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Preparing for a Live Concert Playing the Drums

October 30, 2015 Drums

Preparing for a Live Concert Playing the Drums

Preparing for any kind of show or concert requires a lot of skill and knowledge, as well as plenty of practical preparation that goes into making a success of the big day. Now that you have taken advanced drum lessons, you might want to start playing in a concert. You can check out how to tell if you are ready to move forward and are good enough for concerts here: http://drumlessonssingapore.com/how-to-become-an-amazing-drummer/. Before actually going on stage, make sure to follow the tips below in order to give a great performance.

Know the songs well

Yes, this is an obvious thing to say, but you would be surprised at the number of drummers who only slightly know the pieces they are supposed to play online. If your timing is off, if you don’t synchronize with your band mates, if you forget or mix up in the middle of a piece, you can forget about a good performance. There are times when you can also get distracted, which can make you lose your rhythm. The trick to avoid all these problems is to ensure you know the songs you are playing so well that nothing can shake you during the performance.

Practice with the band

Irrespective of how well you know the pieces you plan to play, it can still go wrong while performing with a band if you don’t know how to function together as a team. You may have had great success in your private drum lessons, but more is needed in a band. Timing is essential to any musical piece, but it is quite possible that your band mates might not have the same timing as yours. In order to make sure that you are all on the same page and can synchronize and coordinate well, practicing together is important. This gives you an idea of how the others perform and how you can adapt yourself to the rest of the band to give the best output.

Sound checks

Making sure that the sounds are in proper order is the sound man or woman’s job. But your job is to make sure that you cooperate with them. There are a few things you can do to make sure that the job is done effectively and quickly. First, make sure that you bang on the drum as loud as possible during the check, unless asked otherwise. Have a conversation with the sound person to make sure that any problems you have with the sound are fixed.

Insurance

Theft can happen very easily in the jumble when you are performing live in front of many people. It is especially true if you are travelling for your performance. This is not to say that you must look upon your audience as prospective thieves. But with the confusion and crowd in these places, it is easy for someone to just pick up something and melt into the crowd. So you must take this problem seriously. Insuring your gear and other expensive items that you take with you on your gigs will save you a lot of heartache – and money!

If you are preparing for your first gig, you will be very nervous. By following the tips above and ensuring you are getting proper sleep and food, and enough practice, you can excel at your performance. For further ideas on navigating the world of drums, check out http://drumlessonssingapore.com/.

Auditioning for Musical Theatre Singing

October 30, 2015 Singing

Auditioning for Musical Theatre Singing

Broadway singing is a specialized field that goes hand in hand with a multitude of skills you would have to develop to get a sporting chance at getting a job. Singing, acting, dancing, playing an instrument are all things that would assist you in acing an audition. If you wish to know more about all the skills you would need along with Broadway singing lessons, check out this article: http://singinglessonssingapore.com/broadway-singing-lessons-for-a-broadway-career/. But here, we will see how to prepare for an audition to one of these difficult positions.

Know the musical

If you are preparing for a specific show or musical, the best way to make sure that the auditioners will notice you is to be very familiar with it. Attend the shows, observe the actors on the stage carefully, find out what is acceptable and what isn’t by going through YouTube videos of the shows. Understand the people you are going to audition for, so you can make your preparations accordingly. You will find that there are different styles of performance and you will have to give the auditioners what they are seeking.

Relevant preparation

You would of course, have had professional singing lessons in order to prepare for a career on Broadway. But when preparing for a specific audition, generic songs are irrelevant. The auditioner is looking to fill a specific role and your audition performance has to convince them that you are a good fit for the type of role they want you to fill. Preparing a tragedy piece for a comedy show would never get you the job. Once you know what kind of role is being auditioned, you can prepare your piece accordingly.

Show off your skill immediately

Choose a piece that would showcase your talent immediately at the start. This would be the smart thing to do since auditioners often receive a large number of applications and don’t have enough time to see entire pieces performed. In such cases, it is important to get their attention right away, so find something that you are good at, but at the same time, it should be something that gives you the opportunity to show off your skills as soon as soon as you start the audition.

Take your repertoire book

If you are serious about your career aspirations in Broadway, start with building a repertoire. Get yourself a book and note down all that you have memorized and index them properly. This way, when you get called on to perform in an audition, you will have a number of suitable choices at your fingertips and can easily pick one.

