The benefits of music lessons

Private music lessons are a great investment in your child's future. Not only will they gain valuable skills and knowledge, but they'll also build confidence along the way!

Studies show that children who take private music lessons at an early age (between 5-7 years old) have higher IQs than those who don't receive musical training until later in life. This is because music stimulates neural activity in the brain like no other activity can!

Private music lessons are also great because they give you one-on-one attention from an expert in the field. Not only will you learn faster than if you were learning on your own, but you'll also build confidence as you see how much progress you're making!

Another key benefit of taking private music lessons is that you can learn at your own pace. You don't have to worry about being judged or slowed down by other students in a group lesson who might not be as good at music as you are or as interested in it as much as you are! In fact, some people even find that their musical skills improve faster when they take private lessons because they're able to focus completely on what they're doing without worrying about whether or not everyone else in the room is keeping up with them.

The ideal age to start taking private music lessons depends on your child's interests and abilities. If they have an interest in music or are musically inclined, then starting early would be beneficial. However, if your child doesn't show an interest then it might not be worth investing in private lessons until they're older (around middle school or so).

If you want to become a better musician then private music lessons are definitely something that you should consider investing in! They'll help take your skills to the next level!

If you want to sign up out a free trial lesson at Matt Burk Music Studio before making a decision to begin lessons, then just give us a call or fill out this short form (https://www.wannalearnmusic.com/free-trial-lesson).

We would love to meet you and help you reach your goals in music!

When to Start Learning Which Instrument: A Guide by Age

As we've discussed time and again on our blog, the benefits of enrolling your children in music lessons are numerous and long-lasting. So as a parent, how can you know which instrument accommodates your child's age and abilities? 

In most cases, the key to learning any musical instrument lies in extensive practice. But, striving to find an instrument that reflects your child's natural interests and abilities is just as important. Choosing the most suitable instrument will make the learning process significantly more enjoyable.

Before you rush out and buy your toddler a guitar, take a few minutes to read over the following guidelines where we explore what is the best age to start which instruments, and what learning those instruments can teach your budding musician. 

Keep in mind that at any age, learning an instrument should always be an amusing, enjoyable, and engaging experience. This is something that is so much easier to achieve working with engaged and passionate private music teachers like you’ll find at Matt Burk Music Studio, private music lessons for all ages in Plano, Allen and Frisco, Texas. 

Early Elementary: 

As your child begins to mature and progress, consider making the transition to more advanced instruments and lessons. Their physical growth and ability to listen and follow directions are essential skills required to progress their knowledge and skills. The most appropriate instruments for this age group normally include Piano and Violin. These instruments require slightly more advanced motor skills, coordination, and technique, which comes with age and private instruction. 

Later Elementary and Beyond: 

As your child continues to grow, it's important to understand and consider their interests and abilities when choosing an appropriate instrument. It's crucial they feel personally motivated and connected to their instrument. Help them develop a genuine connection and desire to enhance their skills and progress. Take the time to determine their personal musical preferences and overall aptitude. Popular instruments children enjoy playing at this age include the Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Trumpet. This group of versatile instruments demands increased motor skills, strength, and physical ability.

While this is not a full list of instruments, hopefully, it gives you a better idea and understanding of how to make the most informed decision for your child. If at any point, you feel your child is disinterested or longing to explore other musical instruction, take the time to explore private vocal lessons. Through careful instruction and tried techniques, our vocal coaches will have your child singing to the fullest of their ability. Always remember to encourage and invite your child to have fun and enjoy the experience, especially at times when they may feel discouraged or demotivated. For more information about music lessons or instrument selection, contact Matt Burk Music Studio today.

Music and Brain Development: A Lifetime Friendship

In a world of contrasting opinions, it's difficult to know how you can truly keep your brain sharp as you age. Contrary to popular belief - and the efforts of big business - researchers have found little evidence supporting the idea that exercises like virtual brain games or training activities benefit your brain. 

But if brain games are a farce, what can you do to keep your brain in tip-top form? The answer? Playing a musical instrument.

Learning to play and consistently practice an instrument has been proven to alter brain functioning for the better. Studies conducted at the University of Montreal affirm that musicians tend to be more mentally alert, possessing enhanced auditory, tactile, and audio-tactile reaction times and skills. Music effectively stimulates the brain because of its unique ability to pull us in. As humans, we all have a deep-rooted emotional connection to music. We can feel it in us.

