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Choosing an Instrument for Your Keyboard Lessons

September 10, 2015 Keyboards / Piano

Choosing an Instrument for Your Keyboard Lessons

Now that you have decided to take up playing the keyboard, you need to look at buying one for yourself. With any musical instrument, it is good to have one of your own, whether purchased brand new, used, or rented. It helps you develop your music style when you practise on your own apart from any keyboard lessons you take. Before purchasing a keyboard, you need to consider a few points and you need to be very careful because good keyboards can be quite expensive.

How do you plan to use the keyboard?
This is a question you need to ask yourself before you even begin to look at the different options available to you. Do you want to play professionally? Do you want to be graded and prepare for exams on a formal basis? Do you want to learn how to play so you can play with your friends? Or is it just going to be a part time hobby for you? Is this all about just doing something new rather than a serious musical aspiration? The answers to these questions should help you determine whether to buy a more professional and expensive keyboard or to buy an inexpensive one.

Acoustic or digital?
There are different kinds of keyboards available, and you must make yourself aware of them all before making a purchase. Your first choice would be whether to go for an acoustic or a digital keyboard. They both have their own advantages and it really is up to you to decide which suits your needs better. Many enthusiasts feel that acoustic keyboards sound better, but digital ones have far more features that you might want to consider while making a decision.

Branding is important
If you plan to buy a keyboard of any kind, make sure that it is a good and reputed brand. There are many generic companies selling keyboards and many of them are good, but it is still good to go with a well-established brand for various reasons. It is easier to get your keyboard serviced if you buy from a reputed company. It also has a better resale value if, for some reason, you want to sell your keyboard.

What about synthesizers?
Synthesizers are keyboards that produce a large variety of sounds, either by reproducing from other musical instruments or by creating electronic sounds. Synthesizers are highly sophisticated instruments and offers a variety of options such as the facility of connecting to a computer, programming your own sounds, music sequencing, recording, etc., which would be useful only if you plan to take, In Singapore, keyboard classes professionally.

Buy within your budget
Keyboards can be very expensive but if you really know what exactly you need, it would be a good investment for a musical future. If you want to buy a sophisticated keyboard, check out the financing options from the store. If you are a beginner and are not yet ready to invest in an expensive keyboard, you can buy a used one. There are also many stores that offer you rental schemes for keyboards. These can be much cheaper and within your budget, especially to start with.

Choosing a nice keyboard that you love and enjoy using is ultimately the important thing for any music enthusiast. It is an even more exhilarating feeling when you get an instrument for starting keyboard tutorials as a beginner. But by keeping the above points in mind, you will also be assured that you have bought the right instrument for you.

How to Gain Exposure After Taking Pop Singing Lessons

September 10, 2015 Singing

How to Gain Exposure After Taking Pop Singing Lessons

There is more and more space for pop singing these days. From making videos for the internet to playing at the local pub, there are more opportunities today than ever before. If the competition is fierce, so are the openings available to budding artistes. If you want to get into pop singing classes with the view of working on it as a profession, you will have to do some more work and be strategic about how you proceed.

Take voice lessons
This is a no brainer, really. If you want to be a singer, you will have to take voice classes. A lot of people can and do learn singing by themselves but there is a lot you can learn from a trained teacher. How to use different voice techniques, how to maintain your voice and respiratory health, how to sing in different genres – these are all things that an experienced teacher can teach you.

Take dance lessons
It is not enough to simply know how to sing. If you want to make it onstage as a pop singer, you also need to know a bit of dancing. While you might not be called on to perform a full-fledged dance in your video or the stage, you will find it useful to know how to shake a few steps and to move gracefully. A few pop singing lessons will include both voice and dance training and help you do better overall.

Enter talent contests
These days, there are talent contests everywhere, and pop singing has a lot of avenues you can explore to give you an opening into the field. You might not make it to the reality shows on TV, though that would be fantastic. But there are so many other contests that take place, which will give you some much-needed experience. It might also get you noticed by someone working in the industry, and that would be a surefire way for you to get in.

