, and so forth.

Harmonica Construction and Sound

In the past, harmonicas were usually made of wood. Today, many harmonicas are constructed from injection-molded plastic. There are also high-end harmonicas that are built from metal alloys, silver, or Lucite. The harmonica’s sound is often based on the materials it is made of, with each material giving its own unique sound. For example, blues harps or marine band harps are made of soft wood that resists moisture and create a rich, unique sound.

Types of Harmonicas

Harmonicas come in many different types and styles. These are often chosen by players according to the type of music they would like to play. Some harmonica players enjoy performing at events as soloists or with a group or band. The cross harp is often used in blues music, but can also be used in many types of music. It is a diatonic harmonica that is played in a key that is actually seven half-steps up from the harmonica’s main key. For example, if the harmonica were tuned in C, it would actually be played in G.

A diatonic major harp is the most common type of harmonica. It has all the “Major Scale” notes such as C, D, E, F, G, A, B. The chromatic harmonica has the same notes as the diatonic major harp, but with a half-step between each major note.

Different styles of orchestral harmonicas are also available for those who perform with orchestras.

Find Harmonicas and Accessories Online

There are many harmonica resources online today that sell harmonicas and accessories. There is free tablature (with tabs and symbols) to help beginners and experienced harmonica players learn new songs. Accessories such as amplifiers, cases, sheet music, microphones, CDs, and more are available online at reasonable prices. Beginners can research online to find out how to care for their harmonica. From tuning to cleaning, there are a few definite “dos and don’ts” to follow.

The beautiful music that flows from the harmonica can never be matched. Harmonicas are so diverse that they can be played alone while sitting on a porch swing, at a family gathering for singing and fun, or in a professional concert. They can be played around the world no matter what the country. These hand-held instruments bring joy to any setting!

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birdlandmusic | February 21, 2011
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Learn To Play The Violin: Why Violin Lessons Benefit Your Children

Violin is truly one of the famous musical instruments being used by people. Rich in history and equipped with class, it is one of the instruments that one aims to learn playing with. We see people playing it with so much finesse and we could not help but be amazed by how well they do it, their moves, the timing and the way they sway their head to the sound of it – lovely, just lovely.

It is a proven fact that music stimulates the brain, and that a baby or child who is exposed to classical music responds and interacts well. It is never too early to expose your child to classical music education. In fact, many expecting mothers give their unborn babies a head start in life by listening to classical music before their baby is born. One way of giving your child the extra edge in life is to let your child take violin lessons to learn to play the violin.

So why are violin lessons beneficial to your children?

First, your child will improve on coordination skills:

Learning to play the violin involves coordinating one’s left hand with one’s right hand. The left hand will need to learn to finger the violin strings correctly so the right tone and pitch is achieved to play a song. The right hand will need to hold the violin bow correctly and bow the right string to produce the right tone. Playing the violin involves the coordination of both left and right hand. As such when you send your child to violin lessons, you are letting your child learn how to fully utilize both his left and right brain.

Second, playing the violin develops your child’s brain.

In playing the violin, your child will need to learn to recognize the right tone and pitch when bowing and fingering the violin so as to play a song to the right pitch. This promotes the neuron and brain cell connection and develops the intelligence level of your child. Think of it as brain gymnastics. Your child exercises his brains and stretches it to its full potential. As such your child will benefit in other areas, with improved reasoning skills, abstract reasoning and mathematics.

Third, learning to play the violin give enhances your child’s confidence.

It is not easy to learn to play the violin for the above reasons. So when your child manages to learn to play the violin, he will have a sense of accomplishment and feel confident. This confidence will translate to other areas of his life.

You may also want to take this a step further when your child has reached a certain level of playing the violin, to expose your child to solo or group violin performance. It is usually unnerving for a young child to perform in front of a big audience. However if your child is exposed to this couple of times, it will enhance his confidence even more.

Fourth, taking violin lessons teaches your child the concept of perseverance.

In the beginning, your child will feel that the violin lessons are difficult and he cannot manage. But if you encourage him and he finally learns to master and play the violin, he will understand the concept of perseverance. This will aid him in whatever he chooses to do in life later.

This small instrument with a wooden body, strings and bow to help produce the sound can play some wonderful music once tuned, whether it be solo or in a group. It is a beautiful instrument to listen to.

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