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Lessons To Help Master the Keyboard

May 27, 2024 Keyboards / Piano

The keyboard has become increasingly popular and more and more people are learning it. There are few things you need to keep in mind once you have decided to take up keyboard lessons.

Master the basics

This is the fundamental step to learning anything. One should master the basics before moving on to the complex part. It will not only help you in conquering the complicated moves later on but also serve you well while learning. If you learn the basics, you will not have difficulty in understanding and practicing.

Find the right teacher

No doubt you might be able to find a great keyboardist who is willing to teach but make sure he/she is a great teacher as well. Communicating with the students and teaching them is not something that everyone can do. If you have a complex work or study schedule, confirm with your teacher that they are flexible enough to re-arrange classes at times or compensate for the classes that are missed.

There are also a few teachers who believe in being strict, being punctual and so on. It is always better to find a teacher who is friendly because they would be able to connect with you easily and you, as a student, would be able to clear your doubts without feeling troubled.

Get a good keyboard

Now that you have decided to get started with keyboard lessons, it is now time to buy a good keyboard. As a newbie in the world of musical instruments, if you do not have enough knowledge to purchase a keyboard yourself, ask your teacher or mentor to come along. You can also ask a friend who is knowledgeable to accompany you to help you out.

Do not go for virtual classes

There are thousands of websites offering videos, tutorials, theory knowledge and more out there. As a beginner, it is always better to learn from a teacher who can correct you immediately during your keyboard lessons. It is a great idea to use the internet to supplement your knowledge about the instrument, but relying on it alone for your learning needs is not advisable.

Practice!

Practice is something that one just cannot do without. If you aim to be an excellent keyboardist or are thinking of making it your career, any amount of practice is less during the beginning stage. Practice helps in letting you get adjusted to the feel of the keys under your fingers and you get better and better every day! Regular practice will also help you get accustomed to the placement of keys on the board.

Stick to a schedule

You might have a lot to study or a lot of unfinished work piled up. Make out a schedule and stick to it. Give yourself time to finish your work and allot a time for practice as well. This will help you in getting regular practice. If not for this, one would always be swamped with work and find no time to practice the keyboard.

Keyboards are expensive instruments. In order to make sure it lasts, you should take care of it well and learn to maintain it properly. If you are a beginner and do not own a keyboard yet, check out this link: https://www.absolutelyintuned.com.sg/how-to-buy-a-musical-keyboard/.  For more on musical keyboards, you can refer to https://www.absolutelyintuned.com.sg/keyboards/ for more helpful tips.

Quick and Easy Tips for Beginner Student of Flute Lessons

May 26, 2024 Flute

Quick and Easy Tips for Beginner Student of Flute Lessons

 

In any learning endeavor, you may not get it right the first time.  Practice makes perfect, so they say. But what if you practiced the wrong way?  As a beginner in flute lessons, it is important that you learn good playing techniques that would later on develop into habits.  Once they have become effortless or second nature to you, then you are well on your way to becoming a competent flutist.

As a beginner, you might be overwhelmed with the different learnings you are trying to absorb during flute lessons.  Singapore students are closely monitored by their teachers as to what technique they should focus on, based on their individual competencies.  Here are some pointers on what initial set of skills and techniques you need to learn as a beginner:

 

  1. Breathe and Blow. Proper breathing powers up your flute-playing.  Breathing techniques become effective if your shoulders are relaxed, if you hold your head up, and breathe from your stomach or diaphragm.   Breathe deeply.  In your effort to make a sound, blow onto the mouthpiece as if you were blowing into a bottle.  Do this by imagining yourself spitting out a sunflower seed.  Keep your lips firm but not tight.

 

  1. Take it slow. Learning new finger positions may feel awkward and confusing at the start.  Master the first position first before moving on to the next.  Work with your muscle memory.  Listen to your body.  Your instincts will tell you whether you are already comfortable with your finger positions.  Once it feels effortless, it would be much easier for you to transition to the next fingerings.