With this in mind, it’s easy to recognize that brain games lack the necessary elements which constitute a rich and complex experience. Playing an instrument requires the use of eyes, ears, mouth, and other extremities to perform coordinated motor functions. Regularly repeating these complex functions result in powerful, long-lasting changes in the brain. Reputably, the greatest difference in brain structure from musicians to non-musicians is larger strings of nerve fiber connecting one side of the brain to the other. In concrete terms, playing music physically changes your brain, leading to increased verbal memory, spatial reasoning, and literacy skills. 

Studies show that younger individuals who consistently learn and practice an instrument early on in life will experience the most impactful brain development. For example, playing music has proven to help develop speech processing and learning in children with dyslexia. The process of learning an instrument as a child can even defend the brain from illnesses like dementia.

Additional ways music or playing an instrument strengthens your brain include: 

• Promotes connection with others. Think of your favorite band and how their communication, coordination, and harmony produce great music.

• Increases memory and reading skills. Music and reading utilize standard neural and cognitive mechanisms.

• Naturally increases happiness. Music can naturally make you smile.  

• Enhances multi-functioning. Consistently using multiple functions at once increases multi-sensory skills.

• Improves blood flow in the brain. Small bursts of musical training enhance blood flow in the brain, making it a natural energy booster. 

• Helps in recovering from brain injuries. Music helps re-acquire important motor functions.  

• Reduces stress and depression. Studies show that playing or listening to music reduces levels of anxiety and depression. 

• Strengthens the brain's executive functioning. Processing information, retaining information, making decisions, and problem-solving increase through music exposure. 

So do it for your brain! A lifetime love of playing music begins the moment you pick up an instrument. Matt Burk Music Studio can help you learn how to play it. Experts music lessons for all ages in Plano, Frisco, and Allen, Texas. We proudly teach piano, bass guitar, drums, guitar, violin, voice and songwriting. Contact us to schedule a FREE introductory lesson.

The Benefits of Playing Music with Others

As a parent, one of the best ways to provide an enriching and interactive education for your children is involving them in music, whether singing or playing an instrument. Learning and creating music in a group setting, particularly at a young age, can greatly enhance their quality of life and value of meaningful relationships. At Matt Burk Music Studio in Frisco, Allen and Plano, Texas, we encourage our students to participate in ensemble programs whenever possible, as a vital supplement to their private lessons.

Parents are responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable environment for their children to develop and cultivate wholesome passions and pursuits. Of course, circumstances may vary from child to child, however conquering shyness, increasing motivation, developing teamwork skills, and cultivating purpose are all important advantages of early enrollment in group music lessons.

What’s so good about playing music in a group?

Learning music theory and technical music skills is challenging for children, especially those with less inherent interest and motivation to do so. Private lessons motivate children to focus and become more comfortable in a learning environment free of judgment and exterior critique. One-on-one lessons boost confidence and identity while instilling a strong sense of responsibility. It allows shy and introverted children to step out of their comfort zone, eliminating the possibility of blending into a crowd. These personalized lessons are an important preparatory step to playing in a group setting. When children play together in a group, they begin to sincerely enjoy the process, collectively enduring whatever trials or difficulties they may face along the way. In short, playing music in a group is fun. The amount of love, motivation, and support available in group settings is unmatched.

Regularly practicing and playing music in the presence of others is an important step in reducing feelings of nervousness or fear during a set performance. If your child is shy or reserved, adding a group jam session into their schedule of private lessons will help them overcome insecurities and cultivate meaningful friendships. It’s less intimidating to them, knowing that they are part of a team.

Children also have unique opportunities to flex their technical muscles playing in an ensemble. Listening to their peers play different parts of a piece of music helps them learn the importance of orchestration and tone balance. They can practice counting and generate strong rhythmic skills. Playing in a group setting is often when music “clicks” for a young student, and things go from “playing an instrument” to “making music.”

In reality, there are innumerable benefits connected with playing music in a group setting. By pairing ensemble playing with the expert private lessons like you’ll find at Matt Burk Music Studio, students can boost their confidence, become more well-rounded musicians, and inspire a deeper love for music than they ever would just playing alone. Sign up your budding musician at Matt Burk Music Studio, music lessons in Frisco, Allen and Plano, Texas.