Check out recording studios
Contact recording and demo studios in your area and see if they are willing to help you with creating a demo CD that you can then forward to agents or talent scouts. You would not have to write your own song for a demo. This will help with getting you a more professional presentation with the help of people who already know what works and would be able to guide you, if required. At this stage, ensure that your demo CD also gives credit to the recording artistes.

Create a YouTube channel
Nowadays, it is easy to reach a wide audience without depending on other people. By creating a YouTube channel, you will be able to instantly gain an audience. Upload videos of your singing, making sure you stick to your genre. It would be advisable to sing popular songs in order to get a following and then you can gradually switch over to writing your own lyrics and creating your own music, which is the real goal.

Take up jobs
Take up singing jobs just so you can get heard by people. Seek out the local jobs in your community. Inform the pubs, entertainment locations and other places which might be seeking musicians. Offer to help out friends at parties. The idea is to get noticed by as wide an audience as possible.

It is not easy to get into pop singing because of the fierce competition, but if you are dedicated enough, there is always a way to do it. With the help and advice of your Singapore pop singing teacher, you could enjoy a singing career.

Starting off as a Saxophone Teacher

September 10, 2015 Saxophone

Starting off as a Saxophone Teacher

Being a music teacher is a vocation that not everyone can handle. If you are really into music, one of the ways you would want to share this love is by teaching others. This is a great and lucrative career for any musician, and can also prove to be an extremely rewarding one. To start off as a saxophone teacher, it is good to have a basic outline of how you would operate.

Get certified
You first need to make sure that you have a certificate to show to potential students. For many students, this is a way for them to know that you are indeed qualified enough to teach them. Even if you have a lot of experience in giving concerts and playing with a group, consider taking the exams that will certify you as a professional saxophonist. It will increase your overall marketability and will also give you the personal satisfaction of having a certification that is acknowledged by reputed musical academies. And it will definitely get you students.

Get a studio
If you are really interested in getting into teaching saxophone as a profession, build a saxophone studio. Build up a schedule of classes and make sure you have enough saxophones of good quality for your students to use. If you can invest this kind of money, it will soon pay for itself as students often prefer an established studio. Keep in mind that your reputation as a studio will include the facilities you provide such as materials, music sheets, saxophones, etc.

Network a lot
If you are planning on a teaching career, it is important that you gain a good reputation first. The best way is to network with other teachers and offer to help them out if they are overworked or when they face an emergency. Introduce yourself to the local music schools. Teachers will be happy to refer their students to you if they know you are capable enough. Hang out with other musicians and continue your public performances. You never know who will be interested enough in learning from you after seeing you perform.

Offer free first lessons
Free lessons attract a lot of students who really want to see whether they are comfortable with your teaching style before they commit and pay in advance for their saxophone lessons. It does not cost you much but it will get you more students as they realize that they have an opportunity to ensure that their money would be well spent since this is a big issue for many students who want to learn the saxophone.

Settle on a proper fee
It is important to be paid properly for your efforts and the work you put into teaching music. Don’t make the mistake of charging a lower rate just to get more students. That would be selling yourself too low. If you want to make your price appear attractive, you can always offer installment plans and discounts to students. Ask around and know the market before you fix a price as you don’t want to start off too high either.
It is always difficult to build up a teaching business from scratch, but with a little effort and a lot of patience, you can achieve it. If you make your Singapore saxophone classes interesting, informative and are genuinely interested in teaching, the word would spread and students will come to you automatically.

Why are Flute Lessons Appealing?

September 10, 2015 Flute

Why are Flute Lessons Appealing?

Flutes are immensely popular and have been so for a very long time. In great demand in the musical circles, flutes are often also chosen by many musical novices as one of their first instruments. There are several reasons why flute classes are so popular among all sections of music lovers. Let us take a look at why flutes are so appealing, sometimes so much more than many other instruments that sound just as good.

Melodious music
There is no denying that flute produces melodious music that is a pleasure to the ears. Even the most music-hating person will not dislike a flute. Simple yet complex at the same time, flutes just sound good. Even beginners can easily make a good sound with the flute, which probably speaks for its popularity. As long as you manage to understand the embouchure and get the knack of blowing, you can immediately learn without spending too much time on theory.

