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Music is Good For You!

The Benefits of Playing Music with Others

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.

Top 5 Reasons Why a Music Lesson Is Good For Children

Music Lesson Frisco TX

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

Five Big Benefits of Taking Drum Lessons

Drum Lessons Frisco TX

As with other instruments, taking drum lessons in Frisco, TX, has many other less obvious benefits beyond just learning how to play the instrument. You don't have to be a kid to sign up for lessons either, and the benefits are just as applicable for adults as they are for children. Here are five big benefits you can get from learning how to play the drums:

  1. Stress reduction
  2. Increase in academic performance
  3. Boosted brain power
  4. Improved communication skills
  5. Make new friends

There are so many cool drums and sounds you can explore when you enroll in drum lessons. You need to check out Matt Burk Music Studio to get you started. Call (469) 353-6100 today to see what your options are or visit us online at http://www.wannalearnmusic.com/.

Matt Burk Music Studio | Drum Lessons Frisco TX | 469-353-6100

Play What You Like

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This is a really simple concept that many of us like to complicate. I have played numerous instruments in a multitude of bands. I have also willingly (and unwillingly) performed music that I wouldn't purchase with my own money, for money. I always find the most satisfaction when I play the music that I like. Always. That is one reason that we here at Matt Burk Music Studio involve music that inspires the student to practice and perform! It is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel when we first begin lessons because there are so many basics to cover before we can play through a full and recognizable song . We help students reach their destination by chopping up the song into small, digestible goals that are measure-based and not time-based. Remember, play what you like! Matt Burk Music Studios, Learn, Create, Perform!

Busy Schedule Blues

Now is the time when the weather gets colder and the busy Fall schedules steal away any free time we had during the summer. I have many parents coming to me, telling me that their child has so much going on that they find themselves at the end of the day without time for practice. I totally understand; it is the "Busy Schedule Blues". I grew up in this area and I know how demanding academics, extra-curricular activities, and family time/hobbies can be. What I always tell them is that daily practice is ideal. However, sitting down with the instrument and having fun with it can still be beneficial. Even when doing other things, like watching television, I have a guitar in hand, strumming through chords! This is just a gentle suggestion. Of course, practice is still very important and we still want to be as diligent as possible when it comes to exercises and warm ups. Every once in a while, just have FUN! If you or someone you know is looking to learn an instrument, Matt Burk Music Studio offers private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting. Feel free to check out the rest of the website or stop in either our Frisco or Allen, Texas locations to find out more information. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

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It is the Little Things

Sometimes I get so wrapped up in the overall picture, I forget about the tiny details. It is those details that turn a "so-so" song into one that catches the attention of the listener. Recently, I've been on a 60's soul kick (big surprise) and I've been breaking down the songs into their instrumental parts to see what makes them tick. I have found that even a seemingly simple riff has more complexity "under the microscope". One great example is Eddie Floyd's "Knock On Wood". The verse at a glance, is an A chord for two measures moving to an E chord for two measures. However, if you listen closely, one finds that not only are we using an inversion of the chords, but nearly all of the strumming is muted. This creates a very "funky" syncopation that makes the rhythms interesting to the ear and move the song forward. Coupled with a solid bass and drum part, the guitar line keeps things tight but leaves enough room for the horn section's lead lines. It makes me think that even the most simplistic song can hold complexities that we may not initially realize. On that note, I return to the idea of "the little things" that can change a regular song into a hit. Perhaps this is something you haven't thought of as a songwriter. We here at Matt Burk Music Studio can open your eyes to the nuances of songwriting that others may overlook. We offer private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

\"Knock On Wood\" by Eddie Floyd

Show Etiquette

You're wondering, "What is show etiquette and why do I care about it?" Well, let me be the one to tell you that there are a few unspoken rules about behavior at musical events. These keep the atmosphere amicable and ensures that everyone has a good time. Not sure if you've been adhering? Let me help! At live shows where the music is loud, the "rules" are a bit more lenient: talking, singing along, and being loud (when the time is right) are encouraged, especially at rock, pop, and country shows. Performers appreciate a heart-felt applause when the whole room is connected through the music. However, loud talking at quieter shows can become distracting. Take note of the "feel" of the room. Is everybody sitting down, gazing quietly at the stage? Probably not the best time to discuss your favorite Real Housewives of Orange County episode at the top of your outside voice. I've seen more than one performer have to say something in between songs to over-the-top noisy patrons. Trust me, it is always embarrassing!

