tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42933880454631945172024-03-14T06:13:02.646-04:00North Main Music BlogNorth Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-46401680748066294372024-02-29T13:19:00.000-05:002024-02-29T13:19:17.767-05:00North Main Music Student Profile<p></p><h1 style="text-align: left;">Meet Jim Smith</h1><h2 style="text-align: left;">North Main Music's Longest-Attending Student </h2><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T38PYJ3TJtkC3ytlwNjlXJKxdu1quZB0XHFw7tsuIxDkxG-MptPHDMQsHZVOJXQVEKxUa7TUqUVx1TMNwFPM0CG7BWzM6pDCMIsYIyEphopWWJvT12tKjGbvEvMe9rzeyxrS8gwpqInFEXpPB97o87bR8aE2Cq1w0lL7HotaP49AzT9rIT59VMKuQkpj/s3891/MeandMike.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3500" data-original-width="3891" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3T38PYJ3TJtkC3ytlwNjlXJKxdu1quZB0XHFw7tsuIxDkxG-MptPHDMQsHZVOJXQVEKxUa7TUqUVx1TMNwFPM0CG7BWzM6pDCMIsYIyEphopWWJvT12tKjGbvEvMe9rzeyxrS8gwpqInFEXpPB97o87bR8aE2Cq1w0lL7HotaP49AzT9rIT59VMKuQkpj/w400-h360/MeandMike.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim Smith has been taking guitar lessons at North Main Music since 2006. As the school was founded in 2001, Jim has the honor of being the school's longest-attending student. He was in his mid-50s when he began taking lessons with school director Mike McAdam. </span></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, he had a guitar in his teens and said he knew a few "cowboy chords" but never really learned the instrument. Decades later, the Scotland native was listening to music on headphones on a flight home from Glasgow and decided he wanted to learn to play a complete song. He searched online and found North Main Musi</span>c. </p><blockquote><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"My first interaction with Mike was that he seemed like he genuinely wanted to help me learn guitar," said Jim. "He accepts people at their level, where some teachers may not. The way he has set up the school it suits a lot of people with different proficiencies."</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"Mike lets the students choose the songs. He'd ask me, 'What do you want to learn next?' And if I couldn't think of anything, he'd suggest something that would challenge me. I also learned some music theory."</span></p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Highlights Over the Years</b></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A few highlights from his 17 years of lessons include playing in a country band for two years with other students and a recital duo he performed with Mike where they exchanged leads on The Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers, which you can view in the YouTube video below.</span></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/c8Ygab6fBBY" width="320" youtube-src-id="c8Ygab6fBBY"></iframe></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Jim said the student concerts were a big reason he stuck around for so long as they gave him something to work toward.</span></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"For the next few weeks, we'd go through the song until it was the way I wanted. Playing in front of an audience offers both a challenge and a reward."</span></p></blockquote><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>North Main Music is a Community</b></h2><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCmb6QYHZ4Y6ZsbzPpjI9n3BJD785KmIf6Cyf4mWPqlspxbN8gxbbxsJwKw4xRjbcY_USjztvsK9qnRhArQgcnJ7CGBUyTnlcX1EXNbrcazgkCrAj-K6kZ3Byp3Oecg2VBKGehaR39pcPZvdyqp9TFlhy5HlKuGCzMgJpCl5pajV_HgKRubmk7nGgrYb3/s4913/007K2238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4913" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCmb6QYHZ4Y6ZsbzPpjI9n3BJD785KmIf6Cyf4mWPqlspxbN8gxbbxsJwKw4xRjbcY_USjztvsK9qnRhArQgcnJ7CGBUyTnlcX1EXNbrcazgkCrAj-K6kZ3Byp3Oecg2VBKGehaR39pcPZvdyqp9TFlhy5HlKuGCzMgJpCl5pajV_HgKRubmk7nGgrYb3/w281-h400/007K2238.jpg" width="281" /></a></div><br /><b><br /></b></div><blockquote><p style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"Apart from learning, it's a community at North Main Music," said Jim. "From recitals and group bands, people get to know each other. I have made friends there — not just Mike, but other teachers and Ryan Brooks Kelly, who plays with Jilly Martin and has become a successful musician."</span></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"Ryan was always asking me to join him on stage during one of his concerts, but I didn't know the songs. So, Mike helped me learn a ZZ Top song in Ryan's set-list." </span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Having learned the song, Jim was confident enough to play with Ryan at an open-air venue. </span></p><blockquote><p><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"<span>He played rhythm, and I played lead. After the show — I pulled it off — I couldn't sleep I was so excited," Jim exclaimed.</span></span></p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: left;">Advice to Other Students</h2><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbBtb_1Iehs_8ysrxuDwBlrwUAR2nKTnYFrSQxjW2elnMo16lKYPePaawQIddInSSHGk73X-BemDuGCcw2dcqUy3-cdP8t1otVb5SxM19fWD_nrc1JiEgy7EsXCDWkeHy73VlZIFi7OX2eBu8mLiqyvUkNzD5YxrlhtFwL9JNqairCcVH7TZUEDHf1JmW/s960/Jim%20Guitar%2099.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="643" data-original-width="960" height="429" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwbBtb_1Iehs_8ysrxuDwBlrwUAR2nKTnYFrSQxjW2elnMo16lKYPePaawQIddInSSHGk73X-BemDuGCcw2dcqUy3-cdP8t1otVb5SxM19fWD_nrc1JiEgy7EsXCDWkeHy73VlZIFi7OX2eBu8mLiqyvUkNzD5YxrlhtFwL9JNqairCcVH7TZUEDHf1JmW/w640-h429/Jim%20Guitar%2099.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><blockquote><div><span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">"I would suggest taking lessons for better enjoyment, and if you can play publicly, that's something to aim for," he said. As for practice, Jim admitted, "There will be times that you are so busy that you can't get through what you learned from the prior lesson. But don't let that bother you; at some point it will click. It's worth persevering." </span></div></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: left;">A Fond Farewell to Jim</h2><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It is with both excitement and sadness that North Main Music says goodbye to Jim as he and his wife prepare to move to Newburyport. One of Jim's goals after settling in, aside from enjoying fishing, kayaking, cycling, and walking, is to play at an open mic night. </span></p><p><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Stay tuned...</span></i></p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote><p> </p></blockquote><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></p><br /><p></p>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-33620057272419648912021-02-08T14:38:00.000-05:002021-02-08T14:38:07.701-05:00Tips for Transitioning to Online Music Lessons<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><b>Tips for Transitioning to Online Music Lessons</b><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The
coronavirus pandemic has dramatically changed the world. For many people, this
has extended to how we work. For music teachers, one of the most pressing
challenges has been the shift to online music lessons. With quite a bit of
experience with teaching online and a focus on always learning, here are some
tips for transitioning to effective online music instruction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZV6MNArOGA/YCGTC_MUmtI/AAAAAAAABE4/nziaVBinnyYGexbmUZrBqREqJglSI3S4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/GP7_1209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZZV6MNArOGA/YCGTC_MUmtI/AAAAAAAABE4/nziaVBinnyYGexbmUZrBqREqJglSI3S4wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/GP7_1209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Have
a Plan<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
may seem obvious, but many people make the mistake of going into online music
lessons rather blindly. Instead, it is important to take some time to
familiarize yourself with the various technology that is available. One of the
things to consider is what types of lessons fit best with what technologies.
There are also innovative solutions for things like online scheduling and
payments. Once you’ve investigated what is available, you can create a plan for
online instruction. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Consider
the Student <o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">We
all know that different students learn in different ways. However, with online
instruction, there is also the reality that different students have different
resources or understanding of technology. What do your students have access to?
You may opt to teach some lessons on Facetime and others on Zoom. It all
depends on how to best connect with each student. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Leverage
your Strengths<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is important with teaching music lessons in general, but even more important in
the online environment. If technology isn’t your forte, keep things simple.
What are the best lessons that you typically deliver? Think about how those can
effectively transition online. The key is to get students to engage with the
content and to improve. How do you most effectively help students do that?
Focus on your interpersonal skills and the ways you illustrate concepts. What
worked in the past can still work online with a bit of creativity. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Utilize
Innovative Assignments<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">There
are many ways you can embrace creativity when teaching music lessons online.
For example, consider giving your older students a research assignment to learn
more about a famous composer or performer then have them write their
observations about some of their more famous works. Have students keep a
listening log or singing log. Send a listening assignment to help students
better identify concepts in works. There are many creative ways to engage
students outside of traditional lessons. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Be Patient and Adaptable</span></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">If there is one certainty when teaching online, it
is that things will go wrong. Keep your cool and roll with the punches. Having
a positive attitude and laughing away issues while you resolve them will help
your students feel more comfortable and keep lessons fun. Your attitude will go
a long way towards cultivating a positive learning environment for your
students. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Ask for Feedback<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">This is a new environment, and you are not expected
to be an expert. Feel free to ask students for feedback. Students may also not
be familiar with how to give feedback, so structure it for them. Ask what
things you are doing that help them learn, what things they would like to see
changed, or new things that they would like to see. Open-ended questions such
as this can greatly help you to improve how you teach lessons online. <o:p></o:p></span></p>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-114760635209713262020-02-27T10:00:00.000-05:002020-02-27T10:00:03.062-05:00Using Social Media to Promote Your Music<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">If you were a musician back in the 70s or 80s, you couldn’t have imagined using a tool like the internet to promote your music. But you’re not a musician of the past--you’re a musician in 2020, and in today’s digital world, the internet is immensely important to the music industry and the people who work within it. (After all, you’re reading a website right now, aren’t you?) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">Whether you’re a solo performer or part of a group, having a social media presence is an essential tool for promoting your music to a wider audience. In fact, many professional musicians such as Shawn Mendes, Adele, 5 Seconds of Summer, Tori Kelly, and Ed Sheeran used social media sites such as YouTube to successfully build a career. And with platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, Spotify, and TikTok now ubiquitous, it's in your best interest to form a presence across the board. Yes, we know that having a social media presence for your music will not make you an overnight success, but if you engage regularly with a community of loyal fans, they will definitely want to support you!</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here at North Main Music, many of our students use social media platforms such as YouTube and Instagram to share their music with a wider audience. Check out Alana Perry's and Raina Schroff's YouTube Channels!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/tjk-ME6Cm2Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tjk-ME6Cm2Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; text-align: start;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UPoaAw40JU4/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UPoaAw40JU4?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">There are so many platform options and no “perfect” way to present your music online, but there are a few basic do’s, don’ts, and pointers to consider when sharing your music online. To help you get the most out of your social networking strategy, here are some ways to promote your music on social media that can help you engage with your followers:</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">1. Make it interactive and interesting</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Social media is a terrific platform to interact with your fans. A new popular method of engagement is asking your followers to interpret your music and inviting them into the creative process. You can ask fans to submit artwork or videos inspired by your music, or if the music is instrumental, submitting poetry to go along with the release. <br /><br /><br />Be sure to also keep your content varied. From a user’s perspective, nothing is more boring (and eventually, annoying) than seeing repetitive posts over and over. You’ll get more followers by mixing up your content to contain all sorts of material. And be sure to always promote an upcoming song or video release with a teaser post before sharing the full length version.<br /><br /><br />Don’t just blast your followers with requests for likes or retweets – give back! Upload videos, share photos, make creative use of hashtags, offer giveaways, share sneak peeks, discuss albums or equipment you enjoy, and be sure to interact with your fans. Right before you post something, spend 20 minutes or so scrolling through your feed and engaging (liking, commenting, etc.) with other people’s posts. After posting content, someone may like or comment on your content, so it is compulsory to reply to them as soon as possible. They have invested time to comment so they deserve your attention. <br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">2. Speak with genuine excitement</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />This sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised how many musicians don't speak with genuine excitement. They speak with an apathetic tone (and grammar), such as, "heres our new single. hope u like it." On the other hand, some speak with too much excitement, like, "OUR NEW SINGLE IS OUT NOW!!!!! SHARE IT WITH ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!!!!!!!!" There's a sweet spot in the middle, but again, it needs to be genuine to be effective. You wrote a song, recorded it, and should be thrilled to share it. So communicate that in a post. “We're so excited to share with you our new single, "XYZ." This track is personal because [insert reasons here]. You can download it here! Let us know what you think." You don't need to write a novel on why it's personal or why you're excited, but your fans will be receptive if you speak from the heart with authentic passion.<br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">3. Offer an incentive</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Incentives are a great way to engage your fans via social media. For example, you can invite fans to submit their art, upload videos, or simply share their opinions. Another incentive could be making a campaign about your new album and offering a free download to the first 25 people to like a video or picture that you post. Keep in mind that you need to budget what a give away will cost you, and plan for the risks you might take in giving things away. <br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">4. Post in moderation</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />One of the most annoying things a musician can do is drown their followers in content. It seems like every day we're getting an event invite from the same person or seeing the same music video posted over and over and over by some budding musician. Don't drown your followers in content they really don't need in their newsfeeds. On the other hand, don't fall silent and disappear for months at a time! You don’t want your fans to forget about you. Try to be active in your branding by sharing positive, engaging content. Start by posting a minimum of one to three times per week.<br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">5. Make it personal</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Fans want to see what's going on behind the scenes and feel like you're speaking with them personally. Talk in a conversational manner, post pictures of yourself and/or your band doing average things, such as shopping for guitar strings or a new mic, or having ice cream with friends. Being relatable will resonate with your followers. Would you rather see Sam Smith post a link to buy their new album or a picture of the original handwritten lyrics to your favorite songs, telling you how much they mean to them? If your content is personal and genuine, your followers will feel more connected to you and the meaning behind your music. But don’t take "personal" too literally – we're not suggesting you bash political candidates or take a stance on contentious social issues. Make it personal and relevant to the music. <br /><br /></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">6. Be patient</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Social media is one of the best ways for word-of-mouth publicity, but establishing yourself as a musician on social media takes time and effort. So keep on posting and sharing as much as you can and you will eventually see your efforts pay off!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://blog.sonicbids.com/5-ways-to-promote-your-music-on-social-media-without-annoying-people" target="_blank">this one</a> on sonicbids.com, <a href="https://www.planetarygroup.com/music-promotion-guide/use-social-media-effectively/" target="_blank">this one</a> on planetarygroup.com, and <a href="https://dottedmusic.com/2014/marketing/social-media-strategy-to-promote-music/" target="_blank">this one</a> on dottedmusic.com,</i></span></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0New Hampshire, USA43.1938516 -71.572395340.269932600000004 -76.7359693 46.1177706 -66.4088213tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-59569330773313934592020-01-29T10:00:00.000-05:002020-01-29T10:00:12.273-05:00Tips & Advice for Beginner Songwriters<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Maybe you’re practicing piano one day, playing around with different chord progressions, or plucking a riff while tuning on your guitar, when suddenly you get that feeling. Perhaps the chord progression has pulled an image from your memory; or maybe a phrase that’s been stuck in your brain fits the riff you’re plucking. Either way, you’re sure it’s a breakthrough—this could be the beginning of an original song!<br /><br />Many of our music students write original songs and they love how amazing it feels to create their own music and express themselves through lyrics, chords, and melodies. Knowing that there are lots of music students out there who are curious about how to get started writing their own songs, we wanted to share some tips about songwriting for beginners. One of our most prolific songwriting students, Heather Skinner, and her instructor, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlRhbhkJAK0&feature=youtu.be">Sibvon Rose</a>, agreed to help us with this article. Heather, age 12, started writing songs when she was 9 years old. She was 5 when she performed in her first musical and has been in 7 musicals total. She has played the lead role of young Anna in frozen, Pepper in 101 Dalmatians, and a few other guest starring roles. Aside from voice and ukulele lessons she has taken piano, guitar, and violin lessons.<br /><br />Here is Heather talking about the songwriting process:<br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/q_2Mbzy2YNc/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/q_2Mbzy2YNc?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br />Thanks, Heather!<br /><br /> <br />While there isn’t a surefire method to write a great song, there are many helpful hints to spark creativity, get out of ruts, or nudge us in the right direction. As we share our tips on how to write a song for beginners, feel free to skip around to different sections as you see fit. Find whatever gets you “into the flow” of your artistic self, and go from there! We hope you might better understand your own process, or how to write music, with the following songwriting tips.<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Songwriting: Deciding where to start</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The process of writing music is different for everyone. Some write the lyrics first, some the chord progression, and others a melody. Some might start with a title and build from there and others may start with an emotion or a personal event that they want to share through the art of song. All of these methods are perfect for writing songs.<br /><br />Sometimes this is more of an organic discovery than a conscience decision, but figuring out the first piece of your song will help set you on your creative journey. Do you begin with a chord progression or a melody? Maybe you have lyrics already written that you’d like to set to music, or perhaps there’s a drum pattern you want to build a song around. Whatever the case may be, finding your starting point builds a solid creative foundation from which you can continue writing.<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take advantage of moments of inspiration</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many of us are fully prepared to record whenever we have a moment of creativity? Some of the best ideas come while we’re at work, sitting in traffic, or simply handling our day-to-day lives. It isn’t always convenient, but taking advantage of spurts of inspiration is crucial. <br /><br />If you’re not at home and set up to record your ideas, grab your phone and hum that melody into a voice memo. Whether physical or digital, keep a notepad handy to jot down lyrics or any other ideas you can flesh out later--even a one-word title is worth writing down, so that you don’t forget what it was later on.<br /><br />Of course, if you’re free to get in songwriting mode at home, don’t let fleeting moments of motivation pass!<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Express yourself freely</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is one of the hardest things for any artist to master. We’re inevitably our own worst critics, and battling self-doubt is one of the biggest hindrances to creativity and motivation.<br /><br />It’s important to sit down with the intention of self-expression and intrinsic joy rather than the goal of writing a hit record.<br /><br />Improvise, make mistakes, embarrass yourself, and you’ll surely find gold flecks within the raw expression. Most importantly, you’ll allow yourself to grow as a confident artist if you first allow yourself to fail.<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write what you know</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When it comes time to write lyrics, personal experience is a fantastic place from which to draw. It sounds cliché, but it’s so obvious that it often eludes us altogether.<br /><br />Some of the greatest timeless records were, of course, written about the artist’s own life. Heartbreak, loss, and moments of joy and triumph are universal experiences that inevitably lead to relatable, emotive lyrics.<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Determine your song’s structure </span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By analyzing songs you enjoy, you can get an idea of some of the different structures that you can use. And as you learn to write songs, you can play around with different types of song structures until you find the best possible match.<br /><br />If you’re not familiar with how song structure works, here is quick tutorial video: </span><div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/UxyrXqBQEpE/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UxyrXqBQEpE?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /> <br /></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Commit to creative choices</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don’t overthink it! When we’re lucky, songs seemingly write themselves. If it sounds good, trust your creative intuition and refrain from over-embellishing or heavily editing a section or part.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Committing to choices early in the process might even lead to great ideas you never would have considered otherwise.<br /><br /></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How to write lyrics</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you begin to write song lyrics, keep in mind that there’s no right way to get started! You might already have a few words that you’ve written down, a story or message you want to get across, or perhaps even the full chorus figured out.<br /><br />Wherever you start, it can be helpful at some point to describe the entire scope of your song in a single sentence at the top of your lyric writing page. This will help you stay focused. For “Ticket to Ride,” for example, the sentence could be “My girlfriend is moving away from me and I am sad, but she doesn’t care.”<br /><br />A song is a “little movie,” a very short form of art, so it is essential to tie it together with just one idea. If you have too many ideas, break them apart and write a different song for each idea that you have instead of trying to pile too much into one song.<br /><br />And remember: you don’t have to create an entire song in one sitting — you could just create one verse or one chorus and keep coming back to add more lyrics as you become inspired.<br /><br /></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Work with other musicians</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the era of bedroom producers, most of us are holed up in our project studios alone. We might hit a speed bump in a song and shelf it as a “bad” idea. Learning how to write a song from other musicians is a valuable asset. At North Main Music, we encourage our students to get involved with our variety of group programs, such as rock bands, themed rock shows, acapella, and musical theater, because it not only helps us build a strong and connected music community and motivation, but being in these groups helps musicians bounce ideas off of one another, which is arguably the best way to foster creativity and a productive songwriting session. <br /><br /> <br /></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take Breaks!