Posts Tagged music course
Do You Need College To Learn To Play Music?
Music courses are a great way to learn about virtually any area of music; history, theory, and musical instrument
instruction — you name it and somewhere music courses specialize in it. Though generally found through colleges, universities or high school programs, courses are also offered via one-on-one instruction with a private teacher or community-based workshops. Some churches even offer courses as a complement to their choirs; the courses may be offered to the general public, but they’re often geared toward the choir members and congregation.
In the last few years, however, a new dimension to learning music has appeared in the form of the internet the world wide web. Now instead of being limited to classroom courses, students are free to create their own schedules and learn at their own pace. A quick search on Google or Yahoo will turn up online courses in:
- Chord Piano
- Classical Piano
- For Beginners
- Improvising on the Piano & Guitar
- Rock Guitar
- Praise & Worship Guitar
- Killer Drum Instuctions
- Black Gospel Piano
- Jazz Piano
- and many many more
Music courses offered by colleges are generally far more in-depth than other courses and are usually only available to degree-seeking students (though some colleges offer courses as part of their continuing education programs). Lower level college courses often focus on an amalgamation of music theory and history, teaching individual theory concepts based on the historical period to which they are particular. As the courses grow in skill level so too does the number of specialized topics. Advanced courses are available for nearly every historical music period and are sometimes based on one particular movement. Advanced courses for theory grow increasingly more difficult and slowly teach every detail found in modern theory; it’s during the theory courses that students intending to major in music have their skills challenged the most — some even refer to these music courses as a weeding out period.
Instrument-based courses are equally as tough at the college level, though they usually assume a working knowledge of the instrument before the class begins. Those wishing to learn an instrument, therefore, are better off with private courses or courses offered by a community orchestra or social group. These courses will focus on the basic details of learning an instrument, starting from the very beginning. Fingering, theory and music reading will be covered, in addition to the occasional bit of history. Students of these courses may then wish to move on to college-level courses after completing a few years of private instruction.
But for those more interested in recreational music in other words, music that is played for personal enjoyment or to entertain family and friends, college music classes are not at all necessary. The internet abounds with wonderful courses that will help you do everything from play at your church to accompany your child on their flute or trombone, or even play in a jazz or rock or fusion or country group.
Tags: education, guitar, high school, jazz piano, learn to play music, learning, learning music, music, music classes, music course, music courses, music theory, musical instrument, piano, play music, school, teacher, teachingRelated posts
Are Music Correspondence Courses Right For You ?
The opportunities for music correspondence courses are vastly different today compared to a few years ago. Thanks to modern technology and the Internet, taking a music course by correspondence is now much more practical.
Imagine how hard it would be to learn how to play the piano or another instrument by simply reading a book. It’s true that people have successfully learned to play an instrument by reading a book. However, without the benefit of visual demonstrations, the process can be long and difficult. Today’s music correspondence courses contain visual demonstrations via video and live webcam instruction to accompany written textbook materials. This combination of learning materials greatly increases the student’s likelihood of success.
The type of correspondence course that you choose will probably depend on your goals. Examine your reasons for wanting to learn to play a particular instrument to determine where to start looking.
Do you want to:
- Receive nationally recognized certification? If so, you may want to look into colleges or accredited music schools such as Berklee School of Music in Boston or Eastman School of Music in Rochester New York. This is especially true if you hope to get a job in the music industry. Many employers want to see some type of formal education on your resume from a reputable school. Many of these offer correspondence courses that can help you meet your goals. Sometimes you can complete an entire certificate program by correspondence. For other programs, you may need to do some live classroom work in addition to correspondence courses. Look for accredited music schools with a professional reputation in the industry. Most offer some type of distance education, either by correspondence or online. This can be an excellent alternative if moving somewhere else to get your musical education isn’t an option.
- Enrich your personal life? Maybe you always wanted to learn to play the piano as a child but never had the opportunity. Maybe you’ve been out of practice for several years and just want to brush up on your skills. If employment in the music industry isn’t necessarily your goal, then you’ll probably find what you need from a private instructor or company such as PlayPiano or perhaps ChordPiano, which you can easily locate online through any search engine. Many online music schools offer programs for beginners or for honing old skills. They may combine written materials with DVD demonstrations, online video instruction or live instruction via webcam. Sometimes these types of correspondence courses are less expensive than those offered by colleges or music schools.
