Guitar / Ukulele

Advantages of Individual vs. Group Guitar Lessons

When you choose to take lessons in guitar, the first choice is whether to opt for private lessons or for group lessons. There are advantages and disadvantages to both options, and the decision that suits you best might not be best for everyone. First, understand the consequences of choosing an option and then make a decision on what kind of guitar classes would suit you best.

Advantages of group lessons

• Price is a big consideration for most people, and group lessons tend to be less expensive than individual lessons because the teacher is spending less time with more students. In this case, more people are paying for the teacher’s time, which brings down the overall cost for each session. By the same token, it also means that you can get more lessons less expensively.
• A main advantage to taking guitar lessons in a group is that it helps students to work with different people and observe different styles of playing. Students can learn much more in a group session simply by observing each other and playing together. Meeting other people who are interested in music is also very important in the beginning because it sets the base for forming relationships with people with the same hobby or interest. Learning with like-minded people can increase motivation among students.
• By learning guitar in a group setting, you can compete with someone else and have a reason to perform better. It is human nature for people to be competitive and try to outdo their peers, and this works in a guitar learning context as well. A bit of friendly competition with your peers will improve your playing much faster than otherwise.
• Students who learn to play in a group find it easier to play in sync with the others in a band or a music group. With the experience of working with other people, these students learn teamwork quite early in their musical education, which helps them perform better in the long run.

Advantages of individual lessons

• For those who cannot keep up with a group or those who are far ahead of the group, individual guitar lessons make more sense. Such students are able to concentrate more when they work at their own pace. The teacher can thus focus on one student and can tailor the lessons according to the student’s needs, leading to optimum results.
• If the student is busy and cannot work around their schedule too much, then private lessons are a boon. It offers more flexibility for students to set their own times for lessons and work with just one other person – the teacher. It is especially true for working professionals and those with extremely busy schedules, who are also devoted to learning to play the guitar.
• Some students, especially beginners, are intimidated by the thought of playing in front of many others, who might be better than they are. If the student has a problem performing in front of others or other issues with insecurity, individual lessons would give him or her to learn in privacy until they can gain some confidence.
• With a one-to-one schedule, guitar teachers can help students set clear goals and work towards it in a manner that is most comfortable to them. If the student already has ideas about what they want to learn and how much time they are willing to devote towards it, this convenience can be given in individual lessons.

Practice Tips to Enhance Your Ukulele Lessons (Part 2 of 2)

Many would agree that the ukulele looks like a fun and easy musical instrument. But learning to play the ukulele entails work and dedication. In spite of having that laid-back and carefree vibe, you need to reinforce your ukulele lessons with practice.

Ukulele classes are usually an hour long per session. But your lesson does not stop there. In fact, it has just begun. Your teacher is there to guide you through the learning process. The key to unlock mastery of the ukulele is through consistent and committed practice.

Make the most out of your practice sessions with these tips:

Practice

• Timing: Every song has a beat and rhythm that flows with specific time signature. Timing is the element that binds your chord positions and strumming patterns into a melodic and cohesive sound. Practice chord transitions and strumming patterns following the rhythm of the song. Start practicing slow and steady. Build-up your speed until you have worked your way to the proper pace of the song.

• One section at a time: Don’t attempt to attack the full song in one sitting. Start with the ‘easy’ parts. Or maybe you can master it one stanza at a time. Once you’ve got the hang of it, it would be easier to transition and focus on the tricky parts of the song.

• Daily: Practicing at least 20 to 30 minutes a day can work wonders on your progress on ukulele lessons. Diligence, perseverance, and regular practice could cause a great impact on your overall ability.

• But know when to stop: Torturing yourself will do you more harm than good. Yes, there will be pain that promises gain. However, know the limit of how much pain you could take as it might cause injury or permanent damage. Give your body the time to rest and heal so you’ll gain more strength to play. If pain is internal or persists, go see a doctor.

Record yourself and listen

It is difficult to play, listen to yourself, and analyse your performance all at the same time. Record yourself. Sit back and listen. In doing so, you can spot errors, weakness spots to improve on.

Play for and with others

Of course you want to impress people and make them feel good while you play, right? This would give you enough reason and pressure to persevere and up your game. Playing with others also give you accountability and focus to catch up and be in-synch with the other players.