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Perhaps one of the best songwriting tips we can offer is that it’s okay to take a break! Whether it’s 15 minutes or even a couple of weeks, focusing on other activities and a life outside of music is so, so important.<br /><br />Some of the most technically proficient players sometimes take a month or longer away from their instrument entirely. Sometimes we have to rekindle our love for something by forgetting how much we enjoy it in the first place!<br /><br /> </span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Write Often!</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By far the most important thing you can do as a songwriter is to do it as often as possible. The only way to improve at anything is to dedicate yourself to it, ideally making it a habitual practice.<br /><br />Try to set some time aside each day, or at least several times a week, to work on music.<br /><br />You may not write an entire piece in a half-hour chunk of free time, but you can accumulate enough material from short sessions to stitch something together over time.<br /><br />Simply doing it is the optimal way to learn how to a write a song!<br /><br /> <br /></span><h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Final Steps</span></h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once you’ve finished your song, set it aside for a few days and don’t think about. When you come back to it with fresh eyes and ears, you’ll be able to identify lyrics that need tweaking, chords that need adjusting, or other small details to really make the song pop.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After that, consider testing your songs out live! Performing in front of others — whether at an open mic night or simply in front of your music teacher — can help you get the kinks out. At North Main Music, our music instructors *love* supporting their students’ creativity and are happy to both listen to their original songs and offer them constructive feedback on what works and what could use improvement. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Another great idea is to record your song. Options for recording range from booking a session in a recording studio, taking a stab at recording in a home studio with the equipment you have, or simply making a recording with your smartphone. With technology today, it’s easy to record your own songs with the right software and a quality microphone.<br /><br />Not a singer or performer? There are still lots of options available to get your work produced. Check out <a href="http://www.tunedly.com/" target="_blank">Tunedly </a>for example. The tool allows you to connect with professional musicians to create quality songs suitable for placement opportunities.<br /><br />Having a recording of your song, even if it is just a demo, will open many doors, especially if you want to become a singer-songwriter. You can publish your song on YouTube, iTunes, or Soundcloud so potential fans, other artists, and established people in the music business can have access to your songs. (Stay tuned for a future blog post about how some of our North Main Music students are using social media to share their music with new audiences!)<br /><br />Finally, if you’re really feeling confident with your song, consider entering a songwriting contest!<br /><br /> <br /><br />Good luck, and have fun!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Special thanks to our North Main Music instructor, Sibvon Rose, and student, Heather Skinner, for their contributions to this article!</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://producelikeapro.com/blog/12-incredible-songwriting-tips/" target="_blank">this one</a> on producelikeapro.com, <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-write-a-song-z02" target="_blank">this one</a> on takelessons.com, and <a href="https://makingmusicmag.com/advice-for-beginner-songwriters/" target="_blank">this one</a> on makingmusicmag.com. </span></i><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /> <br /><br /></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-89362141173542340752019-12-12T09:08:00.000-05:002019-12-12T09:08:02.973-05:00Musical Theater Part II: Tips for Performing Your Best Monologue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3j_TNfPVwg/XfJI8huR5vI/AAAAAAAABJw/CKTExvRpUMQ-ObUJXLWfENbcYw955TM8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Screenshot%2B2019-12-12%2Bat%2B9.03.37%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="328" data-original-width="472" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D3j_TNfPVwg/XfJI8huR5vI/AAAAAAAABJw/CKTExvRpUMQ-ObUJXLWfENbcYw955TM8gCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Screenshot%2B2019-12-12%2Bat%2B9.03.37%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Let’s talk monologues! Often when you audition for a musical, in addition to being asked to perform a song, you will be asked to present a monologue. What can you do to stand out from all the others? Here are some tips to help you get into character and nail that audition!<br /><br /><br />It’s a good idea to have at least one dramatic and one comedic monologue in your back pocket ready to go at all times.<br /><br /><br />Here are some tips for delivering monologue magic.<br /><br /><br /><b>Pick a monologue that is unique, reflects you as a person, and they haven’t seen a thousand times before</b><br /><br /><br />If you show casting directors something fresh, the panelists will like you better already. If you bore them with something they have seen way too many times, you just put one nail in your coffin. While some of the classic monologues in Shakespeare are classics for a reason, it can be risky to take on something that many others in your age range/casting category are also likely to attempt. Think carefully about your type, your personality and the kinds of characters you are really drawn to. There will be something out there that can represent you and set you apart.<br /><br /><br />Also, be sure to pick a monologue from a play. Don’t do a song or recite a poem, or do anything else that is not a play, unless that’s what has been asked for. A scene from your favorite film is also probably inappropriate. Stick to the brief! And pick a monologue that you love so it turns your light on.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Find a “hook” to make you stand out</b><br /><br />It could be the monologue itself, or it might be a backstory choice or that you have lots of crazy movement, or that you have no movement and control with deep inner power. It could be your voice. A hook is anything they don’t expect. Basically, it is a classy gimmick. It is something that surprises them and makes you light up and have fun. Make something magical. <br /><br /><br /><b>Get their attention at the very beginning<br /></b><br />Wow them at the very beginning. Surprise them. It might be the way you start with your back to them and then flip around. It could be a sound you make or an audible breath you take. Do something different; something they don’t expect, something weird. Obviously, it should go along with the interpretation of the monologue.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Create something magnificent</b><br /><br /><br />Pretend that you are creating a tiny little special event that people would want to buy tickets to see. And then, make it look like it just accidentally happened.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Shift and change</b><br /><br /><br />Make it seem like the first time the piece has been spoken, every time. That’s the big challenge for all actors -- so it should be your focus! Take the time to discuss the piece with somebody else if you can and compare interpretations. It’s vital to really break down and think about the way the piece flows, how emotions are changing or what is being realised, discovered or dissected in the language.<br /><br /><br />Monologues are long. Think about the levels of emotion in the piece; where does the character start? Where do they end up? You need to find motivations to shift and go different directions constantly. Imagine what the character to whom you are speaking is doing and let that push your buttons. Let your voice be flexible and more interesting.<br /><br /><br /><b>Body Language & Focal Point</b><br /><br />Make sure you’re aware of how you are behaving before you even get started. Panellists notice how people present themselves, so make sure you’re ready and appearing as professional as possible. Once you start your monologue, don’t stand there and say lines from a “dead” body. Even if you are barely moving, there should be life energy through your whole body. Think of it as dance. Your body tells the story, too.<br /><br /><br />Also, decide who you are directing the monologue to - is it someone in the audience, is it a spot on the wall? Wherever you need to direct it, keep it consistent. You’re only ever talking to one of four things: yourself, the audience, another character or god - be clear who you are speaking to. And don’t eyeball the panelists! Your panelists will want to make notes, so staring them down may make them a little uncomfortable, however looking above the panel’s eye-line is fine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Don't go over time</b><br /><br /><br />Seems very obvious, but it is essential. Make sure you time yourself before you get to the audition. Do not go over! You might very well be stopped before you have a chance to finish. Remember: there are likely a lot of other people being seen on the same day, so make your first impression a professional and respectful one. Only take the time you’ve been allocated.<br /><br /><br /><b>Take on any direction</b><br /><br /><br />Often, a panel will offer you some direction or ask you to repeat sections. Don’t deliver the monologue the same way again - show that you have taken comments on board and are working to adapt or show new sides of the material. Your adaptability and willingness to try is more important than whether you deliver the new direction perfectly.<br /><br /><br /><b>Don't worry about mistakes</b><br /><br /><br />Mistakes are fine, just as long as you keep working through them! The ability to pick yourself up and keep going, or quickly get back into the zone, are helpful for your audition and will show you in a favorable light. So don’t let a slip up stop you - everyone makes mistakes! The ability to be resilient is very important and an attractive quality in any drama school candidate.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Always have a great ending</b><br /><br /><br />The ending is the last thing they see of you. Surprise them. It is what they will remember most. For example, on the last line, just do the exact opposite of whatever you were just doing. So if you were screaming, whisper. If you were intense, go catatonic.<br /><br /><br /><i>And the most important advice always: Have fun!</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from articles on <a href="https://www.spotlight.com/news-and-advice/tips-and-advice/tips-for-performing-your-best-monologue/" target="_blank">spotlight.com</a> and <a href="https://www.backstage.com/magazine/article/tips-creating-monologue-magic-9034/" target="_blank">backstage.com</a>.</i></span><br /><br /></span><br />North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-60805261656838894682019-11-19T10:20:00.000-05:002019-11-19T10:20:01.378-05:00Musical Theater Part I: Tips for Rocking Your Audition <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ubrJ0jJfUI/XdLfWwdR0CI/AAAAAAAABJc/ptGNLtMR48gCpMaEI9rnGqRtV0u_Dl4MwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_9031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5ubrJ0jJfUI/XdLfWwdR0CI/AAAAAAAABJc/ptGNLtMR48gCpMaEI9rnGqRtV0u_Dl4MwCEwYBhgL/s320/IMG_9031.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<i>The North Main Music Musical Theater crew. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>From l to r: Josh, Trisha, Ella, Riya, and Emmerson.</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Photo by Sibvon Marshall.</i></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you an aspiring musical theater performer? At North Main Music, many of our students also audition for theater programs at school or in community theater groups, so we thought it would be helpful to share some tips on how to rock you next musical theater audition!<br /><br /></span><div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Selecting an Audition Song</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Selecting the right song is critical to your audition and it can take time--there’s a lot to consider as you decide! So, if you find yourself Googling “how to pick an audition song,” then look no further. <br /><br />Even if you’re comfortable in the spotlight and don’t normally get stage fright, there’s often a long, arduous process to prepare for an audition. As you prepare, keep these things in mind:</span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Treat each and every audition like a performance. Why? Because it is a performance! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Approach it like you have the job already.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Select an audition song that best shows you off and is in the musical style of the show that you’re auditioning for.</span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So how do you choose the best song for you? Here’s what we recommend thinking about as you look for the best audition song(s).<br /><br /><br /><b>Connection</b><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Do you have a connection to the song? Another way to ask this question is, “Why do you want to tell this story?” Equally important to ask yourself is, do you love your audition song? No? Then don’t do it. Period. Your audience can always tell if you’re not into it. Since there are so many songs out there, there’s no excuse for doing something you dislike just because it may fit your voice. You have to connect with your song!<br /><br /><br /><i>Questions to ask yourself:</i></span><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What are the primary ideas and themes you want to share in your performance?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Why is it important to share this song with your audience?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How is the story you are trying to tell relevant to your present age and life experiences?</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choose a musical topic that is close to your own life experiences. You’ll be able to imagine it more clearly and, therefore, communicate it to the listener more effectively. There is a vast body of quality music out there, so choose songs with messages that you are personally interested in sharing.<br /><br /><br /><b>Consider Your “Type”</b><br /><br />Is your voice soulful and sultry? Or are you more of a soprano? The best way to learn how to sing for your voice is to try out many different tunes. Any strain may mean it’s out of your comfortable vocal range. Your voice teacher can work with you on this, of course!<br /><br />Equally important in musical theatre is your personality type. Are you a funny girl? A leading man? The femme fatale? Know yourself and be proud to be yourself. There’s room for everyone out there — young, old, funny, sexy, nerdy — you name it. Playing “against a type” will get you nowhere and you’ll find you don’t land the gigs you want! These are all critical factors in deciding on the best audition songs to show off your skills. <br /><br /><br /><b>Find the source material </b><br /><br />Is the song you’ve chosen correct musically and lyrically? Is it in the correct key for your voice? Today most people buy music online, but sometimes music purchased via download-on-demand services contains variations of the melody and lyrics. Find the source material (the original version of the sheet music). That can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s important that you learn the song correctly. Try looking at your local library or university, or contact the Great American Songbook Foundation to see if they have a copy in their archives. If they do, they will be happy to send you a copy.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>“The Key is the Key”</b><br /><br />You may also find these versions have been arranged in certain keys so they are easier to play on the piano--however, this may not be the best key for you to sing it in. (Be aware that there isn’t a correct key for popular songs.) Your choice of key impacts the technical aspects of your performance, which will ultimately affect your interpretation of the piece. If you are working with a vocal instructor, they can help you choose the key that allows you to sing the song as well as possible. <br /><br /><br /><b>Is your song choice creative?</b><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Avoid repertoire that’s strongly associated with an individual artist, or has become representative of that artist’s body of work because when you sing these songs, it will be difficult to avoid being compared to that artist. If you like a particularly iconic song, such as Etta James’ well-known version of “At Last,” here are some options:<br /><br /><br /><b>Listen to other songs recorded by that artist, and then choose something that is less iconic.</b><br /><br />Investigate the songwriter/composer’s catalog, and find a similar piece you like. You will often need to dig a little deeper to find a piece that is perfectly suited to you and your skills. The <a href="http://thesongbook.org/" target="_blank">Great American Songbook Foundation</a> has compiled a “Greatest Hits” playlist of some of the most well-known tunes. And don’t automatically write off musicals that didn’t do well at the box office — they often have great music!<br /><br /><br /><b>Does the piece challenge you *appropriately* as a singer?</b><br />The key word here is appropriate. You should not (we repeat, not) seek out the most challenging piece you can find. If the song is right at the edge of your technical abilities, you will be focused on that aspect of the performance and will likely lose the focus of the story you are trying to communicate because the technical demands will overwhelm that. Make sure you are comfortable with the difficulty level of the material you choose.<br /><br /><br /><b>Consider edits & attention spans</b><br /><br />Musical theater auditions usually require a singer or actor prepare 16 or 32 bars of a song, or two contrasting excerpts. Some songs are much more awkward to cut than others. Choose songs that are fairly simple in structure (verse-chorus-verse, for example), rather than a song that rambles like a long musical monologue (think of many of the songs from “Wicked,” for example). Simpler is always better, if you have the option!<br /><br />Also, keep your audience in mind. Your audition panel has been listening to singers all day long and doesn’t really want to have to cut you off. Singing a shorter song is fine, as long as it shows off what you’ve got! Less is sometimes more. The judges often know all they need to about a singer in a surprisingly short amount of time.<br /><br /><br /><b>Consider Your Age</b><br /><br />These days, kids have great repertoire to choose from. The problem is that kids often go into competitions or auditions with songs that are inappropriate; either the song’s subject matter is too mature or the song is beyond their capabilities.<br /><br />When you’re looking at popular music, it gets especially difficult as most songs deal with romantic relationships. However, there are plenty of pop songs with positive messages. Look at the repertoire of Taylor Swift, Bruno Mars, or Rachel Platten.<br /><br />Kids can also do well by going “old school.” Young girls can look at the music of Connie Francis, and both boys and girls can sing a lot from the Lennon/McCartney songbook.<br /><br />If you’re looking at musical theater audition songs for kids, be aware of what’s overdone. No “Annie” — ever — unless they specifically ask for it. Get a good musical theater anthology and explore the songs that you may be unfamiliar with. For kids, the main idea should be about confidence, personality, and fun!<br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Preparation Time</b><br />Frantically learning a new song before an audition doesn’t always work. If you have already found audition songs that show you off, by all means use one of them if it fits the audition requirements! Otherwise, there is more room for error (lyric flubs, weak high notes, etc.). It can be helpful to maintain a book of the best audition songs you’ve worked on, ready to go at any time.<br /><br /><br /><b>Benefits of Working with a Vocal Instructor</b><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you are an aspiring musical theater performer, you need to be working on improving and mastering your voice every step of the way. That’s why you see many musical theater singers working regularly with vocal coaches even after they’ve “made it.”<br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, vocal training will help you with the technical side of singing, but there are a lot of other benefits that you’ve probably never considered.<br /><br /><br /><b>Better posture</b><br /><br />One of the first things any good voice instructor will notice is your posture. That’s because a hunched posture really limits your breath capacity and can obstruct your vocal chords. It’s just harder to sing with bad posture.<br /><br />After you’ve had your posture corrected for the umpteenth time, it starts becoming a habit, and that habit will carry over to the rest of your life. You’ll find yourself sitting up straight in your chair at work, you’ll stand tall onstage, and you won’t be hunched over on the bus or train. And that all adds up to less back pain and aches.<br /><br /><br /><b>More confidence</b><br /><br />Building off the previous point, simply having a good, tall posture can instantly make you feel more confident. Which is good, because singing in front of an audience can be scary. Even the most outgoing and confident people get a little anxious before getting on stage. A big reason we get so anxious is because we fear people judging us badly. This is especially true for singers who are being judged on something so personal as their voice. Vocal training can help you get past that fear and build confidence.<br /><br /><br /><b>Less stress and increased mental alertness</b><br /><br />Another thing a good voice instructor will notice is your breathing. As a singer, you will get better tone, power, and sustain if you breathe deeply and fully from your diaphragm. You’ll learn breathing exercises, and just like posture, those techniques will become habit and you’ll find yourself breathing deeper even when you’re not singing.<br /><br />Deep breathing is scientifically proven to improve your mood, relieve stress, and increases mental alertness, concentration, and memory as the brain and other organs get more oxygen. And all of this can help your performance, your music career, and your life.<br /><br /><br /><b>Better connection with your audience</b><br /><br />Think about all your favorite musical theater performances. What drew you to them? At first we think it’s just the music or the story line, but there are plenty of great musicals out there. Often what we really fall in love with is the actor’s performance and the uniqueness and personality they convey with their voice.<br /><br />If you know how to properly control your voice, you don’t need to spend as much time and effort worrying about getting your tone right, hitting that high note, or controlling your dynamics. All of that will flow much more naturally so you can focus on your performance. You can work on developing your sound, conveying the emotion of the song through your voice, and adding in little nuances that are uniquely you.<br /><br />At North Main Music, we offer a Musical Theater group program for budding young thespians. This program offers students an excellent opportunity to fine tune their musical theater skills under the guidance of a professional instructor. Best part: they can take what they learn in our Musical Theater program and use it to bring their auditioning skills to a whole new level!<br /><br />For more information about our Musical Theater program, email us at <a href="mailto:NorthMainMusic@gmail.com">NorthMainMusic@gmail.com</a> or call us at 603-505-4282.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article was inspired by and adapted from articles on <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/best-audition-songs-z02">takelessons.com</a>, <a href="https://getacceptd.com/post/select-audition-song-5-cs-refreshing-repertoire">getacceptd.com</a>, and <a href="http://blog.sonicbids.com/4-surprising-benefits-of-vocal-training">sonicbirds.com.</a></span></i><br /><br /></span><br /></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-71239384446388464992019-10-17T09:00:00.000-04:002019-10-17T09:00:24.997-04:004 Reasons Why Ukulele Is the Perfect Stringed Instrument for Younger Children<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Many music-loving little kids aspire to play stringed instruments, such as guitar and bass. However, larger string instruments are generally not recommended for children less than 8 years old because they require a larger hand size and finger dexterity that little kids typically do not possess yet. Luckily, the ukulele is a small, cheap, and easy gateway into more advanced stringed instruments and is a very suitable instruments for children as young as 5 years old. In this month’s blog article, we’ll discuss just how simple and accessible ukulele for young beginners can be.</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mND2rsJj9Ik/XahlOdsXWEI/AAAAAAAABDA/Ph2ruGqmI9MxqWOXGP1r06_5yzvVHHKXACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Witness%2BProject%2BImages%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mND2rsJj9Ik/XahlOdsXWEI/AAAAAAAABDA/Ph2ruGqmI9MxqWOXGP1r06_5yzvVHHKXACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/Witness%2BProject%2BImages%2B%25281%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stringed instruments are extremely popular in every culture and most musical genres. For any younger student who embarks on this particular musical journey, the ukulele is a the perfect instrument for a few great reasons, especially if you want to eventually move to the guitar as you grow older.<br /><br /><br /><b>1. Ukuleles Come in Five Different Sizes</b><br /><br />The ukulele comes in five distinct sizes. From smallest to largest, they are the pocket ukulele, the soprano, the concert, the tenor, and the baritone. The soprano (pictured here) is the ukulele size and type most commonly used and associated with the instrument. You have lots of options to choose from for the optimum variety to suit your hand size and preference.<br /><br />A small child can comfortably hold and play the pocket or soprano in the same way that a full-sized adult can hold and play a tenor or baritone. In terms of portability, even the baritone is extremely convenient for traveling on foot, by car, or by plane.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>2. Ukuleles Only Have Four Strings</b><br /><br />The ukulele only has four strings, unlike a six-string guitar, a five-string banjo, or an eight-string mandolin. This provides a refreshing sense of simplicity, both mechanically and conceptually, to many younger students.<br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At the same time, the range of creativity and musicality is not limited since most of the chords anyone will ever play only contain three or four notes each.