As a drummer, you play more of a supporting role in the band. Your primary purpose behind the hit is to provide a steady pulse and keep the rest of the band in time. With that said, drum fills give you the chance to shine and express your skill and creativity. So what is a …
Singing is a wonderful way to enjoy music, whether you do it professionally or just for fun. Singing presents an opportunity to share a part of yourself with the world. It’s important to remember, though, that singing is also a physical activity. Because singing can put a strain on your vocal cords, it’s important to …
5 Simple and Effective Exercises for Vocal Warm Ups (and 3 Fun Ones for Kids) Read More »
The history of music is a storied road to travel. It’s also one that we at Sloan School of Music find fascinating! Music has an avalanche of influences to thank, from its humble beginnings among early humans to our modern-day composers. This article will provide you with a thumbnail sketch of some of the more …
Have you ever thought about playing the ukulele? Ukuleles are a hip, fun instrument to play, with a sound that always carries a happy vibe. The ukulele’s popularity dipped after it peaked in the 1950s (along with the rise of rock and roll), but it’s been making a monster comeback in the last decade. Part …
Giving a music student a deeper understanding of what a note actually is can often unlock their curiosity and motivate them to learn more. Pitch and pitch range (also called compass) are key concepts in music theory closely related to musical notes and intervals (octaves). Pitch identifies whether a sound is relatively high, relatively low, …
Introduction to the Pitch Range of Musical Instruments Read More »
String instruments have made some of the most beautiful music humanity has ever created, and that makes them an attractive choice for a beginning musician. The violin, viola, and cello are three of the more popular options, and are all string instruments played with a bow to produce notes that resonate from their hollow wooden …
Your Guide to 3 Common String Instruments and Which Is Best for You Read More »
Learning a musical instrument should be exciting and fun, and beginning students can get both from woodwind instruments. This family of instruments has options ranging from large to small and from the highest-sounding (piccolo, flute, clarinet) to the lowest (from saxophone to contrabassoon). Woodwinds can be relatively easy for beginners, with a low upfront cost. …
Learning to play an instrument is a great skill to pick up at any age. The electric guitar can be a fun and exhilarating experience for anyone, from young kids new to the world of music to retired adults looking for a fun hobby. It can be difficult to know what to look for when …
Your Essential Guide to Buying an Electric Guitar Read More »
Part of the fun and excitement of becoming a new musician is picking out which instrument to learn. Then comes another decision: Is it better to rent or buy? Music students keen to learn a new instrument but unsure where to start will typically rent before they buy to get a feel for which choice is …
Piano or Keyboard? Choosing between piano or keyboard lessons is not always easy to do. Parents wanting their children to learn the piano often don’t know the differences between piano and keyboard lessons. There are significant benefits to piano lessons over keyboard lessons, regardless of whether the child is learning on an electronic keyboard or …
Discover the Pros and Cons of Taking Piano or Keyboard Lessons: How to Choose Wisely Read More »
