Jam Session!

Here I find myself in a familiar situation. Writing out chord charts for our upcoming Jam Session on Friday, February 7th! I always forget that it can be a lot of work to get everyone prepared (including instructors) for something that takes focused coordination. If you're unfamiliar with what I am talking about, we at Matt Burk Music Studio have many performance opportunities for our students. Jam Sessions are a relaxed way to develop what I call "ensemble awareness". It is the idea that it is helpful to play in a group for many reasons. A player must listen when performing with others to keep "in the song". A performer can truly experience the fluctuations that can occur in a group as well. Also, it helps our students meet each other and develop a music community within the studio! While I like to complain about the difficulties of making chord charts (the revisions alone can take days to catch!), truthfully, I enjoy it. I like seeing the students start the songs and hearing what they sound like on the night of the performance. I know they work hard all year but these are my times to literally see the progress! I often end up playing in the groups as a bass player; we have a couple but there's always a bass-shaped hole to fill.  I am impressed by their musicality. I think that everyone, even those with no wish to perform in front of a crowd, should witness the performance at least once to see how Matt Burk Music Studio helps students reach their musical goals!

If you or someone you know is interested in private music lessons custom-tailored to their interests, please check out the rest of our site or stop by one of our convenient North Texas locations in Allen and Frisco! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

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!

Set Your Tempo!

The dreaded click. My students love when I turn it on. That was sarcasm, if you were unsure. It seems like no one "enjoys" practicing with a metronome. Still, I do like to press the use of it during at-home practice because it helps eliminate rhythmic hiccups and ingrains a more strict sense or "feel" of rhythms when it is not present. So how do you incorporate the metronome into your daily practice?  Turn it on! I know it seems silly, but many of my students simply forget to turn the metronome on when practicing, even when it is sitting right next to their practice area. Some students have expressed a "fear" or dislike of using the metronome because it doesn't seem to help right away. Not being perfectly on with the click can be frustrating for perfectionists but we must remember:  it will take some time getting used to playing alongside a metronome. The more that we use it, the easier it becomes to stay on point.

So now that you're using the metronome whenever you practice, let us talk about setting the correct tempo for practice maximization! Usually your instructor will help with this, either showing you a range in which you can keep the metronome from become a hindrance or giving you exact metronome or tempo markings for the exercise or piece. You want to have it set where you can both play what you need to without mistakes and at a pace where doing so is still a challenge. It is a fine line to walk but it can be achieved through constant use! Set your tempo: use that metronome!

This is just a small example of the many useful musical tools you can learn here at Matt Burk Music Studio. We offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting! We encourage you to check out the rest of our website. If you are in the North Dallas area, stop into one of our two convenient locations in Frisco and Allen. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Acoustic Versus Electric: Piano

In a continuation of our recent theme, we take a closer look at the differences, advantages, and disadvantages of the electric instruments versus acoustic: piano edition! Of course, many pianists seem to prefer having an acoustic piano either where they live or where they practice. The tone of a well made instrument is unmatched. Hence, when you see performances of famous pianists they are almost always performing on a grand piano in the concert hall. The weight of the keys, the response of the hammers, and the acute precision of the pedals makes the piano ideal for recording and performance. The big drawback: lack of portability. Have you ever moved a piano? I have once. Once. I was lucky to come away with all of my toes still intact. Secondly, a piano must be tuned from time to time by a professional piano tuner. This can prove to be an expensive upkeep.

Which brings us to the electric piano, or keyboard. There are a myriad of electric keyboards, pianos, and synthesizers. The latter of the three is extremely versatile. With presets that range in the thousands, certain synthesizers can emulate pianos through samples and sound (nearly) perfect! But the greatest quality to the electric piano or keyboard is the portability! You can set up and break down in minutes and, while an amplifier or sound system is needed for large performances, many electric pianos are equipped with speakers for intimate settings.

Of course, the thing to remember is to find the right instrument for YOU. Always do your research and if you can, go play the instrument at your local music store! Acoustic versus electric: you decide!

