As with any skill, learning how to play music requires a certain amount of practice and commitment. For private lessons to truly be successful, though, there needs to be a balance of making music fun and educational. Read on as Elk Grove, CA teacher Kevin B. explains…
Like many people, you probably have a favorite composer, musician or song. If you were asked why, what would your response be? Would it be the lyrics, the mood, or maybe the orchestration? Though these things may not always be evident, and sometimes confusing, they are essential components to music creation. As a musician, how are we supposed to learn these components? More importantly, how do we balance learning, theory, technique, and having fun?
To begin to understand music at its core, your first have to learn what makes up music. This is called music theory, which is the structure of music, and how it is formed. Some would compare this to the foundation of a house. Most students have a workbook in the beginning stages of taking music lessons; this introduces theory in a simple form. Students should began to study theory in order to understand why their music sounds the way it does. This is sometimes a challenging area for students because it often seems redundant, but it is very important to become a well-rounded and knowledgeable musician.
Technique is the development of a musician’s skills. In turn, these skills define a musician as they develop. Technique supports you as a student by simplifying the steps to properly create music. Basically, you have to learn to walk before you run. This is where practice makes perfect, you have to practice technique over and over to make it easy and natural. Technique can be applied to anything, from how you put your fingers on the piano keys to how to breathe properly to sing, and can then be applied to the most complex of musical pieces. Mastering your technique is essential to your advancement as a musician
Most importantly, though, music is fun! My number one rule is about making music fun while practicing. Understanding theory and technique helps achieve true enjoyment and artistry in music. Balancing theory, technique, and having fun with music is not about choosing between the three, but developing them as a whole. Keeping all these things in mind, the next time your teacher asks for more work on theory or practicing technique, remember you are taking the steps to become the musician you dream to be.
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Kevin B. teaches bass guitar, guitar, piano, singing, music theory and songwriting lessons in Elk Grove, CA. He specializes in gospel, jazz, classical and pop styles, and joined the TakeLessons team in January 2013. Learn more about Kevin, or search for a teacher near you!
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