Admire, watch, and learn from the masters

Let them be your inspiration and motivate you to be a better player. Emulate and imitate, yet develop your own style as well.

Enjoy!

Bob Brozman, a ukulele virtuoso was quoted stating the fact that any language in the world say it as “play music”. There’s no such thing as “work music”. So, just enjoy and have fun with the ukulele.

Practice is an investment. The amount of time and effort you put into ukulele lessons and practice, would reflect on your progress. If you practice today, you reap the rewards of being a good ukulele player tomorrow. And who knows, you may even make a career out of it too.

Tips to Enhance Your Ukulele Lessons (Part 1 of 2)

Ukulele players really make playing the ukulele look so easy and effortless. Yet looks could be deceiving, right?  Learning to play any musical instrument requires dedicated and passionate effort.  Hence, ukulele lessons are not an exception.

It is a fact.  The ukulele has got a fun and easy-going vibe about it.  It is often seen and played on beaches, bonfires, summer camps.  It is rarely associated with more ‘serious’ venues like concert halls or theaters.  With this, the ukulele has not been taken seriously by musicians…until now.  The ukulele has made a sweeping comeback, so to speak.  As of late, it has been getting applauses, standing ovations, and gaining its rightful place on the onstage.

So now you’re serious about learning to play the ukulele?  Here are some pointers while getting started:

The Basics:

1. Get yourself / Buy / Own a Ukulele.   Generally, ukuleles are not expensive.  They are easy to find as most music stores carry them.  Shop around.  Find what you think is best and easy on your budget as well.

2. Learn the proper way of holding a ukulele.  The ukulele is such a portable instrument.  Hence, it does not  require straps that would hold it in place.  If you’re sitting down, just let the body rest on your leg, while your arm rests on it while strumming.  If you are going to play it standing up, the body should rest against your chest, while your strumming arm would keep it fastened.  Of course, it takes practice to be able to do these.  Find a comfortable position. Keep it steady.  Do not push it against your body too tightly for it will block sound vibrations.

3. Learn the chords.  You won’t be able to play a song on your ukulele unless you know the chords. Your sessions with ukulele teachers would consist mainly of learning the chords.  Start with the basic and master them.  You have to be able to finger them with your eyes closed.  It takes a lot of brain and muscle memory and coordination to do so.  The keyword: Practice.

4. Learn how to strum.  Indeed, the up-down-up-down motion is a start.  There are no shortcuts.  It’s a matter of getting the hang of it.  But once you do, improvisation, skill, creativity, sense of rhythm and timing would take over.  Your strumming patterns should be in accordance to the rhythm and beat of the song.

5.  The joy of learning is best felt when you are relaxed.  Learning is best when there is no fear or tension, especially in young children.  Your body also responds well when muscles are relaxed. Chord fingering requires pressure in order to produce sound. Yet,  a song always has moments of silence or ‘rest’.  Your body should be in synch and respond to these ‘rest’ periods.

With the phenomenal comeback of the ukulele in mainstream music, people took notice.  And they love it!  That is why ukulele lessons are now on the rise.  Yes, it looks easy but it don’t come easy.  Practice is what makes a happy, carefree, and fun-loving ukulele player!

Bass Guitar Lessons: Preparing You How to be a Band Bass Player

A band would not sound full and complete without a bass.  You may not be able to hear its deep and low sound above the guitar riffs or the banging of the drums. But if you take it away, there’s definitely something missing.  Taking bass guitar  lessons will make you realize that a band’s bassist has a crucial role to play.

In a band, each member may have its own share of quirks and perks. The lead vocalist getsall the spotlight.  The drummer gets all the girls.  The guitarists get all the admiration.  While the bass player is…’the fat guy who stands at the back’?

Here are some to-do tips that will show the importance of a bass player in a band:

1. Keep it together.  Guitarists plays chords.  Alongside, the bassist plays one note at a time.   The bass serves to connect all those guitar chords together.  The bass acts as a bond, ensuring a tight yet smooth flowing synthesis of harmony and rhythm.

2. Play the supporting role.  On a positive note, he bass player may have been referred to as ‘that fat guy at the back’ because he is heavy on bass playing skills.He carries the weight of harmony and rhythm on his shoulders.  It’s true, a bass player primarily plays a supporting role.  However, you should not be led to believe that bassists can never lead a band nor be an icon.

