Learning is the act of acquiring or developing skills and knowledge.
4
votes
1answer
108 views
How does achieve a “distant” effect on piano?
I'm trying to teach myself some piano pieces by Joaquín Turina and he marks certain passages as "lointains" (French for "distant"). It occurred to me that I have no idea what this means in terms of ...
6
votes
5answers
406 views
Should I take piano class?
I had been playing keyboard for years. But I'm kind of interested to learn and practice in more proper way. As I had been self learning since the beginning. I know the basic of music theory and also ...
4
votes
2answers
4k views
How can I learn 48 holes tremolo harmonica?
Probably not the best harmonica to start with, but this is the one that I used to play around with when I was a kid. So, I just pick it up at the store and thought it might be easy to learn. And later ...
12
votes
6answers
2k views
Get back into an instrument after long break?
In my youth I played lots of piano, for over 10 years, and became quite good at it. During college, however, I just didn't have the time to keep it up.
It looks as if I'll soon have access to a ...
21
votes
10answers
4k views
As a guitarist, how can I learn to sight-read music?
I'm learning guitar right now, mostly from Justin Sandercoe's free online lessons, starting from the beginner's course. He has a lot of good tips for how to practice and drill chords, and scales, but ...
6
votes
3answers
543 views
How to start bass-guitar plucking?
I am looking for an online beginner tutorial to bass plucking (fingered) technique, something like the image bellow.
Important: I am not looking to learn how to play the notes etc., I would say I ...
3
votes
3answers
650 views
Bass-guitar online exercises for not-beginner
I'm an intermediate bass guitarist, and I want to improve my left arm fingers work, and improvisation during bass solo.
I think I should learn not only by simply remember some tabs by famous bass ...
11
votes
2answers
442 views
Music education audio lessons
I am currently learning to play the guitar, and that has sparked an interest in learning more about music in general. I would like to learn about music theory, ear training, history, musical styles ...
5
votes
2answers
414 views
Tool to help “read” sheet music
I'd like to learn how to sing songs. I have sheet music with 4 part harmony, but I don't really know how to read notes that well. Are there any tools that can sort of read sheet music for me? Like if ...
1
vote
1answer
119 views
How do I find the accompaigning low-pitch note when playing fingerstyle?
If you're trying to learn a song by ear for example, how do you find the backing note to go along whith what you are playing?
For example, when playing canon in D, you first start with the D string ...
7
votes
1answer
454 views
Learning an alternative moving-do solfege — futile?
Here's a fairly specific but multi-faceted question.
I can only solfege (moving-do) in my head up to about Allegro 16ths at best, and I've been thinking if maybe there are ways to speed up. I noticed ...
1
vote
1answer
185 views
Which set of books could I read to become an advanced conductor?
I would like a list of three to ten books to learn all there is to know about conducting.
Please be concise, try to cover all the stages from a beginner conductor (but already an experienced adult ...
1
vote
5answers
571 views
Mnemonics for memorizing the Staff: useful or harmful?
I want to teach a friend of mine how to read music, but I don't know if to use mnemonics or not. The benefit of using them is that you can remember them more easily. The downside is that you might ...
11
votes
5answers
353 views
Teaching Bandmates to Count
I started out as a classically trained guitarist and spent my high school years playing bass in a (school) jazz ensemble, so I have some (limited) formal musical training. Playing rhythm in Jazz ...
7
votes
2answers
716 views
Intermediate exercises for sight reading, specifically for reading ahead
I've been practicing violin casually for about 20 years and sight reading for about 10 -- but I'm still quite slow, especially when there are a lot of 16th notes and syncopation.
The problem for me ...
3
votes
1answer
58 views
How to layout left hand fingers correctly?
I practice Flamenco guitar. Basically all music sheets that I read indicates the left hand fingers (1, 2, 3 and 4).
This is amazingly helpful because you can complicate a lot of things if you are ...
12
votes
10answers
1k views
Guitar tutoring software that listens to your playing?