Flexibility
The flute is an instrument that can be used in many different genres of music. Though generally associated in the public mind with classical music, the flute is far more versatile than just that. By taking flute lessons, you can learn to play jazz, classical, pop, baroque, rock, hip hop, avant-garde, etc. It is also an instrument used extensively in Eastern classical music. You can also play solo or in a music ensemble with other flute players or players of different instruments. So it really does not matter what kind of music you want to play because the flute can be adapted to most genres.

Expense
In comparison with many other instruments like drums, saxophones, guitars, etc., flutes are relatively inexpensive. A brand new beginner flute is quite affordable, though you might have to shell out a bit more for a professional flute. If you choose to buy a used flute, it is obviously much cheaper. It is also more likely that you will get used flutes in good condition than any other instrument. Renting flutes for beginners also reduces the overall cost. If you are strapped for cash but still want to learn an instrument, a flute is a great choice.

Health benefits
When you learn to play the flute, you also learn how to breathe properly. Blowing on the instrument on a regular basis will expand your lungs, tone your diaphragm muscles, strengthen your jaws and lead to a much improved respiratory health overall. In addition to the physical benefits, the psychological benefits cannot be overstated. Research has showed that flute players enter a slightly meditative state when they play, which has a direct correlation with their state of mind.

Portability
The flute is probably the lightest of all musical instruments which makes it extremely easy to transport around for playing at different venues. With a flute, you can practise at a moment’s notice because it is that easy to carry around with you. It is not a very complicated instrument and can be easily maintained and cleaned, without taking up too much time, money or effort.

Connection with the past
Flutes are an important aspect of humankind’s musical history. Flutes have been found dated more than 43,000 years ago, and we know that a large number of ancient civilisations used the instrument. Indian, Chinese, Native American, Sumerian, Egyptian and many other notable cultures had flutes. It is one of the instruments that has survived for a long time, and is popular in modern times as well.

Considering all these points, it is no surprise that if you are in Singapore, flute tutorials appeal to a wide audience. It is especially a great instrument for a child or a beginner, but even professionals can enjoy flute music.

Practice Habits After Your Cello Lessons

September 10, 2015 Cello

Practice Habits After Your Cello Lessons

The cello is considered the most versatile of the viola family: not too big like the double bass, and not too small like the violin, or even the viola. Its deep and rich sound, combined with its versatility and power, make it one of the most graceful and classy stringed instrument. No wonder cello lessons have become a very popular choice among budding musicians.

But once you start on the lessons, and after the course is finished, it is imperative that you continue to practice on your own, even without your teacher guiding you. Be more productive by following these simple suggestions:

• Prepare before you practice
It is important that when you do your practice session, there are no distractions and the place has very minimal noise. If you do not intend to watch demo lessons, there should be no TV, Internet, or even radio or any music player within your space. Your phone should also be in silent mode, if not turned off altogether.

Take your restroom break before starting. Take a light snack before practice, and bring water with you in the room. Playing the cello, or any musical instrument for that matter, is a very physically challenging interest, you are going to need the energy.

• Plan your time
Decide beforehand how long you are going in that room to practice, and that includes scheduling the time you will start and finish. If you have planned this, it is imperative you stick with the schedule. Quitting earlier short-changes your skills development, and extending beyond the time will just tire you and probably even slow you down.

• Set your goals
Do not go into practice “blindly,” or just practice for the sake of practicing. There should be a reason, a purpose, a goal, for each session you do. Maybe you can analyze where your weaknesses are, areas where you need improvement or correction, and make those your goals for a particular session. Maybe you want to perfect a certain song and desire to achieve performance level. You may just want to perfect a certain playing skill. Whatever it is, focus on that goal in your cello lessons. Singapore cello teachers make it a point to set goals for their students during the first lesson.

• Record the way you play
Sometimes the best way to spot your problem areas is to take a step back, and listen as an “outsider.” A good way to do this is to record your sessions and listen to them at another time. Listen and critique yourself, or better yet pretend that somebody else was playing and try to find holes in the performance. This will make you an objective listener and will allow you to spot the areas of improvement that you may have missed while you were playing.