3. Be the pulse-keeper.  This requires you to lock-in or work closely with the drummer.  Both of you should function as time-keepers.  Establish and maintain the precise and steady flow of the beat.  In bass guitar lessons, you may have used a metronome to develop your sense of time.  Yet it would be great for you to have your own inner clockwork too.

4. Be in command of the rhythm.  Being the bass player, you need to be the driver of the rhythm. Fasten it on to the beat.  You need to know when to hit the notes as you cruise along the rhythm and the beat.  A smooth, easy, and memorable sound trip lies in your hands.

5. Find your shining moments.  Embrace the fact that songs do not always have bass solo parts.  Yet there are quite a number of songs out there that have brilliant and memorable bass lines.  They made a mark in history.  Think Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust” or “Under Pressure, to name a few.  Seize the moment, yet do not overdo it.  It is best to go with the flow and keep your stance on guarding the rhythm.

6. Be yourself. Be cool. Lead vocalists may prance around onstage. Lead guitarists may smash their guitars to smithereens.  Well, that’s their thing.  You may come up with your own antics as well.  Yet keep focused on what you really have to do.  Being yourself is the best way to bring out the cool in you.

Your bass guitar lessons are important for you get to know all about that bass. If you’re on the right track,  you’ll see that fitting-in and maneuvering your way to the role of band bass player could be no trouble at all.

How to Make Acoustic Guitar Lessons Easier For Adults

Now is the time to break the spell that has kept you frozen since forever. ‘One of these days, I’ll learn how to play the guitar’. Yes, you’ve heard that little voice inside you say it many moons ago. Now is the time you to take heed, get into action, and sign-up for acoustic guitar lessons.

Age is but a number, in learning to play the acoustic guitar. Passion, creativity, feeling good, and having fun are what count the most. Here are tips on how to get started:

Start Now. Guitar playing requires an investment of time and effort. There is no easy-street that could provide you with a short cut.

Know your motivation. As an adult, it may be clearer to you now the reasons why you want to play the guitar. Unlike kids who may be heavily influenced by their parents. Your purpose or motivation will be the fuel that will fire your passion.

Be realistic. You’ve held on to your rock star fantasies all these years. But rock and roll success does not come overnight, right? Start with basic and easy pieces until you work your way up to the “Stairway To Heaven”.

No pain, no gain. Acoustic guitar strings are usually made of steel. Expect to feel pain. Unlike kids, your tolerance for pain is definitely much higher. You’ll get blisters, sores, or your fingertips might bleed a little. But you can handle it.

Maturity. Your acoustic guitar lessons are not always a walk in the park. There will be challenging moments that will get you frustrated. Your patience will always be tested. You may often find yourself on the verge of quitting. You’ve been through and are going through life. Channel all these into your playing. Going through these and overcoming them could bring you to an amazing level of progress.

Connect and socialize with other guitar players. Positive energy is contagious. When you share the same vibe with the people around you, things get easier. Guitar playing is more enjoyable. Aside from learning guitar playing techniques from each other, you also get a boost of confidence.

It’s not a race. There’s no use in sulking in regret of not learning to play the guitar earlier in life. Run at your own pace, but push yourself as well. Don’t think of it as a competition, but set your sights on your goal. Fix your eyes on the prize of fulfilling your passion and enjoying the moment.

Be consistent. You may have your moments of procrastination, but you can fight it, right? Consistency in playing and practicing are essential keys in unlocking your potential as a guitar player. The need to consistently practice could not be stressed enough. Your fingers need to have muscle memory in chord fingering. And yes, build those calluses.

In acoustic guitar lessons, age truly does not matter. Do not get intimidated when you see students half your age or even tiny tots winging it. This is not a competition. Play at your own pace and enjoy the journey!

Classical Guitar Lessons:  Getting To Know the Classical Guitar

Not all guitars are created from the same materials. The classical guitar is very similar to its brother — the acoustic guitar. Others may think they’re one and the same. Even students of classical guitar lessons, may not even be aware of the differences. In essence, both are considered ‘acoustic’ guitars. This is due to the fact that both produce sound from within the guitar itself, without the use of electric power. Yet, the classical guitar has its own merits.

If you are a guitar student, it is essential to know your instrument. What are its most distinguished features that make it stand out?  How does it sound, and what type of music is most suited for it?