I'm looking into learning classical guitar. I know most people will suggest getting lessons, and I'm looking into that.
But I was also wondering if there are any software tutors out there that can ...
9
votes
4answers
357 views
What to play instead of chords with an informal group?
I typically play guitar with an informal group and we mostly play traditional and old-timey songs. When I am not soloing I usually just play the chord progression of the song. Recently however I ...
13
votes
4answers
365 views
Where can I get started with my improvisation?
I have been playing the alto saxophone for a while now. I have also improvised from time to time and have some theoretical and practical background on the instrument, harmony, scales, etc.
I have ...
3
votes
1answer
119 views
Musical factors when picking a good school to go to.
To me (and most other people I know) the biggest factor in looking at a college or grad school is the teacher. The person you'll be studying your instrument with individually over the course of the ...
7
votes
3answers
95 views
Is it useful to have different teachers?
I'm extremely satisfied with my Flamenco teacher, a real virtuoso.
When do you know that it is time to change to a new teacher?
6
votes
3answers
1k views
Jazz piano versus classical piano
What are the main differences between a jazz Pianist and a classical Pianist, If there are any. If I play mainly songs of pop artists (e.g: The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, etc.) does this count ...
6
votes
1answer
145 views
Warnings/Comments/Suggestions for low brass player learning tenor sax?
Let me start by saying that trombone is my main instrument next to piano and I've been playing it for several years.
I had a fleeting thought about attempting to learn tenor sax. I'm already ...
10
votes
2answers
749 views
How can I improve piano proprioception?
What exercises are effective at improving proprioception while playing piano?
My immediate goal is to be able to play piano pieces without taking my eyes of the sheet music. (ie. avoid looking at my ...
3
votes
6answers
1k views
Is Hanon's “Virtuoso Pianist” good for self-taught musician?
I am a self-taught painist (or keyboardist, whatever you prefer). Some time ago I came across The Virtuoso Pianist but, because I never played under an eye of a professional, I was turned away by the ...
7
votes
1answer
802 views
Where can I find jazz piano scales to practice?
I played the piano for years classically when I was younger, but eventually left it alone in my late teens and twenties. I probably wouldn't have if I'd been allowed to do more Jazz as I always wanted ...
9
votes
4answers
1k views
How to learn many musical instruments?
It's absolutely possible for one to know how to play more than one instrument and even be good at or master some.
I currently know how to play guitar, keyboard and drum. Planning to start learning ...
5
votes
2answers
457 views
How can I develop a high register on a brass instrument without creating tension?
Lately I've been reading about how trombonists (or any other brass instrumentalists) tend to develop tention in their neck or torso when playing in the higher register. In working to decrease ...
23
votes
8answers
6k views
How can a classical pianist learn jazz piano?
I'm a classically trained pianist. Took lessons all through my childhood. I've continued to play and read classical literature all my life. But I never learned anything about jazz piano. I also know a ...
6
votes
5answers
536 views
Is learning an instrument online a bad idea?
I took ballet and with ballet you gain something called muscle memory and if you learn incorrectly, it's almost impossible to ever be a great dancer (because of muscle memory.) Because of this, you ...
4
votes
2answers
378 views
Beginning to learn the transverse C-flute : with offset-G key or inline-G key?
I have a nephew, eleven years old, who wants to start learning the flute next september.
I have seen that there are flute models with two central round keys either inline with the others or slightly ...
1
vote
1answer
187 views
Learning for entry level exam for music school
On Sunday I am going to take a entry level exam in music theory. They didn't give me any sample exam or references to where can I learn this stuff. All I have is a list of what will be in the exam ...
0
votes
2answers
77 views
I've heard of advanced performers taking Dalcrose Eurhythmics classes- would such classes be appropriate for a beginner too?
Should a musician which is just starting to learn how to play his instrument specifically look for classes which call out Dalcrose Eurhythmics concepts as part of their curriculum?
