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Music Lesson Frisco TX

5 Ways to Help Your Child Choose a Musical Instrument

5 Ways to Help Your Child Choose a Musical Instrument

The choice to play an instrument can bring a lifetime of benefits to your child, no matter what age they begin. But which instrument to choose? Here are five things to keep in mind when your child is making this life-changing decision.

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

Learn to Sing Frisco TX

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

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

Music Lessons Allen TX

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

What You Need to Know Before Your First Beginner Guitar Lesson

Beginner Guitar Lesson TX

Everyone has dreams of becoming a rockstar, but learning to play the guitar can seem like a daunting challenge. By taking a customized beginner guitar lesson in Allen, TX, with Matt Burk Music Studio, learning the instrument can become a reality. Although they can help you with any questions you have, it is helpful to know a few things before your first guitar lesson.

Parts of a guitar:
The three main parts of a guitar are the head, the neck and the body. The head of the guitar has the tuning keys that create the string's sounds. The neck of the guitar contains frets and position markers to help you create certain sounds by making chords. The body holds the sound hole, the pickguard and the bridge that holds the strings in place. A beginner guitar lesson will teach more elaborate technicalities, but knowing the basics of a guitar will help you to progress more quickly.

Types of guitars:
The two main types of acoustic guitars are the steel-string guitar and classical guitar. The steel-strings have thinner necks than classicals and are usually strung with steel strings while the classical guitar has nylon strings. Classical guitars are sometimes called Spanish guitars because they originated in the area of Spain. Electric guitars, twelve-string guitars and bass guitars are also popular instruments, but most guitar lessons for beginners start on an acoustic guitar.

Guitar strings:
The names of guitar string notes are important when learning to tune your guitar. When each string is tuned correctly, the strings should be tuned to E, A, D, G, B and E. This can be remembered easily with the mnemonic saying "every artist does get better eventually." Once you become proficient, the strings may be tuned to different notes for certain songs, but knowing the standard notes are important.

Reading music:
Reading tabs and chords will come in handy when you start playing songs. Though your instructor may teach you this, knowing how to read tabs and chords will speed up your progression and fluency with the guitar. Taking beginner guitar lesson is the best thing you can to do learn the guitar, but learning to read music beforehand will score you points with your instructor and get you closer to nailing that guitar solo.

Taking a beginner guitar lesson in Allen, TX  is the best way to learn how to play the guitar. By taking a few initiatives before showing up for your first lesson, you can impress your instructor and yourself on day one. To schedule your own lesson, call Matt Burk Music Studio at (469) 353-6100.

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

Form to Consider When You Learn to Play Drums in TX

Learn To Play Drums TX

During your drum practices, there are various things to consider if you're not getting the sound you want. One consideration might not be the first thing you would think of. However, make sure that you are using proper form and posture to get the best sound.

For proper form, be sure that you are not hitting the drums straight up and down. Check to see if you are leaning in, or if you're sitting too close to the bass drum. Also, make sure that you are not holding the sticks too far back.

Consider other form techniques that your drum instructor has taught you. Get the best lessons on how to learn to play drums in TX by calling Matt Burk Music Studio.

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

Three Things to Know Before You Learn to Play Drums

Learn To Play Drums TX

Learning an instrument is a hobby that can bring joy to a musician for a lifetime. Like most things, the hardest part of playing the drums is starting the learning process. With studios in the area like Matt Burk Music Studio in Frisco, TX, learning to play the drums becomes easier than you think. Even with lessons, though, it's good to know some basics about drumming before you sit down to play. There are three things you should become familiar with before you stop in for your first drum lesson:

  1. Learn how to read music. Drumming requires physical skill but getting to know the notes on paper is a mental exercise that will make learning the drums easier for both you and your instructor. There are books and sources online that teach about the staff, clefs and notes that fit together to become sheet music. The faster you can interpret your sheet music, the better drummer you will become. Plus, if your instructor doesn't have to teach you how to read music, they can spend more time teaching you that drum solo you've always wanted to learn.

  2. Practice rhythm. Drumming is a technical skill to hone and isn't something you can learn overnight. Something that will help the learning process, though, is to practice tapping with your hands and learning the rhythm of how to use a drum. Figuring out what a downbeat is, becoming familiar with how you use your hands and maybe even practicing holding drumsticks will all make your music lesson much easier. Practice your rhythm, and you'll be on the fast track to becoming the best drummer in Frisco.