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><b>3. Ukuleles Are Tuned Like a Guitar</b><br /><br />The strings are actually tuned identically to the four high-pitched strings on a guitar. This means that as students are learning chord shapes and scale patterns on the ukulele, they are actually learning how to play the same shapes and scales on the guitar.<br /><br />Many varieties of chords and scales on the guitar only incorporate the four high strings. In fact, many of my ukulele students spend their time learning songs that are written and played with the guitar.<br /><br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Ukuleles Are in the Easiest Key<br /></b>The four strings are centered around the easiest, most understandable key in all of music, the key of C major. This means that the first time you are exposed to the concepts of a major scale, a key, and how chords are constructed, the focus stays primarily on notes that only come from the white piano keys.<br /><br />The result is that every note is simply named after one of the first seven letters in the alphabet, and you don’t have to immediately learn sharp or flat notes. This provides a very understandable atmosphere when learning notes, scales, and chords, for the first time.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As a music school staffed with experienced professional musicians, North Main Music appreciates the valuable characteristics and accessibility of this instrument for younger children. We feel that the ukulele is a great first stringed instrument for anyone,but especially for younger kids.<br /><br />Is your youngster interested in learning ukulele? Click <a href="https://northmainmusic.com/ukulele-lessons/" target="_blank">here</a> to learn more about our fantastic ukulele instructors!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/ukulele-for-beginners-z10" target="_blank">this article </a>on takelessons.com.</i></span><br /></span><br /></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-72442120941313536092019-09-26T13:22:00.001-04:002019-09-26T13:24:48.784-04:00Is Saxophone Hard to Learn? Read This Before Starting Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxAa65x8M8k/XYzzMEQ4G3I/AAAAAAAAA6E/brxBN3a7NIgriLIZYSDbooIqcv6wXYL6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/34157336_10156240548353567_6640049689070665728_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kxAa65x8M8k/XYzzMEQ4G3I/AAAAAAAAA6E/brxBN3a7NIgriLIZYSDbooIqcv6wXYL6wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/34157336_10156240548353567_6640049689070665728_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Is saxophone hard to learn?” Not exactly. The saxophone, like many instruments, is not difficult to begin playing. It can however, be challenging to master.<br /><br /><br />Many people say that it’s easy to make a sound on the saxophone, but harder to make a good sound -- at least at first. But if you’re considering getting started with saxophone lessons don’t let the challenges discourage you! A self-disciplined student can progress in their saxophone skills by taking the right steps as a beginner. <br /><br /><br /><b>Is Saxophone Hard to Learn?</b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s usually easy to get a sound out of a saxophone during your first lesson. If the sound is not responding, the reed and mouthpiece are likely being squeezed together as a result of too much jaw pressure. The way that you hold your lips on the mouthpiece of the saxophone is called the “embouchure.” This is the most important aspect of learning the saxophone and it has a great impact on tone quality. This skill is developed over several years and will require a great amount of coaching.<br /><br /><br />You may still be wondering, “Is saxophone hard to learn?” One of the biggest challenges of the saxophone is that it’s not an instantly gratifying instrument. It takes a lot of time and effort to develop good tone quality. Furthermore, some people will have an easier time learning the saxophone than others, depending on their age. Children can start the saxophone as early 4th grade and some public schools let 4th graders play the alto sax, but if a child has weaker hands, they may need to start with the clarinet.<br /><br /><br />People who have prior experience on any wind instrument, especially woodwinds such as the clarinet, will adapt to the saxophone more quickly. Fortunately, the fingering system for the saxophone is not as complicated as other woodwind instruments.<br /><br /><br />Some students get frustrated that they don’t sound like a professional within the first month or two of lessons. These unrealistic expectations can set a student on a course for disappointment and make it more difficult for them to stick with it. Remind yourself that college music majors who have been playing the saxophone for eight years still have a lot to learn!<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>The Easiest Way to Learn the Saxophone</b><br />Now that we’ve established that learning the saxophone is doable and worthwhile, you’re probably wondering how to get started. At the beginning of your lessons, it’s important to develop fundamental skills on the saxophone, and not simply work on playing the same songs over and over.<br /><br /><br />Working on the embouchure, scales, articulation, dynamic control, and vibrato will strengthen your abilities as a saxophonist. To start your learning journey with ease, follow the simple steps below and you’ll set yourself up for success.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Choose Your Equipment Wisely</b><br />When beginning to learn the saxophone, having quality equipment can make a huge difference. Stay away from “value” brands. Professionals will tell you that if you’re worried about the initial cost, it’s better to get a used instrument from a trusted brand rather than a cheap, brand new instrument.<br /><br /><br />To get started on the saxophone, you’ll need some standard equipment for beginners:</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Yamaha 4c mouthpiece</span></li>
<li>Vandoren Traditional “Blue Box” reeds (strength 2.5)</li>
<li>A Bonade ligature</li>
<li>Yamaha or Selmer saxophone. Most beginners start on an alto saxophone (the smaller of the two), although some begin on the tenor saxophone</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />For your neck-strap, simply make sure that it is rigid and not stretchy. Most music educators will agree that this is a good quality beginning setup.<br /><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Find an Experienced Saxophone Instructor</b><br />The best thing a beginning saxophonist can do is to choose a good private instructor. North Main Music is home to an excellent saxophone instructor, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=m21PBzMy-1U">Aaron Gratzmiller</a>. Be sure to choose a teacher who can help you reach your specific goals.<br /><br /><br />Even if you hope to play in the jazz, pop, or rock genres, it’s best to start with a classical instructor and classical equipment. This type of instruction will help you build a solid foundation of tone, reading ability, and technique. <br /><br /><br /><b>Practice, Practice, and more Practice!</b><br />Mastering any instrument is a lot of work, but remember to try to make it fun! With your teacher’s suggestions and feedback in mind, put in the hours properly practicing your instrument. Then, as a reward at the end of your practice session, try some improvisation or play your favorite song.<br /><br /><br />Including this important step in your practice routine will help you stay motivated. In addition, reminding yourself at the end of a practice session why you love the saxophone will help you avoid frustration and continue thinking positively about your progress.<br /><br /><br />Now you’re ready to get started. The journey of becoming a saxophonist can be a winding road, but it will also be incredibly rewarding. Good luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/is-saxophone-hard-to-learn" target="_blank">this one on takelessons.com</a>:</i></span></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0New Hampshire, USA43.1938516 -71.57239529999998240.269932600000004 -76.735969299999979 46.1177706 -66.408821299999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-59917132836605672322019-07-25T10:10:00.000-04:002019-07-25T10:10:05.956-04:00Tips for Staying Motivated to Practice in the Summer Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9G5FaoZs4g/XThzaUSvocI/AAAAAAAAA48/vBafJtc2x8Y5xghiEpmDT0Y0WE9H2_EuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/32672395_10156203065398567_2869749207038689280_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k9G5FaoZs4g/XThzaUSvocI/AAAAAAAAA48/vBafJtc2x8Y5xghiEpmDT0Y0WE9H2_EuQCEwYBhgL/s320/32672395_10156203065398567_2869749207038689280_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're more than halfway through summer vacation and by now you know all too well what happens when you take some time off from your music: the rust sets in pretty quickly! So what can you do to keep your music strong this summer, especially if you plan to audition for competitions, or try out for school orchestras, choirs, or bands this fall?<br /><br /><br />Whether you’re a parent who is concerned about keeping your child’s practice schedule maintained throughout the summer months, or a student who’s struggling to stay motivated, you’ve come to the right place. Many student musicians are on “vacation” until they’re back in the classroom in September, but taking a three-month break from an instrument is sure to set your progress back. With more time on your hands but less of a routine, the only way to ensure you or your child keeps practicing is to become more involved. Here are a few ways you can encourage yourself or your child to practice and progress.<br /><br /><br /><b>Create a Rewards System</b><br /><br />If your child participates in music lessons, you have two choices for the summer: keep them enrolled in private music lessons or stand-in as their teacher during the summer months (which is likely to be the opposite of fun). Taking lessons with a qualified instructor, such as one of our fabulous teachers at <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/" target="_blank">North Main Music,</a> can help prevent that summer slump.<br /><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One thing many music teachers do to help motivate their students to practice is establish a rewards system. Some parents use a token system, while others get a bit more creative. Whether you create a number wreath or establish a different system that works for you and your family, it’s important that your child feels rewarded for a job well done. As for the rewards, they can be small rewards (ice cream cones or special treats) throughout the summer or one large reward (a family trip to a theme park) at the end of the season. Regardless of the rewards or the system, focus on encouraging your child to meet their goals throughout the summer.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Establish a Schedule</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Consistency is key when it comes to setting a practice schedule. Unfortunately, the summer months aren’t usually as structured as the rest of the school year. For this reason, try setting a general time frame (instead of a set hour during the day) when you or your child should fit in their practicing. For example, instead of creating a schedule where you practice at 10 A.M. everyday, decide that practice needs to happen for 30 minutes after breakfast. Additionally, make sure your scheduled practice “time” works for you or your child. Some people concentrate better in the morning while others’ creative juices flow later in the afternoon. As long as practicing is consistent, that’s all that really matters.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>Invite Friends to Mini-Performances or Join a Band</b><br /><br />Student concerts and live performances throughout the school year help keep your child interested in and excited about their instrument, so how can you keep this excitement alive during the summer? Try putting on mini-performances for friends and family. If you’re new to the area or don’t live near a lot of family, you can be their audience. Just ask them to perform a new song for you once a week and act like it’s a real performance: pay attention, clap, and praise them for a job well done.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwKWuU_1E_Y/XTh0ChNWzqI/AAAAAAAAA5E/4W9g7fZ-GtMJjDPfUaCCq5L3gN6V0eukwCEwYBhgL/s1600/50801720_10156830893828567_5695223477418590208_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hwKWuU_1E_Y/XTh0ChNWzqI/AAAAAAAAA5E/4W9g7fZ-GtMJjDPfUaCCq5L3gN6V0eukwCEwYBhgL/s320/50801720_10156830893828567_5695223477418590208_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Whether it’s a Monday evening mini-recital or a Saturday afternoon jam session with their friends, they’ll look forward to impressing their friends and family with what they’ve learned each week. And, as an added bonus, you’ll enjoy the special time the two of you spend bonding over music.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At North Main Music, our <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/groups.htm" target="_blank">group programs </a>don’t go on hiatus during the summer--we practice all year round. So, if holding mini-performances in your living room isn’t your thing, we encourage you to join one of our bands, rock shows, the theatre program, or our acapella group. Being part of a group that’s counting on you can be excellent motivation to keep showing up and showing out for your band <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
mates!<br /><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Go to live music concerts</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />Challenge your listening skills in new ways. Watch how the musicians interact with the audience. Stretch your musical tastes.<br /><br /><br /><b>Listen to music</b><br /><br />Again, stretch your musical interests by listening to genres of music you’ve never heard before. Tune in to music you already know in new ways.<br /><br /><br /><i>Do you have tips to add to the list? Let us know and we’ll consider quoting you (and giving you and your music a shout out as well.)</i><br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from this article on <a href="http://thevault.musicarts.com/5-practice-tips-for-the-summer-months/">thevault.musicarts.com </a>and this one on <a href="https://majoringinmusic.com/5-ways-keep-your-music-strong-over-summer/">majoringinmusic.com</a>.</i></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0New Hampshire, USA43.1938516 -71.57239529999998240.269932600000004 -76.735969299999979 46.1177706 -66.408821299999985tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-33142305216906647832019-05-29T09:47:00.000-04:002019-05-29T09:47:03.356-04:00Acoustic v. Electric Guitar: What's the difference and which is better for beginners?<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’ve been getting a lot of questions around the music studio lately about acoustic v. electric guitars, such as <i>“Is it better for a beginner to learn on an electric or acoustic guitar?” </i>and <i>“What are the differences in terms of sound and cost between electric and acoustic?” </i>So we’re taking time in this month’s blog to really break it down for you!<br />
</span><br />
<h3>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLV7oP0MFzk/VCSzuW5Ey5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/xy5Va9PupvwBsYSN1xm6pUvxvn8AnL_mwCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/2014-05-18%2B09.19.34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="1357" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jLV7oP0MFzk/VCSzuW5Ey5I/AAAAAAAAAM0/xy5Va9PupvwBsYSN1xm6pUvxvn8AnL_mwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/2014-05-18%2B09.19.34.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Which guitar type is better for beginners?</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Starting lessons on an acoustic guitar means spending a little less money, but electric guitars tend to be a bit easier to play. That's certainly helpful to know, but there are several things you need to consider when making your decision.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The instrument you choose as your first guitar depends on your goals and your budget. There is no right answer that works for everyone. Deciding what is best for your specific situation means learning more about each type of guitar, and understanding the differences between them.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The difference between acoustic and electric guitar may not be clear to new guitarists.You might not understand how they compare when it comes to sound, tone and difficulty. Add in terms like “semi-acoustic” and “acoustic-electric” and it can be downright confusing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Guitar newbies have to negotiate a minefield of bad or misleading information and complicated terms in order to figure out what is best for them. Doing your research on the internet can certainly help, but even so, it’s not always easy to find clear answers to your questions.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">That’s where this article can help. Here you’ll learn about the difference between acoustic and electric guitar when it comes to tone and construction. You’ll find out which is easier to play, and be able to choose the right guitar for a beginner. Most importantly, by the time we’re done you will hopefully have a clearer idea of which instrument can get you on the right musical path.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, let’s get to it!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Basic Differences Between Acoustic and Electric Guitars</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s easy to see the similarities between acoustic and electric guitar. Both have strings, a neck, frets, tuning pegs, a bridge, and many other comparable physical attributes. In essence, electric and acoustic guitars work the same way. Plucking a string causes it to vibrate. Pressing down behind a fret shortens the effective length of the string. This causes it to vibrate at a different frequency and produce a different note.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, each type of guitar has a very different and distinctive sound, and this means each guitar is better suited for certain types of music. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>One of your challenges as a new guitarist is to figure out what kind of music you want to learn, and choose the right instrument to inspire you.</i></b></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, let’s get into some of the reasons why these guitars are different. The method used by each to amplify its sound is one reason, and is inherent in the design of the guitar.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Acoustic Guitar Sound</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Acoustic guitars depend upon a sound chamber to amplify the sound of the strings. When an acoustic guitar string vibrates it is the construction of the guitar itself that amplifies the sound. You don’t need to plug into any external amplifier to be heard. This is why acoustic guitars have large, hollow bodies. This sound chamber plays a big role in the amplification and tone. This also tells us that the size and shape of an acoustic guitar body has an impact on the volume and sound of the guitar.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The tone of a guitar is also greatly influence by the wood used to build the instrument. In the guitar world, these are called tonewoods. For an acoustic guitar the most significant tonewoods are used for the guitar top, back and sides, plus the neck, fingerboard and bridge.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are important design techniques incorporated into the body of the guitar as well, and this is called bracing. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">All of these factors work together to create the sound you hear when you strum your guitar. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>With time and experience, you may come to prefer certain tonewoods and styles of guitar bodies.</i></b></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Acoustic guitars are great for beginners who are interested in genres such as country, bluegrass and folk. They are used in rock music as well, but primarily by guitarists who play electric instruments the majority of the time.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">They are also great tools for writing your own songs, particularly if you plan to sing as well. You can learn a few chords, and begin creating your own music.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you are looking to purchase an acoustic guitar, we recommend <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Instructional-Polishing/dp/B01JSZP552/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=yamaha+gigmaker&qid=1558792947&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1" target="_blank">this starter pack.</a> You can hear typical acoustic guitar tones being played by North Main Music instructor, Danielle Arena, in the clip below:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3Qksn6sLMXE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3Qksn6sLMXE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Electric Guitar Sound</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">When an electric guitar string vibrates it doesn’t sound very loud. Solid-body guitars do not have sound chambers like acoustic instruments. In order to amplify the sound, electric guitars use pickups.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pickups are essentially magnets wrapped in wire, and they create a magnetic field in the immediate area surrounding your guitar strings. When you pluck a string the vibration disrupts this magnetic field, and a signal is sent from the pickup to your amplifier.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Electric guitar pickups create a magnetic field and send signals to your guitar amp. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This is why electric guitars do not require large, bulky bodies like acoustic guitars. But that doesn’t mean the construction and woods used in electric guitars aren’t important. The vibration of the string is colored by such factors as the size and weight of the guitar, the woods used to build the guitar, and the method used to connect the neck to the guitar body.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, it is easy to see how the aspects like pickups, amplifier, and even the electronic components within the guitar, play a huge role in the sound of an electric guitar. Compared to acoustic guitar, you have much more control over your sound, and a much wider palette of tones and effects to work with.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Electric guitar is the primary choice for beginners who plan to play rock, metal, blues and modern country. Most bands in these rock-related genres rely on the electric guitar as the primary instrument driving their sound.</i></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
You can purchase an electric guitar in <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Stratocaster-Transparent-Frontman-Instructional/dp/B07CVP4NRX/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?keywords=squier+pack&qid=1558792873&s=gateway&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1" target="_blank">3/4 size</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Fender-Stratocaster-Beginner-Fingerboard-Sunburst/dp/B07G4VRMWZ/ref=pd_sbs_267_4/140-0306596-1973851?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B07G4VRMWZ&pd_rd_r=95063598-7ef5-11e9-b9be-2339e3b9437a&pd_rd_w=jtYHS&pd_rd_wg=29Qu0&pf_rd_p=588939de-d3f8-42f1-a3d8-d556eae5797d&pf_rd_r=GFH8H32SAKEWKNF5QPTM&psc=1&refRID=GFH8H32SAKEWKNF5QPTM" target="_blank">full size</a>. Below you can hear what electric guitars sound like, courtesy of our Guitar Army group:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RSQID0mVKMg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RSQID0mVKMg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>About Distortion</b></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">One key difference between acoustic and electric guitar is the use of an effect called distortion or overdrive. When you listen to almost any form of rock music, you are likely to hear a distorted guitar. Most guitar amps include on board distortion, but there are also countless effects pedals that offer all kinds of different distortion sounds.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Distortion is simply an alteration to an audio signal to the point where it is no longer clear. The sound is literally “distorted”. For guitar this typically means increasing the strength or “gain” of the input signal. This creates a desirable effect for electric guitar, but it is not so desirable when it comes to acoustic guitar or pretty much any other audio application. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For veteran guitarists the terms distortion and overdrive have slightly different meanings, but as a beginner you can consider them the same thing for all intents and purposes. These effects have become a huge part of the rock guitar sound.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Acoustic-Electric Guitars</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