21
votes
10answers
4k views
How can I improve my piano sight reading?
I am 25 years old, and I started learning piano about 6 months ago. I really want to play the piano well, but it takes me so long to be able to play any piece of music. In the meantime, I'm using a ...
4
votes
5answers
26 views
Forums for Guitarists
Which are some the largest and most popular Internet Forums for Guitarists?
Ideally a large community, with input regarding all aspects of learning to play, song suggestons and advice on popular ...
5
votes
2answers
98 views
Links and tips for Learning and using scales
Tips and links on learning and using different types of scales will be helpful.
If possible List of scales with songs in which they are used and (artists/types of bands) who uses certain scales to a ...
10
votes
5answers
2k views
Software that Transposes Music?
I would love to be able to learn the flute by playing more popular music. However, all the free sheet music that I can find for a flute in the key of C is lame stuff like "Jingle Bells."
In my search ...
3
votes
3answers
191 views
How do I find a flute teacher?
I would like to learn to play the flute, but it is nearly impossible to find a flute teacher around here. I have tried the music store and they don't teach the flute there nor do they know of someone ...
19
votes
3answers
3k views
How can I train my ear for music?
I have noticed that some people are better at hearing music, e.g. they are better in distinguishing the notes or noticing mistakes when someone is play.
Is it possible to train oneself to hear music ...
4
votes
7answers
2k views
What is the right age to start learning to play violin?
I heard that it becomes very difficult to learn to play violin after a certain age (14 IIRC). Is that correct? And what is the reason?
19
votes
1answer
1k views
Beginning “adult” piano for musicians
My piano skills are the weakest part of my conducting/rehearsal technique, so I'd like to work on them essentially starting from scratch. I don't have the option of a piano teacher, so I'm looking for ...
12
votes
6answers
362 views
When learning a piece, concentrate on playing the beginning really well or the whole piece the same?
I'm currently learning to play piano for 6 months and every time I learn a new piece I learn it like this:
learn the first line, play it until its pretty good
learn the next line and play the ...
16
votes
3answers
254 views
Criteria for selecting a voice teacher
I have been singing in a (classical) choir for several years, including the occasional solo line, and am now seriously considering voice lessons. However, finding a good teacher seems like a daunting ...
5
votes
4answers
347 views
What is the best way to start learning to play guitar by ear
I've been using TAB for a while but I want to transition to picking things up by ear. What is an effective way to do that? Please give answers about methods you have experience with and explain how ...
2
votes
2answers
79 views
Pre-requisite Skills for Playing with a Slide (acoustic)
Love listening to slide guitar and would like to teach myself how to play. Although, I'm hesitant because I feel like there are more fundamental techniques that I should learn before jumping into ...
-1
votes
1answer
156 views
Advance Plucking Lessons
Check this out.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA-GadOp9sA (In this video it is not me)
I like plucking a lot. Most of the time I play Blackmoor's night. I can play several famous Blackmoor's Night ...
9
votes
5answers
383 views
Becoming a good guitar teacher
I am thinking of starting guitar teaching and, of course, I am aiming to become a good guitar teacher. I don't think it will happen in the near future, because I don't have enough skill level yet, but ...
12
votes
5answers
153 views
How to learn to play guitar with a slide ?
I have always wanted to play guitar with a slide. How should I go about learning this skill ?
I am looking for tips, songs, exercises, etc.
Thanks.
p.s.: The "Slide" tag would have been useful ...
10
votes
5answers
394 views
Skills needed for classical guitar
I've been playing steel-string acoustic for 25+ years, and I'm becoming more interested in classical guitar playing. While I'm fairly good at fingerstyle, I'm aware that making the leap to ...
2
votes
5answers
221 views
Need Help in Starting to Learn Guitars?
I am a beginning guitar player. I enjoyed playing in my childhood, but for some reason I was not able to learn.
But now I want to learn guitar. I wasn't sure whether to buy an electric guitar or a ...