 

  1. Learn by repetition. You learn by doing –doing things over and over again.  This is the best way for you to build memory, speed, and flexibility.  Repetition builds your body rhythm and reinforces your muscle memory.  In this way, you become more confident every time you play.

 

  1. Play every day. Repetition also entails daily practice sessions.  Interacting with your flute every day is a way of familiarizing yourself with how you could comfortably handle your instruments.  Connect with it regularly so that it feels like it is a part of you.  It is more effective to practice every day at shorter yet productive and focused time intervals.

 

  1. Attitude check. Attitude trumps talent.  You may be a naturally-gifted flutist, but if you do not have the attitude to persevere,  you’ll soon be out of the race.   Talent may take you far, but hard work can take you further ahead.

 

  1. Don’t miss out on the fun.  When playing becomes a pain, it shows and can be heard in your playing during your flute lessons.  It’s a fact that practices could become mechanical and emotionally draining.  But take a step back.  Listen to the beauty of the sound that you make.  Let the melody fill you with joy and let the rhythm bring back the excitement.

 

Expect your flute lessons increase in difficulty level as you progress.  Again, you should be prepared to move ahead.  Here’s what you can do to get ready for the next level:  http://flutelessonssingapore.com/how-to-take-your-flute-lessons-to-the-next-level/  .  But do not worry, competent and patient teachers from http://flutelessonssingapore.com/ will guide you every step of the way.

 

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Guitar Lessons: Myths about Classical Guitar

May 19, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

Guitar Lessons:  Myths about Classical Guitar

The classical guitar, as the name indicates, is a type of guitar mainly used in playing classical music. It is generally an acoustic guitar with nylon strings. The traditional classic guitar has 12 frets and is built typically to be played in a classical position. The classical guitars might come in different shapes and materials, but they follow some basic construction rules, which make them ideal for playing classical music. If you are planning to take classical guitar lessons, it is best that you get a nice classical guitar. If you want to be persuaded to learn the classical guitar, check out: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/reasons-to-learn-classical-guitar/. But classical guitars are more than that. Let’s bust a few myths regarding this style of guitar.

Myth #1: Classical guitar is only for classical music

It is often assumed that you can only play classical music on the classical guitar. There is a huge misconception even among many musicians that classical guitarists cannot play other genres of music because they are steeped in classical music and can only play Bach and Mozart. But this is not quite true. A classical guitar is actually quite versatile. While it is the guitar most suited to playing classical music, it is not suited only to play classical music. With a classical guitar, you can play rock, Latin music or even pop. There is no limit once you get going!

Myth #2: Classical guitar is serious business

A recurring idea of classic guitarists is that those who play the classical guitar are very serious, focused on old-style music, and worst of all, lack creativity in experimenting with music. But this is wrong, plain and simple. Like any other musical instrument, classical music too offers an outlet for your creativity. You need not be restricted to only playing established music if you don’t want to. You can create your own styles, seek your own inspirations from wherever you like, and mix up genres if that is what appeals to you. The choice is always there.

Myth #3: Classical guitar is for soloists

There is this image of classical guitarists as people who play solo and cannot work with other guitarists or musicians because people who play the classical guitar cannot or will not enjoy playing in bands. But that doesn’t even make much sense. Like pretty much any other instrument, classical guitar lends itself to a variety of musical experiences, one of them being playing with other people in a band. There is also scope for this within a very traditional classical structure.

Myth #4: You have to sing if you play classical guitar

It is a widespread myth that those who play the classical guitar must also sing along. This probably has something to do with the fact that classical guitarists tend to be pretty thoroughly grounded on musical theory, but this does not in any way ensure a great talent for singing. Many guitarists who play classical music do not want to work on their singing as they feel that their playing is sufficient. And it often is!

Myth #5: It’s a dead art!

There are always people who sneer that classical music is over, so obviously classical guitar is also obsolete. This is an absurd stance and simply not true. Good music is good music, whatever the genre. Popular bands have reinterpreted classical music and many artistes have played classical music, and these have been very well received. Classical music is still alive and breathing.

