Why You Should Learn At Least A Little Music Theory

You may be someone who has formed their life around their love of music. Whether it is by playing an instrument, like guitar or piano, or simply the enjoyment of following musicians and their musical works, there are so many ways to enjoy it. 

If your appreciation of music has led you to the desire of wanting to learn how to play an instrument, carry a melody, or form a basic knowledge of how music is created, then understanding music theory is a fun and fantastic first step to begin your musical journey. 

Some musicians may tell you it is as simple as picking up an instrument and learning your own way, but a basic understanding of how it all works is extremely helpful to develop your listening and playing skills. Here are some reasons as to why you should study theory if you want to go down the right course toward music knowledge: 

How Does It Help?

Comprehension

The great thing about music is that there are so many different instruments you can pursue and different approaches you can take as you begin. A great asset to possess when you begin your journey is forming your music theory knowledge. There are many ways music theory helps a beginner:

  • It is like learning a new language, and doing so will help you read music notes and develop how you begin writing music.
  • Once you understand it, you will be able to communicate with other musicians.
  • You will comprehend what scales are and be able to clarify information like the difference between a major chord and a C major chord.  
  • Music theory helps you understand different techniques and styles of playing.
  • Becoming familiar with music theory can assist in speeding up the learning process.
  • Understanding how music works will give you a better sense of right and wrong, as well as ease you closer toward performing and playing your instruments of choice. 

How Can I Learn?

Lessons

You do not have to go on your journey to learn music theory alone. If you are looking to be taught about music theory, there is a convenient way to go about doing it. 

  • The ability to learn music theory online is available to anyone who wishes to take lessons.
  • Learning music theory from a professional can make life a little easier for you.
  • Your teacher will be able to give you notes and information that will guide you down the right path in discovering how music works.
  • Good music theory books can be found online that will help you understand the language of music.
  • Just like playing guitar or any other instrument, you need practice. Test yourself on the knowledge needed to understand music, and you will begin to master your instruments in no time.

Are There Other Benefits?

Besides forming an understanding of music theory, you may wonder how else it can benefit you as a musician. 

Creativity

  • If you study theory, it can play a big part in your overall creative musical endeavors.
  • Your creative process may be hindered if you lack the required technical knowledge to adapt to other forms of music.
  • It will assist you in trying different things when you write sheet music. 
  • You will have improvisational skills when you play instruments like piano, guitar, drums, violin, etc. By understanding how notes work and what goes into writing a song or a melody, you can freestyle and be more adventurous as you play.
  • It can assist you in understanding, as well as playing music in other genres. 
  • According to Liberty Park Music, understanding the basic rules of music can help you determine when it is appropriate to break them and try something new. This informs creativity rather than deterring it. 

Sound

  • You will sound a lot better when you begin to play.
  • Theory can help how you listen and perform and can be a bonus when you want to know if what you are playing sounds good. 

Performance

  • Music theory will help you play and write more professionally.
  • A strong understanding of music theory will add to your immersive experience on stage and in front of an audience. 
  • If you are playing in a band or an orchestra, music theory will help you understand what role everyone else plays.

Patience and Discipline 

  • It is a lot of work to study theory, but you can form a great deal of patience and discipline by learning. 
  • You will be able to attribute it to how you go about playing and will eventually make the job easier as mastering instruments themselves require a great deal of time. 

Independence

  • You do not want to always rely on others to guide you.
  • Music theory can help in the long run as you will know how to create pieces without the assistance of others. 

Versatility 

  • If you study theory, you will be able to become more versatile as you begin your career or venture into music, as this is widely important in the music scene.
  • Some musicians do not always get to play what they want, and general knowledge about different styles and techniques can help you gain more experience. 
  • You may become someone who can do a variety of different jobs that require different instruments and genres.

Is It Fun?

Learning to do anything music-related can be hard work, but it can be extremely satisfying. Figuring out a major chord or chord progression, as well as performing and writing your own songs, can be some of the most fun experiences you can have in your life, especially if shared with others. Many musicians have made wonderful memories and incredible music and most definitely had an eventful time along the way. 

If you are deeply passionate about music and everything that goes into making it, visit the Academy of Music, where you will be able to find any lessons you require or wish to try. You will have the opportunity to learn all there is to put you on a course toward your musical triumphs.

Are Online Drum Lessons A Good Alternative To In-Person Lessons?

The world we live in is always expanding and modifying how it operates on a day-to-day basis, which requires us to adapt to the way things are progressing. The same can be said about music, specifically learning how to play our favourite instruments. 

A treasured instrument that is loved by many music enthusiasts is the ever-expanding drum set. The mastering of this incredibly fun instrument takes time. You have to learn every bit of this instrument, from snares and tom drums to the cymbals, and eventually increase beyond a four or five-piece drum set. That is where lessons come in, and luckily, we now have the option of taking lessons from the comfort of our own home while being connected to a variety of instructors online. 