- Explore a new genre? Maybe you are a classically trained pianist who always wanted to learn how to play the blues. Perhaps you took lessons for a few years as a child, but never took theory and learned to understand chords. A correspondence course through a private instructor or company may be exactly what you need. Correspondence courses are available on specific topics and genres that may interest you. If you already know the basics, it won’t take long to build upon that knowledge and teach yourself something new.
Let your personal reasons guide your decision when choosing a music correspondence course. You’ll probably find that many music correspondence courses are very affordable. Plus, you can learn from the comfort of home with your own instrument. The list of advantages to taking a music correspondence course is practically endless.
Tags: berklee school of music, education, how to play the piano, learn how to play the piano, learn to play the piano, learning, lessons, music, music course, music industry, music school, music schools, piano, school, school of musicRelated posts
Online Music Course Reviews and Buying Considerations
Sonic Producer
The Sonic Producer online beat machine software is a new kind of music generator that exports MP3s as well as a membership only site with tutorials, loop libraries and videos. It is packaged as an application and course for learning music production in a keyboard and mixing studio environment. It is online software and training that allows non-professional music lovers to create very high quality beats quickly. The lessons provide education for music production using sequencers, instruments, keyboards and multi-track software.
The online classes show you how to make and produce beats for instrumentals, rap and hip hop. It is made for students of all ages and for anyone who wants to learn the craft of making beats. The courses and software work on any computer system including PC and Mac. Technical support is offered with the membership.
Product Specifications:
- Online beat maker with large royalty free library of sounds you can use.
- Export professional sounding instrumental beats online to MP3.
- Learn music production with user friendly software and courses.
- Easy to use and made for any computer and operating system.
- Unlimited beats in all styles available for exporting.
- Contests for members with cash and prize awards.
Buying Considerations:
One of the top alternatives for novices but does not offer the advanced features of more expensive desktop software. You don’t automatically make beats with the software, this takes a bit of training.
Music maker software requires gaining an understanding of loop technology and a sense of rhythm. This course makes it much easier, but it will take some effort on the student’s part.
Music Master Pro
Music Master Pro is an online music school where you learn how to play music online. Jay Dynasty, a musician with major label credits, is the founder and main teacher. The site’s mission to provide musicians world-wide with high quality instruction in musical instruments and audio production. The web-based music institute also provides career support in the way of networking forums and industry listings.
The courses are available for beginning through advanced musicians in guitar, bass and drums. Methods cover multiple styles including jazz, pop, rock and hip hop in a variety of tempos and feels. No prior music experience is required for the courses. Various other tools are included such as instrumental jam tracks, an online beat maker and private forums.
The program includes resources that teach music basics, improvisation, transcribing and reading music. The training is delivered mainly via video and audio download and new lessons are added to the library on a regular basis. Students have access to the entire lesson library at once so lessons start at every level of skill and can be revisited until techniques are mastered.
Product Specifications:
- 200 lessons in audio and video for guitar, bass and drums in all styles.
- 1000 instrumental audio tracks that you can practice improvisation with.
- Several thousand scale and chord references for licks, patterns and progressions.
- Additional video courses on music production including scoring and beat making.
- Includes add on lessons in piano and violin in MP3 format.
- Web-based beat generator software for online hip hop and techno styles.
- Industry networking and listings in the private member forum.
- Accessible from Windows PC and Mac OS via an Internet connection.
Buying Considerations:
While this may be the most extensive and acclaimed library of video lessons, keep in mind that learning independently is not for everyone. If you have never even picked up an instrument, consider taking a few lessons with a teacher first before diving into self-learning.
Learning to hold an instrument and getting a sense of the basics from a professional in person can get you off to a solid start. After that a course like Music Master Pro can take you to a level that weekly lessons may not be able to.
Tags: beats, education, guitar, learn music, learn music production, learning, learning music, lessons, make beats, music, music course, music institute, music maker, music maker software, music production, music school, musical instrument, musical instruments, piano, play music, reading music, school, sonic producer, teach music, teacherRelated posts