  3. Learn the parts of a drums set. The drums involve many different components, and since you'll be spending a lot of time on a drum set during your lesson, it's good to know beforehand what you'll be using. Drum kits can have many parts to them, but most kits almost always have a bass drum, a snare drum and a few tom-toms. Cymbals are also attached to the kit. By knowing what part of the drum set is what, you'll not only impress your instructor, but you'll impress yourself with how quickly you can progress with your music lessons.

With just a bit of research and ambition, your first drum lesson will be much more relaxed and much more fun. To become your own rock star, the best music lessons in Frisco are at Matt Burk Music Studio. Visit https://www.wannalearnmusic.com/ to book your personalized drum lesson with a qualified instructor.

Matt Burk Music Studio  |  Learn To Play Drums TX  |  469-353-6100

Selecting the Right Instrument for Your Child for Music School

Music School Frisco TX.jpg

You likely know some of the benefits of playing a musical instrument, which is why you’re considering sending your child to music school. Along with boosting their self-esteem and exposing them to other cultures, playing instruments can also improve a child’s social, academic and physical skills. The key to ensuring that the child enjoys what they do is picking an instrument they’ll like. With so many options from which to choose, however, it can seem like an overwhelming task. Fortunately, you have a high chance of success when you take your child’s personality, body type and other traits into consideration.

Instruments Based on Your Child’s Personality

When you think about it, it likely makes sense that certain personality types gravitate towards some instruments. Take a look at a rock band. The lead guitarist and singer are usually filled with big personalities, are very outgoing and engaging. They often represent the band, so it’s important that they are comfortable with taking center stage.

The same concept works for your child, even in a school orchestra. Children who like to have the focus on them tend to do well with instruments that are typically featured, like the flute, saxophone and trumpet. Violins and pianos also help to lead an orchestra and often have solo parts, so if your child is comfortable being the center of attention, they may enjoy this.

If your child is on the shy side, consider an instrument that doesn’t attract as much focus, such as the viola, cello or clarinet. If your child doesn’t feel comfortable about what they're playing, they won’t excel at what they're doing.

Take Your Child’s Size and Strength Into Consideration

Part of being able to successfully play an instrument is having the ability to handle its size. Small children won’t be able to hold something large like a tuba or bassoon. Hand strength can also play a role when determining the proper instrument. For instance, guitars, violins and instruments that have widely-spread finger holes require hands and fingers that can spread out and press down quite forcefully. The piano is also played best by those who have long fingers and large hands, as they are better able to reach all the keys in a chord.

The size of a child’s lips is also important. Children who have larger lips do well with the tuba, as they can make the proper sounds. These same children probably wouldn’t do as well playing the French horn or trumpet because the cup sizes are too small and it would be too difficult to produce the proper sounds.

Music School Can Help Your Child Exceed

Sending your child to music school in Frisco, TX, is one of the best things you can do for them. The result is a well-rounded youngster who will likely do better in school and social settings. Matt Burk Music Studio offers lessons for a variety of instruments for children of just about any age. Call (469) 393-6100 to learn more about what we can do for your child.

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

The Benefits of Taking Music Lessons in Frisco, TX

Music Lessons Frisco TX

No matter your age, taking music lessons in Frisco, TX is an invaluable investment that you will never regret. For most people, the decision to take music lessons is simple enough, but deciding what kind of lessons and which instrument can take considerably longer to sort through. While the idea of learning a new skill or simply choosing which instrument you would like learn may seem daunting at first, these four benefits of taking music lessons in Frisco, TX will far outweigh any doubt or questions you may have.

You will make your brain and body stronger
Studies have demonstrated that taking music lessons even late in life can still have significant impact and benefits on the brain. Your body will benefit as well, as music and the playing of music have been linked to improvements in pain, immune system functionality, nervous system, skeletal system, and cardiovascular system.

You will experience personal growth
The perseverance and patience required when you learn a new instrument will help you improve your attitude and cultivate character traits that will be valuable to you for the rest of your life. Some of those character traits include self-confidence, self-discipline, delayed gratification, respect for others, humility and creativity.

You will improve your social skills
If you take music lessons in a group setting, you will quickly learn to become comfortable with two things that can be a struggle for most people — making mistakes and receiving feedback or constructive criticism. The fact that this is all occurring with an audience may make your pulse quicken a bit, but the thing to keep in mind is that both will occur in a supportive environment. You will be surprised to see yourself taking this new comfort with making mistakes and receiving criticism into other scenarios of your life and excelling. This makes you more thoughtful and mature and will help people see you as a leader.

