Learning is the act of acquiring or developing skills and knowledge.
35
votes
7answers
1k views
Will learning to play another instrument help me to become a better guitarist?
I am a programmer and I do this for living. As a programmer, I've noticed how much difference it makes to learn another language - the quality of your work improves greatly, just because you know how ...
25
votes
7answers
422 views
Guitar practice: more often but less time or once in a few days but for a few hours?
As many people, who have lots of every day responsibilities, like going to work, family and etc. I find myself struggling for the time to practice. Some days I just feel to tired to pick up a guitar ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
20
votes
14answers
5k views
How can I best learn to play barre chords?
I've been trying to learn the F chord for a while now, and I am having a very hard time playing the barre chord. I've read that pulling back slightly with your finger and using the body of the guitar ...
19
votes
10answers
1k views
Which instrument can a person play with 2 malformed fingers on each hand?
Due to a birth defect, I have 2 malformed fingers on both hands (fingers 1,2).
(The picture is from the web just to illustrate the fingers i'm talking about.)
I've seen GuiGui Zheng videos, it is ...
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 ...
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 ...
18
votes
15answers
5k views
What instruments are inexpensive, portable and not too loud?
I'm a college student, and I'd really like to start playing an instrument. But I want to find something that is:
Inexpensive
Small / portable in a backpack
Quiet enough to practice in my dorm room
...
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 ...
15
votes
4answers
193 views
Teaching a student to match pitch
I'm a piano teacher and I currently have a student that is taking voice lessons from another teacher. Our lessons involve me accompanying her and discussing interpretation and style. She has some ...
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 ...
12
votes
6answers
360 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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
11
votes
5answers
8k views
What is the first scale one should learn on guitar
The title really sums it all up but I'll try expand it slightly. Lets say I'm learning guitar and would like to improve my guitar work. Which of the scales should I learn first and why?
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 ...
11
votes
9answers
432 views
Is there a technique to help you memorize the notes on the guitar?
The title says it all. Is there no escaping memorizing the neck note by note, or is there a nice technique for this?
11
votes
2answers
282 views
How do I develop a bass voice?
I am an 'adult male human' and can sing from A2 to G4 comfortably. It would be great if I can sing up to a whole octave below this. I am in no hurry and am willing to expend time and effort. I just ...
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 ...
10
votes
7answers
1k views
What are some beginner classical pieces that could be easily learned?
I'm looking for beginner's classical guitar pieces that could be easily learned. I know this is overly optimistic, but any classical piece from Bach, Beethoven and Mozart would be great if a beginner ...
10
votes
5answers
741 views
Do I need a teacher to learn violin?
I'd like to take up the violin, but I travel too much to take lessons.
Is it reasonable to learn violin without a teacher? And I take 'unreasonable' to mean "don't even bother- you'll be much better ...
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 ...
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 ...
10
votes
4answers
389 views
What online resources should I use to learn harmony and musical analysis?
I had some harmony courses and I want to learn some more about it.
Ideally, I am looking for is a KhanAcademy-like website about harmony and musical analysis. If that doesn't exist, where else should ...
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 ...
9
votes
5answers
256 views
Learn guitar chords?
I like to play guitar and I'm quite good playing tabs. However, I don't know the chords and I would like to learn them and to play them easily. Any tips on where to learn them on internet or tips to ...
9
votes
10answers
463 views
What are the advantages of learning to play on your own versus learning from a teacher?
Ok, as a new learner I have started by watching Learn and Master Guitar lessons, using other web tutorials, and whatever other resources I can find on internet.
Do you believe that this way is OK ...
9
votes
5answers
381 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 ...
9
votes
7answers
236 views
What methods can I use to aid note accuracy when playing a Theremin
The main problem I have with the Theremin is identifying "anchors" to help train my muscle memory for note accuracy.
My first violin, about 35 years ago, had tape added by my instructor for the first ...
9
votes
5answers
677 views
Teaching rhythm to a beginner
I'm teaching viola to a beginner high school student.
His progress with technique and reading are pretty good, but one thing he has trouble with is rhythm and tempo. He tends to want to work on ...
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 ...
9
votes
6answers
1k views
Memorizing notes on guitar fretboard
I have 2 questions, which are somehow interrelated.
Learning which-note-corresponds-to-which-fret-position was told to me as an extremely important task for any guitarist who want to get better at ...
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 ...
9
votes
2answers
200 views
How does one start learning music theory?
I know some basic stuff like scales and how to construct chords, but I don't know much about the roles notes play in melody, what kinds of melodies there are, how to do chord progressions, and so on.
...
9
votes
8answers
2k views
Are there alternatives to developing calluses when learning guitar?
As a musician, I come from a mostly vocal and piano background, but I was gifted a decent acoustic guitar many years ago and haven't really gotten into learning it due to practicing being rather ...
9
votes
4answers
297 views
Free exercise books
I've asked a question here: What is a string skipping exercise?.
A follow up question: Are there some good free exercise books available on-line for the post-beginner stage? A link to a good ...
9
votes
2answers
197 views
What is the best way to introduce my 4 year old to harmonica?
My 4-year-old son just got a standard 10 hole harmonica in C from his grandmother, and I would like to give him a good start that will encourage him to enjoy playing.
I myself started out just like ...
9
votes
2answers
826 views
How to begin learning the CAGED Method
What is the best way of approaching the CAGED Method. What are some good resources for beginning to learn this method.
8
votes
7answers
286 views
Is it necessary to learn the names of fret notes?
I know the names of the notes up to about the fifth fret on each string. I play from sheet music occasionally, but mostly from tabs - so is it necessary to learn the names of the notes for each fret ...
8
votes
6answers
260 views
What are good resources for learning music theory?
What is a good resource for learning music theory, especially as it relates to the guitar, coming from a completely beginner's perspective? I had a musician friend try to teach me about modes such as ...
8
votes
4answers
648 views
How to become a good musician at a later age?
I'm a soon-to-be psychology graduate, however my big passion is playing guitar, and I was wondering if I could turn my hobby into something more serious.
I've been a bedroom guitarist for about 6-7 ...
8
votes
5answers
189 views
Can I learn an instrument just by practicing songs?
I am a working individual with tons of responsibility at work giving me little to no time to practice in the conventional way. I can't consistently keep practicing scales and stuff. I just picked up ...
8
votes
3answers
325 views
Is a very cheap drum kit an impediment to learning?
A national discount chain is offering an adult drumkit for £50 (about US$80).
I've often fancied getting my hand in as a drummer. I don't ever expect drums to be my main instrument, but I would like ...
8
votes
3answers
1k views
What is the proper technique for whistling?
Are there any known references on professional whistling out there? I love to whistle, but I feel like it's not very pretty the way I do it and would like to learn from a professional the best way to ...
7
votes
9answers
392 views
What instrument can an old guy learn if the main goal is to write music
At this old age I began, two years ago learning to write music. I write it using Sibelius and let the computer play it for me.
I have been strongly recommended to learn to play an instrument. I have ...
7
votes
2answers
715 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 ...
7
votes
7answers
209 views
Are there any books or videos out there that teach you SLOWLY and do not focus on learning TABS?
Are there any books or videos courses that just teach you how to practice acoustic guitar and its not complicated either? I know that there are lots of video course, books, youtube videos out there ...