For some, you may want to begin your drum education, but this may not be an appealing option to you. Perhaps you are not tech-savvy, or maybe you just learn better by being with one teacher. You may wonder, are online drum lessons a good alternative to visiting a teacher? What are the perks if you plan to learn how to play the drums through online lessons, rather than private lessons? Here are the advantages any students can benefit from if you are interested in online drum lessons:

 

Advantages

Convenient/Productive

  • You will not have to worry about the commute to a drum teacher studio or home, as you would if you were in person.
  • No stress over being late for a lesson.
  • Weather conditions will not be a factor in deciding if you have to cancel a music lesson.
  • Being at home may be a more comfortable and convenient environment for you to learn drums, as you can go at your own pace. Whether it is a few months, or a few weeks, you will notice a difference. 
  • You’ll have more time for practice and warming up before and after lessons. This way, you will not be rusty before a lesson, and you will have more time to go over what you have learned.
  • You can always record a lesson; this way, you can go back and give yourself a refresher which is helpful as a student. 
  • Your stress free drum lessons can be watched as videos on whatever device works for you.
  • Teaching may come through clearer when you are able to view it online. Not everyone can learn as well on the spot.
  • Sheet music is easily accessible online which may prove beneficial for you. You can take the sheet music in printed form, or have it directly on any device.
  • Not everyone gets a feel for it right away. Due to how lessons can be filmed or displayed, you may get a closer look in videos, such as how drummers hold their drumsticks while playing and an overall better sense of hand placement. 

Affordable

  • Online lessons are less expensive and more affordable than private lessons.
  • In person lessons may require more money due to whether the drum teacher would have to meet you or consider the charge for a studio space. 
  • There are many teachers out there that will have different rates for you to choose from.
  • If you are planning on taking lessons, you will either already have a drum kit or anticipate purchasing one. Owning your drum kit will assist in the learning process quite a bit; however, there are many options you can take into a cost-effective mindset. 
  • You can always rent drums or invest in an electronic set that has the option of plugging in a headset, minimizing any noise in consideration for your neighbours or loved ones.

Flexible 

  • You will be able to make your lessons work around your schedule. Many other students will most likely do the same, which can open up more opportunities.
  • Private lessons may not be as flexible as they can be when you are practicing social distancing. 
  • The teaching process can be shorter or longer due to not having to worry about whether or not another student is outside waiting for their turn.
  • If you have to miss a lesson, rescheduling availability may be easier with online lessons.

Safe

  • Due to the state of the world, you will be keeping yourself, your instructor, and any other students and drummers safe by staying home and avoiding group lessons. 
  • Classes can be a lot harder when you are distanced or wearing a mask in person.
  • No germs or viruses can be spread on the drums or with the teacher, like you would if you had to sit across from them. 

Feedback/Encouragement

  • You may have your drum teacher look over and listen to what you have been working on by recording yourself.
  • Your teacher can watch your recordings, see what you are doing, improve anything you might be doing incorrectly, and give you positive feedback. 
  • The rate at which you can receive and answer questions can be done promptly online. 
  • According to Music House, drum teachers may be able to give you tips and recommendations on techniques and other experienced drummers and drumming techniques to look up online.

It is very fun to take on a new hobby, especially when you want to learn drums, and there are clearly plenty of advantages to be had by taking online drum lessons. If you are passionate and motivated by drumming and want to get a start on the learning experience, sign up and start seeing progress. With the way we are excelling with technology, there is virtually nothing that can stand in your way to becoming an experienced drummer and getting a good drum education.

Practicing Tips for Success in Music Lessons

Here are some practicing tips for fostering a positive music lesson, which will help ensure a successful music education experience. It is important to note that students require the support of their parents and family members in assisting them to reach their goals including maintaining a consistent practice routine. Parents will need to sit with younger children to practice.   

Don’t wait until you feel inspired to practice. Just make it part of your daily routine like brushing your teeth, doing chores or doing homework etc. You will get inspired after you’ve made progress! There is a saying “Practice Makes Perfect!” It is important that students develop the discipline to make practicing part of their daily routine in order to achieve success. 

Consistent, dedicated practice is essential to success. A good idea is to have a practice chart where you can track your minutes, perhaps in your music diction book, that both parents and teachers can see. It’s like counting your steps for a fitness goal!    

Try to find a time of the day that doesn’t compete with anything else so as to be able to consistently make this music practice time!   

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Zoom Tips

Tips for a successful Zoom Music Lesson or a Zoom Music Recital

Here are some important tips for setting up your device for a successful Zoom music lesson or Zoom Music recital. Practice with family and friends before your lesson or recital to test your set up.

1. Internet connection

It is important to have a good, fast internet speed (both upload and download) when using Zoom so as not to cut in and out. You may be required to upgrade your existing plan if you are on a basic plan. Make sure no one else in the home is using the internet at the same time (especially video streaming such as Netflix & YouTube) as this will slow down the internet speed.

Here are some other tips about your internet connection for Zoom.

  • Wired connections are better than wireless (Wi-Fi or cellular) connections.
  • WiFi connections are better than cellular (3G/4G/LTE) connections.

Consider Disabling HD webcam video.

Sending high definition (HD) webcam video requires more bandwidth than sending non-HD. Disabling HD video will free up more of your Internet connection for other parts of your Zoom meeting.

Close other, unneeded applications on your computer or device.

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