Sometimes we get asked whether it is okay for a beginner to start out with an acoustic-electric guitar. This is fine, as long as you understand what you are getting. These guitars are not a cross between an electric and acoustic guitar, so if you are hoping for the best of both worlds you’ve got the wrong idea. Acoustic-electric guitars are acoustic guitars with the addition of electronics that make it easier to amplify your sound. In fact, many guitar companies make acoustic and acoustic-electric guitars that are essentially identical, aside from the addition of these electronics.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You can play acoustic-electric guitars unplugged like normal acoustic guitars. Or, if you choose, you can plug into an acoustic guitar amp or sound board to further amplify your sound. This kind of guitar has a pickup that sends your signal to an onboard preamp, which allows you to control your volume and tone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">An acoustic-electric guitar will not sound like an electric guitar. In most cases, you should not use an acoustic-electric guitar with an electric guitar amp.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Semi-Acoustic Guitars</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hollow-body and semi-hollow-body guitars are sometimes referred to as semi-acoustic guitars. This is because they possess some of the same attributes as an acoustic guitar. Both are actually electric guitars, utilizing pickups and an amp just like any other electric guitar. However, the construction methods used in each do make them quite different when it comes to sound. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Hollow-body guitars are built in much the same way as acoustic guitars. The difference is the addition of one or more pickups. The very first electric guitars were constructed in this manner, based on the acoustic jazz guitars used by big-band players. Of course the technology has come a long way since then, but they are still built in basically the same way. These guitars typically have a rich, warm sound and are most often used in jazz and rockabilly music.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Semi-hollow guitars have a solid center block with two hollow wings. They tend to handle overdrive better than hollow-body guitars, and so are a little more popular among rock guitarists. Semi-hollow-body guitars are used in just about every genre of music, aside from extreme metal. They do especially well in country, blues, jazz and classic rock.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Classical Guitars</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Classical-style guitars are just like other acoustic guitars, with a few key differences.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For one, they have nylon strings instead of steel. This creates a soft, mellow sound. Nylons strings are also a bit easier on the fingers, which may be important for beginners. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Classical guitars also have somewhat wider, flatter fingerboards, and smaller bodies. They are typically plucked finger-style, not strummed with a pick.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As you probably guessed, these instruments are intended to be used in classical music. They are not designed to have the projection and volume of most steel-string acoustic guitars.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Studying classical music is a very demanding discipline, and if you intend to do so this is the kind of guitar for you.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">However, many people feel that classic-style guitars sound great for any style of acoustic music meant to be played finger-style. They have a warm, rich sound, and musicians often find their fingerboards extremely comfortable.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Should Beginners Learn Electric or Acoustic?</b></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
We get this question quite often at North Main Music. Here's our answer:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most acoustic guitars, especially ones in budget price ranges, are physically a bit harder to play compared to electric guitars. This just comes down to the design. Electric guitars don’t feel as stiff, and usually have lighter-gauge strings. While both kinds of guitars can be adjusted at the bridge, neck and nut, the fine-tuning of an electric guitar is an easier process.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, from a physical standpoint, playing acoustic guitar is a little bit harder. But, you shouldn’t let this stop you if that's what you really want to do!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As far as which is easier to learn, that really depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If all you want to do is learn a few chords and strum away, an acoustic guitar is your easiest path to doing so. You don’t have an amp and other accessories to worry about, and you can play and practice anywhere you want.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>If your goal is to be the best guitarist you can possibly be, you shouldn’t be asking which is easier to play. Mastering either is hard work that will take many years. Instead, spend your time figuring out which inspires you the most. Then, get to work.</i></b></span></h4>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Where Do You Start?</span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most guitar players play both acoustic and electric guitar, and have one or more of each in their collection. That’s important to realize when you are first starting out and trying to decide which to get as your first guitar. Whichever you start out with, if you are like most guitar players, you will eventually play both.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our advice: Put some thought into what you’d most like to accomplish as a guitar player so you can decide which instrument best gets you on that path. Everything else will sort itself out later. You're going to be playing for a long, long, time--so remember no decision you make today is set in stone.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We hope that this article helped you better understand the differences between types of guitars. Good luck, and remember that this guitar thing is supposed to be fun!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">
(function(d, s, id){
var js,
fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0],
r = Math.floor(new Date().getTime() / 1000000);
if (d.getElementById(id)) {return;}
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.async=1;
js.src = "https://www.opinionstage.com/assets/loader.js?" + r;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, 'script', 'os-widget-jssdk'));
</script><br />
<div class="os_poll" data-path="/polls/2552315" id="os-widget-543249">
</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was adapted from and inspired by <a href="https://spinditty.com/instruments-gear/Acoustic-vs-Electric-Guitar-Difficulty-Difference-Sound" target="_blank">this one on spinditty.com</a>. </i></span></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-87928510734369712482019-04-25T10:07:00.000-04:002019-04-25T10:07:11.750-04:00The Ultimate Guide to Overcoming Stage Fright <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBbEkTjdGA/XMDDj0_AwsI/AAAAAAAAA0g/sP0IQD-1-Ys327QFJj-YBq2xqagYCAcVQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RXBbEkTjdGA/XMDDj0_AwsI/AAAAAAAAA0g/sP0IQD-1-Ys327QFJj-YBq2xqagYCAcVQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25282%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here at North Main Music, we offer our students many performance opportunities throughout the the year. In addition to our bi-annual student concerts, we also have an <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/groups.htm" target="_blank">acapella group and several rock bands </a>who perform both at our student concerts and at community events throughout the Nashua area. <br /><br /><br />And while most people look forward to their performance, it’s only natural that many of them also get a little stage fright. Stage performance is a challenging art form. Whether you’re acting out a role in a musical theater setting or playing a solo at an open mic night, the experience can be nerve-wracking even for seasoned performers.<br /><br /><br />It can be even more anxiety-inducing if you’re a perfectionist, as that can breed a fear of failure… and from there, performance anxiety can feel even stronger.<br /><br /><br />Performance anxiety (commonly referred to as stage fright) can devastate a performer’s career and enjoyment of their craft, but it doesn’t have to — performance anxiety is a normal human reaction and a completely curable condition if given the right resources, patience, and support system. This article is a guide to learning how to overcome stage fright. If you wish to understand and improve anxiety issues that are holding you back from giving your best performances, read on!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<h3>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>What is Stage Fright?</b></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Let’s start with anxiety, which is defined as a feeling or worry, nervousness, or unease about an upcoming event. Most people have experienced some level of anxiety before, during, or after a performance, speech, sports game, or test. Anxiety differs from fear in that fear addresses a present threat, while anxiety is typically felt in relation to something in the future. Anxiety is a normal, healthy human experience and, in small doses, is beneficial in making decisions and in achieving peak success.<br /><br /><br />Performance anxiety (stage fright) in particular is nervousness or unease about a specific future event in which you will be required to execute a task, such as a song— and usually when you’ll be in front of an audience. Symptoms may be present during the task, for weeks or months leading up to it, and sometimes after the event is over.<br /><br /><br /><br />So, how do you overcome stage fright? Even most experienced performers feel anxiety, so it’s more a process of learning how to deal with stage fright. Here are the recommended steps:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKJtVO9jrrU/XMDD9x8asfI/AAAAAAAAA00/itrjAAQBqf8O8P7mptLG3NdIitPChlj_ACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25283%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YKJtVO9jrrU/XMDD9x8asfI/AAAAAAAAA00/itrjAAQBqf8O8P7mptLG3NdIitPChlj_ACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25283%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Knowing if you are truly experiencing anxiety is critically important, as it’s the first step toward understanding and overcoming it. If you have experienced a few or many of the following symptoms before or during a performance situation, you are experiencing stage fright:<br /></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Excessive sweating (typically in the palms, feet, armpits or face, but could be anywhere)</span></li>
<li>Increased heart rate</li>
<li>Chills, hot flashes, or sudden changes in body temperature</li>
<li>Shallow breathing, tightness in the chest, or hyperventilation</li>
<li>Feeling dizzy</li>
<li>Racing thoughts, obsessive fear of failure during the task</li>
<li>Inability to concentrate or process logical information</li>
<li>Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea</li>
<li>Loss of appetite</li>
<li>Frequent urge to use the bathroom</li>
<li>Inability to make small talk or hold a basic conversation</li>
<li>Shakiness, especially in the hands</li>
<li>Sensitivity lights, sounds, or textures in the environment</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br />As you can see, this list of sensations is not only unpleasant, but makes performing at your best nearly impossible. Fear of failure becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.<br /><br /><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASYEQUv169s/XMDE1ezqHcI/AAAAAAAAA08/5mrYqqIJjtc4p496J_-XYX2FQqqsknbdQCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25284%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ASYEQUv169s/XMDE1ezqHcI/AAAAAAAAA08/5mrYqqIJjtc4p496J_-XYX2FQqqsknbdQCPcBGAYYCw/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25284%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b_X-ZNteR0A/XMDzwgUtvUI/AAAAAAAAA1U/14QcVWx26rwaJBBJAeeXq-n8hAtGywhFACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.png" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Look at the list of anxiety symptoms, and make a mental check mark next to the ones that you have felt during performance situations.<br /><br /><br />Note when it happened, how often, and any other details you remember. Are your symptoms limited to a specific few, or all of them? Are there symptoms you’d like to solve first as a priority, before others?<br /><br /><br />Now go back next to each symptom that you’ve checked, and rate it on scale of 1-10 as to how severe it felt (1 being hardly felt it, 10 being you felt it so much you couldn’t concentrate on anything else).<br /><br /><br />If you are seeing numbers in the 1-4 range, it’s likely that you are experiencing normal, healthy jitters that can actually add to your performance by making you more focused. If you are seeing numbers in the 5-10 range, you are experiencing moderate to severe stage fright and should read on to discover strategies for improvement.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">Before you can properly map a route to overcome stage fright, it’s important to know where you’ve been — and what has caused stage fright in the past. Let’s look at some of the reasons why you are experiencing stage fright, how they might contribute to your present challenges, and how you can utilize them most effectively.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Start by asking yourself some questions about your performing career, starting from the very, very beginning, which might include childhood memories or more recent situations depending on your age.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfTjZCMDoko/XMD25LOs_kI/AAAAAAAAA1o/5dyQ1M9JokMsughri_1t0liZXOXT_NJxQCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DfTjZCMDoko/XMD25LOs_kI/AAAAAAAAA1o/5dyQ1M9JokMsughri_1t0liZXOXT_NJxQCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<br /></h3>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Recall the first time you performed for an audience, formally. Who was there? What thoughts and feelings do you remember? Were you happy with the outcome of the performance? Was it a positive or negative experience, was it stressful or relaxed?<br /><br /><br />Recall the first time you performed and experienced anxiety (if different from above). What were the circumstances? Who was there? Did you practice or prepare, and how much? If different from #1, what do you think sparked anxiety if there were previous performances that didn’t?<br /><br /><br />Recall the next few times that you performed, after #2 above. Ask yourself the same questions and look for patterns.<br /><br /><br />Recall the 2-3 most recent times you performed. How recent was it? Have you purposely avoided performing in recent circumstances due to fear? Were you with a large group, small ensemble or solo? Were there any post-performance experiences worth noting?<br /><br /><br />From the above questions, look for patterns. Are there any pivotal events that dramatically changed the course of your performance history? Are there any key people, venues, or pieces that contributed to where you’re at today?<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFbeEzuNYbo/XMD3LmBpWZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/fXasVaZ7-mkG4a97WBxrHZ2MIh-CEGVMwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VFbeEzuNYbo/XMD3LmBpWZI/AAAAAAAAA1w/fXasVaZ7-mkG4a97WBxrHZ2MIh-CEGVMwCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The next step is re-contextualizing key anxiety triggers so that they don’t continue causing problems. Most people can identify one or two key incidents that left a large impact on their self-esteem.<br /><br /><br />Maybe it was a teacher giving an aggressive critique, a family member telling you not to quit your day job, or a performance in which you froze on stage and ran off crying.<br /><br /><br />At the time you may not have realized the impact of this key event, but in hindsight you can see that it has undermined your confidence and affected your ability to perform ever since.<br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vou4JgTwEA/XMD3cXHu65I/AAAAAAAAA14/zkx50chKkXUxkjC8vEODCW_MEyEHeP6QgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9vou4JgTwEA/XMD3cXHu65I/AAAAAAAAA14/zkx50chKkXUxkjC8vEODCW_MEyEHeP6QgCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25282%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />The mind is powerful and can distort memories, making them seem bigger and nastier than they really were in real life. As far as exercises that can help you deal with stage fright, this is a great one to try. Pick one of your key incidents that is particularly painful or memorable and jot a few notes about it, sticking to the facts:<br /></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What venue were you performing in?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What piece were you performing or practicing?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Who was watching?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What feedback were you given, either verbal or non-verbal?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How did you react? Did you shout, cry, freeze up, or laugh it off?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you responded verbally, what did you say?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">What did you do after the event?</span></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br /><br /><b><i><span style="color: #f1c232;">Re-Contextualizing the Event</span></i></b><br /><br />Now let’s bring some imagination to it: sometimes taking the gravity out of a memory and bringing it into a lighter, if not humorous, context can be extremely healing. By re-contextualizing this event, you are not dismissing it or minimizing its impact, but re-framing it in a more positive, lighthearted perspective. By giving your brain a new way to interpret it, you will begin to move past it and no longer allow it to block your present performance opportunities. Jot a few notes in response to the following:<br /><br /><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you could go back and re-live this event, what would you do differently?</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Is there anything positive that has come out of the negative memory?</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pK85zof0dT0/XMD3vQUSJyI/AAAAAAAAA2A/doKyip_MkYIohUnt6lPFmO3y8QeH02AZwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pK85zof0dT0/XMD3vQUSJyI/AAAAAAAAA2A/doKyip_MkYIohUnt6lPFmO3y8QeH02AZwCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25283%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />We’ve spent the preceding sections of this guide processing your past. Now it’s time to move into the present and start thinking about what you can do now, and in the near future, to overcome stage fright.<br /><br /><br />There is no magic formula, unfortunately; you must expose yourself – you must perform, perform, perform, and this is known as exposure therapy. Exposure therapy is a fancy name for the common-sense approach known as “facing your fears,” a technique commonly used by psychiatric doctors to treat phobias of all kinds. However, there is an art to exposing yourself to your fears, and it should be done in careful, small, planned doses that gradually lead up to a major milestone.<br /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #f1c232;">Create an Exposure Ladder</span></b><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Exposure ladders are a technique used widely by the medical psychiatric community to treat generalized anxiety, panic disorders, and phobias of all types.<br /><br /><br />An exposure ladder is a list of activities that lead you gradually to a big goal (such as performing on your city’s biggest stage, for example), with activities ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking. An individual will work up the steps of the ladder, moving on to the next step only after mastering exposure to the current step with little or no anxiety.<br /><br /><br />You’ll need to create your own customized exposure ladder, starting with #1, which is your first, tiny little step toward performing — something that you could handle right now, today, with little or no anxiety symptoms. Then you’ll move on to #2, and so on, gradually making steps more anxiety provoking as you go, until you’ve reached a final step which is your final performing goal. You can make your final step as big or small as you want, just be honest with your true performing goals.<br /><br /><br />One precaution: be careful not to create too big of a jump between steps on the exposure ladder. You can repeat a step as many times as needed, in order to master that level with little to no anxiety. Depending on how often you are working on the steps, it might take months or years until you feel you’ve mastered a step, and that’s just fine. Study the example below to help you brainstorm ideas for your own ladder.<br /><br /><br /><b><i>Example Exposure Ladder</i></b><br />1. Imagine yourself performing.<br /><br />2. Perform alone.<br /><br />3. Record yourself performing a scene or song and watch it without critique.<br /><br />4. Perform for a supportive partner or friend.<br /><br />5. Perform a duet or ensemble in front of family or friends at an informal gathering.<br /><br />6. Perform solo in front of family or friends at an informal gathering.<br /><br />7. Perform a duet or ensemble at a venue that is higher caliber, like a talent show for your class at school, a neighborhood barbeque, or karaoke at a bar.<br /><br />8. Perform solo within the same circumstances in #7.<br /><br />9. Perform with a semi-professional ensemble, such as an audition-only community chorus or community theatre.<br /><br />10. Arrange an opportunity to perform solo for your peers or an audience, within the group you’ve identified in #9.<br /><br />11. Enter a competition.<br /><br />12. Continue finding opportunities similar to #11 with gradually higher caliber venues (or even paying gigs!).<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arHBYpnXJAU/XMD3_rhD6QI/AAAAAAAAA2I/fYxVmXwbyYsbMkwlqa_1iwn2gInqDhDLwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-arHBYpnXJAU/XMD3_rhD6QI/AAAAAAAAA2I/fYxVmXwbyYsbMkwlqa_1iwn2gInqDhDLwCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25284%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Once you start working the steps on your exposure ladder, there are going to be successes, and also setbacks. It’s important to arm yourself with relaxation techniques so that when setbacks occur, you have a strategy in place to deal with them in a healthy way. Try these:<br /><br /><br /><b><i>Meditation</i></b><br /><br /><br />Find a quiet space, sit or lay in a position that is comfortable enough to sustain for 10 minutes minimum, close your eyes, and stop thinking. It’s as simple as that; meditation is simply a state of thoughtlessness. Your mind will wander, and when it does, just bring it back to a blank space. (If this idea seems daunting to try on your own, there are lots of free meditation apps out there which you can try.) If you can commit to meditation as a daily practice for 10-20 minutes, over time you will be able to push aside thoughts that distract you during performances, including anxious thoughts.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>Progressive muscle relaxation</i></b><br />Find a quiet space and lay down with your arms naturally at your sides and legs fully extended. Close your eyes. Prepare with three slow, deep breaths. As much as possible, focus all of your attention on the task at hand; don’t let your mind wander. Tense your forehead muscle, holding it as tight as you can for about five seconds. As you do this, inhale and hold the breath while the muscle is tense, and then exhale and breathe normally as you let the muscle relax. Enjoy the relaxed position for about five seconds.<br /><br /><br />Repeat the above process with the following muscle groups: your face/cheek muscles, neck muscles, shoulders (pull them up and tight), back muscles (pull your shoulder blades back and in), abs/stomach muscles, arms and hands (make a fist while you do this and tense it all the way down to the fingers), glutes, thighs, calves, and then finally feet.<br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKRY1oO8uJ4/XMD4QP-SpmI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/_o9QP0I-KVYRiO18vkm_Dm59-ZfcefkmgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="216" data-original-width="720" height="120" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FKRY1oO8uJ4/XMD4QP-SpmI/AAAAAAAAA2Q/_o9QP0I-KVYRiO18vkm_Dm59-ZfcefkmgCLcBGAs/s400/Dealing%2Bwith%2BStage%2BFright%2B-%2BStep%2B1%2B%25285%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Acceptance is a final and critical step in learning how to overcome stage fright, as resistance will only make a problem grow stronger. It’s important that you stop criticizing or judging yourself for having fears or challenges on stage, as it is one of the most common types of anxiety, and you are definitely not alone!<br /><br /><br />Acceptance is not declaring that stage fright is “just a problem you have” and that you’ll have to deal with it for the rest of your life. Acceptance is realizing you have some uncomfortable symptoms that are occurring and allowing the process of change to unfold, even if the process is difficult. Acceptance is allowing setbacks to happen, refraining from self-criticism when they do, and celebrating the small successes along the way.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="color: #990000;">Conclusion</span></b><br /><br />Public speaking and performances of all types continue to be the number one fear of most adults. By reading this article, you have embarked on a journey that very few are brave enough to take – congratulations are due just for starting!<br /><br /><br />Your reading has given you initial tools for understanding what stage fright is, how you experience it personally, how your past is affecting your present, and beginning to learn how to deal with stage fright.<br /><br /><br />Performing is one of life’s great joys and you too can enjoy sharing your unique gifts and stories in front of an audience, free of fear, paralysis, or uncomfortable feelings. Don’t give up, and remember that psychological change is a gradual process. Good luck, and happy performing!<br /><br /><i><br />What are some of the ways have you learned how to overcome stage fright? Let us know in the comments!</i><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-overcome-stage-fright-z02" target="_blank">this article on takelessons.com. </a></i></span></span>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-78339319452641688662019-03-19T11:10:00.000-04:002019-03-19T11:10:00.459-04:00 15 Super Effective Ways to Motivate Your Child to Practice Music<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HG7b_DkqHE/XIp7uq68b2I/AAAAAAAAA7U/3uaIVy-MWZQIMXy0RnOfkxwFQVOtBiemQCLcBGAs/s1600/Spring%2Bconcert%2B2018%2Bgirl%2Bwith%2Buke.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1094" data-original-width="1600" height="217" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0HG7b_DkqHE/XIp7uq68b2I/AAAAAAAAA7U/3uaIVy-MWZQIMXy0RnOfkxwFQVOtBiemQCLcBGAs/s320/Spring%2Bconcert%2B2018%2Bgirl%2Bwith%2Buke.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So your son or daughter has started taking music lessons. You found a kind and knowledgeable teacher, set up a lesson schedule, and bought an instrument. Your kid is motivated to learn and everything is off to a great start!<br /><br />But don’t rest on your laurels just yet: No matter how excited your child is initially, there will come a point in time when they simply doesn’t feel like practicing. And this may leave you feeling frustrated not only by their lack of motivation, but also by the time, effort, and financial investment you’ve made in their music lessons.<br /><br />To help you avoid the endless battle of wills and keep you from pulling your hair out, we’ve assembled a toolkit of strategies to help you motivate your child to practice.<br /><br /><br /><b>1. Shift your Mindset, Part I: Stop treating music practice like homework</b><br /><br />Think back to when you were in school. You had your academic classes and your after-school activities. You knew your daily routine: Math, English, Science, etc. Then after school: homework!<br /><br />With so many different school subjects and assignments, it’s no wonder adding time to practice music can seem like a burden to a kid. <br /><br />That’s where you can help shift your child’s mindset. It’s up to you to help your child see music in a different light!<br /><br />Rather than treating music like yet another homework assignment, create a distinction so your child sees music as something he or she wants to do. The best way to shift your child’s mindset is to let him or her play an instrument they’re actually interested in and excited about. If your child views music as a forced discipline, like math or history, it won’t be fun. Practicing music should feel like play, not school work. If that’s not happening, that might be a signal that it’s time to switch instruments.