Live healthy

Preparing for a career in Broadway is not a walk in the park. It is demanding and exhausting. For this reason alone, you must ensure that you are taking excellent care of yourself. By sleeping on time, eating nutritious food and getting sufficient exercise, you will be able to keep yourself in a positive frame of mind and energetic enough to meet the rigours of the field.

Getting into musical theatre is not an easy job and needs a lot of preparation for a number of years before you are even ready to think about applying for a role. But hard work and perseverance pays off, and good talent is not hidden forever. For more information on learning Broadway singing, consult www.singinglessonssingapore.com.

Tips To Supplement Bass Guitar Lessons For Beginners

October 17, 2015 Guitar / Ukulele

Tips To Supplement Bass Guitar Lessons For Beginners

For those aspiring to be ‘rock stars’, playing bass is more often an unlikely choice. It is like taking the ‘road less travelled’. Yet those who seriously pursued their bass guitar lessons for beginners, regard it as a truly fulfilling experience.

Mastery of the basics is crucial to your progress as a bass guitar player. Here are some guidelines to take you to the next level:

Know the body parts. The body, neck, strings, tune controls, head stock — it is important you know where and how to use them even with your eyes closed. This could help you master the different aspects of playing bass such as plucking, correct fingering for chords and scales, tuning, and other techniques.

Know the difference between electric guitar and bass guitar. Not all guitars are created equal, literally. The most glaring difference between a bass and a guitar is the number of strings. A guitar has six, while a bass has only four strings. They are tuned with almost the same set of notes, namely EADGBE for guitar, and EADG for bass. Of course, leave out the last two strings on the guitar since they are non-existent on bass. Also, the bass is tuned one full octave lower in pitch than the guitar.

Moreover, knowing how to play the guitar is not a prerequisite for bass lessons. Singapore students often have this erroneous impression. Your guitar playing skills will definitely come in handy as you learn to play bass, and vise versa. You can easily switch or learn both.

Observe proper posture. Improper body position could be uncomfortable and distracting. It could also cause pain and injury. Bad posture could deter you from proper technique execution and restrain sound quality.

Time is of the essence. Yes, you share timekeeping duties with the drummer. You have to learn to get a solid grip on the timing of the music. One way to practice timing is by using a metronome. Yet, it is more important to listen and work with your internal clock to keep you in synch with the beat and time of a song.

Hammer time! The Hammer-on is one of the most basic and popular playing techniques in bass guitar. It gives off a smooth sound as you transition from one note to the next.

There are various techniques you could learn in basic bass guitar lessons. Here is an overview of the different bass guitar fundamentals for the absolute beginner. Check this out: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/which-type/bass/

Average bass players still hold the fallacious notion that they should play away from the spotlight. But great bass players know where they stand and know when to stand out. Think of songs like: “My Girl” by The Temptations, “Livin’ On A Prayer” by Bon Jovi, “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, among many others. Once you hear the bass lines, you could recognize the song a mile away, right? Kids and beginners need not only learn technique. They have to be fine-tuned to the right mindset and motivation to learn their craft. A suitable and capable teacher at www.guitarlessonssingapore.com could help you in your search to find the right mentor in making those ‘rockstar dreams’ come true.

Preparing for Auditions After Keyboard Lessons

October 16, 2015 Keyboards / Piano

Preparing for Auditions After Keyboard Lessons

As an advanced student, you can begin to play gigs and learn more about the culture of pianos and keyboards and start networking with other students and professionals. Without this very basic way of improving yourself, you will be unable to progress much farther in your pursuit of a musical career. But you are highly unlikely to land a gig without some formal preparation, and that would most likely involve auditioning. Here’s how to prepare for one!

Mental & Physical preparation

Nothing is more important than mental and physical preparation. Even if you know everything else, an exhausted and tired mind or body will lead you to perform badly in any kind of test or audition. Eat well balanced and nutritious meals and drink lot of water in order to derive the energy required for this. Sleep well the night before the audition. Far more battles have been lost due to lack of sleep than anything else. Exercise and meditate to put your mind at ease. Dress well in your favorite clothes so that you will feel confident. Follow a routine that puts you at ease and keeps you healthy and fit, and you will automatically take an important audition in your stride.