• Have fun
It can get physically draining sometimes, and one way for you to sustain your physical energy is to have fun while practicing. The feeling of accomplishment is much more satisfying when you continually to be in a good mood, despite setbacks that you may encounter.

Your cello lessons are just a start, and it will take a lot more effort on your part over time to get to the playing level you want. But with good and consistent practice, you will soon find the joy and fulfillment that will carry you through lots of years of cello playing!

How To Meet Parents’ And Students’ Expectations As A Drum Lessons Teacher

September 10, 2015 Drums

How To Meet Parents’ And Students’ Expectations As A Drum Lessons Teacher

You’ve shown great potential. You addressed all concerns and questions well. You’ve gained their trust. Your rate is reasonable. You’re a great match. “You’re hired!”. A student or parent’s pursuit in finding and selecting a drum lessons teacher does not end when you hear these words.

It is one thing to make an impression. Now the ball is in your hands on how you would play to meet their expectations. Parents will always be on the lookout if they’re getting their money’s worth. And a student’s performance will reflect if the learning sessions with you are really worth their while.

The following guidelines can help you size-up and manage the expectations of both parents and students:

1. Discipline. Responsibility. Role Model. Students not only pick-up drumming skills. Life skills like discipline and responsibility are also imbibed by the student while you are teaching drum lessons. Singapore teachers are expected to be role models. They expect you to come prepared, be on time, and maximize teaching sessions.

2. Patience and Positivity. Learning a new skill can be comparable to a toddler who is just taking his first step. A teacher’s role is to assure his student that you’ve got his back. You will patiently guide him in each wobbly step that he takes. In playing the drums, coordination is crucial. Yet, one does not always get it right the first time. As a teacher, you’ve got to enforce a positive attitude so that your student would be motivated in this pursuit.

3. Friendship, Fun and Excitement. Forming a student-teacher bond of friendship is actually healthy. This positive interaction could make your learning sessions more fun and exciting for your students. But of course, it should be within the bounds of professionalism and respect.

4. Tuned-in to Trends. The drum is a musical instrument that is very much present in contemporary music. Thus, your student will expect that he will be learning some current music. Of course, the rudiments of drum lessons will be there, but think of creative ways wherein you can incorporate it into the type of music that will get your students excited.

5. Plan and Purpose. ‘Why do I have to repeat this over and over?’ ‘Why am I still playing on slow tempo’? Students may lose interest when things do not make sense. Or they may lose patience when they feel they’re stuck at a certain level. As a teacher, you’ve got to let them see the big picture. Give them a roadmap as to where a certain lesson level leads to. Explain to them the plan and purpose of a particular lesson, and stress the importance of not going astray or taking short cuts.

It’s a must for a teacher to have a game plan on how a student can achieve and meet learning objectives. Each student has its own learning abilities. Thus, in teaching drum students, avoid a cut-and-paste lesson plan. A somewhat customized method would work in the best interest of the student. The credibility and fulfillment of your teaching career is affirmed and goes in full circle when you meet or surpass the expectations of your students and also their parents.

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Keyboard Lessons Teacher For Your Child

August 28, 2015 Keyboards / Piano

How To Avoid Hiring The Wrong Keyboard Lessons Teacher For Your Child

As a parent, it is a given fact that you are willing to devote time and energy in providing the best for your child. You will leave no stone unturned in searching for the best keyboard lessons teacher for your child.

Indeed, it is confusing to weigh the pros and cons of each and every teacher candidate. However, there are some tell-tale signs that would indicate that a teacher may not just be the right fit.

Here are some of the common pitfalls or mistakes in choosing a keyboard teacher:

The Price Is Not Always Right. It is understandable that parents are budget conscious. Of course, you want your hard-earned money to produce the best results. However, you tend to get easily lured by someone who offers their services at a cheaper price. It is not wise to jump the gun on the teacher offering the lowest rate. Investigate. Ask questions that would give you an indication of the teacher’s skills, methods, achievements, and his effectivity. This does not mean though that low rate equals low quality. Check on a teacher who charges a higher rate; then compare. Use your best judgment on who you think can satisfy your requirements and can provide long-term progress for your child.

