Would you believe me if I told you that the first 'rock' band in the history of the world was formed exactly 50,000 years ago, in the 'Stone' Age?
Yeah okay...you're right, I was kidding on that one. But the joke was pretty good, wasn't it? Yeah alright...I know...the joke was probably the worst you've ever heard. But, hey, what if I said that the first ever music concert on our beloved Mother Earth happened over 35,000 years ago, and it featured a group of prehistoric flautists. Now what would be your take on that one? Nope, I'm not kidding this time around because believe it or not, it's true. Recent findings revealed that the oldest musical instrument on Earth happens to be a 35,000 year-old flute that was, in all probability, carved from the bone of a prehistoric vulture. I bet that gag about the Stone Age rock band doesn't sound all that bad now, does it?
Anyway, coming back to the point, music originated in prehistoric times and gained rapid momentum thereafter. It assumed tremendous social importance, especially in the ancient era, which is when many of the following ancient Greek musical instruments grew in popularity among the masses.
We all know about the popularity of the music in Brazil. Brazilian music is heavily influenced by the Portuguese culture. Like the vibrancy of the culture, the music of Brazil is equally diverse and pulsating, full of energy and life. The musical tradition varies from every region. This is probably why there are so many different genres of Brazilian music. Today, Brazil boasts of some of the most renowned musicians of all times. Music is the main essence of the soul of the people of Brazil. Here, we shall take a look at some of the important Brazilian musical instruments that have been used to compose beautiful melodies.
Brazilian Musical Instruments:
Agogô: The agogô was used as a part of ceremonial music compositions in olden days. An agogô actually means a gong or bell. This is also the most oldest musical instrument to be used in Samba music.
Atabaque: This Brazilian musical instrument is basically made of a special wood called Jacaranda from Brazil. Atabaque is like a hand drum that is used in many religious styles of music.
Bateria: Bateria basically refers to a set of drums in the Portuguese language. These set of instruments include Surdo, Chocalho, agogô, pandeiro etc.
Ganzá: The ganzá is a cylindrical shaped musical instrument. This cylinder is made up of a handwoven basket that is hollow from within. This basket is filled with stones and metal balls. The basic concept of the ganzá is based on a rattle. The ganzá is also used in Samba music.
Pandeiro: A pandeiro is on similar lines to the tambourine. It needs to be shaken so that sound can be produced. There are many notable musicians who have made a name for themselves as some of the best-known pandeiro players. This instrument can be modified to produce a range of musical notes. A pandeiro needs to be held in one hand and needs to be struck on the other hand for the sound.
Repinique: Repinique, also known as repique, is a Brazilian musical instrument that is made of metal. In the olden days, this drum shaped instrument was made of wood. This Brazilian instrument is like a two headed drum. It also features prominently in the carnival festivals of Rio de Janeiro. A musician who wants to play the repinique has to carry it with the help of the shoulder straps and needs to use a wooden stick to play the drum. Sometimes, a person can even use two wooden sticks to play the repinique.
Skekere/Xequerê: This musical instrument has its base in Africa. It is made of the shells of a fruit from a plant known as gourd. Since every shape is different, the sound that is produced also varies from this musical instrument. In Brazil, this instrument is wrapped in a net. This net consists of little plastic balls that are threaded into the net.
Tambourine/Tamborim: This musical instrument is a small shaped drum that has its origins in Portugal and Africa. One can find the use of this instrument in many types of Brazilian music. The head is made of nylon material. Apart from beating it with the hand, this instrument is also played with the help of short, thin drumsticks.
These were some of the Brazilian musical instruments that have been used to create beautiful compositions since the ancient days. It's no wonder, music lies in the blood of all Brazilians!
Music certainly knows no language nor has any barriers. Ancient Chinese music is one of the traditional art forms. Ancient China has witnessed many masterpieces in terms of music. There have been some great musicians who created melodies with the help of ancient Chinese musical instruments. These instruments are generally classified into three segments – string, percussion and wind instruments. The categories of these ancient musical instruments are also divided as per the kind of material used for example, bamboo, wood, clay, metal etc. Take a look at some of the details associated with ancient Chinese musical instruments.
