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!

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!

Get In the Session!

Once again we're gearing up for another great Jam Session for the studio! As per usual, it will be held at the Jam Station in Plano, Friday, August 16th, starting at 7:30 pm! We're doing two songs, one new, one old: "Since U Been Gone" and "Walk Away Renee." This will be our first Jam Session with students from both our Allen location and our new Frisco location performing! The other instructors and I have been working out the parts, including guitar/piano lead sheet and drum notation written out from scratch! Now I know I've posted about this before but I cannot stress how much of a positive impact it can have to work with others when composing, arranging, choreographing, and writing lyrics. Take, for example, the older song "Walk Away Renee", which is in the key of A for both recordings we've referenced for the lead sheets. Our version will be in G to be more accessible to both male and female singers. At first we had a very simple four-bar intro all prolonging the G major chord. This was fine for at-home performance but I figured it would be a bit more interesting to the players and the listeners to transpose another harmonically engaging part into the intro. Now, I know for some of you this is a bit too much music jargon but the end result will be that the song sounds good and is fun to play! Since we're doing drums from scratch, I wanted to give the performers a lot of leeway in regards to the beats, fills, and cymbal accents. I have begun creating a "skeleton key" of sorts that shows important areas where the ensemble moves together rhythmically or when an accent or fill is absolutely needed. The rest will really be up to the players taste, which I believe helps with improvisation and listening in the group atmosphere. The players must be more aware of what is happening in order to not become lost in the song. Guitar has been smooth sailing with the help of one of our piano/guitar instructors. We've even been able to revise each other's work to keep mistakes at a minimum (and save some ink and paper to boot!) which makes it that much easier to concentrate on the students' performance and fun!

If you are a current student and have been on the fence about performing in the Jam Sessions, I strongly encourage you to sign up! They are very laid back, with no pressure or expectations. We're just there to have a good time and enjoy playing music together. Still not sure? Then just come by and see what it is all about! Not a current student but you're interested in what we do? Matt Burk Music Studio offers private music lessons tailored to the student! We find out what engages YOU and go from there! We offer lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition!

When learning something new, I find it a necessity to play through things not once or twice, but ten or twenty! This insures that I understand the rhythmic and melodic changes, especially when I use a metronome to keep time. If I can do something twenty times in a row (especially on the drums) with the metronome, I consider that section to be solidified and I can move on. Sometimes it takes more than fifty times through something to get it perfect. Sometimes even a hundred or more. Frustration can set in but the smart player will realize when it is time to put it away for a while and come back to it when anger is no longer clouding proper technique. The thing to remember, especially with musical instruments, is that the body must often get used to the feel of an action; muscle memory takes repetition and repetition takes patience! These are the type of tools that we can help you develop at Matt Burk Music Studio. We offer coaching and private lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting and audio production! We have two convenient locations: our flagship studio in Allen and now one in Frisco near Legacy and 121! Remember, repetition is key and be patient with yourself!

Time Management

When we are young it seems like we have all the time in the world. Wait, maybe not. I find that even my youngest students have a rich extra-curricular activity schedule and that means time management is essential! When have somewhere to be every night it can be difficult to find time to practice. Still, I have found that if you create a spot on your weekly calendar for practice and only practice, without outside distraction, you can achieve successful progress that can be marked. Let your family know that during your practice time that you're not to be disturbed (except for emergencies, of course) and make that plan stick! Need help getting to a comfortable level of practice to work on your own? Matt Burk Music Studio can show you how to practice in a manner that helps you move forward! We offer private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. 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!

Major or Minor?

 

It is a very simple question but one that many people don't know the answer to: what is the difference between the major and minor scales? Well, it is an easy answer wrapped up in complicated language. First we have to understand that we're talking about  a group of tones to which we have assigned the name "scale".. In this example we'll use the C Major scale tones: C, D, E, F, G, A, B, and C (the next octave up).  There are no accidentals in the scale of C Major, it may be found easily on the piano, just the white keys, starting from any C note on the keyboard (see the picture!) and ascending to the next octave.  The major scale may be sung in solfeggio: do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do! Now sing it, like Julie Andrews!

Now here is the weird part. To create the C minor scale we have to make a few adjustments to the original Major scale. Those adjustments are as follows: We'll take the third scale degree, "mi" and drop the tone one half-step to "me" (this creates a minor third relationship between our 1 "do" and our 3rd "me"). Then we'll flat the 7th tone as well, from "ti" to "te". That's it, now we have do-re-me-fa-so-la-te-do! Our C natural minor scale! Now take a look at the picture above this paragraph. Can you see that if we were to play the C Major Scale, but started on the tone of A and played through to another A we would be playing the A Minor scale! Why is this? Well, they share the same key signature and tones!

Now wasn't all that easy to figure out? It wasn't? Well then, perhaps Matt Burk Music Studio can help shed some light on the theory behind musical ideas that many hold commonplace but aren't exactly sure how or why they work. We can incorporate this into fun, digestible, goal-oriented lessons on the instrument you choose! We offer private music lessons in piano, guitar, drums, bass, voice, songwriting, and audio production. 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!

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!

Re-string That Axe!

So you've got a big show tomorrow night. A & R reps will be in the crowd, biggest show to date. You look at your guitar and notice something. Your strings are dull and lifeless; all the bright and slinky-ness has been lost due to corrosion. You need to re-string your axe! Should you take it into your local guitar shop and have the luthier do it for an exorbitant amount? NOPE! Just follow these instructions and you'll be golden! First off, the way you will approach this will differ depending on the type of guitar being re-strung. Acoustics need the tension to remain on the neck to avoid warping or bending. The way to avoid those problems is to begin by removing and replacing the lowest E string. When trying to determine how much slack you should leave on the string for a good wind, try my method. I pull the string taut through the eyelet. Then pull it back through the feed about half a fret's worth of space. This should ensure enough string on the wind without too much excess! Next will be the D string, then the B. Do you see the overall "skip-a-string" method we're using? Once the B has been replaced you may return to the A string (5th largest) and begin the skipping from there: A, G, E). Remember that this is primarily for acoustics, but may be used for electric as well. Electric guitars may be restrung from the lowest to highest or vice-versa without too much stress on the neck. I still don't recommend taking ALL the strings off unless you need to make repairs. This will ensure a straight neck! After all the strings have been replaced, you will want to "stretch" out the strings by bending them on the fretboard (many play through lead lines and use bends for this purpose). This will make sure that they keep their tone when they naturally lengthen from the stress. Well, I hope this was helpful! Knowledge like this is just a small part of what you will learn if you take private music lessons here at Matt Burk Music Studio. We can help you reach your musical goals and relay valuable information on gigging, tuning, rigs, guitars, etc. Matt Burk Music Studio: Learn, Create, Perform!