If you or someone you know is interested in learning to play piano or any other instrument, please check out the rest of our website. We also encourage you to stop in to either of our two convenient North Texas locations in Allen and Frisco. We offer private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Acoustic Versus Electric: Guitar

Last week we discussed the differences in acoustic and electric drums and what those differences mean when you're looking for the right instrument for you. This week we'll talk a little about guitars. While fundamentally the same, acoustic and electric guitars differ in a few major ways. Of course, the first difference is how they amplify the strings when plucked. Acoustic guitars use a sound box (the body) with a portal beneath the strings to reverberate and "push" the sound. Because of this, the maximum volume of an acoustic guitar can be considered quiet when compared to that of an amplified electric. Many musicians that play "heavier" music such as metal or rock . . . (well any genre outside of electronic music) have utilized the acoustic guitar for this dynamic property (a prime example would be Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" or CCR's "Who'll Stop The Rain". Acoustic guitars can vary in price but always remember, you always get what you pay for with musical instruments! Go in to your local music store and try out a few to see what body styles and neck styles suit your needs! Which brings us to the electric guitar. With the same 6 strings that we find on the acoustic but the amplification of said strings is where the two really differ. Without going into too much description, the way an electric guitar works is through the magnetic pickups that "transfer" the vibrations into a signal that is then amplified by the, well, amplifier! Electric guitars usually have more "shallow" or thinner necks in general than their acoustic counterparts. This, coupled with "lighter" or thinner gauge strings lends for quick mobility on the fretboard, which some may believe makes electric guitar a bit easier to play. Because electric guitars need amplification to be heard, they are not ideal for travel, but in the right atmosphere (perhaps a rock show?) they are just what the doctor ordered. My doctor recommends high doses of distortion.

Once again I would like to reiterate that both have their advantages and disadvantages depending on what type of music and tone you're looking to produce. Always do your research on brands and styles before buying! You will easily solve the debate for yourself: Acoustic versus Electric, it is up to you!

If you or someone you know is interested in learning to play an instrument, I recommend you check out the rest of our website. We have two convenient locations in Frisco and Allen, Texas too, so please stop by and take a tour! We offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Acoustic Vs. Electronic: Drums

Many new students as well as some seasoned veterans ask me which is better, an acoustic instrument or an electronic one? Over the years I have found the pros and cons for both and really it all depends on what you're looking to do with it! For drummers, the sound and response of a well-tuned acoustic kit cannot be matched. However, many people soon realize that the decibel level coming from both the drums and cymbals can be deafening (literally) and sound-proofing measures must be taken to keep the neighbors from calling the police about noise disturbances. With electric drum kits not only do you have the ability to raise or lower the volume but often they have preset samples which means a multitude of sounds can be derived from one kit. Want a kit that sounds like it was recorded in a studio in the 60's? Done. Unfortunately, in a live setting electronic kits loose a bit of the "warmth" that acoustic drums create when properly mic'd.  Also, for an electric kit to be heard it must be amplified in some manner. Otherwise the player's only option is to listen with headphones. Then again, the headphone option is great for those who live in an apartment (back to the volume issues with acoustic drums).

Of course, I always say to choose which ever instruments "speaks" to you, the player. Weigh the pros and cons of both styles and go with your gut! Acoustic Vs. Electronic: the choice is up to you!

If you or someone you know is interested in learning an instrument, please check out the rest of our website where you can sign up today! We have two convenient locations in Frisco and Allen, Texas and we welcome you to come check us out. We offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting! Matt Burk Music Studio: 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!

The Perfect Fit

Once again the students here at Matt Burk Music Studio are in the very early stages of picking the pieces that they'll be performing at our semi-annual showcase and recital.  It is always a tricky thing, choosing the right song for a performance.  Students want to keep a few things in mind when picking their song! Does the piece challenge but not outright frustrate? That is a good sign. We want something that keeps us interested but not so difficult that it discourages practice! For singers, always know the necessary key for your song. Sometime the backing track is in a key that may prove difficult and must be adjusted! Guitar players; does the song require a capo? If so, be sure that you have one handy. I keep one in my acoustic case at all times. I suggest also having a tuner packed as well to be in tune and ready when it is time to perform.  Piano students: is your piece a solo or duet?  These are all small but helpful suggestions for choosing the right piece. Keep in mind that we want you to have fun and perform something that inspires YOU! That is the perfect fit! I am also very excited about the recital/showcase as it will be the first one for our teachers at the new location in Frisco! I am very excited to see what they have in store for us.

If you are interested in learning an instrument, please stop by either our Allen or Frisco, Texas locations or sign up through our website! We offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, and songwriting. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Practice: It Adds Up!