Credential And Ability Are Not Two Peas In A Pod. When a prospective teacher turns over a brilliant resume, you may have the tendency to think that he’s ‘the one’. But hold on to your horses. Impressive credentials do not always yield astonishing results. The ability to teach effectively is more often, evident in the teacher’s rapport with the student. This quality cannot be captured by a list of achievements alone. Have an in-depth interview with the teacher and ask him how he can motivate your child to learn and achieve.

The Nearer is Not Always the Better. Proximity or location cannot be your sole criteria in hiring a keyboard teacher. Convenience does matter, but there might be a better teacher who is just 10 or 20 minutes away and is definitely worth the trip.

Oldies Are Not Always Goodies. Classical pieces are not always the most effective way to use in teaching keyboard lessons. Singapore students are highly encouraged by their teachers to select music pieces that jive with their personal tastes in music. In this way, students find familiar pieces more interesting, fun, and easier to learn.

Fun and Learning Do Not Mix. Steer clear from a teacher who still abides by this archaic principle of teaching. Learning becomes more effective when a child is relaxed and motivated. Making lessons fun, enjoyable, and interesting facilitates a better learning experience.

As American psychiatrist Karl A. Menninger once said: “What the teacher is, is more important than what he teaches.” A keyboard lesson teacher may possess great skills as a keyboard player or performer. He may have superior knowledge on music theory. Yet all these are of no use when he cannot effectively pass on that knowledge to your child. Find a teacher who can empathize with your child’s needs and motivate him to be passionate about his craft.

Your Guide In Selecting A Voice Lessons Teacher

August 26, 2015 Singing

Your Guide In Selecting A Voice Lessons Teacher

The human singing voice is considered as a unique musical instrument. It is very fragile. When damaged, it is hardly repairable. You cannot just walk-in to a store and buy a new ‘voice’. It is irreplaceable. In the capable hands of a good voice lessons teacher, your voice could be honed to reach its full potential. At the same, time a teacher could teach you how to give your voice the TLC (tender-loving-care) it deserves.

Your voice is a very delicate instrument. Thus, it should be entrusted under the care of a capable, experienced, and knowledgeable teacher. Here are some important considerations you should make in picking the ideal voice instructor.

Formal Training and Education: A voice instructor is deemed more eligible if he / she has undergone academic training. A teacher’s voice quality and performing experiences are important. However, this is not an assurance that he/she make an effective teacher. Music schools not only provide vocal training techniques. More often, music degree programs integrate the following:
a. Teaching program: Schools include teaching programs to prepare them for a voice teaching career. The instructor should know how to handle the different learning abilities and paces of their students.

b. Knowledge: They learn about intellectual and physiological information about the voice.
i. They are educated on the ‘science’ behind the voice — its breathing and sound production mechanisms.
ii. The instructor should be able to understand and explain the rationale behind certain vocal exercise and techniques.
iii. A voice trainer should be able to impart health and wellness tips and issues that could affect vocal performance like hydration, humidity, diet, attitude, etc.

Capability: It is imperative for a teacher to gain the trust and respect of students in teaching voice lessons. Singapore teachers are expected to ‘practice what you preach’ or ‘walk the talk’, so to speak. A voice teacher would not be effective if he merely gives theoretical instructions to the student. More often, students learn best through imitation. The instructor should be able to clearly demonstrate what needs to be achieved and apply the necessary techniques on how it achieve it.

Know Basic Piano Skills: A teacher who can play basic piano is a must during vocal warm-ups and vocalization exercises. Knowledge in music theory could also help the student execute pieces from a music sheet.

Discipline and Motivation: A teacher should be firm and assertive. He should not tolerate disinterest and a lackadaisical attitude. A teacher should be able to enforce discipline on the student. In the same manner, a teacher should be kind, understanding, and patient. He must inspire and encourage students to overcome challenges.