A quick reference guide on getting to know the classical guitar:

Size:  Compared to the acoustic guitar, the classical guitar is relatively smaller in size.

Shape:  Both may have varying shapes. The classical guitar typically has a rounder body shape.  It is similar to that of an hourglass or a figure of eight.

Sound hole:  A classical guitar has a decorative artwork surrounding its sound hole.

Missing Scratch plate and Strap button:  Putting it side-by-side an acoustic guitar, you would notice that a classical guitar does not have a piece of plastic plate adjacent to the sound hole.  Also, a classical guitar is not usually played with a strap on  thus, it does not have a strap peg at the bottom.

Headstock:  The headstock of  a classical guitar have hollows and are uniform in design.  However, an acoustic or an electric guitar are not hollowed, and may come in various styles.

The Neck and Fret board:  

1. A classical guitar has a wider neck than an acoustic guitar.  Hence, young children who are or would be taking classical guitar lessons, may find fingering chords more challenging.  Their tiny hands and fingers may not quite get a good grip and apply ample pressure on the strings due to the width of the guitar neck.
2. In the neck, the strings are spaced farther apart in order for the player to have ease in maneuvering fingers while picking or plucking the strings.
3. A classical guitar’s fret board does not come with dot fret markers.

Strings:  Nylon strings are used in classical guitars.  Nylon strings are said to be more ‘child and skin friendly’.  It is less irritating on the skin, thus, minimizes the likelihood of developing blisters and scratches.  This prevents young children from experiencing the trauma of pain while learning to play the guitar.

Sound and music style:  The classical guitar has a soft and mellow tone.  It sounds best when playing classical, Latin and Brazilian music like the flamenco.  Its melancholy tone is also suited for country and folk music.

Price:  The classical guitar is relatively cheaper. It has simpler  features as it does not have various buttons, knobs, pegs, and switches that come with its acoustic and electric counterparts. Yet price ranges may vary depending on the make, material used, and the brand of the guitar.

In classical guitar lessons, it pays to enrich yourself with knowledge about your musical instrument.  Exploring every nook and cranny of your guitar is a rewarding experience in itself.

Learning about a new instrument is always a challenging experience. With classical guitar lessons you learn about the fun ways this could be accomplished and how to make the experience really worthwhile. The right teachers will turn this into an adventure that you can both enjoy and profit from. So start your new adventure now and find the right school and teachers for you or your child.

TOP REASONS WHY UKULELE LESSONS ARE EASY AND FUN

A child learns best when he is having fun.  He may also gain more confidence in pursuing learning new skills when the initial steps are easy. If you are thinking of a ‘kid-friendly’ music instrument, the ukulele could be your best bet. Ukulele lessons are ideal for younger children who will be learning a musical instrument for the very first time.

The ukulele or ’uke‘ for short, belongs to the family of stringed instruments.  The uke is the guitar’s ‘little brother’.  They  look quite the same, and playing methods are similar too. Both are played using chords and produce sounds by strumming the strings.  However, the ukulele is smaller and only has four strings.

Reasons why the ukulele could be a simple yet exciting musical instrument for your child:

1. Less Strings:   With only four strings, your child’s tiny hands and fingers could easily handle and reach the strings and the uke’s fret board.

2. Soft Strings: Other stringed instruments like the guitar or banjo have strings made out of steel for better sound quality. Handling steel strings require more force and pressure.  Pain and stress could be a deterrent or it may even be traumatic for your child.  The uke has nylon strings.  Thus, it is softer and more manageable for your children’s small and delicate fingers.

3. Simple, Easy to Play Chords:  Your child could easily execute a ukulele chord with just one finger. And yes, he can actually play a song using those one-fingered chords.  With proper guidance from ukulele teachers and ample practice, kids would also find playing the two and three finger chords a piece of cake!

4. Easy to Strum: The four soft strings of the ukulele make strumming easy and almost effortless for children.  Young kids could readily pick up the rhythm and do coordinated strumming with the single-finger and simple chord patterns.

5. Lightweight and Compact:  Your child’s small body frame could easily carry this light-as-feather instrument.  The size of the ukulele is a perfect fit on your child’s small hands and tiny fingers.  He could easily grip the neck and fret board. He could wrap his arms round the uke’s body frame while reaching to touch the strings for strumming.