Ancient Chinese Musical Instruments:
Amongst the most ancient of the instruments used to create music in China were the Chinese flutes. These flutes were seen in different types of varieties. The Dizi is one of the kinds that belong to this category. This musical instrument is particularly used to compose Chinese folk music. This type of flute is made of bamboo. There are many stories that are associated with the origins of the Dizi. Some believe it was the Yellow Emperor who conceptualized the idea and got it made where as others believe, it was imported during the Han dynasty.
The Qin, known as Guqin in the modern times is another type of ancient Chinese musical instrument. The Chinese hold this instrument in high regard and it has also been associated with Confucius, the Chinese philosopher. This instrument has also been associated with great scholars. It has thus been used for ritual ceremonies and was also a symbol of high culture.
The Pipa is another example of ancient Chinese musical instruments. For the last two thousand years, this instrument has been used to create soothing melodies in China although today, the Pipa is seen only in museums. Some of the earlier forms of the Pipa existed during the Qin dynasty. As time passed, the Pipa became particularly popular by the Tang Era.
Ruan is another such musical instrument that belonged to ancient China. The origins of Ruan go back to over two thousand years. It was named after one of the reputed Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove. The modern version of this instrument is structured differently.
The zhu is an instrument that is not used anymore. This ancient Chinese musical instrument became popular in the Warring States Period. There have been differences of opinion to the way this instrument was used. Some say, it was plucked with a stick where as others feel the stick was bounced on the string to produce the sound.
Yet another musical instrument that has many stories attached to it is the muyu also known as the wooden fish. This is actually a wooden instrument. The legends associated with the wooden fish all have taken place in China. This wooden fish is used especially for rituals by monks.
Ancient Chinese musical instruments cannot be complete without the mention of the Yunluo. Drawings recovered from the olden era depict the yunluo with five gongs. Today, there are many modern versions of the same. Now, one can find up to 29 gongs with varied diameters.
These were a few examples of ancient Chinese musical instruments that have been around for years. These instruments have certainly helped to keep alive the many traditions of China.
The piano is considered by most as the ultimate personal instrument because with it a single person can create beautiful harmonies to match any mood or feeling. This is why nearly all professional musicians, no matter what their specialty, have spent a great deal of time learning to play the piano well. But you don't have to be a professional musician to enjoy learning to play the piano. Whether you've never tried playing the piano or you've played the piano some and never mastered it, learning to play the piano can be a simple and enjoyable process. But, it does take time and patience. Here are the basic steps to learning the piano:
1. Get access to a piano or synthesizer. This may sound silly, but some people actually think they can learn to play the piano by listening to music or reading a book. You have to have access to a piano to truly begin learning to play the piano.
2. Take piano lessons. Piano lessons can come in many different forms. The more forms you combine the more complete your learning experience will be. If you're totally dedicated to learning to play the piano then schedule piano lessons with a piano teacher, buy several beginning piano books, buy instructional CDs and DVDs, sign up for online piano learning classes, and find any other instructional piano helpers you can get. The more you combine and study thoroughly the quicker and more complete your learning will be.
3. Take advice from experts. Concentrate on the areas of learning they recommend. Your books and your teachers may take different approaches to things, but they all know more about playing the piano than you do. Do whatever they tell you to do for each of their respective lessons.
4. Make practicing the piano a priority. No matter how much you study or take classes, unless you find at least 10 minutes per day to practice, you will not improve. You should begin your practice with the warm ups at least four times per week.
5. Learn the music one measure at a time. You won't be sitting down and playing any advanced music pieces from start to finish on first try until you've spent hundreds of hours practicing the piano. In the mean time learning to play the piano music will always involve patiently going through it one piece at a time. When you can play the whole musical composition, move on to your next piece of music. Go back over the ones you've already learned at least once per month in order to retain what you've learned.
You can get a more in-depth knowledge about the piano in general and the digital piano in particular by going to the-piano-site.com - The Complete Online Resource For Pianos And Piano Music.
You are looking to find an instrument for yourself, or perhaps your child. You want to pick the right one, but it is so overwhelming! Woodwinds, piano, brass, strings, and percussion, and that’s just the groupings. How can you decide which instrument is right for you?
Do some Research
Here are few suggestions that will help you to narrow down the search. First, do some research into what the different instruments sound like. You do not want to be stuck playing, or listing to someone play, an instrument you cannot stand the sound of. Check out some orchestra CDs from your local library, or go online to find sound clips of different instruments. A music teacher may be able to demonstrate the sound of some instruments for you. Sergei Prokofiev’s "Peter and the Wolf" is a great piece that showcases several instrumental solos.
