All posts by AbsolutelyInTuned

Ukulele Lessons: Home or Classes?

Ukulele Lessons: Home or Classes?

 

Ukulele is a stringed instrument. It is just as popular as guitar and there are thousands aspiring to learn the Uke. If you want to kick off with ukulele lessons, you have a lot of options in choosing how to go about it. There are various factors that play a role in choosing a class. Check out some of the factors listed below.

Budget

This is the first factor and one that needs to be considered by almost everyone. The fee should be within your budget. Group classes are generally less expensive than private classes. But the advantage you get in private classes is that you get the teacher’s full attention and there is nobody to disturb you. Some people are shy and are not comfortable asking questions in front of others. For them, private classes is the solution. But most people like group classes for they get an opportunity to meet new people and learn as a group.

Distance

Sometimes, you might not be able to find good ukulele classes in your neighborhood. You need to think whether you would be able to travel long distance for the classes. This can cause tiredness and stress eventually leading to a lack of interest. Make sure you have really thought well about taking up classes that are far away. If you are thinking of enrolling your child and the classes are too far away, think whether they would be able to manage the travel alone and if not, would you be able to act as the driver to them. Also, make sure that the child will not get too tired with the traveling as it can impact their learning.

If there are no suitable classes nearby, you can go for personal classes where the teacher would come to your place to teach. This can cost more, but sometimes, it is better than traveling long distance.

Infrastructure and space

If you are planning to take home lessons, think twice whether you have enough space to hold ukulele lessons. You also need to consider if you have sound proof rooms and if not, would it disturb the other members of your household. The advantage of music schools is that they have proper infrastructure with sound proof rooms, chairs and other necessary tools. You can practice here in comfort.

Practice and dedication

Practice is the key to performing like a pro. If you attend classes, you would be getting assignments and homework which would end up as practice for you even if do not get time or are unable to set specific practice hours. But if you are learning on your own, you need to formulate a plan for practicing and learning as there would be no one to keep an eye on you. You need to be self-motivated and disciplined in order to achieve excellence.

Take into consideration all these factors and more. Think twice before committing yourself to a class as changing music schools and teachers might lead to an inconsistent learning experience. Choose the best and most experienced teacher possible and practice as much as you can. You will definitely master the Uke! For more tips for a ukulele beginner, check out this link: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/tips-ukulele-beginners-lessons/. For more on ukulele, you can refer to www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Teaching Classical Guitar to Children

Teaching Classical Guitar to Children

 

The classical guitar is a wonderful instrument. It is well suited for many musical genres and is also a good instrument to learn. However, there is a difference between teaching the classical guitar to adults and to children. With children, it is a whole new world to explore and many teachers are overwhelmed by the task. It is useful to develop certain skills required to deal with children in this case. You can find some information on the differences between lessons for adults and children here: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/classical-guitar-lessons-learning-child-versus-learning-adult/. This article offers a few tips on how to handle classical guitar training for children.

Stimulate interest

The first thing to keep in mind when teaching children is that their doesn’t usually last very long. Unlike adults who might have strong musical preferences and passions, children are still in the process of learning new things. But this need not be a disadvantage. Introduce them to interesting classical music and explain why it is ‘cool,’ because children need to feel they are doing something cool that will make them look good.

Make it fun

Children are already under great pressure to perform at lessons in school. So taking classical guitar learning lessons must not be more of the same for them. Try and create fun exercises for your young students. Ensure that the time they spend with you is enjoyable and exciting. This is the only way they will be motivated enough to continue their lessons and to practice. Encourage them with rewards and friendly competitions. It is very important that a child is having fun during these lessons.

Involve the parents

Involving the parents in the lessons is very important right from the outset. It is a good idea to invite at least one parent to come and sit in on the lessons occasionally. Set out rules on basic behavior by parents when they are around, like no taking phone calls, etc. This is especially useful if the parents themselves have no knowledge of music. By attending the lessons, they would understand how to help their children go further and encourage them in ways that work for them. It also becomes easier for you as a teacher to discuss any problem with the parents concerned.