Let's talk about smart phones. They're wonderful and handy. They have all kinds of features, including a camera and a video recorder! Awesome! But does that necessitate you becoming the next Spike Jonze, recording your favorite band in hopes of making that next viral video? Unless you have been specifically asked to do so, most likely the screen is distracting others. This is especially true if you have your hand up in the line of sight to the band. Of course you should get some memories, but take a few moments to EXPERIENCE the show outside of a screen that is only a few inches wide. I've talked to friends after shows and asked them if they remembered certain key moments and they don't, some going so far as to review their footage, hoping to recapture that magic moment when the performer was really connecting with the crowd!

Thirdly, attendance. Yes, you are allowed to come and go as you please, but if you're paying for three bands, why just stay for one? This rang true to me when I was told by an old family friend that he had paid to see Steppenwolf ("Born to Be Wild" fame) in concert. Well, his friends decided to wait to go to the show just to see the headliner. He went early to see all the groups and happened to catch the opening act. They blew him away and he later found that he had seen one of the first big shows for a little known band called Three Dog Night. Ring any bells now?

The whole purpose of this particular post is to convey ideas that you may or may not entirely agree with. I think everyone is entitled to their own protocol. I've just been playing shows and going to concerts since a very early age and I find by sticking to these "rules" everyone has a good time!

Interested in more information on subjects such as these? Here at Matt Burk Music Studio, we understand not only how to turn students into great performers, but the ins and outs of being a professional musician and spectator. We specialize in custom lessons tailored to the student. We offer private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. Check out the rest of our site or come by one of our locations in Allen or Frisco Texas areas! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Under Watchful Eyes

I seem to always get nervous when I practice with someone else in the room. The feeling isn't the same as when I am alone and I find myself looking for distractions. For day-to-day practice it is best if I am alone in a quiet place where time is allotted to ensure proper rehearsal. However, it can be very beneficial to the player to be observed and critiqued in a positively reinforced atmosphere. Notes that benefit future performance strategies are well received, especially after seeing them implemented on stage or in the pit. As of late the new guitar instructor has been sitting in on my lessons.  Even though it makes me nervous, I find that it helps me focus on the most important part of teaching:  connecting with the students! I felt that I was less worried about missed notes  and rushed tempos than normal and, in turn, it allowed for my students to play more freely and have a better time all around.

I was happy to have such positive results from something that made me so very nerve-wracked. Sometimes it takes a little bit of nervousness that gives us the push to apply ourselves to our full potential. At Matt Burk Music Studio, we believe that with a plan and a path lined with positivity, we can help you reach your musical goals. We offer private music lessons for a myriad of instruments including piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. We couple that with solid theory, popular music that holds the student's interest, and multiple performance opportunities throughout the year. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Wanted: Bass Player!

Kenneth playing bass  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although I don't teach it primarily, I have played the bass for a few bands in Chicago and Dallas. There is a certain stigma that comes with the instrument and some feel that it is secondary to guitars and drums. . . This couldn't be further from the truth! Low end is a necessity in all popular forms of contemporary music!If the drums are the backbone, the bass is the thumping heart. It creates a liaison between the keyboards, guitar, and drums that rounds out the rhythm section. While there are many popular acts that don't use a bass player, I can't imagine a Led Zeppelin without John Paul Jones or the Beatles without Paul. Where would the jazz world be today without Charlie Mingus? Would the Red Hot Chili Peppers made it without Flea? What I'm getting at is that the musical world always needs bass players. Good players are high in demand and great players can be seen on tour or in the studio being paid for session work. At Matt Burk Music Studio, we offer private bass lessons that will demonstrate the art form and fun that playing the bass can bring about, whether you're young, old, experienced or novice. We tailor our lessons to the student and set reachable goals that can be measured.  Perhaps you agree with me  but the bass just isn't your instrument? We also offer private piano, guitar, drum, voice, songwriting, and audio production lessons! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Don't Drop In Cold!