Try Some Out
Once you have found a few sounds that please you, see if you can try some out. If you know someone who plays an instrument, ask them if you can try it. They may not want to let you put your mouth on their mouthpiece, but you can at least hold the instrument and feel how it feels in your hand. Also, if you are looking for an instrument for your child, their school orchestra teacher will most likely have some student models they can try.
Some music stores may be willing to let you try an instrument. Keep in mind that you will not play a symphony on the first try, but you do want to have an instrument that feels somewhat comfortable in your hands.When looking at an instrument, there are some physical capabilities you need to consider. For example, if you have tiny hands, you may have trouble reaching some chords necessary to play the piano. The trombone requires relatively long arms, and a child that is younger than fifth grade is probably too small for it. Kids with braces will have a difficult time beginning a brass instrument, as the pressure on their teeth will be painful. Think about the size of the arms, hand, and mouth of the person you are choosing and instrument for, and try not to force them into something that is too big or small for their build.
Match with personality
Next, think about the new musician’s personality. A quiet, shy young person is most likely not going to be comfortable with a loud brass instrument. Likewise, the tough football player would be mortified playing the flute. Piano students need to be capable of working on their own, while band students need to enjoy working in groups. Think about your home environment too. Is there a place where the student can practice? If space is at a premium, choose a smaller instrument. If there are close neighbors, think of quieter instruments.
Think about your budget.
The fact is, some instruments take more financial dedication than others. For instance, strings have to be upgraded as the student grows, whereas a brass instrument usually comes in one size. Also, keep in mind the repairs the instrument will need, whether it be tunings for a piano, strings for a violin, or reeds for a clarinet. These considerations may help you decide between one or two once you have narrowed it down.
The bottom line is, choose an instrument you can see yourself or your child enjoying. Practicing an instrument is hard work, and in order for it to pay off, you need to enjoy it. By taking time to choose your first musical instrument, you will ensure that you have made a choice you can stick with until the final curtain call.
Music as we know is an art form that has a power of healing, comforting and tying together all of humanity. Kids are curious learners, especially if they are exposed to new things in a creative or appealing way. Therefore, parents or teachers who want their children to inculcate the art of music always look out for some fun and interesting ways to teach music. Learning music or how to make musical instruments will not only give your child a better understanding of music, but will also enhance your child's creativity and artistic skills. Instead of wasting hours and hours watching TV, making musical instruments for toddlers or for children can be a fun activity which both parents and children can do together. This will help them to invest their time in something more productive and useful. Therefore, here are instructions for musical instruments for kids to make at home, which are simple and won't require much of your time and efforts.
Musical Instruments for Kids
Pie Pan Tambourine
Materials Required:
Foil pie pan
Jingle bells
File or hammer
Yarn or string
Nail
Procedure
With the help of a nail, punch holes in the edges of the foil pie pan. Smoothen the sharp edges of the hole with the a file or hammer and then at each hole, tie a small jingle bell to the foil pie pan with yarn or string. Your pie pan tambourine is ready to give you a rhythmic adventure that won't be able to resist.
Cardboard Guitar
Materials Required:
Cardboard appliance box
Tempera paints
Metallic felt-tip marker
Pencil
Scissors
Paintbrush
Glue
Straight pin
Duct tape
Fishing line
Procedure
Sketch a life-size guitar on the long end of an appliance box; can be an acoustic guitar or an electric guitar shape. Draw around the neck of the guitar on the cardboard to create another neck, slightly longer than the original. Cut both pieces out, and stick the second neck to the back of the first neck with a glue. If you are making an acoustic guitar, make a hole in the body of the guitar, so that it appears like a real guitar. Paint the guitar with some psychedelic colors and if you desire you may add your name, logo or any thing you like to it. As the paint dries, sketch frets (lines along the neck of the guitar) with the metallic felt-tip marker. Punch four holes for an electric guitar and six holes for an acoustic guitar at the top of the guitar and four or six holes at the bottom of the guitar with a nail. Measure the distance between the top holes and the bottom holes, add four inches to it and cut four or six pieces of fishing line of that same length. Thread a piece of fishing line through the front of a top hole, and attach the line down on the back of the guitar with the duct tape. Do the same for the bottom hole and repeat the entire procedure for the other holes and pieces of line.