How You Can Determine the Length of a Music Lesson For Your Student

In the world of music lessons, everyone starts at a different level. A few factors determine how long a student's lesson should be.

1. What level is the student? Typically, beginners will have shorter lessons while they practice and build their skills.
2. How long or short is the student's attention span? If they seem bored with the lesson, then at that point they are not learning effectively.
3.  How old is the student? Usually, the older a student is, whether new or experienced, the lesson is over 30 minutes.
4.  How interested is the student in the lesson? The more involved a student is in their music, the longer the lesson may be.

Lessons can be anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour or more. Let us help you find the right length for your lesson. Call Matt Burk Music Studio for more information at 469-353-6100.

Music Lesson Frisco TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Don't Sing too Much: Learn to Sing and Stay Vocally Healthy

Have you ever heard the phrase, “too much of a good thing”? Just as this popular saying applies to candy or french fries, it also applies to singing! While singing is some people’s favorite activity, too much of it can damage your vocal cords and prevent you from singing in the future. Matt Burk Music Studio wants to share the importance of vocal cord health and give you tips for staying vocally healthy while singing.

Why Singing too Much is Dangerous

When you begin learning to sing, you may practice consistently or continue singing for fun during free time. While singing is a beautiful talent and rewarding hobby, it’s important to give your vocal cords a rest sometimes. Just like any other part of your body, you can damage your vocal cords with overuse.

Walking barefoot all day would leave your feet swollen and blistered, clapping for hours would leave your hands red and sore, if not blistered and bleeding. The same goes for your vocal cords.

The first sign of overuse is vocal cord swelling. If you continue to sing with swollen cords, you may develop nodules (calluses), polyps (blisters), or a hemorrhage (bloody cords). Treatment for issues associated with vocal cord overuse ranges with a variety of practices including vocal rest and vocal therapy, but severe cases may require surgery. If these problems are left untreated, they can permanently damage both your speaking and singing voice.

Staying Vocally Healthy as a Singer

The threat of damaged vocal cords might sound scary, but there is good news! The right practices and vocal health maintenance can prevent damage to your vocal cords. In fact, some singers are required to use their voice for six or more hours per day, but focusing on vocal health keeps their voice sharp and clear through even the longest performances. Here are some steps you can take to keep vocally healthy:

• Drink plenty of water.  Try carrying a water bottle around with you and be sure to stay hydrated. Hydrated vocal cords remain plump, making them less prone to injury.
• Get enough sleep.  Just like fatigue affects your other muscles, lack of sleep can put a strain on your vocal cords. Find time in your schedule to ensure you’re getting enough rest.
• Stay active.  Exercise is a great way to relieve tension. Most of today’s desk jobs create muscle tension that centers around your neck and throat, so get out and get moving today!
• Address allergies and acid reflux.  Seasonal allergies often lead to the dreaded post-nasal drip that can irritate your throat and vocal cords. Try antihistamines and nasal sprays to keep your allergies in check and your vocal cords free of mucus. Acid reflux, on the other hand, repeatedly bathes your vocal cords in stomach acid. Reflux can cause a myriad of vocal cord issues for singers, so speak with your doctor about treatment options if you think you may suffer from acid reflux.
• Remember to warm up.  Just like an athlete will stretch before an intense workout, a singer should warm up before tackling a complicated piece of music. Warm ups get your voice ready for the task at hand and lead to less vocal injuries overall.

The #1 Rule for Singers

An athlete with poor form will end up with injuries. The same rule applies to singing. To stay healthy when you sing, you must learn proper vocal practices. Your voice teacher can help you learn to sing better overall by first perfecting your technique. If you want to learn to sing and keep your voice healthy too, give us a call at (469) 353-6100 or visit us online today http://www.wannalearnmusic.com.

Matt Burk Music Studio | Learn to Sing Frisco TX | (469) 353-6100

How a Music Lesson in Frisco can Help Your Child in Math Class

Math and music may seem like classes on opposite ends of a spectrum, especially from a child's point of view. As it turns out, though, math class and a music lesson aren't all that different. Practicing a beat and rhythm when playing an instrument can help determine patterns in mathematical problems, according to a study co-created by San Francisco State University. This news can be beneficial to many students who want to both pursue music while also keeping up with schoolwork.