Keep it short

Children don’t want to spend all their free time in lessons, even if it is fun. Most of them want to go out and play or to spend time with their friends. Understand and accept this as a normal growing up behavior. Keep lessons short so that their interest in learning is sustained. Chart out practice sessions for them instead and insist on at least 30 minutes of practice every day. In short, classical guitar lessons must not be a burden on them, but a fun activity.

Keep negativity at bay

Have a discussion with the parents and try to keep all negative influences from the child. There will always be people who are out to scoff and disparage. Adults can handle such things with ease in most cases but children are highly influential. So if an uncle is laughing at the child for learning classical guitar, the parents need to intervene. Similarly, if other children are teasing your student, he or she must be equipped to deal with the situation. Try to keep the child interested by showing them that what they are doing is interesting, fun, and good.

For more information on guitar lessons, please refer to: www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Types of Acoustic Guitars – Strings– Part III

Types of Acoustic Guitars – Strings– Part III

 

We have already seen two ways in which acoustic guitars can be classified – by tonewood and by shape: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/guitar-lessons-types-acoustic-guitars-tonewood-part/. There is a third way in which guitars can be classified as well – by the type of strings used. There are two types of strings used in guitars: nylon and steel. Depending on the various factors under consideration, they both have their pros and cons. However, guitar lessons in Singapore can help you master both types.

Advantages of steel strings

  • Steel stringed guitars are by far the more popular because much of the popular music is played on them. They are very suitable for rock and pop, as well as for other high volume genres.
  • Steel strings have a better sound and volume than nylon strings. The steel strings produce a louder and sharper tone, and are thus better suited to high-energy music genres.
  • Steel stringed guitars tend to require fewer tuning adjustments because the strings are wound tighter. These strings also have a higher resistance to heat, which means longer performances.
  • Steel stringed guitars also generally have a longer neck, which makes it excellent for solo performances and fretting.

Advantages of nylon strings

  • Guitars with nylon strings are perfect for musical genres such as jazz, country, and Latin music. If you are interested in the more romantic and mellow music genres, then nylon stringed guitar is perfect for you!
  • The nylon stringed guitars produce a gentle and mellow sound and are better suited to melodious and romantic musical genres.
  • If you are the kind of guitarist who doesn’t want to risk blisters and callouses on your fingers, then nylon strings are good for you. Because the strings are soft, they don’t hurt you much while playing.
  • Nylon stringed guitars tend to have smaller bodies. This can be useful for people who are smaller, shorter, or don’t have the strength to carry a bigger guitar. It can also be an advantage while travelling.

Choosing steel or nylon strings

  • You need to make sure that your choice is primarily based on the kind of music you want to play. As already mentioned above, steel strings are good for high energy music such as pop or rock, while nylon strings are good for melodious music such as jazz.
  • Understand that both types of strings are not interchangeable in the same guitar. If you attempt to put steel strings on a guitar built for nylon strings and vice versa, the guitar can get damaged.
  • While nylon strings are easier on the fingers and might thus attract beginners, it should not be a primary criterion of choice. Both steel and nylon strings can make your fingers a little sore in the beginning, but with nylon, the pain is less.
  • When you first purchase a new guitar, the strings needs to be adjusted. Whether steel or nylon, you need to make sure that the guitar is properly adjusted for optimum playability.

Ultimately, depending on your own requirements, you will have to take a chance between the two types of strings. There are good and bad things about both choices. It all depends on what you as a musician require. For more information on acoustic guitar lessons, refer to http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/.

Options for Taking Ukulele Lessons

Options for Taking Ukulele Lessons

 

When it comes to the ukulele, there are many options to explore. Of course, there are many ways in which you can learn the uke, but it all really depends on what is most suited for your specific circumstance. There are so many ways to explore the world of the ukulele that it can get confusing at times. But with some introspection and thought, you will be able to make the right choice for your ukulele beginner lessons. Here are a few tips to get you started.

Group lessons

  • If budget is an issue, then group lessons is a good option. Since in a group lesson, the teacher is able to work with more students at the same time, they are also able to come down on the price. However, make sure that there are not too many students in the class.
  • A great advantage that group lessons offer is that students quickly learn to play with each other. This is excellent in developing better coordination while playing with other players. This is a skill that can help immensely in the later stages when students actually begin to perform.
  • For many students of music, playing with others and competing with them can provide a level of motivation they would not otherwise have. It is also fun to learn with other people instead of on your own. If you have a similar mindset, then opt for group lessons.

