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.

The Hardest Instruments To Learn & Why

Mastering an instrument is an incredibly rewarding experience—but some musical instruments are easier to play than others. Perhaps you’ve been practicing for a while, and you’re looking for a greater challenge. Why not step outside of your comfort zone and pick up a new instrument? There’s no shortage of new things to learn in the world; don’t sell yourself short! Almost anyone can learn to play the instruments listed below, even though they’re more challenging than most.  (more…)

10 Best Musical Instruments For Beginners

The journey of learning music can be intimidating – how do you begin when there are so many options to choose from? When you start to play an instrument, you want a beginner-friendly one. To ease this process, we’ve put together a list of the instruments that are best-suited for new players:

 

  • Piano. Nearly every song has the piano in it, which allows beginners to find music they will enjoy playing. This instrument is easy to pick up but challenging to master. If you can’t afford a grand piano, don’t worry! You can use a keyboard instead. 

(more…)

Academy of Music Celebrates 30 Years With Online Expansion To Satisfy Increased Demand For Classes

MANITOBA, Canada – The Academy of Music, one of the leading music lesson providers in Manitoba, Canada, is pleased to announce that they are celebrating their 30th anniversary. Formed in Winnipeg in 1990, the company has continued to grow and flourish over the years, and in the process, has taught thousands of people how to play musical instruments.

The passion and dedication of the owners of the company remain undiminished. In response to increased demand for their services, the Academy of Music is now launching an online music lesson service. This new method of teaching, while exciting and forward-thinking, will provide the tutors with some interesting challenges. Every team member is committed to the process and looking forward to seeing where this expansion takes them. (more…)

Where Does Your Taste In Music Come From?

music-tasteHave you ever wondered why people have different tastes in music? Some prefer slower, quieter music, yet some love their music fast and loud. Is it random? Are some of us predestined to like certain chord progressions over others? Does our DNA dictate our preferences between complex rhythms over simplicity? Are we born with a certain musical connection, pushing us towards certain styles of music? (more…)

Top 10 Love Songs

What do you think of on Valentine’s Day? Your significant other? Cinnamon hearts? Roses that suddenly cost a lot more compared to any other time of the year? At Academy of Music, we’d like to take this opportunity to remember some of the greatest love songs ever written. It was impossible for us to mention all of them, and we could only scrape the surface, but here are our Top 10 Love Songs, to commemorate Valentine’s Day! (more…)

What is The Best Age To Start Music Lessons?

The age-old question of when to start music lessons is a good one!

History is full of child prodigies in the world of music, from Beethoven to Stevie Wonder. Whether in school or church, almost everyone knows of someone in their own family, or another, that has a tremendous gift for a musical instrument. This often allows parents to feel pressured to enroll their child into music lessons at a young age. Could this young exposure to music be one of the secrets to success? There are studies that have shown this to definitely be a helping factor! (more…)

Where to See Live Music in Winnipeg

Live Music WinnipegHappy New Year! Not only is it a new year, but it’s also a new decade! They say hindsight is 20/20, but we need to keep looking forward 🙂

New Year’s resolutions are made every year, and one that we can really get behind is wanting to get out and see more live music. Winnipeg winters are newsworthy around the world, but they are also a great time to get out and be entertained in one of most musical cities in the world.

Here are the top 10 places in Winnipeg to see live music (in no particular order):

1) King’s Head Pub
Located at 120 King Street, in the heart of the Exchange District, the building was constructed in 1896 and in August of 1987, the Kings Head Pub first opened its doors to Winnipeg as the first pub in the city.
Every weekend, The King’s Head hosts a variety of bands, playing both original and cover songs. It’s also right across the street from The Cube in The Exchange District, which during the warmer months always has something entertaining going on. A pint, a patio, and entertainment oh my!
You can visit their website here

(more…)

Benefits of Private In-Home and Online Music Lessons

Academy of Music offers both in-home and online music lessons, in order to serve our students better. If you’re located in the Winnipeg, Manitoba area, our music instructors can come directly to you for in-home music lessons, and our online Skype music lessons work perfectly for anyone in the world!

In-home lesson benefits:

  • More accountability: When a student takes music lessons in a class setting, they have the ability to “hide” which allows them to get away with not performing their best, and to also put less effort into practicing since they might feel the other students will help musically carry them. With in-home lessons, it’s just you and the teacher – either you practiced or you didn’t, and if you’re not trying your best, it will be noticeable and there is no one else to blame. This type of engagement helps to build strong discipline and work ethic, which every adult knows are necessary skills to have in life.
  • One-on-one lesson format: If a student is in a class setting, and they have trouble grasping a concept, it’s easy for the class to keep moving forward before the student truly understands. With a private teacher, the student can get the attention they deserve, and the teaching style can be molded to the student’s learning ability and speed, which helps foster growth and confidence.
  • Learn what interests them: In a class setting, the teacher has to teach based on a pre-defined curriculum. Everyone will usually learn the same piece of music, whether or not they find it interesting. With private in-home music lessons, the student has the opportunity to learn songs that appeal to their musical tastes, which helps keep them motivated and the lessons fun!
  • Lessons to fit learning style: Every person, from children to adults, learns in a different way. Some people learn best from listening, some are more visual based, and some are hands-on. In a class setting, not all of these different learning styles can be met, which is the unfortunate truth. With in-home lessons, the instructor can tailor the teaching style to fit the needs of the student in how they learn, effectively helping them grasp the musical concepts faster, which achieves the greatest success in the shortest amount of time.
  • Not slowed down by the rest of the class: If a child is naturally gifted, they tend to get bored and frustrated with the speed of the class. When taking private one-on-one lessons, they can progress as fast as need be, keeping the pace in line with their abilities.

More accountability, individualized one-on-one instruction and attention, greater motivation, and the best opportunity for success – private in-home music lessons are hands down the best choice for your child’s musical education!

Online music lesson benefits:

As the internet has progressed over the last decade, online music lessons have become an excellent alternative to in-person lessons. Our instructors can only travel so far to do in-home lessons, but using the magic of Skype, you can have tailored face-to-face musical instruction from the comfort of your home, anywhere in the world!

  • Convenience: All you need is a computer with an internet connection and your instrument, and you’re
    good to go! All you need to do is arrange a time with your instructor that suits both of you, log into your
    Skype account (which is super easy), and start your lesson. With online music lessons, you don’t need to
    travel anywhere, you don’t even have to change out of your pajamas – it’s all about you and what works
    best.
  • Freedom to choose your teacher: When you sign up for online music lessons, you get the right teacher
    for the job – the one that specializes in exactly what you want to learn. Your teacher will plan your
    lessons around your goals and skill level, so that each Skype lesson will be an activity to look forward to
    each and every time.
  • Online resources: The internet is full of musical resources that can help outside of the lesson as well.
    Your teacher can help you find what you need, like tutorials that can help you work on specific skills for
    your instrument, or more information about the history of music and your instrument. The sky is the
    limit!
  • Cost effective: Online music lessons also help you save money. Chances are you already own a computer
    that has internet, plus online music teachers don’t have travel costs associated with in-home music
    lessons. In addition, the instrument doesn’t have to leave the house, and you don’t have to travel
    anywhere to buy expensive learning materials.
    What are you waiting for? Sign up today!

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