A unique experimental music curriculum was given to children and then tested with a math exam. Connections were made to distinguish similarities between fractions and music notes using both music and math information. The method of teaching involved designated parts to a whole, which is a similar concept with both musical notes and mathematical fractions. Students who were given the music-infused lesson scored on average 50 percent higher when solving fractions than their peers who were only taught regular math instruction.

Giving children a lesson in basic math while using music as an example created multiple ways of learning. Regular math classes can make simple concepts difficult, but adding a component to help kids relate has increased test scores dramatically. These results mean that even if your child struggles in math class, scheduling a music lesson in Frisco, TX will help your child gain both music and math skills. With teachers that explain hard concepts in notes instead of numbers, connections may come more quickly than from a standard classroom.

This study has gained popularity in recent years and is already due to be published in the journal Educational Studies in Mathematics. It has additionally been incorporated into individual schools for a decade, reaping positive results. The curriculum is based on a Hungarian approach to music and involves personal associations with musical notes to connect to fractions. When referencing music notes as quarter notes, half notes, whole notes, and beyond, this can be used as math functions to solve problems.

Even those students who had little to no experience with solving fractions and math problems scored as highly as many of their peers with a background with fractions. Not only will this help students understand real life situations that use math, but they will become excited about solving problems. Rote memorization will be replaced with genuine excitement as they have examples of why fractions are important in life. A music school in Frisco may be more than a luxury - it may just be a necessity.

If your child is struggling with fractions, incorporating music into their routine may help. To help your child excel in both music and math, sign up for the best music lessons in Frisco, TX by calling Matt Burk Music Studio at (469) 353-6100.

Music Lesson Frisco TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Help Your Child Continue to Learn After Their Music Lessons Are Over

Playing an instrument can bring a lifetime of excitement to a child, even if their parents are not musically inclined themselves. If you can't hold a tune, though, you can still help you child become the best musician they can be. Learning an instrument is a huge deal, and without the support of a parent, it can be nearly impossible. Some of the best music lessons help your child reach their full potential. Between lessons, though, there are four huge things you can do at home to help your child get excited and passionate about music!

1. Practice every single day.  Jimi Hendrix didn't become a star by practicing once a week - if your child wants to see progress, they need to practice daily. By setting time aside with your son or daughter to allow them to practice their instrument, you're giving your child the encouragement and the space they need to improve on what they have learned from their music lesson. Not only will your child become better, but they'll be excited to know that they already have an audience! When they finally learn their first song, you get to be the first one to hear it.
2. Learn the basics.  You don't have to become a pro to appreciate the progress your child makes, but it helps to learn the fundamentals when it comes to music so you can assist them in their journey. Learning how to read music, taking notes of the instrument your child is using, and asking questions yourself when your son or daughter is at music school can help you pick up an ear for what sounds right. This way, if your child becomes stuck or has difficulty picking up a particular skill, they won't be stranded until their next lesson. It's particularly useful if you can sit in on their music lesson, so you know what their teacher expects for the next lesson.
3. Surround your child with music.  A thirty-minute lesson or one-hour lesson may teach the fundamentals and necessities to become a pro, but finding an environment with the same interests will make learning an instrument a fun experience. Even if you don't play music yourself, taking your child to a music group with friends, going to a concert, or just listening to their favorite albums in the car will remind them that learning an instrument is more than work - it's fun!

The experience of learning an instrument will carry your child through their entire life. Even if you do not play music yourself, there are still ways to instill the love of music to your son or daughter. For the best music schools in Allen, TX, visit Matt Burk Music Studio to start your child on the right track to becoming a rock star. Call (469) 353-6100 1 to learn more.

Music Lessons Allen TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Top 5 Reasons Why a Music Lesson Is Good For Children

Research over the years has shown that learning an instrument benefits kids. Here are five main reasons why it's good for them.

1. Learning an instrument helps brain development. Music can help children develop better math, reading, and memorization skills.
2. Learning music helps children set goals. They develop the skills to pursue and achieve a desired outcome, short and long term.
3. It helps develop self-discipline. Learning music will teach kids how to practice hard and overcome tough obstacles.
4. It helps kids become more independent. Kids will need to make their own, independent choices and learn responsibility in practicing and caring for their instrument.
5. It gives kids the opportunity to express themselves. Learning to play music allows students to be more creative by expressing their emotions.