Here at Matt Burk Music Studio we encourage daily practice for our students and here's why:  it adds up! Keeping rhythms and melodies fresh in the memory will ensure that you can play it correctly when you recall it. Unfortunately, much of the mechanics of music is learned through what is called Rote Learning. This type of memorization is very weak and needs to be repeated and reviewed often. Daily practice, even for just a very short time, helps solidify the actions in the muscle memory. Think about it like this. You once did not know how to tie your shoes and had to be shown. Now, when you tie your laces do you think about it or do you just let the action happen? I bet you will find that it is nearly involuntary once we decide on the action to perform it. Often music students find themselves saying, "I'll just practice twice as much tomorrow".  They may make good on our promise but often the next day comes and they make the same statement. A week later and they're back in lessons wondering where the time went and why forming the  E major chord or playing the groove fills at the same tempo as last lesson is much more difficult than it was a week earlier!

Luckily, this is totally avoidable with small, easily digestible goals. This is one of our core practices at Matt Burk Music Studio. We find music that inspires YOU! We use songs you like, break them down into chunks and help you move through each until you're playing the song! This is just one of our core philosophies: check out the rest on our website here or stop in to one of our locations in both Allen and Frisco, Texas. We offer customized private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, and vocals.  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!

Take it Slow!

I find it to be funny when students come in and see one of the instructors play through a piece they've been working on as though it was an afterthought. Their eyes get big and often they'll make some type of facial expression that looks like a cross between fear and awe. What they often don't know is that the instructor didn't just pick up the guitar, bass, drum sticks, etc. and start playing the song. Usually we work a bit on pieces that we know our students want to play. Also, we were literally trained to do this and have years of experience over the student. It is important to keep this in mind when learning an instrument too, because we often feel frustrated about not getting it perfect the first read-through! Give yourself a bit more of a break; diligent practice will prove your ability to perform it as you wish, it just takes time. Most importantly, play through your first reads SLOWLY. I cannot stress this enough. It helps with rhythms, tonal precision, and instrument-specific technique (strumming patterns for guitar and the like). After a few times through correct, then you may begin increasing the tempo! There you will find how easy it can be to play complicated works if you take the time to first do them slowly! It may seem difficult to do, so why not let us help you! We offer private music lessons for piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production!

Stress Release!

Things have been very busy around the studio lately. Last weekend was our Showcase at the House of Blues on Saturday and Sunday was our Recital at the McKinney Performing Arts Center. Needless to say, anxiety levels were at an all time high. This is something that is totally normal and to be expected. What I think surprised many of my students is the complete sense of relief when their performances had ended. This too is totally normal! Here at Matt Burk Music Studio we harness that anxiety to help with curbing the stage-fright and in turn channel it towards a better performance. Those in the audience noticed a marked difference in players whom may have had trouble in the past. While some have the ability to teach themselves to alleviate that stress, we can coach and mold you into a performer that actually looks forward to that feeling, takes it, and uses it to create show-stopping results. Whether you play piano, guitar, drums, bass, or sing, Matt Burk Music Studio offers private music lessons that not only help you reach your creative goals, but gives real-world experience in the music realm. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

The Magic of the Stage

I played lead guitar in an R & B band that featured a singer who doubled on keys. The show centered around his instrument and we were there to fill out the sound, though we had our solos and moments to shine. I remember the performance at a place in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, a small, dimly lit venue that catered to what, for lack of a better term, would be the "hipster" crowd. Types who defined themselves by the things they read, studied, and most importantly, listened to. Now this keyboard player had a double-tiered set up; the base was a Fender Rhodes (the more portable model) with a Nord Lead set on top by means of a short stand. The thing that I remember most, the moment that stands out in my mind and the reason I am writing about this is what happened in the first few minutes of the very first tune. I tend to get really into the music, I close my eyes and play. I happened to have my eyes shut, grooving the lead line for a Meters tune when suddenly something seems amiss.

At first I am fairly certain that I am having an aural hallucination or my ears and brain have decided to stop decoding input correctly. A rising din, no cacophony of noise is rapidly increasing in volume and filling the room with what I later labeled as the "sounds of the end of the world". What had happened was every keyboard players nightmare. Apparently the Rhodes had toppled over, spilling the Nord upside-down and therefore pressing ALL of the keys at once. The synthesizer had been preset to an organ lead, which was like a Bach-esque nightmare of noise. Luckily, we were all professionals. Making eye contact without stopping the song, the rest of the band vamped on the verse chords while the keyboardist picked up his instrument and set it up again, this time with a bit more stability. We waited until he was ready and in unison as a group dove into the chorus. The crowed cheered our recovery and by the end of the set, it had been completely forgotten.