There is no guarantee that a voice lessons teacher who meets all of the above requirements during your interview is your perfect match. As the lesson progresses, you should monitor your progress. Evaluate your skills and your feelings as well. If you are not satisfied and objectively see that you are not improving, it would be best to find another teacher. However, do not quit too soon. Give yourself some time to ‘break-in; and in no time, you’ll experience a breakthrough.

Getting Ready For Your Flute Classes

August 17, 2015 Flute

Getting Ready For Your Flute Classes

The flute is a very popular instrument choice in a band because a lot of music genre utilizes the flute, and so even a beginner has a lot of opportunities to play either in bands, jazz ensemble, or even on orchestra groups. But before you start on your flute classes, it is important that you pick your very first flute appropriately. There are numerous choices in terms of types, make, and price, and it can be a bit overwhelming. To help you make that choice, we’ve listed several suggestions below.

Cheap flutes are bad flutes

Because of the popularity of flute, a lot of places have started carrying them in their shops. Flutes are now being sold even in places not considered as music shops, like supermarkets, malls, and even online. Most of them offer the instrument at surprisingly low prices. What they do not tell you is that the quality of their flute is very poor. They do not even have resident experts or experienced flautist that can give you sound advice on what to buy.

These low-priced flutes usually prove to be tough to play, often producing sounds that are not pleasing. This may wrongfully lead you to think that you cannot produce a decent note out of it, but the real culprit is your low-cost flute.

Get on the right track and go to a respectable music shop, or even better to a dedicated flute shop. You will get your money’s worth, and you’ll even get expert advices.

Choose simple

When you walk into a reputable music shop you will learn that there is more to the flute than meets the eye. The specifications and variety of different types of flute may overwhelm you.

As a beginner, go for the basic flute specifications: straight head joint, C foot joint, detachable extensions, plays down to D, weighs around 240-250 grams. Again, decent shops will have resident experts that can guide you with these. These terminologies may seem confusing for you now, but once you are deep into your flute classes you will understand the meaning of these words.

The size is right

You should have enough arm length to reach the keys, otherwise you cannot play the notes properly and you will easily tire and get head and neck strain. If for some reason the length of the flute is a problem for you, you should go for the curved head joint, which is a little bit shorter than the standard, but still sound as good.

Bring in an expert

Most shops are more concerned about selling to you than actually giving you sound and practical advice on what to buy. They are there to make a profit first and foremost. That is why if you are a beginner and this is your first flute, it is good advice to bring along an advanced flautist who can give you practical and unbiased guidance on what to buy.

Do not rely on your own knowledge, or information you retrieved from the Internet. The actual feel of the instrument is very important, and the expert can tell you if it feels right. More importantly, they can test it out for you.

Hopefully, these pointers will enable you in your decision on what flute to buy for your flute classes. Singapore will be able you a fine plethora of classes to choose from. And with a good choice and good use, you can expect many years of delight and satisfaction with your flute.

Interview Questions: Selecting The Best Violin Lessons Teacher For Your Child

August 7, 2015 Violin / Viola

Interview Questions: Selecting The Best Violin Lessons Teacher For Your Child

Parents may have the tendency to shy away from conducting an interview with the prospective teacher for your child. You may think it would not be necessary to interview the violin lessons teacher as he was highly recommended by a friend. Or, you may have seen him perform and you think that his credentials speak volumes. However, there is always reason to think that what looks good on paper may not necessarily bring satisfactory results. For sure, there are a lot of good teachers, but a lot of bad ones too. You can weed out and pick the best through an interview.

You may feel hesitant because you may not know how to start. If you don’t play a musical instrument, you may find it difficult to figure out what questions to ask. Here are some guide questions on how you could have a fruitful interview session with a prospective violin teacher:

What are your lesson schedules? This would help you manage your child’s schedule, making sure that it does not interfere with his school work, nor take away his weekend break and family time. Also you would want to know if the current teaching load of his teacher would not compromise the quality of teaching time spent with your child.

What physical ages and levels of violin skills do you teach? This is to find out whether the age and skills of your child matches the capabilities of his teacher. It takes a particular degree of patience and a different method for very young kids and beginner levels students in teaching violin lessons. Singapore teachers often take supplementary courses in child education and psychology. This helps them not only in developing teaching skills, but also in fostering creativity, discipline and motivation during the lessons.