Xylophone
Materials Required:
Tall glasses or jars
Water
Mixing Spoon
Procedure
Fill the glasses or jars with different quantities of water; more water, lower the pitch and less water, higher the pitch. To play, gently strike the jars with the spoon and enjoy the music.
Drums
Materials Required:
Empty oatmeal box with cover
2 pencils and a pen
2 spools
Construction paper
Yarn
Procedure
Decorate the oatmeal box with the construction paper and crayons to give a colorful bright look. Set the cover on the box and with a pen make a hole in the center of the cover and in the middle of the bottom of the box. Through these holes, extend a piece of yarn long enough to hang around child's neck and down to his/her waist. For the drumsticks, put the spools at the ends of the pencils, fix them with glue if required.
Read more on:
Easy to Make Musical Instruments
Different Types of Musical Instruments
Making musical instruments for children is fun and can be done in different ways. Let your imagination soar while personalizing and decorating these musical instruments for kids. Once finished preparing these instruments, kids can put on a concert, have a marching band, play along their favorite songs or can just simply make their own music. Enjoy!
"Life is like a piano... what you get out of it depends on how you play it." ~ Tom Lehrer
As a kid, I was always attracted towards music and musical instruments. Though my first crush happened to be a guitar, the first musical instrument that I actually managed to lay my hands upon was a piano keyboard. It was a Casio SA-1, a small and basic model that I was gifted when I was 8 years old. And even after all these years, I still remember quite vividly just how overjoyed I was, upon seeing an actual, real-life musical instrument in front of me. I was over the moon, and was bubbling with excitement about learning to play this oh-so-fancy keyboard of mine. So when I see people expressing a desire to learn piano keyboards, it instantly lights up my face as I go back in time to those lovely days, when I, as a young boy, was trying to learn how to play a keyboard.
How to Play a Keyboard
If you are a beginner, it is advisable that you begin with a piano keyboard and then move on to an actual piano at a later stage, if the piano is what you're really interested in. Let us begin with the basic music notes. There are twelve musical notes or semi-tones which form one musical octave. Starting with the 'C' note, the sequence of musical notes that make up one octave is as follows:
C, C#, D, D#, E, F, F#, G, G#, A, A# and B.
'#' is a symbol used to denote the word 'sharp'. A keyboard has both white and black-colored keys. If you observe carefully, you will notice that the black keys are arranged throughout in groups of two's and three's. The first black key in the group of two denotes the note C#. Using the sequence of musical notes listed above, you can match each key with its corresponding note. Press each key starting from the 'C' note, and move upwards till you reach 'B'. Once you have completed this octave, repeat this process but in the reverse direction i.e. from 'B' to 'C'. This is called 'playing an octave'. Do this a few times so that you get a hang of the 'sound' of each note. There are basically two ways of learning any musical instrument:
by referring to a music sheet i.e. through notations
learning it by ear.
It is recommended that all beginners should follow the 2nd method as it helps to develop a good music sense and a 'musical ear'. Pick a simple song like "Doe, a deer" or "Happy birthday to you". Try and play it on your keyboard. Adopt a trial and error method to figure out what musical notes make up the song melody. Take your time and don't be in a rush. You won't get it at first, nobody does. Not even Elton John did. But practice and keep working at it. Practice, and I say this with utmost seriousness, is the one and only way of becoming a good keyboardist. Nobody becomes a Mozart or a Beethoven overnight; everyone has to work hard day and night, with lots of passion and devotion.
Take Keyboard Lessons
Becoming a self-taught keyboardist is fine, but if you want to learn the trade properly and progress at a faster rate, you should seriously consider taking up keyboard lessons. The best way would be to locate an experienced music instructor in your locality and start with formal keyboard lessons. Catch hold of a fellow keyboard newbie in your neighborhood and practice together. In this case, two heads can certainly be better than one! And how can you forget your good old friend, the Internet? Google around for a few minutes and you'll be amazed at the amount of online music lessons that you will get.