For more information on guitars in general, please refer to: www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

 

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Guitar Lessons: Types of Acoustic Guitars – Tonewood – Part I

May 19, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

Guitar Lessons:  Types of Acoustic Guitars – Tonewood – Part I

Acoustic guitars are really versatile instruments that come in a large number of different models. There are variations in shape, neck size, finish and wood. They are all important factors in how comfortable you get with your guitar and how suitable a specific guitar is to you. When you start your acoustic guitar lessons, keep in mind that each model is suitable to someone or the other, so you have to be specific what kind of guitar you are seeking. This specification should focus on the physical comfort of holding the guitar, the sound it gives and its suitability for the genre of music you want to excel in.

We have already seen what body styles are available and how they are different from each other here: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/guitar-lessons-types-acoustic-guitars-body-styles/. In this article, we will discuss the different wood materials from which the guitar is built. Each wood will give different sounds and will appeal to different people. It is believed that the wood chosen for the top is a large factor in determining what the sound of the guitar will be like.

Alder

A lightweight wood which gives out a clear and full tone, it is a commonly used wood for the body of the guitar. This is the wood used to make Fender Stratocasters. The wood is medium weight and appearance is light tan, which makes it suitable for a solid finish. The wood provides a decent sustain.

Ash

Ash guitars are of two types: the harder Northern type and the softer Southern type. The southern type is more suitable for guitars as it has a balanced, bright and warm sound. This wood looks lovely with a translucent finish. It is generally used for single-wood guitars.

Basswood

Basswood is a great choice for budget guitars. In spite of the low cost, it is a good light and soft wood with a fat, soft and balanced tone. The colour is light and has minimum grain, providing for a good finish.

Bubinga

Bubinga is an excellent wood for guitars, being hard, stiff, strong and dense. It is generally used for necks and fingerboards, which require the kind of durability the wood provides. The tone of the wood is thick and it provides good sustain. The colour is dark with distinctive grain patterns, and quite appealing.

Cedar

A wonderful and popular wood, cedar provides a warm and bright sound that is favoured by fingerstyle players. The wood responds quickly to the player, making this an ideal choice for classical or flamenco guitars. This wood is also used for sides and backs. It provides a distinct reddish finish which is quite attractive.

Ebony

Another hard and strong wood, ebony provides a strong sustain and snappy high tones. It has quick response, making it a good choice for fingerstyle players. It is also very durable and wears well without giving in to the pressure of the finger and string. It is also great to be used a fretboard material.

What wood you choose can ultimately affect your comfort level and sound of your guitar. Hence, this is a decision to be made very carefully after considering your requirements and preferences. You would not want to be stuck with an expensive and nice guitar with which you feel uncomfortable. So before taking your basic guitar lessons and purchasing your first guitar, explore research and understand before buying.

For more information on this subject, you can refer to: www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

 

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Guitar Lessons: Ukulele Styles

May 19, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

Guitar Lessons:  Ukulele Styles

Ukuleles come in several different styles, depending on their shapes, sizes and other specifications. In order to choose one that you like best, you need to be familiar with all the different choices available. The three major criteria to be looking at when choosing a ukulele are tone, shape and wood. Between these three, you can probably make a good choice depending on your needs. There are also considerations of budget and brand, but once you have the three important specifications in place, you are set to go. You can also opt for custom made ukuleles once you get beyond your ukulele beginner lessons. If you are still hesitant about choosing to learn this instrument, read this article: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/why-take-ukulele-lessons/.

Tonal ranges

There are four types of ukuleles: soprano, concert, tenor and baritone. The difference between them stems from the fact that they have different scale lengths and overall lengths as well as different tunings. All these variations result in providing different tones and sounds to the ukuleles. You need to be able to consider these variations when deciding on your purchase.

Soprano: The soprano is considered the original ukulele and its sound is the one that is generally associated with the instrument. Today, standard ukuleles are those which are soprano models. This type of ukulele is the smallest of them all and is relatively a good fit for children.

Concert: The concert ukulele is slightly bigger than the soprano one and has a slightly deeper and louder sound, though close enough to the standard ukulele to be considered as acceptable by conservatives.