Call Matt Burk Music Studio today for more information.

Music Lesson Frisco Texas
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Music School Reveals The Truth About Learning Instruments as an Adult

When stepping into a music school, most people expect the majority of pupils to be children or young adults. People over 25 often write themselves off when it comes to learning to play an instrument; “I’m way too old for that,” or “only kids can really learn how to play.” Despite these popular beliefs, studies show that the truth about learning a new instrument is simple: anyone can learn to play any instrument at any age.

So, what is it about our brain that allows us to pick up a new skill, like playing guitar? Well, unlike the brain’s language center, we learn and play or sing music using many parts of our brain. Children’s brains are more malleable, and synapses are constantly connecting. However, adults too can train their brain to learn something new. You can learn an instrument at any age; it just takes practice.

The main difference between learning as a young person and learning as an adult lies in the practice regimen. Adults usually choose to begin learning an instrument with adequate knowledge about how much time and effort it will take. However, they have no one, like parents or teachers, to enforce a regular practice schedule. One advantage of learning an instrument when you are young is the high likelihood that someone will hold you accountable for your level of effort and progress.

On the flip side, adults are often more analytical than young children, an advantage that allows them to more completely comprehend all aspects of a piece before and while they are learning it. Adults do, however, tend to hold themselves to a relatively higher expectation than their younger counterparts. Children are usually more patient and willing to practice the same notes and simple scales over and over, while adults can become quickly frustrated because they enter into the practice expecting to catch on quickly or be skillful right off the bat.

Whether you want to add another instrument to your arsenal, or you’ve never picked one up before, know that your age does not have to stop you from learning a new instrument. More and more music schools around the world are providing lessons for aspiring adult musicians. If you’re thinking about learning an instrument, regardless of your age, visit Matt Burk Music Studio online at https://www.wannalearnmusic.com or give us a call (972) 207-9353.

Music School Frisco TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Six Rhythm Exercises to Learn to Play Drums and for All Musicians

Any musician can tell you that keeping a beat to music is the most important skill to hone to sound like a professional. While it may come naturally to some, finding a rhythm and staying with it may take a lot of practice for others. Learning to play the drums has never been easier with personalized drum lessons, but there are six exercises you can do at home to make sure you're keeping time like a pro:

1. Walk to a beat.  Walking to a beat is not just for John Travolta walking down the street to "Saturday Night Fever;" walking or marching to a beat is a straightforward and easy practice to keep around the house. Use a metronome or an app to play a beat, and you'll be marching like a pro in no time. Or, walk to the beat of your favorite songs.
2. Tap it out.  When your legs aren't moving to a beat, use your fingers or hands to tap or clap a beat. Creating a habitual exercise to hone your rhythm will make scheduling drum lessons that much easier. The more you practice in your spare time, the more improvement you can get out of your lesson.
3. Learn to subdivide.  Beats, especially when it comes to drums, can be broken down into even shorter beats. Instead of counting "one, two, three, four..." as you practice keeping time, try counting "one, and, two, and, three, and, four, and..." Knowing how to maintain small beats will make your lessons even more productive.
4. Record yourself.  It is easy to hear a beat when it comes from someone else, but it is simpler to learn how to keep a rhythm when you hear yourself try it. Recording your pace allows you to realize how proficient your rhythm is, and makes learning much easier when you know what you need to improve upon.
5. Learn from the best.  While learning to play the drums from an instructor is the best way to gain all the necessary skills, listening to a drummer or visiting a band practice to watch how a drummer moves and interacts with his or her music will not only teach you methods of keeping rhythm, but will help inspire you to play.
6. Play with a background beat.  Even with metronome practices around the house, using a rhythm as you practice the drums can keep you on track so you don't lose your beat as you practice other drum skills. If you need help, ask your instructor the best practice techniques to help you learn and practice good rhythm in between lessons.

Keeping time is the first thing to master when learning an instrument. Once you realize how to keep time, though, your musical skills will improve in no time. For anyone who wants to learn how to play drums in the Frisco, TX area, the only business to call is Matt Burk Music Studio. Unleash your inner rock star by calling (469) 353-6100.