Private lessons

  • If you are a busy person who doesn’t have a lot of time to devote to music lessons, then you can opt for private lessons. However, you need to be able to find a teacher who is willing to build a curriculum according to your schedule.
  • If you are the type of person who likes to progress at your own pace, then private ukulele strumming lessons are best for you. This way, you can work as slow or as fast as you like.
  • Individual lessons are always good especially if you are not sure you if have a natural talent. With a teacher who understands your weaknesses and strengths, private lessons can help you make progress at a much faster rate.

Online lessons

  • Online lessons offer flexibility like no other. While some teachers insist on regular video lessons, you often just have to work with the video recordings and other materials. This might not be suitable for everyone but is a good option for those who like to explore on their own. But make sure that there is some supervision of your performance through video conferencing sessions.
  • With online lessons, there is no need to plan your travel and waste time commuting to and from class. This leaves you a lot of time for practicing the ukulele, which can mean more improvement in a short time period.
  • Online lessons typically come with a lot of resources in order to make up for the lack of regular contact. However, always insist on at least some regular contact with a teacher so your progress can be gauged properly.

Ultimately, what you choose really depends on your own preferences. What is good for one student might not be good for another. Whether you are a beginner or at an advanced level is also a weighing factor. Choose what is best for you with the help of the guide above. You can also refer to this article: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/ukulele-lessons-for-beginners/. For more information on ukulele lessons, please refer to: www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Why Learn the Viola?

Why Learn the Viola?

 

For most people, learning an instrument comes with a reason. Either someone they know is already learning the instrument or they love the music performed on that particular instrument, or they simply perceive it as ‘cool’. However, there are several other reasons to learn any instrument. If you find yourself hesitating in taking viola lessons, because you are not too sure why it would be a good thing you can find the answer below! There are indeed several good reasons why the viola could be the instrument of choice for you.

It is melodious

If you have never heard a viola being played before, you have a treat in store! The sound of this instrument is marvelous and melodious.  It immediately attracts the attention of people, especially those who have musically trained ears. The tone of the viola is richer and darker and hence, musicians can make powerful expressions with the right music when playing the viola. If you manage to master the instrument, you will have one of the sweetest sounding musical instruments in your hand.

It’s challenging to learn

The viola is not a simple instrument to learn for several reasons. One of them is that it can be difficult to get the posture right. Another problem is that the strings of the viola are thick, which makes playing fast music on it a big challenge. Despite these challenges, learning to play the viola can be ultimately a rewarding and satisfying experience.

Rich tradition

The viola is not an obscure or newfangled instrument which has no artistic or traditional background. It is, in fact, an instrument that was much beloved by the masters. Classical composers such as Mozart, Bach, Beethoven and others have played the viola in ensembles. They have also written music specifically for the instrument. The viola was also considered as a worthy solo instrument by many classic composers. Hence, it has a wealth of tradition behind it making it an excellent choice.

Viola moments

Composers often tend to give the viola excellent tunes in an orchestra. The inclusion of the viola in an orchestra or ensemble makes the overall effect much more melodious and soulful. Hence, if playing in an orchestra is your ultimate aim, then the viola is a great instrument to work with. These viola moments are fun and add a lot of dimension to the overall music. Start with viola lessons for beginners and soon you will be putting out lovely music out in the world.

Opportunities

There are excellent opportunities for getting work when you are a viola player. Unlike other instruments, there is simply not enough competition when it comes to viola playing gigs. Orchestras are hard put to find good viola players to play with them, precisely because of the scarcity of players since most prefer to learn the violin. The competition is low-key and there are hence more opportunities that can open up for you when you want to start working.

Now that you have some good reasons to start learning the viola, you can also learn a bit more about the instrument itself in this article: https://www.absolutelyintuned.com.sg/2015/02/27/fast-facts-need-know-viola-viola-lessons/. For more general information on the viola, you can consult the site: http://singaporeviolinlessons.com/and gain a more comprehensive understanding of the instrument and everything related to it.