Tenor: The tenor ukulele is a perfect instrument for large people with big hands since its fingerboard is spacious. The sound is very deep and resonant and it has a longer scale and length than the other options.

Baritone: The baritone ukulele is the biggest in size and can give out deep bass notes. It is suitable for those who want to learn ukulele and then move on to play the guitar. It is like a mini-guitar in many ways.

Body shapes

Guitar: Guitar shaped ukuleles are the most common ones. The look like a guitar but are generally easier to handle.

Pineapple: Originally designed by Kamaka, this shape is unique and lovely. If you want something different or funky, this is the one to choose.

Boat paddle: The name is quite apt for these ukuleles. They are quite comfortable for some people though it is the least popular option.

Woods

The wood used for constructing the ukulele plays a role in the production of sound, its durability, sustainability, comfort level and suitability for different persons. So just blindly picking up any ukulele without checking out the material it is made from is not advisable, as you will learn during your ukulele lessons.

The most common wood used for ukuleles is the Koa. It is a tropical wood that is found in abundance in Hawaii and has been the traditional choice for ukuleles for decades. It provides the ukulele with a lovely array of colours and beautiful patterns. Other generally used wood for ukuleles are cedar, mahogany, maple, redwood, rosewood, and spruce. Each wood has its own positive and negative properties and their appearance might be appealing or not depending on your tastes.

For more information on ukuleles, you can refer to: www.guitarlessonssingapore.com.

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All You Need To Know About Practicing For Bass Guitar Lessons

May 12, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

All You Need To Know About Practicing For Bass Guitar Lessons

Practice.  Practice. Practice.  Your music teacher may sound like a broken record, but practice separates the wannabes from the musicians.  It may be true that talent may take you far.  But with practice, your bass guitar lessons could give you the resilience you need to sustain the journey.  When the going gets tough, the tough gets going.

 

Your teacher may give you pointers on how to effectively practice what you’ve learned from your bass guitar lessons.  Singapore teachers may often emphasize on the drills and you could properly execute them on your own.  Here’s a quick reference on the ‘What’, ‘Where’, and ‘How Much’ practice it will take for you to become a competent bass player.

 

WHAT

Practicing enables you to absorb the new skills you learned in class.  You become more familiar with skills like memorizing chords and its corresponding finger positions.  Practicing gives you the ability to master playing and transitioning in between chords.  A sign of mastery is effortless execution. Yet practicing does not begin and end there. You need to practice more.  Yes, more!  This will serve to ‘maintain’ and hone your competencies further.

 

WHERE

The environment where you hold your practice could affect the productivity and effectiveness of each session.  Here are the factors to consider in identifying and setting-up your practice venue:

  • Identify an area that is quiet, comfortable, and well-lit.
  • Avoid distractions of any kind. Have everything that you use for practice within arms’ reach.
  • Consider the room temperature ideal for you. Studies show that colder temperatures are more relaxing and can enhance creativity.  While warm temperatures are good for increasing memory.
  • Set a dedicated practice spot or even an object such as a chair. Only use it for your practice session.  In this way, you are wiring your brain and body to get into ‘practice mode’.  As you get into the groove, you become more productive and efficient with your time and energy.

 

HOW MUCH

Perhaps you’ve heard epic stories of master bassists and guitarists who practiced until their fingers bled.  Or the likes of Jimi Hendrix who never put his guitar down.  For these masters, practicing has become second nature like breathing, sleeping, or eating.  This will all come in due time.  But for now, frequency over length of time would be far more effective and less stressful for beginners.

 

A consistent practice time of 30 minutes per day initially works best.  It will enable you to retain more without putting a strain on your mind and body.  Then eventually, you can build it up to about one or two hours per day, divided into chunks of 30 minutes per session.  Then as you get into the rhythm, you can ease your way into more practice hours.

For best results, complement your bass guitar lesson practice sessions with these tips to get your lessons up to speed: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/tips-to-supplement-bass-guitar-lessons-for-beginners/ .

