There is a wonderful article (?) about why you should study music. Here is a link to 20 reasons to study music. But the one I like the best (shorter and more to the point) is this one. Whether flute, clarinet, voice, piano, tin whistle, or any other instrument, it is a gift you give yourself (or your child) by letting them learn to appreciate the beauty, and language of music of all styles.
OK off my little soap box.
Monday, April 30, 2012
New Duets-at least to me!
So two students of mine were ready for some new duet books and I felt more contemporary music would be more to their liking. I emailed FluteWorld and they gave me some suggestions. I ordered some of them. I was hesitant to order one of the books because of the price (more than $20 after shipping) and not having seen the music to know for sure this is something my students would like. I love the book! It is a challenge for them, using many songs they have heard, in keys that are not just Bflat or Eflat. Both of these students have completed Book 2 of Accent on Achievement and have been playing for 3-5 years. The book I am in love with can be found here. I think I might buy the other duet book by the same arranger Fun Flute Duets. The people at Flute World were spot on when they recommended this book. I am so glad I contacted them.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Switching instruments
"I've been playing (fill in the blank) for x years. I don't like it. Will I like playing (fill in the blank) more?"
My response? I don't know. Depends. Do you not like your current instrument because of the sound? or because you are having a hard time reading the music? or because you can't get your mouth/fingers/feet to do what you want them to? or is it because you don't want to be the only one playing said instrument? or is it too big/small for you? or is it the music you are playing?
If you don't like playing lets say the tuba because it is too big and heavy, another instrument (pretty much any) might be more enjoyable because it is more manageable. If you don't like playing your instrument because you don't like the sound, then another instrument might make a difference.
However if you are having a hard time reading music, or you want to play a more popular instrument because it is "cool", or you can't seem to get your fingers/mouth/feet to do what you want to do, most likely another instrument is not going to change things.
If it is the music, as your teacher to find a different kind of music that you would be more interested in. Dare I say it, but there is more than Classical music out there! Try duets-they can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a friend who plays an instrument (doesn't even have to be the same instrument usually).
Think long and hard about why you don't like your instrument and why you want to switch. Although you could always go back to your original instrument or even better learn a 2nd instrument for fun! Good Luck.
My response? I don't know. Depends. Do you not like your current instrument because of the sound? or because you are having a hard time reading the music? or because you can't get your mouth/fingers/feet to do what you want them to? or is it because you don't want to be the only one playing said instrument? or is it too big/small for you? or is it the music you are playing?
If you don't like playing lets say the tuba because it is too big and heavy, another instrument (pretty much any) might be more enjoyable because it is more manageable. If you don't like playing your instrument because you don't like the sound, then another instrument might make a difference.
However if you are having a hard time reading music, or you want to play a more popular instrument because it is "cool", or you can't seem to get your fingers/mouth/feet to do what you want to do, most likely another instrument is not going to change things.
If it is the music, as your teacher to find a different kind of music that you would be more interested in. Dare I say it, but there is more than Classical music out there! Try duets-they can be a lot of fun, especially if you have a friend who plays an instrument (doesn't even have to be the same instrument usually).
Think long and hard about why you don't like your instrument and why you want to switch. Although you could always go back to your original instrument or even better learn a 2nd instrument for fun! Good Luck.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Music Stand
My favorite music stand is
Manhasset M48 Symphony Music Stand for Students
which can be purchased for about $40. Although not cheap, it is sturdy. This is not a stand that you would travel with. Most schools use these stands.
Supply suggestions
I thought I would share some of my favorite supplies and approximate cost.
I love my metronome by Korg. I love it because I can change the volume from silent to REALLY loud. Korg has updated the model since I purchased mine. The new one is Korg KDM-2 Digital Metronome. It retails for about $60 online. I also love my tuner. It is the Korg CA-1 Tuner that retails for $15 online. I like it because it is small, accurate and you can add a contact microphone to tune yourself when surrounded by other noise (ie: band room). The contact mic is Korg Cm-100L Contact Microphone for $10.
I love my metronome by Korg. I love it because I can change the volume from silent to REALLY loud. Korg has updated the model since I purchased mine. The new one is Korg KDM-2 Digital Metronome. It retails for about $60 online. I also love my tuner. It is the Korg CA-1 Tuner that retails for $15 online. I like it because it is small, accurate and you can add a contact microphone to tune yourself when surrounded by other noise (ie: band room). The contact mic is Korg Cm-100L Contact Microphone for $10.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
What do I really need to play flute?
For starters a good quality working flute is required:) A music stand is essential. You don't have to go wild and get a really expensive one, however you want it sturdy enough so that it can hold your music books. A folding stand is a good starter, however you may want to upgrade to a more sturdy stand once you know that learning music is something you want to do. You will also need a pencil with eraser. NO PENS! Marking music is quite common and sometimes you want to change what you notated. You will also need music. Beginners usually start with a method book that teaches how to read the treble clef, rhythm, fingerings, and terminology that you will encounter in repertoire. A good LOUD metronome is also essential (though using it is even more important). So to sum up:
Flute
Stand
Pencil
Method book/music
Metronome
Flute
Stand
Pencil
Method book/music
Metronome
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
How much should I practice?
30 minutes a day is ideal, but sometimes not possible. We all have a life. You can't always be practicing! Essentially you need to practice as long as it takes to get it right. Sometimes that means 10 minutes, sometimes an hour. I rather you practice 10 minutes every day rather than 60 minutes right before your lesson. Remember slow and steady wins the race! You can't "cram" your practice-you won't retain it and you end up making dumb mistakes because you are overtired. Runners don't wake up the day of the marathon and expect to win. They train for months. Same concept.
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