Tips for Purchasing a Jazz Guitar

Tips for Purchasing a Jazz Guitar

If you are starting with jazz guitar lessons, you would definitely need a guitar of your own to practice and to learn. Some of the factors that you need to consider while buying a jazz guitar are given below. Take a look and buy carefully.

Budget and price

Jazz guitars come in various models and their price varies widely. Ask your mentor and do a thorough search about a good brand before you go further. It is better if you buy a jazz guitar of a popular brand because you will know that since it is a popular brand, you will not be facing any issues. As a beginner, for your jazz guitar classes, you do not need a high-end model.  Buy a reasonably priced model which suits your needs. On an instrument which tends to break down frequently, you will not learn properly. Beginner or not, visit some forums, research the various models and brands, read the reviews of fellow instrumentalists and ask people experienced in this field for their opinion.

Test play the guitar

Most shops nowadays have small practice rooms where you can take the guitar you like and try it out. Since you are going to spend a lot of money on this, it is only fair that you try it out and be fully satisfied with the instrument. If you are not sure or need advice and suggestions, ask your mentor, an experienced friend or someone from your guitar lessons to come along. The downside of buying a guitar online is that you do not get to try it out. It is important that you see how it feels in your hands and whether you are comfortable holding it and playing it. Some models may be uncomfortable for some people. So, try to play a few notes before you decide on a particular model.

Sound and projection

There are a lot of different models of jazz guitars. The build and model can affect the sound that is produced. You can ask a friend to play the guitar while you check if the sound projection is proper and according to your expectations. Make sure that the guitar is not created with many different types of wood as the use of different materials can affect the tone and the sound. You can find out these things if you test properly. If in doubt, take someone with you.

Comfort

Another main factor is the comfort level of the person while playing the instrument. Each person is physically different and hence, would require a model suiting him. Playing an instrument with which one is not comfortable can cause muscle pain and problems in posture. To avoid this, it is better to try out the jazz guitar and select only if it is comfortable. You might be testing the guitar for only a few minutes, but if it does not feel right in that time, then it never will.

Purchasing a guitar is the first step. Practice hard and you can become a great musician. To know how to become a better jazz guitar player, check out this link: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/guitar-lessons-better-jazz-guitar-player/. For more on jazz guitars, you can refer to www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

 

How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Bass Guitar Lessons Teacher for Your Child

How to Avoid Hiring the Wrong Bass Guitar Lessons Teacher for Your Child

Children start their learning of any skill with great enthusiasm and hope. So, as a parent, it is up to you to make sure that the enthusiasm is maintained and they master that skill instead of giving up in the middle of the course. You need to assess each prospective teacher, take into consideration your child’s limitations and then choose a teacher accordingly. For example, your child might have other classes as well or he / she might not be able to travel the long distance or there might be others constraints. Make a decision after thinking through everything. Some of the common things to consider are given below.

Budget

Most professionals charge standard fees and it is worth our while to enroll our kids in their class as they have the necessary skills and experience. It also does not mean that those who charge high fees provide excellent bass guitar lessons. Ask their students, get to know their accomplishments, sit through their classes once and then decide whether they are suitable teachers for your child.

Ability to teach

Great bassists might not always be great teachers. Often, they might not be able to connect with you on a level to teach you. Ask if you can sit through one of their guitar lessons. Most teachers welcome this idea and indeed, offer this suggestion themselves. But there are also a few teachers who might get offended. So, make sure you are careful about how you frame your request. You can also ask their students or other people familiar with his/her teaching style to know whether you can enroll you child in their class.

Friendly

Students connect more easily and are more comfortable with the teachers who are friendly and patient rather than those who are strict which is only natural. Making lessons enjoyable and fun yields better results. They need to be easy going so as to ignore mistakes such as coming late once or twice. Staying too lenient will cause the students to not take their practice sessions or homework seriously. The teacher must understand this and have a fine balance of friendliness and strictness.

Make your basics strong

Make sure the teacher gives importance to learning the basics well. One should learn the basics and not skip the theory sessions. Practical sessions are important but no doubt, the theory is equally important. The stronger your base is, the easier you will find to learn as you move to more difficult lessons. Also, ask whether the teacher would also train them to read music notes which can come in handy anytime.