Practice in less ideal environments

So now that you have finished a certain level with your keyboard lessons in Singapore, you realize how much you have learned and how things have changed in both how you perceive the lessons and how you are taught as you gain more and more knowledge. For more information on this subject, check out this article: http://keyboardlessonssingapore.com/keyboard-lessons-change-get-advanced/. Now that you know how you have changed, you can push yourself even further and try to practice in less than ideal environments so that you can perform well under any adverse conditions, always a plus point when it comes to giving auditions.

Take all your documents

Some people might ask you to bring your documentation along, but most will not specify it as a requirement. However, by taking all your documents and being able to present it as and when required leaves an excellent impression. These include copies of all your musical qualification certificates, a résumé, and a business card, if you have one. Also take a couple of photographs in case you quickly have to sign a contract. You never know! Make sure that the documentation you provide has your current residential address, email address, and phone number. If not, provide it separately.

Consider taking your own keyboard

Ask about the instruments provided during the audition and find out whether it is possible for you to take your own gear along. The fact that you are most familiar with your own keyboard would be a huge advantage during auditions. It is also possible that if you are not familiar with the type of keyboard provided during the audition, you might fumble at first, leaving a bad impression – something you want to avoid at all cost. If at all possible, use your own keyboard during auditions as in addition to the above, it also provides a higher level of comfort.

Preparing for auditions scares many people, but it need not be the case. With a little planning and attention to detail, it can become really an interesting part of your musical career. For learning more about taking advanced piano lessons and preparing for a career as a pianist, consult http://keyboardlessonssingapore.com/, a great resource for budding musicians in Singapore.

Qualities To Look Out For In A Good Flute Teacher

October 16, 2015 Flute

Qualities To Look Out For In A Good Flute Teacher

Finding a flute teacher is easy but making sure that they are good and the perfect fit for you can be very difficult. Flute is a very versatile instrument and there must be a number of teachers in any given locality. However, you need to consider a few teachers before settling on one, so that you know a little about how it works. If you want to learn how to play the flute with a good teacher who will help you realise your goals, there are a few things you can do to help the process along, which will be explained below. You can also consult http://flutelessonssingapore.com/ for more information on this subject.

Check out music schools

This is pretty obvious but many people don’t do this because of the mistaken assumption that music schools only give out information on their own schedules and classes. This is not the case, since a lot of people who teach there also teach privately. The people in the music school can help recommending decent teachers to you, irrespective of whether you are a beginner or at an advanced level, or whether you seek a teacher for your child or an adult.

Call the university’s music department

The people working in the music department tend to have knowledge about the teachers teaching in the area. They also know advanced students who are trying to set up their own teaching practice. In fact, since they work with musicians and flute players day in and day out, they have a pretty good idea of the flute culture in your locality and will be able to assist you with names and other details tailored to your requirements.

Flute associations

A great way to get in touch with flute players, teachers and students is to contact the local flute association in your area. Flute associations are basically organisations formed to cater to the needs of flute players and to help interested musicians to network with each other, provide opportunities for learning, teaching and playing the flute, and bring many other benefits to its members. Such an organisation can easily help you by recommending some of the best teachers in the area for you.

Personal recommendations

If you are already networking with flute players and know a few people who are into this, you can ask them for recommendations. The positive thing with personal recommendations is that you can discuss your requirements in detail with your friends and acquaintances and seek their advice. Make sure you explain your own level of learning and your goals to them, that is, hobby, career-oriented, etc.

Google

Failing all the above, the one ubiquitous resource that will never fail you is Google search. Enter a search and you will receive many results. You can also consult different sites like Craiglist, etc. for your needs. There are numerous forums on which you can discuss with fellow music lovers on finding good teachers for flute. You can even check out what other students and flute lovers have to say about any teacher you are considering.

With all the methods described above, you are likely to find a good flute teacher of your choice. You can learn more about how to assess whether a teacher would be good or not in this article: http://flutelessonssingapore.com/makes-good-flute-teacher/.

Essential Accessories for Your Basic Electric Guitar Lessons

October 16, 2015 Guitar / Ukulele

Essential Accessories for Your Basic Electric Guitar Lessons

When you first begin to learn guitar, there are many things with which you would need to familiarise yourself. These include the instrument itself, learning to read the music, developing an ear for good playing, and so on. The best guitar lessons also give an indication of the kind of accessories you would require on your musical journey and how important they are for your life as a guitarist. For interesting information on this subject, consult the website: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/, a veritable resource of all things guitar! But for now, let us see what kind of accessories is essential for a guitarist.