 

Your bass guitar lessons is a two-fold process consisting of the actual lesson and the practice session.  Both should be closely supervised by a capable teacher.  Though your teacher may not be present during practice, competent teachers from http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/  integrate practice tips into the actual lesson. In this way, your alone-time for practices would be more fruitful and purposeful.

 

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Improving your Ukulele Playing – Part II

May 11, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

Improving your Ukulele Playing – Part II

Your ukulele playing can be improved over a period of time provided that you give sufficient time and attention to the particulars and your ukulele teacher is able to point out the main problems or insufficiency in your playing. We have already discussed some tips here: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/improving-ukulele-playing-part/.

Buy a metronome

Ukulele players, especially those taking beginner ukulele lessons, generally have a problem with timing. Even some experienced players have this problem. In fact, this is one of the main areas of improvement when it comes to the ukulele. The solution to this widespread problem is to simply  invest in a metronome. By using a metronome, you can play along while keeping track of the timing. It might be useful to first just strum up and strum down with the metronome ticking, just to get used to playing in rhythm with the timer. It is also a good idea not to let bad timing become a habit for beginners. Using a metronome from the beginning can prevent the formation of this habit in the first place.

Record yourself

When you are playing, you might sometimes realize where you are making mistakes. But most of the time, you will miss the obvious because your concentration is on the playing, not on listening to yourself. A good teacher will listen to you and point out your faults but he or she will not be able to do so every single time you practice. An alternative is to record yourself when you practice. You can then listen to this recording and try to pin down the instances when you made mistakes. Then play again while trying to improve or eliminate those mistakes. This way, you can teach yourself by listening to yourself.

Learn musical theory

If you are really intent on improving the way you play the ukulele and want to master the instrument, you will need to learn musical theory at one point or the other. Some teachers dispense with the theory learning in the beginning because not every student comes in with the same intent and many are not interested in something so heavy right at the beginning. Studying musical theory will help you improvise and compose within the framework, which is what music is all about. It will help you read and understand music sheets. By understanding the basic musical theory, you would also be able to become a better player.

Jam away!

If you want to be a real musician, you cannot just perform for yourself. You must perform for others because music is a dynamic, lovely thing and sharing it with everyone is the right thing to do. Find gigs to play, join up with others, and have fun. You could even arrange a play-along with your colleagues and friends one day a week. You can invite the other students you learn with at the ukulele lessons for beginners. When you play with others and for others, you will automatically be able to pick up on tips and tricks while at the same time receiving some feedback on your own performance. And most of all, you would be having fun while improving yourself.

If you are interested in learning more about the ukulele and are seeking tips and information on the subject, www.guitarlessonssingapore.com is a great resource for ukulele and guitar players.

 

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Whether you’re a beginner, rekindling a love for music, or preparing for exams, we connect you with skilled & experienced educators who tailor lessons to your needs.


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Saxophone Lessons: Saxophone Buyer’s Guide

May 11, 2024 Saxophone

Saxophone Lessons:  Saxophone Buyer’s Guide

When you first start out to take saxophone lessons, you realize that you can do a lot more and learn to play sax a lot faster if you actually had a sax available to you at all times. This means either renting or purchasing one. This can help you in practicing easily in your free time as well as enjoying playing time with the sax. Of course, there is the option to purchase a used saxophone, but if you plan to buy a new one, it might be helpful to tick a few boxes.

Settle on a musical genre

The first thing when purchasing a saxophone is to decide which type of sax you want to buy. There are several different voicings that are suitable for different musical genres and for different levels of your saxophone learning. Alto saxophones are the ones mostly used by beginners because it needs less air, making it perfect for beginners and younger students. For some students, it might take time to make a decision. In this case, always go in for a beginner sax, which would be generally alto. The different voices available are alto, tenor, bass and baritone, and soprano.

Find a brand you like

When it comes to saxophones, it is always better to buy from a good brand. Because this is an investment you are making for the long term, it is a good idea not to go for an instrument just because it is cheaper. Investing in your instrument is like investing in your musical future. So make sure that whatever you buy would last you for a few years. One of the reasons why branded saxophones are recommended is that it is easier to get them serviced in case of problems. With unknown brands, this can become a problem.