How would you describe your teaching method? It would be good to find out what the teacher’s ‘game plan’ is. You can ask and think of ways you can help your child cope with the lessons. You know your child better, so you can work with the teacher on so that his methods would compliment your child’s personality.

What are your goals and expectations from your students and from their parents? This would help your child establish rapport with the teacher. Allow your child to set goals based on his teacher’s expectations and lesson plans. Establish an open communication with the teacher on how you could help in monitoring and reaching these goals.

Do you have out-of-class activities to supplement your lessons? Do you have activities like recitals or shows where the child can showcase his skills before an audience? Learning takes place in and out of the sessions. It would be good to find out if the teacher could recommend concerts or violin music collections that your child could enjoy. Public performances could boost your child’s confidence. The teacher could organize a recital featuring all his students.

An interview is a not an assurance that you will get the perfect violin lessons teacher. Yet you could use this opportunity to get more information about the teacher and decide who you think would be most effective for your child.

Getting Ready For Your Flute Classes

August 7, 2015 Flute

Getting Ready For Your Flute Classes

Cheap flutes are bad flutes

Get on the right track and go to a respectable music shop, or even better to a dedicated flute shop. You will get your money’s worth, and you’ll even get expert advices.

Choose simple

When you walk into a reputable music shop you will learn that there is more to the flute than meets the eye. The specifications and variety of different types of flute may overwhelm you.

The size is right

Bring in an expert

How To Get Hired As A Guitar Lessons Teacher

August 7, 2015 Guitar / Ukulele

How To Get Hired As A Guitar Lessons Teacher

“You’re hired!”, sounds like music to your years when you’ve finally landed your dream job. Whether you’re a guitar music major or a hobbyist seeking to earn from your guitar playing skills, you can definitely pursue a career in teaching guitar lessons. Singapore guitar teachers usually apply in music schools to gain enough experience. These schools have a steady flow of students so earnings are more remunerative.

In applying for a job as a music teacher, you need more than just an impressive resume. Your application does not stop at acing the job interview. Here are some key items you need to build on:

1. Get Teaching Experience: Experience is definitely an advantage when applying for a job. Get as much teaching experience as you can. It does not necessarily mean a ‘paid’ teaching job. Even ‘informal’’ guitar lessons could count as a relevant teaching experience. For instance, you may have been teaching guitar lessons to family members or friends. Or you may have done a guitar lesson ministry for kids at your local church.

2. Use Social Media: Although it’s enough to say that you have teaching experience, it is still best to show proof. Ergo, use social media to show them what you’ve got! Upload photos and videos of your teaching sessions. Show you and your students’ performances. Shoot and upload video tutorials on how to play a particular song on the guitar. In this digital age, human resource personnel have been checking out applicants’ digital persona through their social media accounts. Of course, it would be best if you include URL links of your performances and proof of guitar teaching experience in your curriculum vitae.

3. Diversify Your Music and Teaching Style: If you are a guitar major from a music conservatory, you must be well-versed in playing and teaching classical. And if you were once part of a rock band, then you would be specializing in rock. Don’t fall into the trap of sticking to one particular style or music preference. Specialize, but learn to diversify. Expect your students to have varying music tastes and interests, ranging from pop, rock, jazz, blues, classical. As a teacher, it is your role to tap into the element that motivates them. Students perform better if they like what they play. Identifying a niche is good. But diversity could give a new teacher an avenue to develop teaching skills and open up more income opportunities.

4. Show Enthusiasm: Fun makes all the difference. If you radiate joy in teaching, most likely your students would find joy in learning. Music schools are on the lookout for teachers who are motivated, patient, and enthusiastic. Learning how to play the guitar requires endless hours of repetition. It is a fact that it can sometimes be frustrating for a student. Students need teachers who will see them through and encourage them to progress in their lessons.

If you are teaching guitar lessons as a private tutor or have your own music studio, potential students and parents may look for the above qualities and credentials from you. Continue to invest in learning. Later on, you shall reap the rewards of teaching.