<br /><br />This also means you may need to be flexible. While it can be expensive to allow a child to start and stop several different activities, try to work with him or her to find one he or she enjoys and is intrinsically motivated to practice.<br /><br /><b><br />2. Put Your Child in Control</b><br /><br />It’s no secret that when we’re told to do something, we sometimes will not want to do it. From the moment they first wake up, kids have parents, teachers, siblings, coaches and others telling them what to do all day. Add music to the list of directives and it’s no wonder motivation seems to dwindle!<br /><br />Combat this problem by putting your child in control. Let them determine the practice schedule, that way they’re more likely to stick to it.<br /><br />Start with the end in mind: your goal is to get your child to decide that they need practice in order to play the way they want to play. Once they decide this, you can help them research and figure out how often a good musician practices. Your child can then set a schedule based on the reality that, to be a good musician, you need to practice. <br /><br />Not only will this approach allow your child to feel a sense of control, it will also help them to learn the value of practice.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>3. Shift Your Mindset, Part II: Think of practice as a set of repetitions, not a length of time</b><br />North Main Music founder and director, Mike McAdam, recommends that parents and students start thinking about music practice as doing a series of repetitions. So instead of saying “Go practice for a half an hour,” you could say go play your piece three or four times. <br /><br />Mike also recommends that people who are looking for new ways to motivate themselves or their kids to practice their music read <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Practice-Revolution-Getting-results-between/dp/095819050X" target="_blank">The Practice Revolution.</a> According to Mike, “It’s a good book and sort of break some of the molds that are traditionally taught with music instruction."<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>4. Motivate Your Child to Practice With a Reward System</b><br />You may be thinking, “Yah, sure, but will they really stick with this day to day?” Let your child make the schedule, but it’s up to you to reinforce it--you may have more weight in your reminder. One way to reinforce the schedule would be to set rewards for accomplishing little goals along the way. For example, “If you practice every night this week, we can download that song you’ve been asking for.” Reward the work. <br /><br /></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">5. Help Your Child Understand the Gift of Music</b></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-HwoRM7Ln0/XIp8IrusYSI/AAAAAAAAA7c/-kaTlNnDvg8jWC9Qo61AzC5Qq8tBMJ3GACLcBGAs/s1600/Violin%2Blesson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U-HwoRM7Ln0/XIp8IrusYSI/AAAAAAAAA7c/-kaTlNnDvg8jWC9Qo61AzC5Qq8tBMJ3GACLcBGAs/s320/Violin%2Blesson.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Teach your child to appreciate music and all the possibilities it has to offer. Playing a musical instrument is a privilege and an opportunity that isn’t available to everyone. Taking music lessons not only expands your mind, at North Main Music, it plugs you into a music community where you can perform at student concerts, participate in bands, and connect with new friends you may not have met otherwise. <br /><br />You can also help your child develop a love for music by taking them to shows, playing music at home, and being supportive of their musical interests and tastes--even if they’re different from yours!<br /><br />Many adults wish they had stuck with a hobby or endeavor they started as a child, such as playing a musical instrument. While this can be a difficult concept for young kids to grasp, teaching them to appreciate music can help them understand why practice is important. <br /><br />These are just a few ways that parents can help their kids understand the value that musical ability brings to their lives and to society. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><b>6. Don’t Make Practice an Obligation</b><br /><br />This one may seem a bit counter-intuitive, right? After all, you’ve invested the money in an instrument and lessons, and you want your child to make the most of it. Plus, if kids wants to achieve their musical goals, they needs to practice!<br /><br />The trick is to not make practice feel like an obligation when compared to other fun activities. For example, if your kid loves to play video games and you don’t allow them to do this until after completing practice. Using a fun activity as a reward creates the mindset that practice is the obligation that stands in the way of fun, and this could create resentment or dread for practice. It reinforces the notion that playing piano is not fun and video games are fun.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>7. Plan Performances</b><br /><br />When it comes to a sport, hobby, or endeavor, it’s important to keep your eye on the prize. The same principle applies when it comes to your child learning an instrument; they have to keep their goal in sight, otherwise, they may question the need to practice.<br /><br />At North Main Music, we offer students <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/groups.htm" target="_blank">multiple opportunities</a> to perform in front of an audience throughout the year, such as our biannual student concerts, rock shows, band performances at community events, and more. These planned performances foster a growing curiosity and excitement about music in children’s lives and keep students engaged and motivated.<br /><br /><i>It gets better:</i><br /><br />Performances not only help to increase excitement, they also work to hold children accountable. Ask any music teacher — even the most unmotivated student will be more likely to practice if it means avoiding being unprepared and embarrassed at a concert!<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>8. Let Your Child Choose</b><br /><br />Just because you loved playing piano as a kid doesn’t mean your child will love playing it, too. Your child may have other interests, and it’s important to allow them to explore different endeavors and follow their own path in life.<br /><br />It’s critical that a child choose the instrument they’re going to learn. If an instrument is thrust upon them, then practicing it will also be thrust upon them. Letting them choose the instrument turns this on its head, and in your favor, even if they did not choose an instrument you would have wanted them to play. <br /><br /><br /><br /><b>9. Be Their Cheerleader</b><br /><br />Let your child know you’re their biggest fan, especially early on when your child may feel frustrated or discouraged. Listen to your child at home as often as you can and make encouraging remarks about their progress. Also, make sure to ask them how their lessons went.<br /><br />Take a genuine interest in your child’s musical journey. Your child will be excited to play for you and show off new skills!<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>10. Help Them Engage With Music</b><br /><br />Your child is more likely to practice music if he or she feels connected to the process. Help your kid develop an interest and curiosity for music. To help them stay engaged, become a part of the process. Whatever you can do to get involved is likely to increase their interest and motivation.<br /><br />Let your child play around with different instruments. Listen to music together. Your child will naturally want to imitate you, so a big motivation for children to practice is seeing their parents engage with music themselves.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>11. Create Challenges</b><br /><br />Instead of telling your child to practice, help them set specific goals and challenges. This will help them progress faster because they’ll work on accomplishing specific tasks or mastering particular skills. This idea can be applied to any instrument.<br /><br /></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJDRTzkyKFI/XIp80O_hELI/AAAAAAAAA7o/3dx4QCDixuMQlQnQvg6l7GG4y_ssRdg2wCLcBGAs/s1600/2015-11-08%2B13.08.10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="794" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cJDRTzkyKFI/XIp80O_hELI/AAAAAAAAA7o/3dx4QCDixuMQlQnQvg6l7GG4y_ssRdg2wCLcBGAs/s320/2015-11-08%2B13.08.10.jpg" width="278" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>12. Celebrate *All* Accomplishments</b>Learning to play an instrument is a long journey full of peaks, valleys, and plateaus. While you’ll definitely be proud when you watch your child perform, it’s equally important to celebrate the small victories along the way.<br /><br />While verbal praise is important, you may also want to create another way to celebrate achievements; for example, you could keep a journal or scrapbook of your child’s accomplishments. Another option could be to keep a whiteboard on the fridge, or make a chart that you can display and update when they reach a goal or overcome a challenge.<br /><br />Celebrating the little victories will help your child keep a positive attitude when they’re struggling or having difficulty tackling a new concept or song.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>13. Let Them Play Music They Like</b><br /><br />While there are certain signature songs and classics for various instruments, your child will lose interest if he or she doesn’t like the music they’re playing. Around age 10, sometimes younger, kids start developing preferences for musical styles, largely influenced by radio, television, and their peers, so be sure to work with your child’s teacher to make sure your child is playing some music they truly enjoy. This can be used as a motivational strategy; encourage them to learn and play at least one of their favorite songs as part of their weekly routine.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b>14. Make Practice Fun</b><br /><br />This should come as no surprise — no one wants to practice when it’s boring! Incorporate fun games, activities, and challenges, and your child will look forward to practice! Very few children are self-motivated in their music practice and most need incentives and reminders to keep them focused and moving forward. <br /><br />At North Main Music, you are always welcome to ask your child’s teacher for some creative ways to make practice more fun!<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><br />15. Find the Right Teacher for Your Child</b>This brings us to our final strategy and one of the most important: find the right teacher for your kid! Yes, practice is done outside of lessons, but if your child connects with their teacher, they’re much more likely to take direction willingly and practice consistently. <br /><br />Finding the right teacher will make or break the whole music lesson experience. Don’t be afraid to try a new teacher if your child isn’t connecting. The best teachers are usually the ones who not only teach, but know how to be a good friend and mentor to your child.<br /><br />At North Main Music, we encourage new students to review the instructor bios and videos on our website and to sign up for an <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/services.htm" target="_blank">introductory lesson</a> to get a better feel for whether or not a teacher is right for you.<br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>What has worked for you in terms of helping to motivate your child to practice? Share your insights and tips in the comments below!</i></b><br /><br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article was adapted from and inspired by <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/motivate-your-child-to-practice-music-z15" target="_blank">this one on takelessons.com. </a></span></i></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-58954902859824759672019-02-20T12:19:00.000-05:002019-02-20T12:19:05.550-05:00Sing with Confidence: Helpful singing tips for vocalists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jknl5z9lijk/XGGueea-D-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/O4HD2qCg1AgMjJyzePqwXEX2jXL7n7gHgCLcBGAs/s1600/singer%2B2018%2Bfall%2Bstudent%2Bconcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jknl5z9lijk/XGGueea-D-I/AAAAAAAAAyg/O4HD2qCg1AgMjJyzePqwXEX2jXL7n7gHgCLcBGAs/s320/singer%2B2018%2Bfall%2Bstudent%2Bconcert.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Feeling nervous about an upcoming performance? It’s a completely normal feeling! Getting used to being in the spotlight takes time. Learn how to sing with confidence using the tips in this article. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">How often do you listen to your favorite bands and pop stars and imagine yourself in their place, singing to an adoring crowd? Lots of people dream of unleashing their inner rock/pop star, but few actually take the bold step of doing so in real life. It takes a lot of courage to learn how to sing and, whether you’re an experienced performing artist or planning your on-stage debut, it’s always helpful to practice a few tips and tricks that will help make your performance the best it can be. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>1) Be Patient--Give Yourself a Minute</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s natural to get nervous or feel overwhelming anxiety before you perform. This simply means that you care about what you’re about to do! The problem is, anxiety tricks your body into a fight or flight state—your heart beats faster, your breath quickens, and your muscles tense up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When this happens, find a quiet place, close your eyes, and take a slow, deep breath. Hold it in for 10 seconds and then let it out. Repeat 2-3 times until your heart rate slows. A shorter version of this is helpful on stage, too. Take a second before your song starts (your audience won’t mind a 5-second delay) to center yourself and it will make *all* the difference.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>2) Practice Often and Be Technically Prepared</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Think of practicing as an insurance policy for you voice--the more you practice, the more you know your voice. The more you know your voice, the more confident you are singing in any situation. Preparation is the backbone of self-confidence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Well ahead of your performance, think about your strengths and weaknesses, and work with your voice teacher to create a plan so that you feel fully prepared. Fumbling around with your instrument? Practice your piano or guitar parts until they become muscle memory. Worried about forgetting lyrics? Hand write them over and over until you don’t have to think about them. Not feeling vocally consistent? Break down the issue with your instructor in lessons leading up to the performance. Feeling like your song just isn’t clicking? Workshop them with a mentor or fellow musician. At North Main Music, we host Performance Workshops a couple of weeks before our student concerts, to give performers an opportunity to test out their song ahead of time and get valuable feedback from the workshop facilitators and attendees. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Most importantly, be sure to warm up your voice on performance day!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>3) Take Risks</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You may have heard the quote, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” When applied to singing, the same rings true!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We often hear this voice in our head when we first start singing that sounds much different than the voice that actually comes out. When applying the building blocks in practicing scales, exercises, and simple tones and in mastering them one step at a time, we then feel comfortable enough to take risks in the creation and formulation of new exercises. If you hear something in your head, but don’t know exactly how to create the sounds, try anyway. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking risks in singing means stepping into uncharted waters of sound and testing all of the different sounds available to you. This can be as simple as humming a line to your favorite song out loud.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Every great singer has to know how to hit the “bad” notes a few times before they understand what it means to hit the “good” ones. In the end, confidence in singing comes from knowing both the “good” notes and the “bad” notes and how to move more fluidly and comfortably between all of them. The truth is, you will never know unless you try and it takes more courage to try than not to. Having the courage to take risks will build confidence in knowing your voice.’’</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>4) Remember Your “Why” </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Connect with your song and your purpose, and the audience will feel you. Whether it’s a cover song or an original, we must remember the emotion, experience, or memory that brought us to the song in the first place. As singers, we’re often performing the same song over and over. It’s easy to fall into a routine and go through the motions, but your audience will see right through this. There’s nothing worse than watching a performance and the singer is clearly just phoning it in. No matter how many times you’ve sung a song, dig deep each time and remember *why* you wrote these words or *why* you were drawn to this particular song. Find that emotion and use it to express yourself—That is your job as a singer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>5) Enjoy Yourself</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For one song, you’ve got 2 to 4 minutes on stage, so make the most of it! If you spend the entire time rushing through, or focused on what could go wrong, you’ll miss the magic. Be present for these moments, enjoy being on stage and connecting with your music and your audience. This is what being a musician is all about!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">When it comes to voice lessons, it takes patience, practice, and a little bit of risk-taking! Ultimately, you are the captain of your own ship. Learning how to sing is an art and a balance of all of the above tips and advice. With the combination of all of them, you will find yourself well on your way to singing even more vibrantly and confidently in no time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Want to put these tips to the test? Then sign up to sing at our next Student Concert! Talk to your instructor or stop by the front desk to learn more.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from this article on<a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/how-to-sing-with-confidence-z02" target="_blank"> takelessons.com</a> and this one on <a href="http://songbirdsf.com./">songbirdsf.com.</a><a href="https://songbirdsf.com/five-tips-for-singing-in-front-of-a-crowd/" target="_blank">https://songbirdsf.com/five-tips-for-singing-in-front-of-a-crowd/</a> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo credit: Doug Guarino</i></span><br />
<br />North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7758432 -71.50182230000001542.775114699999996 -71.503082800000016 42.7765717 -71.500561800000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-76836733881349940212019-01-29T10:30:00.000-05:002019-01-29T10:30:01.836-05:00Piano Myths Busted<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyHjWGPG92c/XEtTRbPlxqI/AAAAAAAAAxU/wWe8ilq42zEeV0i3uY7ZfeK0Hqga9l67wCLcBGAs/s1600/piano%2Blesson%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oyHjWGPG92c/XEtTRbPlxqI/AAAAAAAAAxU/wWe8ilq42zEeV0i3uY7ZfeK0Hqga9l67wCLcBGAs/s320/piano%2Blesson%2B2018.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Do you dream of starting piano lessons, but worry that you’re too old, or too busy, or lack the discipline to focus and learn to play? These are some of the common excuses that might keep you from learning piano. In this month’s article, Elena Stabile, one our awesome piano instructors, helps us debunk a few of these excuses and myths.</i><br />Most everyone has thought about taking piano lessons at one point or another, but there are some pervasive myths and excuses out there that keep new students from taking the first step to actually doing it. We’re going to address these five myths and help you make an informed decision about taking piano lessons.<br /><br /><b>Myth #1 – “Piano lessons are boring.”</b><br /><br />If you’re unfamiliar with piano lessons, you may imagine sitting at the piano with a mean teacher who keeps yelling at you to play the same scale over and over. The truth is, most of us are far from scary! Learning an instrument can be a challenge, but it’s an extremely rewarding challenge. As piano instructors, it’s our job to make that journey as fun as possible! Different instructors have different techniques for accomplishing this, so it’s important to find someone who is a good fit for you and your learning style — and who also understands your goals. At North Main Music, we encourage you to take an introductory lesson as a way to get a sense for an instructor’s teaching style.<br /><br />Yes, there are some things that everyone needs to learn — such as theory and scales. But learning these things doesn’t have to be boring! What if there’s a way to show you how scales fit into your favorite rock or pop songs? And how knowing music theory will empower you to quickly learn the songs that you love? Even when you’re learning things that seem difficult and less fun, work with your instructor to find creative and practical ways to incorporate this new knowledge. You’ll be amazed at how easy it becomes to learn — and how much fun you’ll have doing it!<br /><br /><b>Myth #2 – “If you don’t start piano lessons by age 11, it’s too late.”</b><br /><br />Over the years, we’ve heard this myth attached to several different ages, and many variations of thought, such as, “You can learn the instrument, but you will never be able to reach your full potential” or “It will be much more difficult to learn if you start after a certain age.”<br /><br />Age really doesn’t matter. It’s about your passion for music, desire to learn, and your dedication to investing time in practicing and honing your craft. So if you’re an adult or teen who wants to take piano lessons--do it! It’s never too late to start learning the piano.<br /><br /><b>Myth #3 – “I don’t have time for piano lessons.”</b><br /><br />In the 21st century we don’t *have* time, we *make* time for the things that matter most to us. “‘The excuse of ‘not having time to practice’ falls in a similar vein,” said Elena Stabile, North Main Music piano and voice instructor. “People sometimes expect that being a musician means practicing for hours a day. Sure, that's what you'll do if you're a full time concert pianist, but we don't expect that from our students, especially if they do multiple activities or work full time. Teachers help their students find ways to best and most efficiently practice, given the demands of their lives and what they're currently working on. The approach is totally individualized.” Many North Main Music instructors also encourage their students to record their lessons on their smartphone. Doing this provides a great resource for practicing at home because it reinforces what you learned during your lesson. <br /><br />At North Main Music, we have daytime, evening, and weekend lesson times available and we’re open on most holidays, too. In addition to having a variety of lesson times, many North Main Music instructors also encourage their students to record their lessons on their phone. Doing this provides a great resource to take home and use to reinforce what you learned during your lessons. <br /><br />Give us a call or send us an email to discuss your schedule and how we can work with you to find a lesson time that fits your life. <br /><br /> <br /><br /><b>Myth #4 – “I can’t start piano lessons because I don’t own a piano.”</b><br /><br />The piano is an impressive instrument to behold both visually and musically--especially a baby grand! Although nothing may compare to playing a well-tuned, full-sized piano, the truth is, you don’t have to own a piano to start learning. There are many different types of <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-PSR-E263-61-Key-Portable-Keyboard/dp/B06XSLM5YZ/ref=sr_1_16?ie=UTF8&qid=1547492522&sr=8-16&keywords=keyboard+piano+yamaha" target="_blank">affordable keyboards</a> that are great to start with, especially for beginners. If the student is a child, we actually recommend taking this route if you don’t already own the piano. Even kids who love music will often want to try a few different instruments before settling on one. Starting with a keyboard will allow them to try piano without having to make a serious financial commitment.<br /><br />There are many great websites where you can find amazing deals on lightly-used keyboards. If you decide you would rather buy new, most music stores offer these options as well. The bottom line is, no matter what you start learning on, the most important thing is to get started!<br /><br /><b>Myth #5 – “Trying to play ‘by ear’ can actually hinder your progress in learning piano.”</b><br /><br />We’ve heard stories of students being told not to use their “musical ear” to assist them while reading notes. And for some reason, many students feel like they need to choose to be either a “note reader” or an “ear/chord chart player.”<br /><br />While most people are naturally inclined one way or the other, it’s equally important for a student to develop both skill sets. Some instructors like to incorporate ear training exercises for their students, in addition to note reading. This helps to create versatile, well-balanced musicians who can adapt to any situation. Your ability to hear what music should sound like will also prove extremely valuable in correcting mistakes as you are practicing on your own throughout the week. So to sum things up, playing by ear will definitely not hinder your progress in learning piano. In fact, quite the opposite!<br /><br />Piano lessons can add great enjoyment to your life, regardless of whether or not you aspire to be a professional musician. If you’ve let piano lesson myths keep you from starting lessons in the past, maybe it’s time cast excuses aside and give it a try! Happy playing!<br /><br /> <br /><br /><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/beginner-piano-lesson-myths" target="_blank">this article </a>on takelessons.com. </span></i><br /><br /> ________________________________________</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VrfOJUyvJ4/XEtR5it5A3I/AAAAAAAAAxI/UyDlVe2dIs4M0GTXuYjU1oX-ko9tthb3QCLcBGAs/s1600/Stabile%2BHeadshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6VrfOJUyvJ4/XEtR5it5A3I/AAAAAAAAAxI/UyDlVe2dIs4M0GTXuYjU1oX-ko9tthb3QCLcBGAs/s200/Stabile%2BHeadshot.