Guitar picks are essential for any guitarist. As a beginner, it is a good idea to buy the thinnest possible picks. For good measure, buy a couple of medium thickness and thick ones too. Picks are not too expensive, so if you can afford a guitar, you can afford picks.
Get a nice strap for your guitar, especially if you are playing with the heavier guitars. This helps in developing good posture, keeping your balance while playing, handling the instrument properly and is more comfortable. You can consider purchasing a padded strap to minimise the effect on your shoulder.
A guitar tuner is an absolute essential for any guitar beginner. Getting into the habit of automatically tuning your guitar as a part of your guitar learning experience has several benefits, the chief among them being that you will always be assured of having a well-tuned guitar! If you are practising in a group, then it is absolutely essential.
One thing no guitarist can afford not to have in hand is a spare set of strings. Since the guitar is an instrument that has the unhealthy habit of getting its strings broken, very often in the middle of playing, there is no way to avoid this. Always keep two or three sets of spare strings so you can immediately use them as and when required. At the same time, also purchase a string winder, which will help you to get the job done quickly.
To ensure that you develop great timing and are able to work well with any given piece, a metronome is important. It is used by musicians as a standard tempo reference and helps you work on irregular timing problems when you play. All professionals use metronomes, so for beginners, it is even more important.
If you are buying a guitar, spending money on guitar classes and all the other accessories, it makes sense to purchase a guitar case in order to keep your guitar safe. While many people prefer to just hang their guitar on the wall, this is not good for the long life of your instrument. In addition to being exposed to accidents and being dented, your guitar is also sensitive to the weather and will develop cracks if exposed to the elements.
Capos, footrest, strap locks, guitar humidifiers, guitar cleaning rags, guitar stands, batteries and e-bows are other accessories that come in handy for handling, playing, cleaning or maintaining your guitar.

Once you have all the accessories required to start your lessons, you are ready to face the guitar world well prepared. For an overview of what to expect from basic electric guitar lessons, check out the article: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/what-will-you-learn-in-an-electric-guitar-course/.

Sending Kids for Cello Classes

October 5, 2015 Cello

Sending Kids for Cello Classes

Parents want that their children should excel in different things. They try to expose them to as many different hobbies as possible at a young age. When the parents themselves are interested in the cello, it is quite understandable that they would want their children to learn it as well. But sending children off to cello classes needs a three-way dedication for it to succeed – from the parents, the teacher, and the child themselves.

Age appropriate

When considering sending your child to learn the cello, make sure that he or she is old enough to take the strain of holding the instrument and the classes. Parents often get enthused and send really young children to learn music, sometimes even against their will, but this usually backfires on the parents. Expose your child slowly and gradually to music until they reach the point where they actually want to learn further. The minimum age for learning an instrument is six. Any earlier and it might actually be unhealthy for the child, especially when it comes to posture training. For the cello, the child must at least be eight years old, because of its size and weight.

Making it enjoyable

Children do not really care about what they are doing as long as they are enjoying it. If the teacher is able to make the learning fun for the child, they would absorb everything fast and maybe even develop a passion for the cello. Cello teachers need to use slightly different techniques to teach the instrument to children for this purpose. Rewarding often, encouraging practice, being kind and accessible are things that children quickly appreciate and respond to, so find a teacher who can relate to children.

Location is important

It is essential that you consider the well-being of the child when arranging lessons for him or her. If your child is too timid and does not mingle easily, it is a better idea to find a teacher who would come to your home to teach. If your child enjoys meeting with other children in his classes, find a teacher who will fulfill this requirement. Involve your child in the decision making. Listen to their concerns and offer alternative suggestions. The goal should be to find a place conducive to learning for your child. Also remember that if your child has to carry their cello to the place of learning, they might quickly get tired of it.

Instrument

If you are thinking of handing down your old instrument to your child for practice or buying an adult size second hand cello, forget it. If you want your child to learn this instrument, take him or her to a reputed music store and find out what size cello would be appropriate to their size and age. Cellos come in many different sizes, depending on the height, body length and age. Once you know the proper size cello to purchase or hire, go ahead with acquiring it. Never ever hand over a full size cello in the hands of a child as it can spoil their posture forever and might even hurt them if they have to handle excessive weight frequently.

