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

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

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!

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

Drum Lessons Frisco TX: Learn How To Keep The Beat

When you want to learn about keeping the beat, you want to get drum lessons in Frisco TX to help you.  The place to do that is at Matt Burk Music Studio!  We can help you either get better or start from scratch with your music lessons.  We’ll meet with you and determine the right coach and program for your needs and wants.  Call us today to get started at (469) 353-6100 or visit our website at www.wannalearnmusic.com to find out more about our opportunities.  Don’t put off learning how to keep the beat!  Call Matt Burk Music Studio today!

Drum Lessons Frisco TX

Matt Burk Music Studio
1701 Legacy Drive, Ste. 150
Frisco, TX 75034
(469) 619-9055