Every once in a while I catch one of the numerous "singing competition" shows on television. Performances on these shows are always backed by a full band and backing singers. The contestants usually sound radio-ready, even when performing live. Why is that? Did they wake up, get to the studio, and immediately jump into the song? The answer is, probably not. To hit those astronomical notes, any good singer will tell you, "WARM UP!". Singing arpeggiated chords of the major scale  works wonders before belting out the show stoppers. Not sure how they're supposed to work? Let us help you get your voice to its performance peak! We offer private voice lessons with extensive know-how from teachers who work in the industry! If vocalizing isn't your thing, perhaps you'd like to learn an instrument to accompany your favorite singer? We also offer private piano, guitar, drum, bass, audio production, and songwriting lessons! Whatever your instrument, we can prepare you to perform not just in the shower, but on stage in front of an audience! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Why Doesn't Mine Sound Like That?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I'll never forget the first time I stepped into a recording studio. I was 15 and my fellow bandmates and I had saved up enough cash to record our first demo! The day arrived and we loaded into the sound-proof rooms, mic'd up everything and got started. Within a few hours we had ourselves a few songs recorded. However, when the sound engineer played back the recordings, they sounded thin and nothing like what I heard on the radio. Of course I was naive to think that it would sound radio-ready when listening to the raw tracks but that experience opened my eyes to the necessity of audio production. When we hear Beyonce's latest single or the new Mumford and Sons album, and they sound great, the reason isn't just that they're talented musicians. The people behind the board deserve just as much credit as those behind the glass! It takes know-how and extreme patience to be a good music producer. You have to have a great ear and be able to find the sound and style that the client is looking to create. Here at Matt Burk Music Studio, we have the resources to help your music sound like what you hear on the radio! Full private audio production lessons if you're looking to make your own music or songwriting lessons if you need help putting your hit together! Looking to brush up on your licks before heading in to track a hit? We also offer private piano, guitar, drums, bass, and voice lessons! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Too Old? Too Young? To the Contrary!

As a teacher I have been asked on more than one occasion, what age is a good age to start taking lessons? Am I too old to learn a musical instrument? Well,  I have seen students as young as 4 years and as old as 76! It is never too late or too early to start learning an instrument! Now, don't get me wrong; starting music lessons at an early age definitely gives those a bit of a leg up when it comes to band, orchestra, or personal pursuits! As adults, learning an instrument can be therapeutic and a great stress-reliever. I've had many an adult student come to me to learn songs they can play by the camp fire while the rest of the family sings along. And if you're already playing an instrument, it never hurts to learn from someone at the next level. This is what we do at Matt Burk Music Studio! We offer private lessons for piano, drums, guitar, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. All levels, from beginner to advanced, are welcome here; we customize our lessons to you! So remember that it is never too late or too early to start taking music lessons, especially here at Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!   

Reading Music in the Modern Age

  A  long time ago, before radio and television, families would sit together and play through popular songs that were available as sheet music. Perhaps dad played piano while the rest of the family harmonized with mom. Or brother and sister played violin to counter mother and fathers' viola and cello.   No TV programs for the family to watch, no radio to listen to. People made "conversation" through reading music together. These things still occur, of course, but with a modern twist. Here at Matt Burk Music Studio we have many students who have siblings, parents, and children taking lessons congruently. This allows for conversations about music between family members that may bring them closer together; they might play songs that they're working on, or at least have someone to talk to about music in general and help with tricky rhythms and melodies. Reading music may seem difficult to grasp, but no matter if you take private piano, drum, voice, guitar, or bass lessons with us, we can teach you to read proficiently! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

 

Music Makes You Smarter?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have heard that learning to read and play music at an early age can make certain academic enterprises later in life easier to accomplish. Whether or not this is true is up for debate. In my own experiences I have found that it helped foster an ease with communication, working with others for a common goal, and has made me much more open to learning new things such as songs, chords, rhythms, and ideas. Having a musical background can help with your college admission and finding friends with common interests (I know of a group of doctors that play together in a jazz combo for stress relief). Time and time again I have heard from adult students, "I wish I would have started lessons earlier if I knew how positively it would affect my life!" The best part is, it is NEVER too late to start! We here at Matt Burk Music Studio can help you reach your goals musically. We offer many private lessons, such as piano, drums, guitar, bass, and voice. If you're interested in songwriting and audio production, we've got that covered too! In fact, we can help you write, perform, record, and produce YOUR music! Does music make you smarter? Why not find out? Sign up today! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

 

