Playing an instrument can be a very rewarding experience. The feeling of accomplishment after mastering a song, the sound that comes from your fingertips as you play chords and melodies, the way people’s faces light up when they hear what you’ve created. It is all worth it to learn how to play an instrument.
But what if you want to take your music education even further? There are a lot of different options out there for those who want to continue their musical journey. To illustrate, there are students who turn to private music lessons such as those offered by www.musicion.com/ where you will be allocated a highly qualified music teacher who will travel to your home to provide you with private music lessons. Nonetheless, here are eight easy steps that will help you in your music career.
1. Learn The Standards
Standards in music refer to a list of chords, progressions, and melodies that have been used over and over again in popular songs. Knowing these standards will give you a great foundation on which to build your repertoire.
Some of the first standards you should learn include the Satin Doll, Autumn Leaves, and many other standards that are popular today. You can find these standards in many different books and websites. By knowing these standards, you can play along with some of your favorite songs and sound like a pro. In addition, learning the standards will help you to better understand music theory.
2. Enroll In A Course
There are many different music courses out there that can help you further your education. These courses can be found at universities, community colleges, and online. They can range from ear training to harmony to songwriting. By enrolling in a course, you will have the opportunity to learn from some of the best educators in the music industry.
You will also be able to meet other musicians who share your passion for music. However, not all courses are created equal. Make sure to do your research and find a course that is best suited for your needs.
3. Watch Videos
There is a wealth of music education videos on the internet. You can find lessons on just about any topic you can think of. If you want to learn about scales, chord progressions, or jazz improvisation, there are plenty of videos out there to help you. You can also find interviews with some of your favorite musicians. These videos can give you insight into their creative process and how they approach music. When you watch these videos, make sure to take notes and apply what you learn to your own playing.
4. Practice, Practice, Practice
One of the best ways to improve your musicianship is to practice regularly. When you practice, you are working on your technique, your repertoire, and your music theory. It is important to set aside time each day for practice so that you can make the most of your time.
For example, you could practice for 30 minutes each day. This will help you to improve your skills over time. In addition, you should try to practice with a metronome so that you can keep time and improve your sense of rhythm.
5. Record Yourself
Recording yourself is a great way to track your progress and hear how you sound. It can be helpful to record yourself playing scales, progressions, or songs. This will allow you to listen back and identify areas that need improvement.
In addition, recording yourself can help you to hear how you sound when you are playing with others. This is an important skill to have as a musician. When you are recording yourself, make sure to use a high-quality recorder so that you can get the best sound possible. You will be able to find many different recorders online and in music stores.
6. Maintain Your Instrument
One of the most important things you can do as a musician is to take care of your instrument. This means cleaning it regularly, changing the strings when they get old, and keeping it in a safe place. Also, depending on the instrument, you will need to tune it regularly.
For cleaning, use a soft cloth and a mild detergent. For changing strings, there are many different types of strings available. You can find them at music stores or online. For tuning, you can use a tuning app or a tuning fork.
7. Start With Easy Songs
A great tip you should follow when learning how to further your music education is to start with easy songs. This will allow you to build your skills gradually and avoid feeling overwhelmed. When you are starting out, make sure to focus on the basics such as melody, rhythm, and chords.
As you progress, you can add more difficult elements to your playing. There are many different resources available to help you find easy songs to play, including online music websites and songbooks. To help you get started, here are some easy songs you can try: “What’s Up” by Four Non-Blondes, “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, and “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley.
8. Have Fun
One of the most important things to remember when furthering your music education is to have fun. This is a hobby, after all, and you should enjoy yourself. Make sure to find music that you love and practice it regularly.
Also, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. The more you enjoy the process, the more you will learn. You can also ask a friend or family member to join you in your musical pursuits. This can make the experience even more enjoyable. And who knows, you may even find a new passion along the way.
By following these eight tips, you will be on your way to properly further your music education. Just remember to take your time, practice regularly, and have fun. Also, make sure to regularly maintain your music instrument, learn the most common standards in music, enroll in a course, and watch helpful videos.
With these tips on your mind, soon you will be playing the music you love at a higher level than ever before. Hopefully, this article has inspired you to take your music education to the next level.