Those of you who, until a few minutes ago, were probably wondering "How to play piano keyboards?", be rest assured. Follow the above-mentioned keyboard lessons and tips religiously and you will be able to master the piano keyboard sooner than you think. Regardless of how you choose to learn to play keyboards, always keep this principle in mind - how much you practice will decide how good a musician you eventually become. Enjoy your new musical journey! It can be a very rewarding experience, I promise you that.
Okay, I assume that you are a music enthusiast or an aspiring newbie musician who wants to learn music notes. Well, in this article, I will explain a bit regarding how to learn music notes fast, using the reference of a musical instrument such as a guitar or a piano keyboard.
Please note: I will not be dealing with the topic of how to learn music notation. That, by far, is a very complex subject, and one which is certainly out of the scope of this article. Reading and writing music is something that you should learn on a personal level, i.e., on a face-to-face basis from a proper music teacher; not by yourself, and certainly NOT over the Internet.
How to Learn Music Notes Fast
Now although the above heading says 'how to learn music notes fast', let me tell you, in reality, if you really want to learn music notes properly and understand them thoroughly, then the first thing you need to do, is get rid of that word 'fast' from your head, this very moment. The reason is, basic primary learning of musical notes may well be accomplished within a few minutes time; but if you want to perfect your knowledge and your art, then it requires nothing but consistent practice and long hours of sincere hard work.
How to Learn Music Notes for a Guitar
The acoustic guitar has six strings, namely, E, B, G, D, A and E (low). Here is a table which shows the different music notes corresponding to each fret on each guitar string.
| String | Open | Fret 1 | Fret 2 | Fret 3 | Fret 4 | Fret 5 | Fret 6 | Fret 7 | Fret 8 | Fret 9 | Fret 10 | Fret 11 | Fret 12 |
| E (high) | E | F | F# | G | G# | A | A# | B | C | C# | D | D# | E (next octave) |
| B | B | C | C# | D | D# | E | F | F# | G | G# | A | A# | B (next octave) |
| G | G | G# | A | A# | B | C | C# | D | D# | E | F | F# | G (next octave) |
| D | D | D# | E | F | F# | G | G# | A | A# | B | C | C# | D (next octave) |
| A | A | A# | B | C | C# | D | D# | E | F | F# | G | G# | A (next octave) |
| E (low) | E | F | F# | G | G# | A | A# | B | C | C# | D | D# | E (next octave) |
Here are some guitar lessons if you want to learn how to play an acoustic guitar.
How to Learn Music Notes for a Piano
The traditional piano as well as all its modern forms such as the piano keyboard, synthesizer, etc. have a bunch of black and white keys. If you observe the key layout, you will notice that the black keys are grouped in two's and three's with white keys in between them. Starting from the left black key in the group of two, and moving ahead one key at a time till we reach the left black key in the very next group of two, here are the corresponding music notes for each piano key.
| Key | Music Note |
| First Black | C# |
| First White | D |
| Second Black | D# |
| Second White | E |
| Third White | F |
| Third Black | F# |
| Fourth White | G |
| Fourth Black | G# |
| Fifth White | A |
| Fifth Black | A# |
| Sixth White | B |
| Seventh White | C |
| First Black (next octave) | C# |
Read more on how to play a keyboard.
Well, this was some basic information regarding learning music notes using a guitar and a keyboard. Remember, although this article was titled 'how to learn music notes fast', if you're serious about becoming a good musician, you better prepare yourself to put in all those long hours of practice and perfection. Because my friend, in life, there may be shortcuts; but in music, there aren't any.
I am sure that many of you would be passionate about music and might be having some of the music instrument to enjoy this pleasant joy given to us. There are different sort of music instruments that people usually owe such as guitar, trumpet, drum, woodwinds, strings or piano. Out of these pianos is the one that is not easy to play and also to maintain in comparison to the other ones mentioned.
So if you have a badly stained piano and you want to care for it then it doesn’t require any professional cleaner or polisher but all you need is a regular soft buff with a lint free cloth. Any sprays or harsh chemicals will damage the surface of the delicate keys and shall also make the instrument look older and worn than what actually it is.
For cleaning the ivory keys you should not:
1. Immerse in water
2. Scrub with a brush or even a scouring pad
3. Use any type of chemicals or even washing up liquid can damage the previous surface
4. Spray with furniture polish
5. Use air-freshener anywhere near the keys or piano
Ivory should be gently wiped with a soft clean cloth and for stubborn marks or fingerprints you should first wash your hands and thereafter you can use a mild non-colored toothpaste on a damp cloth but ensure that you gently rub and never scrub. Rinse with fresh milk with another lint free cloth and buff well.
