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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top 5 Reasons Why a Music Lesson Is Good For Children

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

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

Call Matt Burk Music Studio today for more information.

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

Music School Reveals The Truth About Learning Instruments as an Adult

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Things Great Music Teachers Include In Their Music Lessons

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

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

Goals and Expectations

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

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

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

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

Effecting Change

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

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

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

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

Conveying Information

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

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

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

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

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

Three Tips on How to Make Your First Music School Lesson Rock

Music students awaiting their first lesson typically experience a variety of different emotions. Although feeling excited usually tops the list, they may also feel a little nervous, intimidated and overwhelmed. Not knowing what awaits them, as well as not being clear about the expectations of music lessons, can have them feeling a little uneasy leading up to the big day. Students can make their first lesson at music school as good as possible by following these tips.

Be Patient  

Unfortunately, you’re probably not going to become a musical superstar after just one lesson. It takes time--and lots of practice—to become proficient. Malcolm Gladwell famously wrote in his book Outliers that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become an expert in any field. While this has received criticism, it does hone in on the point that the best thing to do before going to your first lesson at music school is to understand that it may take time and arduous practice to become the virtuoso you dream of being.  Realize that a music teacher can only guide you and it is up to you to put in the work and commitment to become the musician you dream of being. Attempting to rush and skip the basics will only hurt you in the end.

Be Open to the Process

You may expect your first lesson to include a serious jam session. The truth is, however, you may not even pick up your instrument until you have a few lessons under your belt. Your instructor will likely teach you how to read music and tell you what certain musical terms mean. They may also teach you in ways you don’t expect. This is why you’ll need to be open to whatever happens when you walk through the door. Just because you aren’t learning in a way you may have anticipated, it doesn’t mean the lesson won’t be beneficial.

Be Confident in Yourself

You may be doubting your skills if you’ve never played a musical instrument before or taken a voice lesson. Your first inclination could be to clam up and not truly engage in the lesson. Acting like this only hurts you. Your teacher wants to help you achieve your musical goals. A lack of confidence can hinder your progress. Sure, you may make mistakes, but everyone does. Your teacher has seen it all and will be there to encourage you every step of the way.

Let Matt Burk Music Studio Give You a Great First Lesson

Matt Burk Music Studio in Frisco, TX, has a team of experienced and dedicated music teachers who want to help you have a great first lesson and musical journey. Contact us today to find out how we can help and what we have to offer by calling (469) 353-6100.

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

Selecting the Right Instrument for Your Child for Music School

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

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

3 Tips on How to Write A Song From Matt Burk Studio in Frisco, TX

If you love music, you have probably always wanted to write a song and hear it on your Frisco, TX radio station. Hit songwriters make it seem so easy. The stories they tell in their songs seem to be so obvious, the feelings and emotions they stir universal, that you often think to yourself, “Man, I could’ve written that song!” However, if you actually sit down to try and write your own song, you may discover that it’s harder than you think. Here are three tips on how to write a song from Matt Burk Music Studio in Frisco, TX.

Focus on an emotion

The best songs resonate with listeners and fans because there is something inherently true about it, something that everyone can relate to because they have felt it before. Think about the moments, people and emotions that have moved you in the past. Hope. Loss. Sorrow. Joy. Love. Really focus on the feelings you had during that moment or time. Now start putting those feelings into words. Don’t worry about rhyming just yet. It’s more important to focus on how you are telling the story.

Choose a song style or structure

Now that you have some rough lyrics down, take a look at them. What kind of music and sounds do you hear when you read them? Slow, dreamy acoustic? Angry, clanging rock guitars? Delicate piano? Do these words go best with breathy, transcendent vocals, or something more gritty? Is there any phrase that jumps out at you as a potential chorus? Consider contrasting the song’s style or structure with a sound incongruous to the emotion you are conveying in your lyrics. For instance, a sad song to a happy tune, or vice versa.

Find the melody in your lyrics

Now that you kind of have an idea of the structure or style you are going for with your lyrics, start playing around with sounding out the lines you’ve written. Don’t be afraid to repeat a line, or even just sing a little “Blah blah blah I need more words here.” This part is all about finding the melody and cadence hidden in the lines you have written. Once you have discovered a core melody, start picking it out and refining it on your instrument.

If you have been dreaming of learning how to write a song in Frisco, TX or further your songwriting career, Matt Burk Music Studio offers lessons for students of all ages, from 5 to 95. 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.

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