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>Meet Elena Stabile, piano and voice instructor at North Main Music</b><br /><br />Elena is a professional singer, with a performance background in both voice and piano. She studied at Lawrence University and Conservatory of Music (BA and BM) and the University of Tennessee Knoxville (MM), and got her start teaching during undergrad as a music theory and aural skills teaching assistant and tutor before moving to private voice and piano. Elena's performance experience is primarily in opera and in contemporary classical music; and she also frequently sings in churches as a soloist or as a part of an ensemble. Elena is new to the area--she moved to Nashua in July 2018--and she's very happy to be working at North Main Music. "Working at NMM has provided me with a very positive and supportive teaching environment," said Elena. "I love seeing the growth my students have already experienced in such a short time, and I'm excited to continue working with them and to help them achieve the goals we set out for them when we first started." </span></span><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7758432 -71.50182230000001542.775114699999996 -71.503082800000016 42.7765717 -71.500561800000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-22023542565103249252018-12-12T10:30:00.000-05:002018-12-12T10:30:07.314-05:00Guitar v. Piano: Which one is the best fit for you?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yV3dYaTYewc/XAAN7oO_EyI/AAAAAAAAAvk/3bwc9FlKYZUxRNzs7Bb07BvS6MJNKGwnwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BIV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yV3dYaTYewc/XAAN7oO_EyI/AAAAAAAAAvk/3bwc9FlKYZUxRNzs7Bb07BvS6MJNKGwnwCLcBGAs/s320/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BIV.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Here at North Main Music, we get this question often from prospective students and their parents: should they first learn to strum sweet serenades on the guitar or tickle the ivories? The answer is anything but black and white (insert piano keys pun here.) Piano and guitar are both suitable to most music genres and are equally up to the challenge of accompanying a vocalist. Yet at the same time, these two instruments couldn’t be more different. So, which one is the best fit for you or your child? In an ideal situation, one would get a solid foundation in both piano and guitar in order to know for sure, but we can help make your guess an educated one. <br /><br /><b>Learning Curves—Guitar v. Piano</b><br />The guitar and piano learning curve are not the same. After your first piano lesson, you could very well walk away with a simple tune like ‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ under your belt. By contrast, the only thing you’ll walk away with after your first guitar lesson is probably sore fingers. Guitar can be uncomfortable at first. Between the sorta wonky wrist position and the hard-to-press strings,it can take up to two weeks before you’re not shaking out your burning fingers every 5 minutes.<br /><br />Jump to three months or so from your starting date: With practice, you will have made steady improvement on the piano. You can play a handful of simple songs, but coordinating both your hands is a little like patting your head and rubbing your stomach at the same time. It may be a little while before you can comfortably accompany yourself.<br /><br />After three months on the guitar, your fingers haven’t been getting sore for a while, and you’re equipped with a handful of chords. You can strum, with some confidence, a huge repertoire of basic rock songs, and at least 10 Bob Dylan songs. You’re not shredding, but you could do a campfire proud.<br /><br />After about a year-and-a-half of diligent practice, piano and guitar start to even out again. You can pound out enough chords in C and G Major to play some of your favorite pop songs on the piano. Maybe you’ve got a sonatina or two under your belt. More intricate passages are still tricky and require time and effort. They always will.<br /><br />After a year-and-a-half of furious practice on the guitar, you’re kind of bored with strumming, and you’ve moved on to lead guitar passages and fingerstyle. That can keep you busy for, oh, the next ten years! Intermediate to advanced guitar progresses in much the same way as intermediate to advanced piano.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0l4UDzSpQ/XAAOD_bdEsI/AAAAAAAAAvo/SLAIYW4GWzUNLAyliq3q8Yp5v1oibg2kwCLcBGAs/s1600/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BIII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jk0l4UDzSpQ/XAAOD_bdEsI/AAAAAAAAAvo/SLAIYW4GWzUNLAyliq3q8Yp5v1oibg2kwCLcBGAs/s320/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BIII.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Portability and Space</b><br />This pro v. con is a no-brainer. Hands down, a guitar is more portable and space-effective than a piano. Get an acoustic guitar, and you can take it almost anywhere. Get a piano, and you can barely take it up the stairs (with an army of burly gym rats). You can, of course, remedy the portability problem by getting a keyboard, but you’ll still always need a power source. This one goes to the guitars.<br /><br /><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Start-up Costs</b><br />While it may be true that guitars are less expensive than pianos, a beginner guitar costs about as much as a beginner keyboard, and really, a keyboard is all you need when you first start piano lessons. Since there’s no need to break the bank buying the best equipment in the beginning, both instruments get a point for this topic.<br /><b><br />Theory and Ear Training</b><br />It can be easier to conceptualize melodies on the linear piano than on the nonlinear guitar. What does linear vs. non-linear mean? There is only one way to play each unique note or frequency on a piano. There’s only one middle-C, one C above middle C, etc. On the other hand, the guitar has around six ways of playing the very same pitch. When playing by ear on a piano, if pitch in a melody increases, your hand necessarily moves to the right. When playing by ear on a guitar, if the pitch in a melody increases, your hand might move toward the body of the guitar or to an entirely different string.<br /><br />Now one for the guitars: Some people find it somewhat easier to conceptualize harmonies and chords on a guitar than on a piano. This is because the piano is divided in a somewhat arbitrary way with black keys. It is fairly easy to understand music theory in the context of one key (C-Major) on the piano, but the way the keys are arranged obfuscates the fact that harmonic progressions are simply distances and relationships between chords. It’s easier to demonstrate these relationships with chord shapes on the guitar.<br /><br /><b>Accompaniment and Vocal Type</b><br />Piano and guitar are both quintessential for vocal accompaniment, but they lend themselves to different types of voices. Because they are loud and bright, pianos can sometimes drown out the beautiful mellower types of voices. Pianos sound great with voices that might be described as soulful, clear, salient, bright, or virtuosic. Guitars can accompany any type of voice, but acoustic guitars complement voices that might be described as darker, soothing, airy, or “folksy.”<br /><br />So, there you have it. We hope that this Guitar v. Piano list gives you some food for thought as to which instrument might be suit your musical interests and current lifestyle. If you have further questions, you are always welcome to contact us at 603-505-4282 or email us at <a href="mailto:northmainmusic@gmail.com">northmainmusic@gmail.com</a>. <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Inspired by and adapted from this article on <a href="http://mollysmusic.org/blog/guitar-vs-piano-which-one-should-you-choose/" target="_blank">mollymusic.org</a>.</i></span></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.50180639999996417.253918199999998 -112.81040039999996 68.2979872 -30.193212399999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-75305323207005176302018-11-27T10:30:00.000-05:002018-11-27T10:30:07.315-05:0010 Things That Will Happen When Your Child Begins Piano Lessons<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RkvIiQI_1k/W_WUwbyyG_I/AAAAAAAAAu4/VsGJ6uoM2E8e5jEOKJwlHlhPgKKu28mugCLcBGAs/s1600/For%2BDec%2B2018%2BBlog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6RkvIiQI_1k/W_WUwbyyG_I/AAAAAAAAAu4/VsGJ6uoM2E8e5jEOKJwlHlhPgKKu28mugCLcBGAs/s320/For%2BDec%2B2018%2BBlog.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Are you considering enrolling your child in piano lessons? In this month’s blog post, we’ve put together a list of 10 benefits to starting piano lessons for kids. Here at North Main Music, it never ceases to amaze us when we see the positive impact that piano lessons have on kids.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">f you’re considering piano lessons for your child, here are 10 great things that you can expect to see as your child moves forward on his or her musical journey.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1. Your child will do better in school</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.studyfinds.org/music-lessons-children-cognitive-abilities-school/" target="_blank">Research</a> shows that children who study music do better on standardized testing and in school overall. After all, <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/Entertainment/interesting+connection+between+math+music/1473881/story.html" target="_blank">music and math are very much intertwined</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. Your child will become more disciplined</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.heraldpalladium.com/studying-music-strengthens-academic-performance-teaches-self-discipline/article_56eb8ae5-136c-52fd-bf0b-15ff72f482e9.html" target="_blank">Practicing everyday teaches kids discipline as well as patience. </a>Oftentimes, the discipline it takes to learn the piano carries over into other areas of life, such as school or sports activities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>3. Your child will gain confidence</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Learning to accept constructive criticism from a music instructor will help your child build self-confidence. What’s more, being able to do something special, like playing the piano, <a href="https://www.huffpost.com/entry/how-music-can-improve-you_b_9772130" target="_blank">helps kids feel good about themselves.</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>4. Your child will become more outgoing</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of course, participating in student concerts and group programs, such as being in one of <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/groups.htm" target="_blank">our bands</a>, helps kids feel less self-conscious. However, talking one-on-one with a teacher also helps children feel more comfortable speaking with others.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>5. Your child will make new friends</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At North Main Music, we pride ourselves on having a true music community, where many of our students become friends with one another within and outside of our music studio. At NMM, your child can make friends with other music students by participating in one of our group programs, accompanying another student in a semi-annual concert performance, or by attending one of our other many activities and classes throughout the year.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCF4Il7pasg/W_WVq08rilI/AAAAAAAAAvI/FXK4Wzs_eIEoH6Ajt6FsUkE23GGHUpXFgCLcBGAs/s1600/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BII.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCF4Il7pasg/W_WVq08rilI/AAAAAAAAAvI/FXK4Wzs_eIEoH6Ajt6FsUkE23GGHUpXFgCLcBGAs/s320/Dec%2B2018%2Bblog%2BII.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>6. Your child will develop a “Musical Ear”</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Studying music makes kids into musicians. This applies to all areas of music, not just the piano. Many of our students also participate in their school’s or town’s band, orchestra, chorus, or musical theater.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>7. Your child will learn to read music </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Reading music is a skill most people don’t have. People who can read the treble and bass clefs required for piano playing can read music for almost any instrument.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>8. Your child will gain a new hobby</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Social media, TV, and video games are fun for kids, but playing the piano is much <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-athletes-way/201406/does-playing-musical-instrument-make-you-smarter" target="_blank">better for young minds</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>9. Your child will improve concentration</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Concentration is something one must build. At first, your child may only be able to concentrate for 10 minutes, but as he or she advances and the music becomes more difficult he or she will learn to concentrate for an hour or more at a time.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>10. Your child will learn to handle stress better</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/features/how-making-music-reduces-stress#1" target="_blank">It is a well-known fact that playing music reduces stress</a>. Today’s kids have higher stress levels than previous generations--playing an instrument can be a positive way to deal with life’s difficult moments.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The bottom line is that piano lessons are great for children. There are so many benefits to learning the piano--from developing life skills to creating a lifetime of memories. If you’re a piano parent congratulations, you are giving your child a wonderful gift! If your child is interested in taking piano lessons, give us a call at 603-505-4282 or email us at <a href="mailto:NorthMainMusic@gmail.com">NorthMainMusic@gmail.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>This article was inspired by and adapted from <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/benefits-piano-lessons-kids-z06" target="_blank">this article on takelessons.com</a>.</i></span>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.5018063999999644.1969122 -154.11899389999996 81.3549932 11.115381100000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-73925003211389884092018-10-10T10:30:00.000-04:002018-10-10T10:30:00.647-04:00Thriller Night: 40 killer songs for your Halloween playlist<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Halloween</i>: a time for regrettable costume decisions, novelty props, worm-shaped treats, and, of course, rockin' Halloween tunes. Halloween music is ephemeral: its brief October life-span means it was made to blast real loud for a few weeks each year and get everyone in the spooky zone. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So, whether you’re hosting a haunted house party or handing out candy, North Main Music has put together a playlist that is sure to get you in the Halloween spirit. We picked out some great kid-friendly classics, plus tunes for the grown ups to enjoy from David Bowie to She & Him, Rihanna, the Gorillaz, and more. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />Whatever your plans this Halloween, add these chilling tunes to your creepy All Hallow's Eve playlist!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>1. Time Warp - The Rocky Horror Picture Show</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/W-lF106Dgk8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W-lF106Dgk8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>2. This is Halloween - Marilyn Manson</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/jU6iP0WLsU8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jU6iP0WLsU8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>3. Love Potion No. 9 - The Searchers</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7rXhXLsNJL8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7rXhXLsNJL8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>4. Howlin' for You - The Black Keys</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Vrmy_Yjc4Ik/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vrmy_Yjc4Ik?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>5. Boogieman - Childish Gambino</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/PDQ7MUWg92M/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PDQ7MUWg92M?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>7. Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fIPvljWfH00/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fIPvljWfH00?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>8. The Monster Hop - Bert Convy</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4YLjFp4DKpQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4YLjFp4DKpQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>9. The Number of the Beast - Iron Maiden</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WxnN05vOuSM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WxnN05vOuSM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>10. Psycho Killer - Talking Heads</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/O52jAYa4Pm8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/O52jAYa4Pm8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>11. My Beloved Monster - Eels</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xfN3aQ46pfk/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xfN3aQ46pfk?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>12. A Nightmare on my Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/BfPONqyaI9Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BfPONqyaI9Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">13. Pet Sematary - Ramones</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/F3J0iwwsq-w/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F3J0iwwsq-w?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>14. Spellbound - Siouxsie and the Banshees</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/eVTtFjU0T-Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/eVTtFjU0T-Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>15. The Addams Family TV Theme</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/X6QzbvH-ZNo/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X6QzbvH-ZNo?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>16. Bat Dance - Prince</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ulOLYnOthIw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ulOLYnOthIw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>17. Halloween - Dead Kennedys</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/kiySknl9zs0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kiySknl9zs0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>18. I put a spell on you - She and Him</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/n1_C0qV94bg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/n1_C0qV94bg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>19. Sympathy for the Devil - The Rolling Stones</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NzGFViwiUaA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NzGFViwiUaA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>20. Dracula's Wedding - Outkast featuring Kelis</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/wC0uVsAqo1o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/wC0uVsAqo1o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>21. I want candy - Bow Wow Wow</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JoXVYSV4Xcs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JoXVYSV4Xcs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>22. Burn the Witch - Queens of the Stone Age</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/v7c187E5BxY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v7c187E5BxY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">23. Disturbia - Rihanna</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/E1mU6h4Xdxc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/E1mU6h4Xdxc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>24. Scary Monsters (and Super Creeps) - David Bowie</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/NHywdqH3F6Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NHywdqH3F6Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>25. Heads will roll - Yeah Yeah Yeahs</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DX24iOG6GCI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DX24iOG6GCI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>26. Somebody's watching me - Rockwell</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/7YvAYIJSSZY/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7YvAYIJSSZY?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>27. Monster Mash - Bobby "Boris" Pickett</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/AxcM3nCsglA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AxcM3nCsglA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>28. Hunting for Witches - Bloc Party</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/CmPNuruWMTA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/CmPNuruWMTA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">29. Thriller - Michael Jackson</span></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/sOnqjkJTMaA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sOnqjkJTMaA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>30. Invisible - Ok Go</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mItuZ8i4wH8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mItuZ8i4wH8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>31. I was a teenage werewolf - The Cramps</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/1vzkYARhWjw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1vzkYARhWjw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>32. Dracula - Gorillaz</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xri2aOO1XwM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xri2aOO1XwM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>33. The Purple People Eater - Sheb Wooley</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/DL1ZH0Ke92A/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DL1ZH0Ke92A?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b>34. Season of the Witch - Donovan</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/JAzTnsSgs2s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JAzTnsSgs2s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>35. Bark at the moon - Ozzy Osbourne</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bnNWUUZ7cEA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bnNWUUZ7cEA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>36. Zombie - The Cranberries</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/6Ejga4kJUts/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6Ejga4kJUts?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>37. Ghost Town -The Specials</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/RZ2oXzrnti4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/RZ2oXzrnti4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>38. Ghostbusters - Ray Parker, Jr. </i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Fe93CLbHjxQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fe93CLbHjxQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>39. Black Magic Woman - Santana</i></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/95kCv10duFw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/95kCv10duFw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>40. Halloween - The Misfits</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ChlW283_33s/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ChlW283_33s?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Got a favorite Halloween song that's not on this play list? Let us know in the comments below!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: xx-small;">This article was inspired by/adapted from these articles on <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/halloween-playlist">takelessons.com</a>, <a href="http://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-blogs/halloween-songs-playlist-2143300" target="_blank">nme.com</a>, and <a href="https://blog.freepeople.com/2015/10/halloween-songs-playlist/" target="_blank">freepeople.com</a>.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-77823093642317270022018-09-13T10:30:00.000-04:002018-09-13T10:30:07.971-04:00The 5 Easiest Instruments for Adult Learners<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYmxQZfeekQ/WwxvTcx2SMI/AAAAAAAAAvk/FVdIPDt8h64sBMH-WfYD6eUN_7MylmZXgCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bwoman%2Bsinging.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OYmxQZfeekQ/WwxvTcx2SMI/AAAAAAAAAvk/FVdIPDt8h64sBMH-WfYD6eUN_7MylmZXgCEwYBhgL/s320/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bwoman%2Bsinging.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Are you an adult interested in learning how to play a musical instrument, but nervous about getting started? We've compiled a list of some of the easiest instruments for adult learners that we teach at <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/" target="_blank">North Main Music</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It’s a commonly held misconception that learning to play a musical instrument as an adult very difficult, if not impossible. The myth that one must pursue music lessons early in life in order to master the craft has kept many capable adults from exploring their musical potential.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As the saying goes, it’s never too late to learn! In fact, there can be some advantages to learning music as an adult. Adults are much more independent and self-motivated than kids who may be pushed by their parents to take music lessons. With the right help, guidance, and motivation, any adult can excel at playing a musical instrument.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">If you’re not sure where to start, here are five of the easiest instruments for adults to learn.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>1. Ukulele</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Inexpensive to buy, highly portable, and super fun to play, the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn. With just four nylon strings (instead of the guitar’s six), you can quickly pick up simple chords and play some of your favorite songs within a few weeks. When you learn ukulele, you also gain many fundamental skills that will make it easier to graduate from the ukulele to the guitar, should you decide you want to explore a new instrument in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>2. Voice</i></b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKnoWww6wYw/WwxvSxFoTDI/AAAAAAAAAvU/5gcrjnIYK8ky6StaB9e5IDv2ixw8ozAkgCLcBGAs/s1600/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bman%2Bsigning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qKnoWww6wYw/WwxvSxFoTDI/AAAAAAAAAvU/5gcrjnIYK8ky6StaB9e5IDv2ixw8ozAkgCLcBGAs/s320/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bman%2Bsigning.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Everyone can sing something. Most adults usually have some level of vocal skill coming in to lessons and tend to underrate their own ability. One of the best things about having your own voice be your "instrument" is that your instrument is always with you and you can practice it anywhere--while driving, in the shower, walking your dog, etc. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>3. Piano</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isHQhoDBaYE/WwxvS1jGW-I/AAAAAAAAAvo/NVlfV9NryX4DMaU6SnXUL5V7Twsf95yuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bwoman%2Bplaing%2Bpiano.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1084" data-original-width="1600" height="216" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-isHQhoDBaYE/WwxvS1jGW-I/AAAAAAAAAvo/NVlfV9NryX4DMaU6SnXUL5V7Twsf95yuQCEwYBhgL/s320/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bwoman%2Bplaing%2Bpiano.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beginner pianos or keyboard are inexpensive, but to some, the piano may seem complicated — after all, you need to learn to coordinate both hands at once — but it’s actually one of the easiest instruments for adult learners. Because the notes are all laid out in front of you, it’s easier to understand than many other instruments and good for your mind because you are reading music from day one of your lessons. Plus, though you may play wrong notes sometimes, you can’t ever play out of tune the way you can with other instruments. Moreover, due to its popularity, you’ll have no shortage of useful learning materials when you choose piano as your instrument! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>4. Guitar</i></b><br />