It is a beautiful experience to see your child excel at the cello. It is one of the positive aspects of the culture in Singapore, cello tutorials can be found easily and parents tend to expose their children to music at a young age. With a bit of caution and care, your child can have a great cello experience.

Saxophone Classes to Prepare for Grading

October 5, 2015 Saxophone

Saxophone Classes to Prepare for Grading

People study the saxophone in different ways. For some, it is a passion that needs no formal constraints, while others follow it as just an enjoyable hobby. For yet others, saxophone playing can be a future career option. For those who take saxophone lessons with the aim of playing professionally, taking grading exams is a good way to proceed. Following are some tips to help you prepare for a saxophone grading exam.

Practice

It is imperative to practice every day. During the exam, you might be asked to play a few pieces, and for this practice is essential. You can also be tested on set scales and arpeggios, so you have to prepare for everything. It is also not unheard of to be tested on sight reading or being given aural tests. Overall, all of these require an immense amount of practice so that you are able to handle the exam with ease.

Study the theory

For many students, saxophone theory is a chore and completely irrelevant to what they want to do and what they enjoy. However, it is really important for your musical development and your overall saxophone learning. Without the theoretical knowledge, you would be unable to communicate your musical ideas to other people. Understanding the theory will help you become more creative and not bogged down by details as many students appear to think. So make sure to study your theory in detail before the exams.

Develop confidence

Developing your confidence will help you do better in your exam. While this is true for any exam, it is more so for your musical instrument grading. One way to do is not to treat the exam as a monster or an obstacle to be cleared at any cost, but as a mere stepping stone on your path of learning. Understand that your certificate or lack of one will not take away from your talent or the pleasure of playing. Get lost in the music and stop worrying about the grades. This really is the best way for you to ace your exams. Remember, if you don’t manage to pass the first time, you can always try again.

Enjoy the exam

While exams are important to evaluate yourself and to understand how far you have progressed in your saxophone learning, they are just an extension of your regular saxophone classes. Preparing for an exam will ensure that you practice and study techniques that you might otherwise be ignoring because they are not your main area of interest. It is customary for the examiner to look at your performance from a professional viewpoint and you might get some great advice or tip that will help you enhance your performance. Try to enjoy the exam as a learning experience and a stepping stone to better things.

Ignore the mistakes

You are still a student and it is quite possible that you will make mistakes during the exam. The best thing to do in this case is to ignore it. Quickly move on, trying to play the best you can. If you get hung up on one silly mistake, you risk damaging your entire performance. Even the most accomplished musician can make mistakes at times, so it is nothing to worry about.

In Singapore, saxophone tutorials can help you prepare well for your exams, but you also need to do a lot of work from your side.

How To Effectively Promote Your Service As A Cello Lessons Teacher

October 1, 2015 Cello

How To Effectively Promote Your Service As A Cello Lessons Teacher

Let’s face the fact that the cello is not as popular as the piano or guitar. Hence, there may be less music schools offering this program. You can take this as a great opportunity for a cello lessons teacher like you. There are parents and students who are on the lookout for cello teachers. You may think of them as only a handful, as compared to more ‘mainstream’ musical instruments. However, this niche market could easily get your hands full.

Make it easy for them to find you. Here are some effective advertising grounds to cover in promoting your skills and services as a cello teacher:

Internet Marketing: In this digital age, people want information at their fingertips. In all probability, Google would be the first go-to place for parents or students looking for individuals teaching cello lessons. Singapore teachers are using the power and reaping the benefits of the internet in creating a pool of cello students.

Here are online tools or platforms you could use:

Create your own website: If possible, get your own domain name. Indicate your qualifications, experiences, description and explanation of your teaching methods. Upload photos and videos of your performances.

Social Media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are now popular podiums of communication and digital interaction. Your presence on these sites could give you ample exposure and ‘word-of-mouse’ to potential students.

Online Directories: Sign-up and and enlist your services in popular yet reputable online listings of music teachers in your locale.

Onground Marketing and Advertising: The so-called ‘old-school’ forms of advertising are still very much effective means to get the word out. When people are searching for something, where do they go? To whom do they talk to?