Avoid online lessons

As much material there is online to gain knowledge, it is not really the best source for learning, especially for a child who is just venturing into the world of guitars. You can use the web for increasing your child’s knowledge and learning more, but at this stage, it is always better if the child attends classes where the teacher can help him/her.

Take all these into consideration and practice as much as you can. To know more on practicing for a bass guitar lesson, http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/need-know-practicing-bass-guitar-lessons/. For more on bass guitars, you can refer to http://www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Guitar Lessons: How to Be a Better Electric Guitar Player

Guitar Lessons: How to Be a Better Electric Guitar Player

The electric guitar is a very popular option for people taking up the guitar. More and more people are now learning electric guitar but not all of them can master it. It could be due to a number of reasons, such as lack of proper guidance or lack of music infrastructure. There are a lot of classes teaching electric guitar. But here are few tips you should follow and keep in mind to become a better electric guitar player. Read on to know more below.

Read music

Learning to read the notes and the music can help you a lot. It can help you become a better instrumentalist. It will help you understand the nuances of music and you will be able to play the notes much better. If you are aiming high and looking to join a band or an orchestra, learning to read the music notes can definitely be a huge positive for you. Most musical groups use musical notes distributed between the members. So, it is important that you learn to read music notes right away so that you are more comfortable and ready anytime.

Learn more

Increase your knowledge base as it will no doubt help you some day. As a beginner, do not be choosy but try to learn everything that comes your way. Learning more will help you express yourself better and you will be able to handle your instrument with more precision.

Body posture

The correct body posture is to keep your back straight and pay attention to the position of your hands etc. For more ease, you can use a foot stool. Following these postures during practice will help you during your performance. It also helps you to avoid body pain and back pain. You can take short breaks so you can stretch and clear your mind for a more productive session.

Record yourself

Record yourself playing the electric guitar and listen back to it. The mistakes would be obvious at once. You can find out where you are going off the track. If you do not have a friend or a teacher from your guitar lessons available to help you out at the moment, you can always use this method to know how you are progressing. This is a very efficient method which gives immediate results.

Practice and more practice!

Practice should be your first mantra while learning to play the electric guitar. The simple fact is that the more you practice, the better you will become at playing the instrument. You can do it alone or in a group with your friends. You can also use virtual backtracks from the internet and play accordingly. If you are planning on joining a band, it is better to practice with a group of people because that way your sense of timing will improve and you can synchronize better with the team. Try to fix a regular practice schedule and stick to it. Initially, you might get frustrated at not making progress quickly, but with enough practice and dedication, you will definitely begin to play much better.

These are some of the basic points which you need to know before you are ready to take up electric guitar lessons and move further. To know more on how to maintain your guitar, check out: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/guitar-lessons-maintaining-electric-guitar/. For more on electric guitars, you can refer to www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Qualities of a Good Broadway Singing Teacher

Qualities of a Good Broadway Singing Teacher

There is no doubt that singing is a lot of fun. In order to be a good singer and have fun, you need to find a suitable teacher. You will find a lot of teachers who give Broadway singing lessons, but not all of them might be accomplished enough for your needs. You need to ask their students and attend their demo classes if they give any and then make your decision. So try not to make a decision in a hurry. There are a few must-have qualities in your teachers. Take a look below to know more about it.

Flexibility

Work and studies are an important factor that we need to consider while taking up singing lessons. Clear it up with your teacher whether they are fine with being flexible on the occasions you are not able to make it on time or you need to re-schedule a class or two. Forcing yourself to attend classes when your mind is clearly somewhere else will not yield a productive session at all. Learning is a task that should be approached with a stress-free mind.

Individual attention

You might have chosen to go for group singing lessons where you might be learning with a few other students. Everyone has their own speed of learning and grasping things. Often, one is forced to speed up their learning according to the class average or for a student who is catching up fast, he might be forced to wait till the others catch up. It is better that you talk to your teacher in the beginning itself so that you can move at your speed which would be the most beneficial thing for you.

Non-music values

Ideally, your teacher should not only teach you to sing perfectly but also teach you about other things. These involve teaching how to take care of your voice, help give you public exposure, teach how to recover gracefully when you make a mistake and so on. A teacher who does all these things is indeed the best one for you. Most teachers who are experienced help their students by giving them all these information.