You will learn about new cultures
One of the more beautiful benefits of taking music lessons in Frisco, TX is the unbelievable amount you will learn about other cultures as your studies progress. Different music by different composers, as well as the instruments required for each unique composition, will help you appreciate the sounds and traditions that make up cultures all around the world.

If you are ready to take music lessons in Frisco, TX  Matt Burk Music Studio caters to students of all ages. Our instructors build lessons around your interests and favorite type of music. Call us today at (469) 353-6100 to schedule an interview with one of our instructors.

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

5 Tips on Learning How to Play Guitar Better with the Help of a Studio

www.wannalearnmusic.com At Matt Burk Music Studio, we specialize in private lessons for piano, drums, bass, guitar, voice and songwriting. Our lessons are tailored specifically for each student - we teach classical, pop, rock, praise & worship, jazz, and countless other styles. Students are encouraged to learn whatever styles interest them!

How to Play Guitar Frisco TX

A wide variety of musical interests and the versatility and popularity of the guitar are what draw many students to want to learn how to play guitar in Frisco, TX. It's always possible to learn a new skill if you have the desire and determination to follow through with all it takes to get you to your goal. Here are 5 tips to follow that will help you as you begin your quest:

  1. Learn something new every day
  2. Learn the major skill intervals
  3. Run through every chord you know
  4. Learn your favorite guitar solos verbatim
  5. Track your progress

At Matt Burk Music Studio, we strive to create an environment where, as students advance, they can easily develop their own style and unique voice. Call us today at (469)353-6100 today to schedule a tour of our studio in Frisco, TX. Or visit us online at www.wannalearnmusic.com.

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

5 Things For Beginners Taking Guitar Lessons To Remember

Guitar Lessons For Beginners Frisco TX

For beginners taking guitar lessons, there’s no bigger thrill than learning to play a favorite song or at least a favorite guitar riff.  But learning that one piece of music isn’t the purpose of guitar lessons; the purpose is to get better and develop new skills every day.  If you’re interested in learning how to play the guitar or you’ve already started learning either alone or with a teacher, you should know that there are 5 things you need to remember that will help you become a better guitarist:

Learn Something New Every Day

The best thing you can do to improve your musicianship is to learn something new every day, whether it’s a riff, a chord, a scale, a song, an altered tuning or a strum pattern.  When you make this a part of your day, you’ll find your knowledge and skills increasing exponentially and you’ll also find yourself wanting to add to the number of new things you learn every day.

Play With Other Musicians

Playing guitar by yourself is great, especially if you’re just starting out and you’re self-conscious about your playing.  The reality is that you’re going to eventually want or need to play with other musicians - guitar players, drummers, piano players and more - to grow as an artist.  If you don’t have a garage band to jam with, there are a number of other possibilities, from using apps designed to accompany your guitar playing to playing along with your favorite songs.  Playing with other musicians or a musical accompaniment will improve your consistency, endurance and improvisational skills.

Record Yourself

Recording yourself playing is a great way of not only keeping track of your progress and growth as a player, it’s also a great way to hear yourself playing with fresh ears.  You’ll find that recording yourself will make it easier to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and allow you to focus your practice accordingly.

Take Lessons

If you’re not already, you should be taking guitar lessons for beginners.  If you’re advanced beyond the beginner stage, you still need lessons from an experienced guitar teacher.  An actual, flesh-and-blood teacher can do for you what no online tutorial or YouTube video can; he or she can identify your strengths and weakness, help you sharpen your skills and help you eliminate your flaws.  In addition, when you’re paying someone to teach you how to play the guitar, you’re going to be more likely to stick with your lessons and practicing.

Focus Your Practice Schedule

We’re all busy, either with work or school, and there isn’t always time for marathon guitar practice sessions, which is why it’s important to focus your practice schedule and stay consistent with your practicing.  If you only have 10 or 20 minutes a day to practice, you’ll be better off than if you skip daily practice only to try to cram everything into 6 or 8 hours every once in awhile.  Practice should involve maintenance exercises and focused work that gives you the opportunity to integrate new knowledge and techniques into your playing.

 

For guitar lessons for beginners in the Frisco, TX area, call Matt Burk Music Studio at (469) 353-6100.  You can also visit www.wannalearnmusic.com to find out more about us and the lessons we offer.

 

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