Learn to Play Drums TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Top 10 Mistakes of Beginning Vocalists When You Learn to Sing

If your dream is to learn to sing in Allen, TX, knowing beforehand what the most common mistakes are for beginning vocalists can help you progress and not worry about having to break bad habits later. Here are the top 10 most common mistakes for beginner vocalists:

1. Singing too loud

2. Not warming up properly

3. Considering singing along with radio as practice

4. Trying to force riffs and runs

5. Singing with tightened throat

6. Imitating other singers and not finding your own voice

7. Not drinking enough water

8. Not having voice training

9. Not knowing your range

10. Expecting immediate results

Let Matt Burk Music Studio help train you to see true success as you learn to sing. Call us today at (469)353-6100 or visit us online at https://www.wannalearnmusic.com/.

Learn to Sing Allen TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Top Tips on Practicing with a Metronome During Your Music Lessons

A metronome is a tool that can enhance your music lessons by providing the best tempo for the piece you are playing. It creates a steady sound that enables a musician to keep the proper pace for playing a piece of music. Practicing with a metronome on a regular basis can improve your playing mastery by helping you maintain speed.

Choosing Your Metronome

There are several types of metronomes available, from digital or wind-up models to apps on your phone. Mechanical wind-up metronomes are typically best for musicians who play classical instruments. Digital metronomes offer more features and are generally best for musicians playing more modern pieces of music. Younger musicians may do better with mechanical metronomes as watching the pendulum swing provides a visual cue to the rhythm.

Setting Your Metronome

Once you have decided on the best metronome for your situation, you will need to know how to set it for each piece you are playing. Many digital metronomes offer a "beats per minute" feature for determining the tempo. Select the BPM needed for each piece. On these devices, you will also need to set the volume level. The level should be loud enough to hear but not so loud as to overpower the piece you playing.

Using Your Metronome

Become familiar with the sheet music you are using before start your metronome. Then practice your piece without paying too much attention to the tempo. When you know all of the notes, you can start to focus more on the proper rhythm of the music.

Begin slowly, listening to several beats of your metronome before you start to play. Focus on the areas in your piece that are problematic for you. Every piece of music typically has easier sections and more difficult areas. You may need to practice the more difficult sections of the music first before bringing everything up to tempo.

When you are comfortable with the entire piece, increase the tempo just a bit. It can help to tap your toe to the beat of the metronome. Play through the whole piece until you have mastered that speed. Increase the speed once more, and play until you are comfortable again. Continue this process until you can play the entire piece at the appropriate tempo.

Why is it Important to Practice with a Metronome?

Humans don't naturally keep a constant tempo. Even our heartbeats speed up and slow down. When someone plays a piece of music without a metronome, they will often speed up or slow down slightly and then try to compensate for the changes in tempo. A metronome reduces this tendency to rush or drag. Keeping a constant tempo is particularly important when musicians are playing together. If everyone is playing at their own pace, the group as a whole will be out of time with each other.

Contact Matt Burk Music Studio to schedule your music lessons in the Allen TX area. Call (469) 353-6100 today!

Music Lessons Allen TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

The Ease of Switching Instruments While Taking a Music Lesson

From learning patience and creating beautiful music to improving your overall mood, there are many benefits to taking a music lesson to try out a new instrument. Many students master one instrument quickly or decide that they want to try a different instrument after a few lessons. Fortunately, switching instruments without becoming overwhelmed is possible. Here are a few interesting facts that will help you understand the ease of switching instruments.

Learning the Basics

When learning an instrument, your instructor will teach you the basics of playing music, including reading music and learning rhythm. These notes and rhythms are the building blocks for playing all types of music, so you will not need to learn a new set of skills in that respect when and if you decide to play a different instrument.

It is important to note that this applies to the traditional Western instruments only since many world instruments will require learning additional notes, chords and scales.

Learn and Play Multiples

Many people feel they are unable to play multiple instruments. If you have already mastered one instrument, you can still learn, master, and play another instrument. Even if you decide to pick up a new one, you should never feel the need to stop playing an instrument once you master it.

The joy of learning music is that you can learn, master, and continue playing multiple instruments over your lifetime. Think of it more like adding an instrument to your repertoire, not necessarily "switching."