Buy a student level sax

There are many different types of saxophones that each player can purchase according to his or her requirements or tastes. However, certain saxophones are easier and better for beginners than others. Some, like the soprano saxophone, are generally used by professionals and are not very easy for students to use or learn. It makes sense for students to pick a sax which enables them to learn faster and learn better. Most students are advised to pick up an alto sax but bass or baritone saxophones are good for beginners too. Student level saxophones also tend to be less expensive and have features that make it easy for newbies to learn saxophone.

Research on the available options

The first thing to do before setting out to purchase a saxophone is to research all your options. You might want to set a budget for your purchase because some saxophones can be really expensive. You can learn all you need to about the different saxophones first, then go to the shop and try out the ones you are interested in. This approach reduces the level of confusion that might arise otherwise. It is a good idea to take along a friend who knows about saxophones or even your saxophone teacher along to buy the sax as they can help you make the right decision.

You can also check out the website, http://saxophonelessonssingapore.com/, which is a vast resource for saxophone enthusiasts. For more specific information on buying an instrument for beginners, this is a good article: http://saxophonelessonssingapore.com/buying-a-saxophone-in-singapore/.

 

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Caring for Your Cello – Maintenance

May 11, 2024 Cello

Caring for Your Cello – Maintenance

Keeping your cello in good shape will ensure that you get good service from your instrument for a great many years. With a bit of common sense, a little knowledge on maintaining your cello and some discipline, you will be able to regularly clean and maintain your cello so that it remains sparkling, clean and well-tuned, providing you with the pleasure of great music for a long time. For tips on how to clean the cello, you can check out the article: http://cellolessonssingapore.com/caring-cello-cleaning/.

In this article, we will discuss how to perform maintenance tasks on your cello on a regular basis.

Protect from humidity

The first rule to keeping your cello in good condition is to zealously protect it from humidity. The moisture from the air can harm your cello more than anything else you can think of. It can lead to the cello developing cracks or go out of tune. To prevent this, avoid playing your cello out in the open for long hours. Put your cello away every time you have done playing for the day because leaving it out in the open can expose it to moisture. If possible, make sure that you keep the cello in a room with level temperature and humidity. If this is not possible, pack it away in a padded case which will keep it safe from the elements.

Regular tuning

When you learn to play the cello, in order to play well, the cello needs to be tuned regularly so that it sounds good. Cello strings are wrapped around pegs attached to the body. By turning these pegs, the strings are tuned. A simple rule to remember is that tightening a string means raising the pitch and loosening it means lowering the pitch. Many cellos are also equipped with fine tuners on each string near the tailpiece. Doing this manually might take time and some level of expertise, so the best bet for beginners is to buy a digital tuner. The tuner indicates which direction to tune the string and provides the functions to do the tuning.

Handling the strings

There are four strings to every cello and they need to be re-stringed at one point or the other. The strings often break, and it should become second nature to you to be able to string them again properly. There is no need to change strings on a regular basis, though. Only do it when it appears as if they are about to break. Work on each string one at a time, and refrain from loosening the other strings while you are at it. Make sure that the strings are at the right height above the fingerboard. One thing to remember is to always keep extra strings with you in case one breaks during a performance. This is one skill that is taught in all beginner cello lessons.

Transportation

If you plan to travel regularly with a cello case, buy a hard case for it. Though chances of scratches on the cello might be more in case of a hard case, it will nevertheless protect the cello from damage during transit. Make sure that the inner side is soft-padded. If required, also put in a humidifier to keep the temperature and moisture level at a desirable state.

For more information on the cello, you can check out the website: www.cellolessonssingapore.com.