Mixing the Old and New

I've stated before how many different genres of music that I hear throughout the week at Matt Burk Music Studio. I think the eclectic nature of the lessons keeps interested minds open to sounds and melodies that they might not initially enjoy. This can be seen particularly in the song choices for our student Jam Sessions. The instructors are involved with the decisions and take heavily into consideration the requests and interests of the students. We perform one modern pop song and one classic pop/rock song. This helps the student identify common progressions, repeating  patterns, and influences that perhaps are overlooked during the intense focus of the lesson. The atmosphere during the jam session is very relaxed:  The teachers are there to support our drum, keyboard, bass, guitar, and vocal students. Students are there to develop ensemble awareness, meet new players/peers, and have a good time! Learning from the experience is just a side effect of the overall goal; something I discussed in my last post, "Performance Panic".  The main thing to remember is that we always have something to learn from music from any era!

Music: A "Universal" language.

I find the idea of music as a language to be very interesting. Two people with a language barrier may sit down and read through a duet together and "communicate" through that performance. Music brings people together, boosts the self-confidence, and the ability to contribute when performing with a group.  Whether your private music lessons involve drums, guitar, bass, voice, or piano, we can help you reach your personal goals. Matt Burk Music Studio:  Learn, Create, Perform!  

Where to begin your musical journey

Have you been trying to decide on an instrument to get started with? It’s not uncommon to be unsure of where to start. Here are some good basic questions to ask yourself when you are in the decision process:  What instrument do I really enjoy? Is there an instrument that stands out to you? Maybe a genre of music that you really enjoy that features a certain instrument. This is a good place to start. Find an instrument that sounds intriguing, and go from there!

What instrument do my friends play? Playing in a group is not only fun, but a great learning experience as well! Find an instrument that some of your friends are playing and join them! Or, pick a different one and form a band!

Do I have an instrument at my house? A lot of times families have a piano sitting in their living room as decoration, or an old guitar that has been passed down or given as a present. Look around your house and see what is there!

Instruments are fun and can provide a lot of opportunities. Don’t stress about which one to choose, maybe try a few different ones? If you’re looking for a place to begin private music lessons, check out our website at www.wannalearnmusic.com! We offer piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production lessons. Give us a call at (972) 207-9353 or send us an email at info@mattburk.com to get started!

Amazing effects of music on everyone!

 

Wondering if it’s a good idea to put your child in music lessons at a young age? What would be the benefits of starting lessons now? In an article about music and the brain, the writers at neuroscience for kids, state simply that “at its most basic level, music is just sound.” To some parents, their children’s music is just noise, however, music affects each individual differently.

Some researchers have looked into the effects of music lessons on children. They found “children who received keyboard (piano) lessons had improvement in the spatial-temporal test” (testing the ability to put puzzles together and problem solving).  Another study, done by Laurel Trainor, proved that “even a year or two of music training leads to enhanced levels of memory and attention when measured by the same type of tests that monitor electrical and magnetic impulses in the brain. In another study by Glenn Schellenberg, it was proved that “actual music lessons for kids leads to a long lasting cognitive success.”

Not only does music help children’s brain functions, it’s been used to help alzheimer’s patients as well! As you can see in this video Henry, who has been in a nursing home for 10 years, was barely responsive but when music was played from his era, Henry came back to life. He was responsive and able to answer questions that he couldn’t before, and put together full sentences! The results were incredible! Music affects everyone differently, are you curious to see how it would affect you or your child? Get them signed up in music lessons today!  We offer private piano lessons, voice lessons, bass lessons, guitar lessons, and drum lessons. If you have any questions on how to get started or how the lessons work, visit our website at www.wannalearnmusic.com, give us a call at (972) 207-9353, or send us an email at info@mattburk.com.

 

 

Music Lessons Are Good for the Brain!

Are you thinking about signing your child up for some music lessons? Studies have shown “a strong correlation exists between musical training for children and certain other mental abilities.” Starting music lessons at a young age improves brain function as well as “affect attention and memory, which provides a mechanism whereby musical training might lead to better learning across a number of domains.” A fascinating article from www.livescience.com talks about the affects music lessons, on children from the ages of 10 to 13, have on the development of the brain. Also, different instruments have different effects on the brain! Who would have thought? A few years in piano, or perhaps guitar, could set your child up for success in different areas for years to come!

Do you want to read more? Click here for the full article.

Are you ready to give your child this life-long advantage? We have piano, guitar, drum, bass, voice, song writing and audio production lessons!