Face Some Challenges

You should not stress over switching instruments, but you should prepare yourself for a few minor challenges, especially at your first music lesson.

If you are choosing to switch to an instrument in a completely different family, these challenges will be a bit more noticeable. For example, switching from a guitar to drums will require a period of adjustment to become comfortable with the new sitting position and the new role the drums have in an ensemble. You can comfortably play the guitar while holding it either standing up or sitting down while playing the drums will require the use of drumsticks while sitting down primarily. Also, you will switch from playing the melody to playing the beat.

Also, switching from the piano to a wind instrument will have its own unique set of challenges. Your fingers and hands will be used a great deal while playing the piano, but playing a wind instrument, such as a clarinet or flute, will require the use of your respiratory system. You will have to get used to your breath being a vital part of playing music.

Working through the various challenges may seem overwhelming, but remain patient through the process just as you did when learning your first instrument.

If you are considering taking a music lesson to try a new instrument or you are ready to make an instrument switch, contact Matt Burk Music Studio in the Allen, TX area at (469) 353-6100 today.

Music Lesson Allen TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

What to Expect When You Begin to Learn to Play Piano in Allen, TX

If you're about to experience your first piano lesson, you might not know what to expect. Here are some things that you can count on experiencing when you first begin lessons.

You can expect to be a little nervous, but the thing to remember is that you're new. You won't be playing the greats when you first start, so remember this to help relax.

Some questions you might have include questions about practice times. You'll need to know what accessories and books are needed. Ask how the lessons are structured, and what the teacher expects of their students.

Expect to learn some finger exercises, such as the Hanon method, to help finger strength. Call Matt Burk Music studios to learn to play piano in Allen, TX.

Learn to Play Piano Allen TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100

Top Things Great Music Teachers Include In Their Music Lessons

When choosing a music teacher for yourself or a family member, it’s important to consider the characteristics of successful music lessons. You want a great music teacher, and great music teachers use specific strategies to help their students reach the highest goals possible.

Robert Duke and Amy Simmons studied the pedagogical approaches of a highly-regarded music teacher to determine what made their lessons so successful. They identified several important factors common to all of the approaches offered by the teachers. These factors were divided into three categories: Goals and Expectations, Effecting Change and Conveying Information.

Goals and Expectations

The lessons provided by these teachers were centered around interpretation and expression and were within the skill capabilities of the individual students. While some students required more time to practice fundamentals, they all had the capacity to learn the pieces over time.

The music teachers were able to apply their expertise and experience to unknown pieces of music, enabling them to guide students through the works as if they had earlier experience with them.

A consistent standard of quality was expected of each individual student. If the sound being produced was less than standard, the lesson was halted and that part of the piece was practiced until standards were met.

The teachers had a clear memory of the past lessons they had with students and would make comparisons to those lessons to point out positive and negative issues.

Effecting Change

The individual pieces performed by students were presented from the beginning through to the end. This enabled students to develop a habit of playing music as though each practice was a performance.

The music being played was halted only when a major error was presented. This gave students a truer sense of the sounds of an accurately played performance in its entirety.

The teachers set lesson targets and had their students repeat the target pieces until they were of a performance standard. Achievable areas of improvement were selected, feedback and guidance were offered and students were expected to continue to play until the piece was performed correctly.

Students were allowed to make their own interpretative decisions in a repertoire performance. However, the range of options was limited and determined by the teacher.

Conveying Information

Effective music teachers are able to make consistent, precise discriminations about the performances of their students, teaching the students to independently make similar discriminations. The feedback provided helped students to hone their listening abilities in order to better appreciate the subtle details of their performances. This ability to better discriminate allowed the students to raise their performance standards.

The feedback provided was always given in terms of technique mastery and the music being expressed. Both positive and negative feedback was provided. Positive feedback was intermittent and infrequent but powerful. Negative feedback was more frequent, clear and specific to the performance of each student.

Teachers played examples from the repertoires of the students to model accurate technique and standards and demonstrate crucial points.

For information about highly regarded music lessons in the Frisco, TX, area, call Matt Burk Music Studio at (469) 353-6100 today!

Music Lessons Frisco TX
Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
United States
(469) 353-6100