 

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Guitar Lessons: Types of Acoustic Guitars – Body Styles

April 27, 2024 Guitar / Ukulele

Guitar Lessons:  Types of Acoustic Guitars – Body Styles

 

Acoustic guitars are great for beginners taking acoustic guitar lessons as well as for experienced professionals. As guitars go, acoustic is the most popular type. But even within the genre of acoustic guitars, there are a great many variations. One of the variations that continuously crops up in discussions on comfort and compatibility is that of the body style.

There are three main body styles, and a few additional ones that are used sparingly. These are Classic: concert and grand concert, auditorium and grand auditorium, Dreadnought, and Jumbo. There are also other shapes that are not too common but will be discussed below.

Classic

The classic guitar is the one most commonly sought since it produces a good sound, is easy to handle for most people and also happens to have a long tradition behind it. It is especially popular with guitarists who fingerpick, because classic guitars tend to give excellent clarity between the high, mid and low tones. But this doesn’t mean that classic guitars don’t make for good strumming too, because they do. These generally use light gauge strings to avoid tensions on the neck.

Among the classic guitars, the concert guitar, dating back to the 1850s is excellent for petite musicians because of the smaller size of its body. However, it is the auditorium style which is in vogue and is extremely popular because it balances volume, tone, and comfort. Most people when they mention classic guitars, mean auditorium style acoustic guitars.

Dreadnought

The dreadnought guitar gives a bigger sound than the classic, and is preferred by people who want a more booming and powerful sound. This is made possible because of its large soundboard, which enhances the sound capability of the guitar. It is highly suitable for heavy strummers because of its shape. The body style is very distinctive with square bouts, wide waists and 14-fret necks. These guitars generally work best with medium gauge strings.

Jumbo

Large, powerful and loud, the jumbo guitars are popular with people who like the classic guitar shape but also want the powerful sound of a dreadnought. The jumbo can be considered a glorified classic guitar, but it has its own small quirks. While it can be uncomfortable when sitting down to play because the body is far too big to fit into the lap, it is highly suitable for performing artistes on the stage who generally tend to use guitar straps.

Travel and Mini-Acoustics

While the classic, dreadnought and jumbo styles are the most popularly used guitars, there are also mini guitars that have become available for special reasons. One reason is for smaller people to be able to handle a guitar. Children taking beginner guitar lessons are also able to handle these models effortlessly. These guitars are also useful for people who regularly travel but want to be able to work on their music while traveling.

There are two types of mini-guitars: those which are simply a smaller sized classic guitars and backpackers, which are designed to be durable and lightweight with a narrow body that makes it easy for transport.

For tips on purchasing an acoustic guitar, check out the article: http://guitarlessonssingapore.com/tips-for-purchasing-an-acoustic-guitar/. If you are seeking more information about guitars and guitar lessons, www.guitarlessonssingapore.com is a great resource.

 

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Drum Lessons: Types of Drums from Over the World

April 27, 2024 Drums

Drum Lessons: Types of Drums from Over the World

 

Drums are not only the oldest musical instruments ever invented, some dating as far back as 4000 BC, they are also the most prolific. There are more than a hundred different types of drums around the world. It would be impossible to chronicle them in one article, so this one will only cover the different types of acoustic and electronic drum sets. For most beginner drum lessons, these are the drum sets commonly used. To know about some basic drumming, refer to: http://drumlessonssingapore.com/drumming-101/.

Rock drums

Rock drum sets are larger and more powerful than most other drums available. Their tone tends to be deeper and they produce a higher volume of sound, required for rock. These sets can have deep and big toms and one or more bass drums that measure up to 22 by 28 inches, and a thick metal snare. Rock drums radiate power and sound.

Jazz drums

If rock drum sets are all about power, jazz drums are about taste and subtlety. Jazz drums provide more sounds and typically fewer cymbals are used. The bass used is also smaller, usually 18” by 20” in diameter. Jazz drum sets make it possible for the drummers to provide the more rhythmic music that the genre requires.

Fusion drums

Fusion kits are well known for their faster response that allows for quicker playing. They are slightly smaller than the rock drums and make a slightly less powerful sound. They are popular among younger players or among people who want a compact kit.