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjeevBf3o_c/WwxvSku9KgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/XVrEBsznCDkbPjkKA5OgrLb9TJg8Zy9nwCEwYBhgL/s1600/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bman%2Bon%2Bguitar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hjeevBf3o_c/WwxvSku9KgI/AAAAAAAAAvo/XVrEBsznCDkbPjkKA5OgrLb9TJg8Zy9nwCEwYBhgL/s320/2018%2Bspring%2Bconcert%2Bman%2Bon%2Bguitar.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">There are some great advantages to learning the guitar as an adult. First, the guitar takes some hand strength to play, so it is not a suitable instrument for most small children to learn. Second, many adults have had some prior experience with guitar lessons as older kids or teens, and therefore guitar lessons, in some ways, can be liking "riding a bike" and feel like you are picking up where you left off all those years ago.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>5. Drums</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For sure, learning to play the whole drum kit is difficult. It's also not a requirement for taking drum lessons. You can start your lesson with just the snare drum and add additional pieces as you become more comfortable and confident in your playing. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Learning how to play a musical instrument as an adult is not as intimidating as it may sound. While the options listed above may be some of the easiest instruments to learn, there’s no need to limit yourself! You are always welcome to take a <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/services.htm" target="_blank">30-minute introductory lesson</a> in any instrument that may interest you to get a feel for it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Whatever instrument you pick, excelling at music will eventually feel easy and natural, just as long as you’re genuinely engaged in your lessons, practice regularly, and have a dedicated teacher who will nurture your inner musicality along the way. Check out the talented and caring <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/" target="_blank">instructors at North Main Music</a> and start becoming the musician you’ve always dreamed of being!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">This article was inspired by/adapted from this article on <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/easiest-instrument-for-adults" target="_blank">takelessons.com</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo credit: Doug Guarino</i></span>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.50180639999996418.5321577 -112.81040039999996 67.0197477 -30.193212399999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-10576662497212197982018-08-15T10:00:00.000-04:002018-08-15T10:00:10.408-04:00Finding The Right Teacher For Your Music-Loving Kid<br />
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<br /></div>
<div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;">
<img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YmBnPR7mfMc/Wv3BYMHouVI/AAAAAAAAAuM/7GKxG8Bo_g09xhOfOUugU4WG2gUEZq7GgCLcBGAs/s320/Violin%2Blesson.jpg" /></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i></i></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><b><i></i></b></i></b></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><b><i><b><i></i></b></i></b></i></b></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><b><i><b><i><b><i></i></b></i></b></i></b></i></b></span><br />
<div style="display: inline !important;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><b><i><b><i><b><i>How do you match your child with someone competent, trustworthy, and inspiring?</i></b></i></b></i></b></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><b><i>
</i></b></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>
</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br /><br />Once your child has zeroed in on the instrument they would like to learn, the next step is to find a teacher. For many families, that means scouting about for a good private music school and instructor — which can be a challenge on many levels. Asking friends and parents of your child's peers for recommendations is a natural first step, but it doesn't have to be your only method. There are other ways to evaluate if a teacher is likely a good fit for your child and if they can help plug your kid into your local music scene. <br /><br />In the internet age, it is fairly easy to do some research on your new potential teacher. At North Main Music, each of our instructors has a detailed bio on <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/index.html">our website</a>, describing their education and experience, as well as their teaching philosophy. You’re also welcome to call us to ask questions about an instructor’s background, teaching style, and their students’ successes – specifically the students that share your same level and goals.<br /><br /><br /><i><b>How can I tell if a teacher is a great match for my child?</b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su6Io19ZuLQ/Wv3Bi7ymOJI/AAAAAAAAAug/TOBExa9FWxosWfqttOgfnHbLKEr327WhACLcBGAs/s1600/NMM%2B2017%2Bstudent%2Bconcert%2Bguitar%2Bwith%2Bteacher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1068" height="255" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Su6Io19ZuLQ/Wv3Bi7ymOJI/AAAAAAAAAug/TOBExa9FWxosWfqttOgfnHbLKEr327WhACLcBGAs/s320/NMM%2B2017%2Bstudent%2Bconcert%2Bguitar%2Bwith%2Bteacher.jpg" width="320" /></a></i></div>
<i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This presents a particularly tricky minefield for parents who aren't musically inclined themselves, or whose own memories of childhood lessons are occupied by boring old bats or sadistic, tough-talking taskmasters--or a combination of both. Given the perceived layers of mystery that all too often surround learning to play music, novice parents might wrongly assume that bad teaching is just the way things are supposed to be, but this is far from the truth. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />If you remember only one piece of advice when choosing a music teacher, remember this golden rule: More than degrees, titles, or awards, a teacher’s level of emotional intelligence — the awareness of their own emotions and the emotions of others–will determine their effectiveness as a teacher. Is your candidate responsive to your messages, questions, and input? Are they flexible and spontaneous? Can they balance structure and fun, and do they seem to genuinely love what they do? These are the characteristics that truly matter, and that keep a student engaged, challenged, and committed to music lessons.<br /><br /><br /><br /><i><b>The Trial Lesson</b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmkL8OAJxJo/Wv3BbsA4DwI/AAAAAAAAAuU/x6sqclsjxtkOhmZCgDiE35_AaBgsqWFVACLcBGAs/s1600/Andrew%2Bin%2Blesson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmkL8OAJxJo/Wv3BbsA4DwI/AAAAAAAAAuU/x6sqclsjxtkOhmZCgDiE35_AaBgsqWFVACLcBGAs/s320/Andrew%2Bin%2Blesson.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At North Main Music, we offer a </span><a href="http://northmainmusic.com/services.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">trial lesson</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> for just $32, so you can to test how the personalities of a teacher and your child mesh. During the trial lesson, you are welcome ask questions: What's the teacher's background as a musician and as an instructor? What kinds of teaching materials and music does she use? How much practice time is expected for students, and does that vary by the student's age? Will the teacher allow the student to record the lesson? (This can be a terrific practice aid, especially when it comes to remembering how something is supposed to sound.) What are the expectations for students and for their parents?</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />A good teacher will be a friendly, encouraging, and inspiring presence — even when a student hits rough patches. He will point out the student's weaknesses without being harsh or dismissive, suggest innovative ways to overcome challenges, and create engaging ways to tackle even rote activities like playing scales or honing fine motor skills. The instructor's age and experience might or might not be a deciding factor; oftentimes a newer teacher’s youth can help a student, especially a teenager, feel more at ease. On the other hand, another student may be more motivated and inspired by a “seasoned” musician with a great deal of experiential wisdom. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">So what if you try out a teacher for a little while and you're just not sure it's a good fit? It's crucial to trust your gut. It's better to make a change sooner rather than later, especially if you feel like a teacher's experience, energy or approach just isn't right for your child. Sure, that will probably be an uncomfortable conversation, but isn't that preferable to wasting money, time and your kid's initial enthusiasm? At North Main Music, we are always open to feedback on how to make your child’s lesson experience as positive as possible, and we are happy to work with you to match your child with the best teacher for them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><b><i>“We scheduled a trial lesson! How do we prepare for it?”</i></b></span></div>
<div>
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDsSAafhum0/Wv3BmJ4IIdI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xjY6vj1SV8kiiaOYBz91Y8XdSTPl28g_ACLcBGAs/s1600/Piano%2Blesson%2B2018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iDsSAafhum0/Wv3BmJ4IIdI/AAAAAAAAAuk/xjY6vj1SV8kiiaOYBz91Y8XdSTPl28g_ACLcBGAs/s320/Piano%2Blesson%2B2018.jpg" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Congratulations! You’ve made a great first step. Now you need to do a little preparation. First you need to find an instrument if you don’t have one. Start your research but you may not need to purchase anything just yet. Ask you new potential teacher for advice on that. We also have a comprehensive FAQ page on our website, which may answer some of your questions as you prepare for your first lesson.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br />And that leads to the next point – GOALS. It’s very important that you can verbalize clearly why you want to take music lessons. You’ll want to tell your new potential teacher your goals in the first lesson:</span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><i>Are you doing this just for enjoyment?</i></li>
<li><i>Do you want to strengthen your skills so you can be a part of a community group? (a church choir or musical theatre troupe or band, etc.)</i></li>
<li><i>Are you in middle/high school and you want to join the orchestra? star in the school musical? play in the jazz band?</i></li>
<li><i>Are you considering majoring music in college?</i></li>
<li><i>Do you want to start a band?</i></li>
<li><i>Do you want to be the next American Idol?</i></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
Whatever your goals are, make them clear to yourself and your teacher so that, together, you can determine whether or not this teacher can help you to reach them and make the most of your learning experience.<br /><br /><br /><i><b>“My kid had their trial lesson. How do I know he/she was the right teacher?”</b><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">You might not be able to answer this question after just one lesson. But here are some things to think about:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><i>A good teacher should be able to nurture and make you feel comfortable and good about yourself especially when you are having difficulty mastering the subject</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher should challenge you to achieve to a level that maybe you think you can’t attain.</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher should be honest with you but not in a belittling way – in a way that elevates you to a higher level.</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher listens to your desires and goals and creates a plan to achieve those goals.</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher can communicate their ideas clearly to you and when you don’t quite understand, they can come up with several different ways to communicate the same concepts until you understand (because not every student learns the same way).</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher is willing to tell you when you should find another teacher if they feel like you have achieved </i><i>everything you can with them.</i></li>
<li><i>A good teacher will not belittle you if you decide that it is time to move on to another teacher.</i></li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9fz2Acbrs8/Wv3Bc0T6KOI/AAAAAAAAAuw/CurvHmcIye8zeH7iLYUzLckePnD1CLlDgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Diane%2B2017%2Bspring%2Bconcert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="1000" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_9fz2Acbrs8/Wv3Bc0T6KOI/AAAAAAAAAuw/CurvHmcIye8zeH7iLYUzLckePnD1CLlDgCEwYBhgL/s320/Diane%2B2017%2Bspring%2Bconcert.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />You know you are with a good teacher if you leave your lessons feeling excited about what you are doing! Of course there will always be some times that you will have a difficult lesson here and there but the right teacher will guide you through those difficult times and celebrate your success when you come through it.<br /><br /><br /><i>Good luck on your search! </i></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>The above article was inspired by/adapted from this article on <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/deceptivecadence/2012/06/18/155282661/finding-the-right-teacher-for-your-music-loving-kid" target="_blank">npr.org</a> and this one on <a href="https://pianopower.org/find-music-teacher/" target="_blank">pianopower.org.</a></i></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.50180639999996418.532170699999998 -112.81040039999996 67.0197347 -30.193212399999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-53367772282212533022018-07-11T10:00:00.000-04:002018-07-11T10:00:01.477-04:00Shh!!! The best way to practice drums quietly<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">For people who play percussion, drums often can't be loud enough to satisfy their musical tastes, but for household members and neighbors, drum practice is often *not* music to their ears. So whether you play rock, funk, jazz, or anything in between, learning how to practice your drum playing quietly is essential.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At North Main Music, we've found that the best way to practice drums quietly is by using <a href="http://remo.com/products/product/silentstroke/" target="_blank">Silentstroke drumheads</a>. S</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">ilentstroke drumheads are low volume drumheads designed for quiet practice applications where standard drum set volumes are an issue. Constructed of 1-ply mesh material, Silentstroke drumheads provide a soft spring-like feel at very low decibel levels and are available in 6" to 24" sizes. </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/2olft50NVbc/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2olft50NVbc?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "sweetwater" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">To accompany your quiet drumheads, we recommend </span><a href="https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/LV348--zildjian-l80-low-volume-lv348-box-set-13-inch-hi-hats-14-inch-crash-18-inch-crash-ride?mrkgcl=28&mrkgadid=3281157635&rkg_id=0&product_id=LV348&campaigntype=shopping&campaign=aaShopping%2520-%2520Core%2520-%2520Drums%2520%26%2520Percussion&adgroup=Drums%2520%26%2520Percussion%2520-%2520Cymbals&placement=google&adpos=1o2&creative=203982059431&device=c&matchtype=&network=g&gclid=CjwKCAjw_tTXBRBsEiwArqXyMqWc8UdXsTx5hS5LNn6f6sLgPYcUdiZs04CI6-po5MhEKyHh8C5GvxoCDhoQAvD_BwE" style="font-family: Sweetwater, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Zildjian L80 Low Volume cymbals</a><span style="font-family: "sweetwater" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif;">, which are real cymbals that play at reduced volume - up to 80% less volume, thanks to a unique perforated pattern. That means you can play them exactly how you play any other cymbal, using any stick, mallet, or technique. The full decay is there, and they respond to your every playing nuance. They're the obvious solution for quiet rehearsals and late-night practice at home. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/nhAC8S0Plno/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/nhAC8S0Plno?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As our founder and director, <a href="http://northmainmusic.com/aboutus.htm" target="_blank">Mike McAdam</a> says, "They are the greatest things of all time</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">. One of the best things about these drumheads and cymbols is that they feel like real drums and cymbals--whereas rubber pads or electronic kits do not. "</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><i>While you're anxiously awaiting the delivery of your new <a href="http://remo.com/products/product/silentstroke/" target="_blank">Silentstroke drumheads</a>, here are a few things you can do to keep the volume down while you practice: </i></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<ul><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<li><u>Use Brushes</u>: If you have some drum brushes, these drumming tools permit you to play drums quietly without sacrificing your stick height to get soft sounds. Additionally, brushes make it possible for you to play with the same attack on drums as if you’re using sticks.</li>
<li><u>Develop New Skills</u>: Learning how to play the drums with a lighter touch and lower stick high is the best way to lower the volume of your practice sessions, but it’s the most difficult one. Focus on your technique, and work with a private drum teacher to master the skill.</li>
<li><u>Get Thinner, Lighter and Smaller Sticks</u>: You can practice drums more quietly by simply getting thinner, lighter and smaller sticks. That way, you’re able to practice at low-velocity swings. However, this solution is appropriate only if you live in a home surrounded by landscape, which can stop the sound transmission from your living space to adjacent houses. If you’re living in an apartment, you may want to try another solution.</li>
</span></ul>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
</span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">By applying theses tips, you can practice drums more quietly and allow your neighbors and household members to fully enjoy the time they spend indoors.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Don't let fear of disturbing others keep you from your drum practice. Get some Silentstroke drum heads and Low Volume cymbols and get jammin'!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>Got a funny story about a noisy drum practice, or a tip to share on how to practice more quietly? Share it in the comments below!</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Portions of this article adapted from<a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/practice-drums-quietly-z07" target="_blank"> takelessons.com</a>. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Ave, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.50180639999996418.532172199999998 -112.81040039999996 67.01973319999999 -30.193212399999965tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-88048471299314692332018-06-12T10:00:00.000-04:002018-06-12T13:37:26.578-04:00The Top Father's Day Songs<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i>The best Father's Day songs were written in good times and in bad. At heart, they're about the paternal figures who provided guidance (or did not) as we attempted to navigate through childhood and the “real world”. Here’s our list of the best Father's Day Songs that, for better or for worse, were all inspired by fatherhood.</i><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">“Glory” by Jay-Z</span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In 2012 American Gangster Jay-Z officially became American Dad. Jay-Z released this heartfelt track two days after the birth of his and Beyonce’s first daughter, Blue Ivy. Lyrically, it is as open, vulnerable and loving a tribute to a new baby as you could hope to hear, with Carter reflecting on the pain of “false alarms and false starts,” and then finding salvation of sorts: “The most amazing feeling I feel / Words can't describe what I'm feeling for real / Maybe I paint the sky blue / My greatest creation was you. You. Glory." From street hustler to urban hero to hit-maker—to daddy. Glory, indeed. </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vyoNdZxy5VE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vyoNdZxy5VE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><b><span style="font-size: large;">"My Father’s House" by Bruce Springsteen</span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">A distant relationship with his father inspired Bruce Springsteen to write this song, which is on the Nebraska album from 1982. His father was not excited about his son’s musical inclinations and spoke to Springsteen about “that damn guitar” when he was growing up, a phrase that he later immortalized as an onstage story in the middle of “</span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YBOMXBbQnw4" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growin’ Up</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">.” </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Le0PUgbjL20/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Le0PUgbjL20?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">
<br /><br /></span><b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Daughter” by Peter Blegvad </span></b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">“Daughter” first appeared on Peter Blegvad’s 1996 album, Just Woke Up, however it was made a popular father-daughter dance song when Loudon Wainwright III’s cover of the song was featured at the end of the 2007 movie, Knocked Up. Blegvad’s story of how he came to compose the song is a refreshingly honest and philosophical commentary on what it means to be a parent: <br /> </span><i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As everyone knows, a parent's love for their child is partly narcissism. My daughter, Kaye, was 3 when I wrote the song - long enough for me to have recognized this fact in myself and seen it manifested in the behavior of other parents. It's natural, maybe even a crucial element, but the narcissism has to be watched, obviously. (Think of Dr. Evil and Mini-Me in Austin Powers). The comedy of all that amused me, and I didn't think anyone had treated that in a song before. I was vaguely thinking of Stevie Wonder singing "<a href="http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=2880">Isn't She Lovely</a>" and Frank Sinatra singing "<a href="http://www.songfacts.com/detail.php?id=11186">Nancy (With the Laughing Face)</a>" and I wanted to write something that would express that kind of love honestly but also hint at the complexities which come with that role and responsibility.</span></i></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">The chord sequence is uplifting, but "Daughter" is maybe more sardonic than some people realize. It's about unconditional commitment to the task of raising a child, but it's also about the vanity and narcissism of the parent. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9J-lpsQwDEA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9J-lpsQwDEA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">"Teach Your Children” by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young </span></b></div>
<div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Graham Nash wrote this tune, which features a pedal-steel guitar contribution from Jerry Garcia, about the troubled relationship he had with his own father--putting an interesting spin on its lyrics. According to Nash, the song started out as a folk song when he was in the Hollies, but Stephen Stills put a more country feel into it, and it wound up on Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s Deja Vu album from 1970. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EkaKwXddT_I/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EkaKwXddT_I?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>"Color Him Father" by the Winstons</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">This million-selling song tells the story of a stepfather who became a real father to his wife's children. It was the only chart hit (number 2 for 5 weeks on the R&B singles chart in 1969) for the Winstons, a Washington, D.C., based band that featured Richard Lewis Spencer's unique vocals. Spencer also won a Grammy Award in the category of Best Rhythm and Blues Song for writing this song.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/GMx3diVKkcQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GMx3diVKkcQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Just the Two of Us” by Will Smith </span></b></div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Will Smith remade this classic R&B tune into a tribute to his relationship with his son, which had made softies out of fathers everywhere. It was released as the fourth single from his debut solo studio album, Big Willie Style, in 1997. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/_WamkRSDeD8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_WamkRSDeD8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">“Daddy-O” by Frances England </span></b></div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Frances England is a children’s musician from San Francisco, CA. Her style of music is generally described as Indie and/or Folk. In 2006, England wrote her first album of songs entitled Fascinating Creatures as a fundraiser for her son’s preschool and recorded it with the help of artist Billy Riggs. The album went on to the be the sole recipiet of the 2007 </span><a href="http://www.toyportfolio.com/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oppenheim Platinum Award for Music</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> and contained this song, “Daddy-O,” which is a sweet, melodious song sung from the perspective of a small child who describes the very special bond between father and child. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Gic7z0y5F8Y/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Gic7z0y5F8Y?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><br /><i><b>What songs remind you of your dad? </b></i><br />There are so many other songs that could have made our list of the Top Father’s Day Songs. What song reminds you of your relationship with your dad? Let us know in the comments below! <br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>This article was adapted from/inspired by posts on <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/fathers-day-songs-z01">takeslesson.com</a>, <a href="https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/1566901/dear-daddy-playlist-25-songs-for-fathers-day">billboard.com</a>, and <a href="https://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/pop-music-the-17-best-fathers-day-songs-20140613">rollingstone.com</a>.</i></span></span></div>