What is the point of this story? Well, I believe that there is a certain magic that exists when one is standing on a stage that keeps mistakes in the background while simultaneously highlighting successes. This is something that not every player knows and sometimes they may be discouraged or let things like the situation above unsettle them into a poor performance. We here at Matt Burk Music Studio can help coach students and prepare them for the hurdles encountered in live performances, whether it is for piano, guitar, drums, bass, or voice we can steel your nerves for any sticky situation! Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Which Instrument Should I Choose?

Many people know that they want to start learning an instrument but often they are unsure of which would be the right choice for them. Some find that a certain band or artist is inspiring or they know that they like a type of music but can't settle on whether they want to be the dynamic singer, the fiery lead guitarist, or the crazy, energetic drummer! Students younger than age 7 do very well with instruments like the drums as they are easy to pick up and deal primarily in rhythm reading only. However, voice, piano, and guitar may also be suitable for the enthusiastic youngster! Adults looking for a good hobby find much pleasure playing through their favorite songs on the guitar or singing in a choir. I had a 74-year-old drum student who "just wanted to bang on the drums". It can be difficult to know for certain which instrument is the right one for you. Let us here at Matt Burk Music Studio help you find your musical passion! We specialize in custom private music lessons and have the experience and knowledge to guide you. We offer piano, guitar, drum, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production lessons that are cultivated to your specific needs.

Eliminate the "No"!

The first time I saw an electric guitar up close happened while I was waiting for my mom to finish the paperwork to rent my cornet for middle school band. It was a stratocaster type knock-off, red with white pickguard and it.was.beautiful! I ran my fingers across the open strings and the slight dissonance jarred me. The man behind the counter said out loud, "Would you like to learn that one instead?" and I thought to myself, "Could I ever play that instrument?" It seemed so complicated to me, 6 strings to deal with on both hands? The small things I had learned in the first few days of band class were still foreign to me! I told him "no" and left without much concern, though my mind kept wandering back to the red electric guitar.

It would be three more years before I sat down with my grandmother's acoustic to learn to play, urged on by both a quest to find my identity and the gift of free time that comes with being young. I had a few rudimentary chord charts and a pitch-pipe, yet things seemed to fall into place. . .

I realized that the instrument was, duh!, made for the hands! But the chords did not necessarily make sense to me alone. It took organizing them in a certain order that made it sound interesting to my ears. Of course this was a tortoise-paced, roundabout way of learning harmonic progression, but I wouldn't know that until it was made clear in studies at school.

If I had only said "yes" to the question years earlier would I now be light-years ahead in my skills? One can never say for sure. However when I see my students pick up something that took me years to learn in a few week's worth of lessons, I wonder. . .

I believe that telling yourself "no" before trying them can make easy tasks seem daunting. If we just give ourselves the benefit of the doubt we often find that the task is simple and not outside our abilities. At Matt Burk Music Studio, we can provide small insights into the instrument that YOU are interested in. We offer customized, private lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. 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!   

1, 2, 3, 4!

It is as easy as that! If you can count to four, you can learn to read music. Sure, there is a lot more to it than just that, but the overall foundation of rhythm is counting! I am fairly certain that I tell my students to count out loud every single day that I go into the studio. Why, you ask? Well, I  find that even in times of high anxiety, perhaps during a performance, that the counting we've done in the past out loud can help our inner count get back on track. I have seen it happen, used it myself, and know it to be true. Understanding this fundamental factor seems like it would be obvious, but for many it can be an "A-ha!" moment. Those are the type of moments we can create here at Matt Burk Music Studio for you! We offer private lessons for Piano, Guitar, Drums, Bass, Voice, Songwriting, and  Audio Production located conveniently in Allen, Texas! 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!

Creativity and the "Outside" Perspective

There is nothing quite like writing music with others that gets the creative "juices" flowing. Sometimes we as composers and performers can get stuck in a writing rut, playing the same chord progressions, repeating the same rhythms, hearing the same melodies! We have to escape "the box" and one of the best ways to do so is to get an outside perspective. Remember, even the Beatles had Brian Epstein to help them write and record some of the most popular songs worldwide! We here at Matt Burk Music Studio can help you do the same! Whether it is vocal coaching, songwriting, learning "killer licks", awesome beats, bringing the low end, or how to "tickle the ivory"; we can give you the positive reinforcement and help you to advance to the next level with your musicianship!