Looking at the piano and its notes, the first thing even the most amateur musician will notice is an array of keys – some black and some white – that make different sounds or notes when struck.
A combination of those notes, known as the chord on a piano is a minimum of 3 notes played together, sometimes more in some cases.
As you age you tend to think that you’re unable to do certain things because you’re “too old” to do them any longer.
One of the biggest misconceptions like the expression ‘teaching an old dog a new trick’ is that in your older years you are unable to learn a brand new instrument. Older adults still have the ability to learn, so don’t feel you need to give up on this.
When you begin to learn to play the violin, you probably fancy yourself mastering a difficult piece like one of Beethoven’s Sonatas or the Concerto in A Minor. But in reality, you should be sure to give yourself some patience because it will require time to get to that stage.
If you have been studying voice, or spent time around other vocalists, you may have heard them refer to their “book”. This book refers to a singer’s repertoire. What a singer chooses to study and perform is hugely important. It frames your identity as an artist and the way you are presented to your audiences.
The piano is noted as one of the best instruments to begin learning how to play from, mainly due to the ease of locating notes and identifying chords.
Most students tend to practice on a keyboard, which sounds and plays vastly different than the piano, due to its size and sound. The keys aren’t weighted and there aren’t usually any pedals, so it would better benefit you to practice on an actual piano if given the opportunity.
If you play the piano, you know that an important step in keeping your piano in great shape for a long time is through regular maintenance and repair when necessary.
Proper maintenance is key (no pun intended), and one of those tasks includes cleaning your piano keys without damaging them. Oils from your skin (as well as whatever other grime your skin picks up), dust, and dirt can collect on your keys making them look very dingy.
Ready for your next audition? Going on your first audition? Losing sleep over said audition? Here are some tips from Alexia, one of NYC’s top voice teachers to help you out!
I can’t count the number of times a student has told me, “I can’t sing with vibrato, I’m a pop singer;” or “I can’t sing an aria, I’m a musical theatre singer.”
Admittedly, I was once a victim of this kind of thinking. I would say, “I can’t belt, I’m a legit singer.”
When learning a new instrument or taking a music class for the first time, you will be required to learn Music Theory. The importance of learning theory is what will help you read the music, decipher the music and become privy to the music language. As a musician, teacher or student, there are certain terms that you should know, both basic and advanced, that will guide you, helping you to understand music and become more of an expert on the subject.
1) What advice would you give to parents who are considering getting violin lessons for their children?
– Find a teacher that is not only a good player but is a very good educator. To be able to teach well is a skill. A good teacher will also have knowledge in finding instruments, instrument accessories, violin books per specific level, and know-how to inspire their students.