</div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-79220110876754940852018-05-09T16:13:00.000-04:002018-05-09T16:34:36.060-04:00Happy Mother’s Day! Shout out to 5 Amazing Rock & Roll Moms<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Being a mom is a hard job--much harder than being rock star, yet somehow these amazing women kick butt at doing both! In honor of moms everywhere, North Main Music is highlighting some incredible women in music who deserve some pampering this Mother’s Day…<br /><br />Where did you get your love of music? Is your mom musical? Maybe she played an instrument, sang in church or in a band, or saves up her hard-earned money so that you can take <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/">music lessons</a>?<br /><br />However you found your way into music, your mother was probably there to love and support you on your musical journey. This Mother’s Day, we can’t help but think about rockin’ women in music who are also moms.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">1. Ann Wilson</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Best known as the lead singer and songwriter for the hard rock band Heart, Wilson was named one of the “Top Heavy Metal Vocalists of All Time” by Hit Parader magazine in 2006. Known for some killer songs like “Crazy on You” and “Barracuda,” Wilson is also the adoptive mother of two kids. With her dramatic soprano vocal range and powerful lyrics, Wilson is a maternal force to be reckoned with.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/EbQbmrWKx4k/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EbQbmrWKx4k?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>2. Alicia Keys</b></span></div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Singer-songwriter, pianist, music producer, philanthropist, actor, and mother are just a few of Keys’ achievements thus far--and she’s only 37 years old! Her beautiful voice and unforgettable songs, like smash hits, “Fallin” and “Girl on Fire,” helped her soar to the top of the charts, but one of her most groundbreaking and empowering performances was at the 2010 BET Prince Tribute, during which she performed barefoot and several months pregnant and climbed on top of a piano! The expression on Prince’s face as he watched her climb on the piano says it all--what a powerful mama!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/J6BpEpQh_k8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/J6BpEpQh_k8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>3. Kim Gordon</b></span></div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Gordon obviously did things that moms do—changed dirty diapers, sang lullabies, and celebrated little achievements with her daughter, Coco. But she did something else that the average mom doesn’t do: she helped define a generation and a genre by creating Sonic Youth with Thurston Moore, during a time in music history when </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_wave" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">no-wave music</a><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> was all the rage. Gordon was the bassist, guitarist, and vocalist for the New York-based band, all while being a mom, too--talk about multi-tasking! In addition to her prolific musical output she also found time to write a book. In Girl In A Band, she elaborates on her life and what it’s like to be a mom who rocks. Hats off to Kim Gordon on this Mother’s Day!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8JGBNkLM9_8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8JGBNkLM9_8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" /></div>
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. Beyonc</span></b><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>é</b></span></span><br />
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyoncé</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">’s kids have been in the spotlight from the time they were born. The world waited for her children to arrive like a kid waits for gifts on Christmas. In addition to selling over 100 million records worldwide and winning 22 Grammy’s, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyoncé</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> still finds time volunteer with charitable causes. After Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland founded the Survivor Foundation to provide transitional housing for victims in the Houston area. By most accounts, </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Beyoncé</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> appears to be a kind and humble person. And those are qualities that make any mom rock.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/didEyi5VXwM/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/didEyi5VXwM?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>5. Chrissie Hynde</b></span></div>
<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Chrissie Hynde is best known as a founding member of the Pretenders. With her take- no-prisoners lyrical and musical approach, and her Zen-Beatnik-Punk-Biker style, Hynde has influenced the musical landscape, as well as female fashion and the feminist attitude, for decades. However, few people (outside of her hardcore fans), may know that Hynde follows Vaishnavism, a branch of Hinduism; is a strict vegetarian; and the mother of 2 daughters. Hynde brings the concept of being a “cool mom” to a whole new level.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/mWxAcdwwrH8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mWxAcdwwrH8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /><br /><i><b>How does your mom rock? Tell us about her in the comments below!</b></i><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i>This article was inspired by/adapted from the following article on <a href="https://takelessons.com/blog/mothers-day-women-in-music-z01">takelessons.com</a>. </i></span></span></div>
</div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02204363413930289051noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-65799880735915431792015-08-11T20:20:00.000-04:002015-08-11T20:20:43.218-04:00Making the Most of Music Lessons<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFpUKn28QmQ/VckJOXH7lnI/AAAAAAAAARk/v861IKd9kIw/s1600/McKenna%2Band%2BJason.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aFpUKn28QmQ/VckJOXH7lnI/AAAAAAAAARk/v861IKd9kIw/s320/McKenna%2Band%2BJason.jpg" width="213" /></a><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With fall just around the corner, our phones are
ringing and our email box is full of messages from parents and students looking
to get back into music lessons after a summer full of vacations and relaxation.
As we all get back into the swing of things, are returning music students
prepared to make the most of their lessons?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some are, but some may
not be because they are unclear about their roles as students and lack
confidence in their communication skills. To help students excel in
their lessons and beyond, this post highlights the attributes of successful
students and suggest ways in which everyone can enhance their communication with
their teachers.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Attributes of Adept</span></b><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> <b>Learners<br />
</b>What’s the primary goal of music lessons? Learning, of course! What, then,
is the primary responsibility of a music student? To be an adept learner.
(Teachers <i>facilitate</i> learning.) So let’s look at what it means to
be good at learning. In a nutshell, adept learners are:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid #FAFAFA 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #FAFAFA .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 2.0pt 0in;">
<ul>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Growth-minded.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> They recognize that skillfulness arises from steady effort;
their </span><a href="http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/07/the-growth-mindset/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;" title="The Growth Mindset"><span style="color: #4f6373; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">growth mindset</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> inspires them to set meaningful goals and practice with
enthusiasm.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Mastery oriented.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Unlike helpless students, intrepid ones
take responsibility for their learning. They adhere to high standards, tackle
appropriate material, stay within healthy limits, and seek help when needed.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Independent and collaborative.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> They’re resourceful when practicing alone
and team-minded when working with others.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Persistent.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Their mindset and goals give them the strength to persevere
in the face of challenges.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Professional.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> Adept learners exhibit </span><a href="http://musiciansway.com/blog/2011/11/the-4-pillars-of-professionalism/" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;" title="The 4 Pillars of Professionalism"><span style="color: #4f6373; font-size: 9.5pt; text-decoration: none;">professionalism</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> in all of their musical activities –
they’re punctual, prepared for lessons, courteous, and honest.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Open to new ideas.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> They thrive on fresh perspectives.</span></li>
<li><i style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Communicative.</span></i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"> In lessons, they listen keenly, speak authentically, and
question frequently.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<b style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Communicating in Lessons</span></b></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">In order to embody that
last trait – being communicative – a student needs both a desire to connect and
the skills to do so. Nonetheless, communicating can get tricky, more so with
some teachers than others. Words and tone of voice can easily, albeit usually
unintentionally, be misconstrued. In the end, though, poor communication equals
little or no learning.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.55pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Given that learning in lessons hinges on
communication, here are 7 ways that students can heighten their communication
with teachers:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; border-bottom: solid #FAFAFA 1.0pt; border: none; margin-left: 6.0pt; margin-right: 0in; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #FAFAFA .75pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 2.0pt 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Record
your lessons.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> By listening back
and taking notes, you can retain all of the advice you receive.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Query
your teacher when something is unclear.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> Students sometimes shy away from asking for clarifications
because they don’t want to seem clueless or imply that their teacher’s
explanations are flawed. Believe us: educators want students to understand and
ask questions. Always ask if you’re unsure.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Agree
on lesson goals.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> Before you depart
from a lesson, ensure that you and your teacher spell out goals for your next
meeting – verbalize your aims so that they’re captured on your recorder. Also,
periodically discuss your long-range objectives with your teacher so
that lesson goals support your interests.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Document
questions during practice.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> Keep
a notebook handy as you practice and then bring your questions to lessons.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Ask
for feedback.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> During and at the
close of lessons, inquire how well you’re attaining lesson goals and whether
there’s anything more you could do to improve your musical or practice skills.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Listen
actively.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> Communication
involves articulating one’s thoughts and hearing the thoughts of others. So
listen attentively during lessons and paraphrase complex concepts to help your
teacher know that you’ve absorbed them.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;">Be
positive.</span></i><span style="font-size: 9.5pt;"> Bring a positive
attitude to lessons so that you contribute to creating a productive
learning environment. When miscommunication does happen, and from time to time it will, resolve them promptly, and then let go of any negativity.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What if you can’t establish a communicative
rapport with a private teacher? For starters, you could solicit advice from a
mentor. Then, if your attempts to communicate still fall short, it might be
time to find a new instructor.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://musiciansway.com/blog/2010/09/making-the-most-of-music-lessons/" target="_blank">this </a>article on musiciansway.com.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="line-height: 15.55pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo: McKenna Chaput and her instructor, Jason Latham, at the North Main Music spring 2015 student concert. Photo by Robyn Neville.</i></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: none; line-height: 15.55pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; padding: 0in; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-62873617330794194202015-05-26T12:20:00.001-04:002015-05-26T12:20:18.299-04:00Tips to make music lessons & practice a breeze this summer<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">As
the weather gets nicer and we head into summer, are you having a hard time
getting yourself or your child to stick with music lessons and practice? You
already know that consistent weekly lessons--and practice in between--are vital
to get you to your musical goals. So how do you beat the summertime blues and
start making your musical dreams come true? Two of our top instructors, <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/guitar-lessons-sheae.htm" target="_blank">Shea Ellis</a> and <a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/piano-lessons-christiek.htm" target="_blank">Christie Conticchio</a>, were kind enough to share some of their expert
advice for students and parents who need a little help getting into the music
lesson and practice groove this summer.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0VtMsj7WUo/VV3vGkXMsAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/sxrNg_LTASw/s1600/Damon%2Band%2BShea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I0VtMsj7WUo/VV3vGkXMsAI/AAAAAAAAAQY/sxrNg_LTASw/s320/Damon%2Band%2BShea.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have
you ever noticed that sometimes the hardest part of practicing is simply
getting yourself to start? Guitar and ukulele instructor Shea Ellis has
several great recommendations to help you get started!</span><br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Symbol;"><br /></span>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Have fun with your instrument and
try being creative. To spice up your practice routine, write a song. Song
writing is easy and fun, if you don’t overthink it, and can open many new doors
for your playing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Choose to learn songs that you love,
songs that pull you to your lessons and drive you to practice each day because
you want to hear them!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Call it playing, not practicing;
playing is fun but practicing sounds like work. You never want to lose the
element of fun!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Remind yourself to practice by
scheduling reminders on your phone or putting up post-its, whatever works for
you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Make a practice schedule or calendar
and mark the days that you practice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Get inspired to play by looking
up information about a favorite musician. Even the greatest musicians are human
just like you and none of them turned into famous geniuses overnight.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rjufi0TLYxo/VV3vI6F7M2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/eE5Tpk580jo/s1600/Christie%2Band%2BNora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rjufi0TLYxo/VV3vI6F7M2I/AAAAAAAAAQg/eE5Tpk580jo/s320/Christie%2Band%2BNora.jpg" width="212" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">If
you’re having trouble committing time to music this summer, voice and piano
teacher Christie Conticchio has more great advice for you or your child to
stay on track:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Get involved with an activity or
project that uses your instrument, whether it’s joining a band, entering a
competition, or covering a favorite song.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For singers, vocal technique
can be applied when you are silent or talking, pretty much any time! You can
work on your technique while you are doing other things such as talking to
friends, texting, watching TV, riding in the car, on the computer, walking,
standing, on a plane, etc.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Find a way to add practice to your
routine. Make it the first thing you do when you get home from camp or play for
a few minutes before heading off to the beach or summer job each morning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">On any instrument, it’s okay to play
in short bits of time. Five minutes here and there can add up and even a little
bit of practice is better than none at all. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: 29.25pt; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Make sure you and your kids see live
music! Being exposed to music in the real world will inspire you to play, too.
Summer is an awesome time to go see live music, as there are so many outdoor
venues, from parks to band stands to stadiums.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Hopefully
these tips will help you or your child get more from music lessons this
summer. And remember, North Main Music has a bunch of summer activities to help
you and your child stay motivated this summer, such as the <b>Sizzlin’ Summer
Cover Song Contest,</b> <b>North Main Music Night at the Fisher Cats</b>, and our <b><a href="http://northmainmusic.com/summer-camp.htm" target="_blank">Rock Camp</a></b>. So turn
practice time into play time and watch as musical challenges become easier and
easier!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i>Do you have any other tips for music students this summer? Share them with us in the comments!</i>
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><i style="font-size: small;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; line-height: 18pt;">Top left photo: Damon and Shea at the Spring 2015 student concert.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Bottom right photo: Christie and Nora at the Spring 2015 student concert.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><i>Photo credits: Robyn Neville.</i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">Adapted
from </span></i><a href="http://takelessons.com/blog/2013/06/tips-to-make-practicing-a-breeze-this-summer/"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">this article</span></i></a><i><span style="border-image-outset: initial; border-image-repeat: initial; border-image-slice: initial; border-image-source: initial; border-image-width: initial; border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;">
on takelessons.com.</span></i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18.0pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="border: 1pt none windowtext; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; padding: 0in;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 18pt; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com0Nashua, NH, USA42.7653662 -71.46756599999997742.6720897 -71.628927499999975 42.858642700000004 -71.306204499999978tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4293388045463194517.post-38382929446584023142015-03-16T13:00:00.000-04:002015-03-16T13:00:01.137-04:00What if I forget the words?<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We promise, the show will go on--and you’ll live to tell about it</span></em></div>
<div style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></em></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">No matter how much you prepare for your moment in the spotlight, anything can happen on stage! This unpredictability makes performing lots of fun, but it can also be scary. However, if you prepare for your performance the right way, you can even forget the words to the song you’re singing and still deliver a top-notch performance. Professional musicians and North Main Music instructors, Lizz Potter and Sibvon Rose, have experienced their share of performance blunders and lived to tell about it. In this article they share some of their experiences and offer advice to musicians who may be worried about making mistakes while performing live.<o:p></o:p></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<em><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tell us about a past performance during which you made a major blunder.<o:p></o:p></span></b></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b><br />
</b></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Lizz:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> I recently had a gig in Boston. It was a 3-hour solo set and it went well overall, but as I was both singing and playing piano, I was trying to read lyrics and chords at the same time, so I screwed up both a couple of times and panicked. However, I recovered as quickly as I could and as strongly as I could.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b><br />
</b></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Sibvon:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> I can’t recall a specific performance with a major blunder, but I will say that I’ve learned from past mistakes that you have to learn to cover them really well—don’t let the mistake show on your face and in your body language. The audience won’t have a clue that you’ve screwed up unless you show it in your facial expressions and body language.</span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"><o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bIV6tZ1BC-o/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/bIV6tZ1BC-o?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span> <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span><em><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">How do you recover from mistakes during a performance?<o:p></o:p></span></b></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b><br />
</b></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Lizz:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Finish strong—people won’t remember a flub in the middle of a song if the rest of the performance is solid.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b><br />
</b></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Sibvon:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> I always tell students to “own the mistake.” In other words, if you do a part wrong, one great way to cover it up is to purposely mess it up again. It’s a way to stay in control of your performance.</span></em></span><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://ytimg.googleusercontent.com/vi/D7WOqvBmGZE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/D7WOqvBmGZE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<em><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"></span></em><br />
<em><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">What advice would you offer to budding musicians who may be scared about making mistakes when performing live?</span></b></em><br />
<em><b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></em><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Lizz:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Even if you’ve practiced a song 1000 times, mistakes can still happen, and that’s ok. Throughout my career, I’ve found that using breathing exercises as a method of relaxation is very helpful and important. Breathing helps me to be less in my head and more in the song. And, remember, have fun with your performance no matter what happens.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b><br />
</b></em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><b>Sibvon:</b></em><em><span style="font-style: normal; mso-bidi-font-style: italic;"> Audition for everything you possibly can. The more your audition, the less scary performing live will be. And use that nervous energy to your advantage; harness it and use it to take your performance to the next level.<o:p></o:p></span></em></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Lizz and Sibvon teach piano and voice at North Main Music and both have been studying and performing music since childhood. To learn more about their musical backgrounds and teaching philosophies, click here for </span><a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/piano-lessons-lizzp.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Lizz</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> and here for </span><a href="http://www.northmainmusic.com/piano-lessons-sibvonm.htm" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Sibvon</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">.</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em><br />
</em></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><em>The above article was inspired by and partly adapted from </em><a href="http://takelessons.com/blog/2013/06/teacher-spotlight-i-forgot-the-words/">this article</a></span><em><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> on takelessons.com.</span></em>North Main Musichttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18304305983656896445noreply@blogger.com028 Charron Avenue, Nashua, NH 03063, USA42.7759527 -71.50180639999996417.253918199999998 -112.81040039999996 68.2979872 -30.193212399999965