6. Convenient and On-The-Go:  You can play the ukulele practically anytime, anywhere.  It could easily fit into a bag or you could just carry it with your hands.  Perfect for road trips, bonfires, or just chillin’ with family or friends.  An impromptu jamming or sing-along could develop confidence in performing before an audience.

7. Appealing and Heartwarming: A ukulele is a “cute” instrument.  It does not look intimidating in the eyes of a child.  It has that loveable appeal.  Kids can easily hold and cuddle it. It has a lilting sound that brings joy and cheer.

8. Ease in Transitioning to a Guitar:  The principles of playing the ukulele is very similar to that of a guitar or other stringed instruments. Thus, making your child more capable of handling and adjusting to the complexities of guitar playing.

Ukulele lessons for your child could heighten his interest in music. He may seriously pursue it. Or it could even serve as a springboard for him to explore and venture into other musical instruments.  Either way, your child would definitely enjoy and have fun learning it.

Adults would also find this fun to learn while supervising their children’s ukulele lessons. With the simple chords and strumming techniques of this wonderful instrument, most adults can play it just by idly looking on or sitting in in your child’s classes. Take the lessons and have fun learning the ukulele with your kids now!

Guitar Lessons Now.  Guitar-Playing Career Later?

“The guitar’s all right John, but you’ll never make a living out of it”.  Those were the famous words uttered by his Aunt Mimi to the teenaged John Lennon.  We know the story.  John Lennon proved her wrong.  You are not taking guitar lessons ‘just for the sake of playing’, right? Guitar playing may be a hobby for some.  But for others, it may lead to something more.

You may be serious about a career that would allow you to play the guitar and get paid for it.  Your rock star dreams may not all come true.  Yet it is possible to live in a reality where your guitar-playing job could actually pay the bills or give you a decent source of living.

Jobs and Earning Opportunities for Guitar Players:

1. A Professional Artist / Band

Regular and paid gigs in clubs, coffee shops, restaurants, weddings, cruise ships and other venues can give you a steady stream of income.  The discipline and the long practice hours you invested on guitar lessons would definitely help you in this pursuit.  This career requires dedication, professionalism, and flexibility.

2. Live Guitar Session Players

This would require you to play with different band members. You may serve as session or substitute guitarist for a touring band or artist.  They could hire you for a few hours or a one-night gig.  Or you could be in contract for weeks, months or the entire duration of a concert tour.

3. Guitar Player For Recording Sessions

Record producers usually hire session musicians to record the backing tracks for recording artist’s single or album.  Filmmakers or TV producers may hire guitarists to compose and play music scores or soundtracks.  While advertising creative directors may require you to compose commercial jingles.

4. Online Service Or Viral Video Sensation   

Earn from your guitar playing skills by uploading ‘demo’ or ‘how-to’ videos related to guitar playing.  Moreover, your awesome and unique guitar skills may draw a lot of eyeballs, clicks, views, and shares from social media netizens all over the world.  Yes you can earn online, especially from advertising revenue shares from social media platforms like YouTube.

5. Guitar Teacher

The baton has been passed on to you by your guitar teacher.  You can follow the career path of giving guitar lessons in a music school or an online school.  Or you could be a private guitar tutor.

6. Guitar Manufacturer and Repair Person  

If you have skilled hands to create and fix guitars, this could be a lucrative business or a good employment opportunity.  Guitar skills are a must. You need to be able to play and test if the instrument passes sound quality standards.

7. Guitar Book Author or Article Writer

No one is credible enough to write about guitars than a guitarist himself.  This could be your avenue to share your techniques, tips, and experiences in guitar playing.  You earn from book publishing royalties or get paid for every article that you write and publish.

Just like in school, your guitar lessons could give you a simulation of what it takes and what is required of you as a guitar player.  From there, you could evaluate your skills and motivations.  If John Lennon’s Aunt Mimi would utter the same words to you now, would you be ready to take-up the challenge?

Take advantage of the vast opportunity for a guitar player by taking guitar lessons now. You can be sure that all results will be positive whether you just want to play for your pleasure or to make a career out of it in the future. The friends you will make, the connections you will establish and the fun things you will learn are just a few of the things that will make guitar lessons truly worth your time and effort.