Electronic drums

The beauty of electronic drums is that there is an unbelievably range of sounds to be manipulated. These drums also provide percussion capabilities. The kits range from basic to highly professional. They need to be worked with interactive software and apps for accessing their different features. Though many people don’t opt for electronic drums, they can be very cool and fun.

Bass drums

Bass drums are not as popular as the acoustic or electronic versions, but they are very versatile and useful in most bands. It is technically a large drum that produces a low pitch sound. Cylindrical, with a diameter that is greater than its height, bass drums come in different sizes, though the size doesn’t really determine the sound or volume.

Snare drums

Snare drums are drums made of metal instead of wood. They are often used in orchestras, marching bands, concerts and parades since they produce a high pitch sound. Snare drum lessons Singapore can provide the drummer with a different perspective. The snare drum helps with setting the beat of the band. Different types of snares can help in subtly altering the voice of the kit.

Multi-tenor drums

Multi-tenor drums are exactly what the name implies. They are usually composed of four to six drums in a set and can be rearranged in different configurations to suit the music and the musician. Played with sticks, these drums produce high pitch and melodious tones. These are generally used in marching bands.

As we have seen, the types of drums depends on different variables, including the size of the drums, the kind of sound the drum produces as well as the variety of sounds that are produced. The combination of different types of drums produces a strong effect, which leads the kit to be classified in one way or the other.

For more information on drums, you can check out this vast resource on drums: www.drumlessonssingapore.com.

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Singing Lessons: What to Expect from Jazz Teachers

April 27, 2024 Singing

Singing Lessons: What to Expect from Jazz Teachers

 

Jazz is a cult music form, which has managed to become a mainstream genre. However, though popular among many people, it is not the first genre that will come to mind when people want to start their singing lessons. This just means that finding a teacher for jazz might be slightly more difficult than for other kinds of music. But it is not impossible. How do you choose a jazz teacher? Before we discuss that, you might want to check what would be expected of the students as detailed here: http://singinglessonssingapore.com/students-can-expect-learn-jazz-singing-lessons/.

Understanding jazz

There are many good singers and musicians out there, and some of them are excellent teachers. But if you want to master jazz, they can’t help you much. Jazz, as an art form, depends wholly on rhythm and you need a specially trained jazz singer to teach you this art. Make sure that the teacher you are considering is well versed in jazz music. You can verify this by either checking their credentials or by attending one of their jazz performances, preferably both. If you are training with a good jazz teacher, you can actually pick up very fast.

Breathing techniques

A jazz singing teacher should be able to teach you the breathing techniques required for vocal training. Every singer has to learn how to breathe properly so that you can sing for a long time without getting wound up. This is especially important for a jazz singer because of the kind of dynamics that jazz music has. With proper breath training, you will be able to control your breath, widen your range and improve your intonation, all of which would be helpful to you when singing. Find a teacher who insists on your learning these techniques because they are very important.

Rhythm

Unlike classical and pop music, you cannot really learn jazz songs and then replicate the performance. Jazz is a living and dynamic music that each person can perform in their own unique manner. Constant improvisation is the key in learning jazz singing. But to be able to improvise, you need to be well grounded in the basics of jazz music. Your teacher should be able to help you in finding your feel for the music and in adjusting to a rhythm so that you can sing in your own style without losing track of the music.

Technique

Singing jazz means using a conversational, speech-like approach to singing. The primary importance in jazz is telling the story. For this, jazz singers use a variety of musical timbres, which could include anything from sensuous to classic to aggressive, each time telling a story with the tone of your voice. This can be very demanding on the singer and most jazz teachers would ensure that their students learn voice techniques well in order to express themselves through their singing. Jazz singing lessons should definitely include various techniques useful for the expression of feelings through the music.

Ultimately, the good teacher would be able to bring out the natural talent of the student by teaching them the various basics necessary to master jazz singing. Jazz is considered as physically less demanding than classical music, though the actual technique can be considerably more complex. With a good teacher, you would be able to work on your skills properly. For information on all aspects of singing, check out: http://singinglessonssingapore.com/.

 

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Reduce stress

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