Emphasis on practical lessons

Many teachers impart the theory behind singing, the vocal cords involved and other information. It is equally important that they demonstrate a piece by singing and listen to you do the same so that they can correct you immediately. Apart from singing lessons, one should also regularly do vocal exercises. These are usually taught by the teacher and require demonstration. If you are a beginner, please make sure that your teacher gives practical lessons else the chances are that you probably will not understand what is to be done.

Knowledgeable

One of the main qualities you should seek in a teacher is their knowledge of their chosen field. Only when a teacher knows more than you would they would they be able to guide you and teach you. Assess the person and ask around to make sure that they are suitable to teach you.

Take all these into consideration and have fun! Finding a teacher is the key to master singing. To know more about the challenges faced by Broadway singers, please refer to: http://singinglessonssingapore.com/broadway-singing-lessons-challenges-facing-broadway-singers-part-i/. For more on Broadway singing, you can refer to http://singinglessonssingapore.com/.

 

Pop Singing Lessons: Care for Voice

Pop Singing Lessons: Care for Voice

 

As a singer, you must know that taking care of your voice must be one of the top priorities in your life. There are many small things which might cause harm to your voice. Read on to know some basic things to do and things to avoid for better maintenance of your voice.

Food and Drinks

It is advised that you take in plenty of fluids such as drinking plenty of water and fresh fruit juices. Try to avoid or limit caffeine and alcohol consumption as they tend to dehydrate your body. If you are taking any medications, ask your doctor, to recommend the ones which do not cause dryness of the vocal folds. Avoid spicy food and try to eat a balanced meal containing more grains and vegetables.

Healthy Lifestyle

Try to avoid smoking and be cautious of even passive smoking. Get at least 7-8 hours of sleep every day. Do not use a mouthwash as they can cause irritation in your throat. If you travel a lot, it is advised that you carry water with you. Staying hydrated all the time is very important.

Avoid stress

Singing or over-using your voice when already tired can cause you to lose your voice permanently. The reason there is so much emphasis on sleeping is because it gives your voice time to recover from the stress and get back to normal again. You can also do exercises for your throat to keep it in a good shape. You will learn this in your pop singing classes. You can also go for voice therapy. Voice therapists are experienced and would be able to guide you better on how to use your voice. You can use a humidifier to keep your throat hydrated and avoid drying of the vocal cords. They need to be cleaned every day. Ideally, you can set them at 30% humidity.

Practice within limits

It is true that the more you practice, the better you will become. But there should be a limit to it each day. Do not strain your voice by practicing or singing for a long time. This will cause strain and harm to your vocal folds which can have severe consequences. It is better to skip a few practice sessions or practice a few hours less every day than to strain your voice when already stressed or when ill.

Warm up exercises

There are a few warm up exercises for your throat and vocal cords. This makes the vocal cords and the diaphragm ready. You will be taught this in your singing classes and you can also learn more of them online. One thing to keep in mind is to refrain from clearing your throat often. Try to have water and soothe your throat rather than clearing your throat in a rough manner. This can cause damage to the vocal cords.

Take all these into consideration and take care of your voice. It is the most important thing in your life as a singer. Try to be cautious and do not over exert yourself ever. If you are a beginner looking for pop singing lessons and want to know what qualities a good pop singing teacher must possess, you can refer to http://singinglessonssingapore.com/singing-lessons-qualities-good-pop-singing-teacher/. For more on Pop singing, you can go to http://singinglessonssingapore.com/.

Qualities of Good Classical Guitar Teachers

Qualities of Good Classical Guitar Teachers

 

Teachers are the ones who guide us and inspire us to achieve our goal. For learning classical guitar also, this stands true. Finding a good classical guitar teacher will be the first challenge you face and the most important decision you make. Try to find a professional teacher who has a career in playing classical guitar. Read on to know some of the qualities you should look for in an acoustic guitar teacher.

Encouraging and Patient

A teacher should be patient and encouraging while teaching. You should have total confidence in their ability to play and teach. Once you are past the beginner stage, there would be tough times, when you might feel that this is not for you or that you are not making any progress. This is the time when a teacher should be your pillar and patiently walk you through this phase and encourage you to practice more and achieve success. These attributes are usually found in those who are experienced and have performed themselves.