Schools: If you are a graduate or student or in anyway affiliated to a music school, college, or university, leave your contact details or use it as a reference point for inquiries. Parents or students may call up schools asking for references.

Print Advertising Collaterals: Invest in printing of your own business cards, posters, flyers, leaflets. Your friendly neighborhood music store may allow you to put up a poster on their window or distribute your business card to cello buyers. Campus bulletin boards are excellent sites where your flyer may be visible to students. Or your newspaper delivery boy would charge you a very minimal fee for inserting your leaflets in newspaper deliveries. The possibilities are endless…be creative!

Live Performances: Your captive audience. Your target market. Your prospective student. They all could be there right under your nose, watching your performance. Be visible and expose yourself to these activities that could serve as opportunities for you to reach potential students.

Which of these advertising methods do you think is most effective for you? One size may not fit all. Try and experiment which of these could give the best results. Or if you have the resources to engage in all of the above, then why not try it all? The bottom line is results. Both good news and bad news travel fast. Students and parents putting in a good word for you as a reliable and effective cello lessons teacher may still be the best and effective advertising tool for you.

Buying The Instrument For Drum Lessons

October 1, 2015 Drums

Buying the Instrument for Drum Lessons

Whether you are a beginner just starting with the basics or an advanced learner who wants to take exams for grading, or even a professional who is already performing in public, owning your own set of drums is a great boost for your confidence and is a sign of your commitment. Drummers who are taking drum lessons regularly benefit a great deal from having their own set of drums. But before purchasing drums, there are a number of things to be considered since it is an investment in your musical future.

Consider your budget

Like it or not, money is an important factor when we follow our hobbies or our passions. Drum sets can be expensive and you have to be realistic about what kind of instrument you need or want, what is available in the market and how to reconcile the price range of the available instruments to what you can reasonably afford. The more high end the drums, the more expensive they get. But this does not mean that you cannot get a good set of drums in your price range. It is definitely good to be aware of the general market price on instruments before planning a purchase.

Research on what is available

When it comes to drums, there are such a large variety of instruments with several variations that it can become very difficult to make a decision. The choice can be overwhelming, especially if you are unprepared in your research and are suddenly confronted by far too many options. You can buy complete drum sets in one single step or you can buy them piecemeal. If you purchase them as a set, then you get the wood and quality evenly matched, but this is not a necessity.

Don’t underestimate the brand

Each brand has its own specialty and while there are many brands which sell high quality instruments, choosing a brand is more than just that. There are many other things to consider. For example, does the brand you are considering sell the exact type of instrument you are seeking? Does the brand offer all the parts that you would require? What guarantee are they offering and for how long? What kind of servicing options do they offer? Weigh up these criteria with the price of the drums and make a sensible choice. You can consult online forums and discuss with other music aficionados or you can even consult your drum teacher for information and advice.

Choose electronic or acoustic?

With any instrument, you would face the choice of whether to go with electronic or acoustic instruments these days. Acoustic drums are louder and hence it can be a bit of a problem practising with them at home. It can also take up more room, but you will never be able to replicate the sound and the feel of it with an electronic set, which obviously, has its own benefits, being smaller, easier to use and don’t have to be tuned regularly. The general consensus is that having both would be great, since they offer very different advantages. But if you cannot afford both, then an electronic drum would be better for a beginner, but if you are already at an advanced level, it is advisable to go for an acoustic set.

With so many options for playing in gigs in Singapore, drum tutorials can be enhanced with the experience if you own your own set of drums.

Qualities of Good Jazz Guitar Teachers

October 1, 2015 Guitar / Ukulele

Qualities of Good Jazz Guitar Teachers

Jazz music has its adherents and many students who sign up for learning this particular genre are already well aware of the nuances of jazz music. When they seek someone for teaching them how to play jazz guitar, they need to find one who has a good understanding of teaching as well as of the specific genre of music. Many guitar teachers often have no specialized learning in the genre but tend to take up students merely to make up the numbers. So keep a few things in mind when searching for a jazz guitar teacher.