Flexible and moves at your speed

Not everyone can attend classes which are scheduled and the teacher expects strict attendance and punctuality. It is all good when one follows a regular schedule and is punctual. But with a busy schedule and other personal commitments, this might not always be possible. If your teacher does not allow flexibility in timings in your guitar lessons, then maybe you should search for someone who is more flexible. You can also have a talk with the teacher and try to arrange something that might suit everyone.

A teacher should not try to speed up in order to complete a piece early. Keep in mind that you are paying for the classes. If you are finding it hard and moving at a slow pace, do not worry at all. It is the teacher’s responsibility to guide you and not hurry you up.

Awareness of classical music

If you are planning to learn classical guitar, it is a good idea to find a teacher who has knowledge about classical music. Since your teacher is going to be your guiding spirit, try to look for a teacher who has professional experience in classical guitar playing. They should be able to teach you and guide you at every point which is possible only when they have a good idea about the genre.

More emphasis on practical lessons

There are many guitar teachers out there who pay more emphasis on theory and a demonstration rather than letting the student play the piece and then teach them the theory behind it. No doubt theory knowledge is important to know the concepts, but practical sessions are more important. If you practice in front of your peers and teacher in your class, they would be able to correct you.

These are some of the basic points which you should consider before you are ready to take up classical guitar lessons. Teachers mold you and make you what you become. It is very important that you pay attention to all these factors and choose a teacher accordingly. For tips on how to prepare for a live concert playing the Classical Guitar, check out: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/preparing-live-concert-playing-classical-guitar/. For more on classical guitars, you can go to www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

Bass Guitar Maintenance

Bass Guitar Maintenance

 

Owning a guitar comes with various responsibilities and caring for them is a major one. It will cost you your time and you will have to put in the effort, but it will be worthwhile. Your guitar will have a longer life and the sound quality would be good as well. Following most of the tips for caring for your guitar will take very little of your time, but one needs to be dedicated in order to follow it consistently. All this would be taught in your guitar lessons.

Clean the guitar on a regular basis

One should get into the habit of giving the guitar a wipe down every time you finish playing. Dust and oil from your skin can spoil the guitar. If the dust gets accumulated in the tiny wedges of the instrument, the sound quality would drastically go down and it would be a big task to clean it and bring it back to the original form. It is better to clean it every time you use it. It is not only good for the functioning of the guitar but when your instrument looks clean and shiny, it will also encourage you to play. It is better to avoid using water to clean it as chlorine present in water might prove to be harmful to the instrument.

Proper Storage

Storing the guitar properly is one of the things you should pay attention to. The guitar storage cases come in various types, such as hard cases, soft cases, gig bags etc. Each one has its own advantages but the best one offering protection for your guitar would be the hard case. They offer protection against a potential fall, extreme temperatures or humidity. The price is something you must consider.

Keep at room temperature

Bass guitars are made of wood which can get ruined when it is kept in extreme temperatures such as too high heat or cold. You can use a hard case to protect your guitar. You can also use a humidifier which will keep the guitar in perfect condition. Heat can cause the wood to swell while cold can cause the wood to crack. So, it is better to invest in a hard case or any other storage case or bag.

Polish the guitar

The guitar is an instrument which can get dirty with frequent use. It should be polished at regular intervals to maintain its glossy finish. Use a little polish and take a soft cloth to apply it. You can remove the strings which will help you clean and polish the fretboard better. One main thing to remember is to never use furniture polish for your guitar. This can cause a change in density which can affect the sound quality of the guitar.

Tune it

Tuning should be regularly done to keep your guitar in excellent condition. You will be taught to tune the guitar at beginners’ guitar lessons. You would also learn to adjust the strings and other minor maintenance tips. Tuning your guitar before you play is also a good idea.

Maintaining your guitar perfectly will let you enjoy your guitar for a longer time and you can get more hours of pleasure. To know how to select a good bass guitar teacher, you can check out: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/select-good-bass-guitar-teacher/. For an overview of bass guitars, please refer to www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.