Awareness of jazz music
If you want to learn jazz guitar, you need a teacher who knows a lot about jazz. Without this, you would just be receiving a hotchpotch of different genres, which might not be helpful in the long run. They must have a good ear, great timing and what’s more, they must be able to teach you how to develop these very essential skills. The idea is that your teacher should always know far more than you do. They must have a lot of heads memorized so that they can guide you at every point. In short, your teacher must be a veteran in jazz music, and not just a guitarist with basic knowledge of jazz.

Trained as a guitar teacher
Seek a teacher who is trained in how to teach jazz guitar. Many teachers just take on students and hope to go through the motions with the help of their knowledge. Many of them have not even learned to play the guitar formally from another teacher but have learned through trial and error. While such people can have amazing talent and are to be appreciated, it does not always follow that they would be able to teach the skills to others. Formal training and being trained in teaching will ensure that your teacher knows how to impart basic skills. There are many techniques for teaching the guitar and it is only with such training that your teacher will be able to help you during your jazz guitar classes.

Organized
A good teacher must be organized in their planning and teaching. This means being punctual whether the classes are in your home or in their studio or home. He or she must not use class time for their personal work, including attending phone calls or entertaining visitors. Remember that you are paying for their time. If you see a teacher behave like this consistently, find another teacher. A good teacher must also prepare their lessons beforehand and have a good overview of what will be completed in each lesson. They must also plan ahead on a long term basis to cover different concepts over time.

Achieving your goals
First, you need to set goals in your music learning. A good teacher will help you do this, if you are clueless or not too sure in which direction to proceed. You will need to set both your short term and long term goals and accordingly learn. It is important that you find a teacher who is able to assist you in achieving your goals by using specific teaching strategies tailored to your specific needs. Avoid teachers who use generalized teaching for all their students or force their goals upon you.

If you are living in Singapore, jazz guitar lessons are available from many sources. With the above tips, it will be easier for you to find a decent teacher who can help you along on your journey.

The Four T’s of An Effective Flute Lessons Teacher

September 17, 2015 Flute

The Four T’s of An Effective Flute Lessons Teacher

Did you know that the playing flute was invented way before man started farming, domesticating animals, and doing metal works? The flute is an ancient instrument, initially made out of animal bones. But teaching flute students to play this rather fragile and austere-looking instrument has definitely gone a long way. From its humble beginnings, the flute is now a shining work of craftsmanship. It’s enchanting sound could be heard in classical and contemporary recordings, music ensembles, orchestras — captivating the emotions of music lovers through the years.

Learning to play the flute may just be a hobby or a career investment. Either way you ought to find a teacher who is effective in teaching flute lessons. Singapore aspiring flautists are very discerning in finding a flute teacher.

Here are 4 “T” – tips to remember in helping you find an effective flute teacher:

TALENT: Playing a musical instrument requires skill and giftedness. A talented teacher can inspire and motivate you. And most likely, he will be able to pass on to you helpful techniques that will enable you to improve and progress as a flute player. Ask him to perform for you during the interview. Or you may ask for links to his website or social media where you can check out videos of his performances.

TRAINING: Once you’ve found a talented teacher, find out if he has the ability and the qualification to teach. Talent and teaching are not like two peas in a pod. A great flute player is not automatically an effective teacher. Find someone who has had any considerable teaching experience. Or someone who had a undergone music teaching course. For young students and children, find someone with experience in handling kids. Or if you are already at an advanced level, your teacher should be playing more advanced skills and has reached mastery levels.

Learning to play the flute requires regular sessions with your teacher. Ask your prospect the following questions to help you gauge whether he can commit to a firm schedule with you:
1. Are you teaching part-time or full-time?
2. How many students do you have so far and how much time do you spend per student?
3. Do you do shows, onstage performances, concerts?

TRANSMITS LOVE FOR MUSIC. A teacher’s love for music should be infectious. He should keep that music fire burning inside of you. Love for playing the flute will motivate you to reach for your goals and help you get through difficult moments.

Bonus “T”: And yes another ‘T’ is for transportation or travel time. Whether you or the teacher will be travelling to and from the place where sessions will be conducted, travelling may take a toll on either one of them if the place is too far or not easily accessible.

Finding a flute lessons teacher that’s right for you may not be that easy. Apart from all of the above, you also have to consider the teacher’s asking fee vis-a-vis your budget. It is rather impossible to get a perfect teacher. But with careful considerations based on the aforementioned guidelines, you’ll definitely find someone who is fit to a T!