You should leave the piano open on sunny days so that the keys stay bleached and don’t turn yellow. Keys that are badly discolored or stained should be scraped and recovered by any professional piano cleaner.
For cleaning plastic keys you should not:
1. Use chemicals
2. Leave the piano open for long period of time as this shall cause discoloration of the keys
3. Use furniture polish as this could be very harsh
Dust regularly and wipe occasionally with a soft solution of warm water and vinegar on clean chamois leather. Then buff well for added shine. If you want to clean the casework that usually gets very dusty you can use a vacuum cleaner attachment to get rid of any cobwebs or dust. It can take some time but it will surely be worth and remember not to use any water or liquid to clean the casework. For stains and marks you can consult a professional piano cleaner or tuner.
Whether you already play piano or are about to learn, you want to play well. Maybe you want to impress your family. Or perhaps you want to be able to impress your friends. Maybe you simply want to play well for your own enjoyment. There are many things you can do to ensure that you don't fall into any bad habits while perfecting your playing. This article will offer some piano playing tips that will help you develop your skills.
Tip #1: One Hand At A Time
When learning to play a new piece, begin by playing with only one hand. Learn the hand movements and play the piece with each hand separately. If you are right-handed, this exercise will strengthen your left hand. Once you know how to play the piece with each hand separately, you may be surprised how easy it is to play it with both hands.
2. Learn to play the piece before using the foot pedals. Just like you learn piano pieces one hand at a time, you will want to learn to use your hands and feet separately. Once you've mastered using both hands on the piece, you can practice just using your feet while counting beats. Once you've memorized the foot portion of the musical piece, you can put the hands and feet together. Many people struggle with using the foot pedals for piano because they're not used to activities that coordinate their feet with their hands. If you plan on playing the organ some day it is vital that you learn to practice the feet and hands separately while you learn piano pieces.
3. Visualize yourself pressing the piano keys as you listen to music or as you recall playing the music in the past. Visualization has been shown to improve concentration and to work as a form of practice. Visualization is also a very important part of memorizing musical scores. You can't completely learn piano pieces by visualization, but you can definitely improve on the effectiveness of your practice sessions.
4. Have a balanced practice plan. You do not want to spend all of your time practicing warm ups and chord combination exercises. Likewise, you do not want to spend all of your time to learn piano by playing a single piece of music. You need to be disciplined enough to dedicate time to your warm ups and time to your pieces during each practice session. While repetition is important, rest and variety are also important to keep your mind fresh. Keeping a balanced routine now will increase your rate of learning new pieces after you've been playing for about two years.
5. Change your practice routine every three to six weeks. While it is important to have a consistently balanced practice routine, that doesn't mean you have to practice the same stuff in the same way forever. Change to a different warm up plan once in a while and you'll learn piano in a more holistic way mentally. Throw in different chord scales into your warm ups as you learn piano. Learn a different style or piece now and then. You may think if you like one style of piano piece better than others the best way to learn piano is to concentrate on that style. It is true that you should spend the most time on the style you like the best, but learning as many styles as possible will actually increase your versatility within the style you like best. You may even find yourself mixing in some things to create a whole new style of music that is your own as you learn piano.
You can get a more in-depth knowledge about the piano in general and the digital piano in particular by going to www.the-piano-site.com - The Complete Online Resource For Pianos And Piano Music.
Tip 1
Set a goal
Have a goal every time you sit down to practice playing scales and arpeggios over and over 'will not' improve your playing. A goal would be to master a chosen piece within a certain amount of time by practicing it for 15 minutes EVERY DAY. Then when it has been perfected, transposing it into another key.
Tip 2
Accompany a friend
Try to accompany a friend or play in a band. Playing with other people is THE BEST WAY to improve your rhythm. You have to really concentrate very hard to stay in time and this action alone will improve your rhythm, sight reading and musical ear like no other. It is also a lot of fun and breaks down the boredom of practicing alone.
Tip 3
Ignore mistakes
Don't worry about making mistakes. If all we did was worry about making mistakes, we would never get anywhere. We would live in constant fear!
When you are learning a new piece of music for example. If you were to know in advance that you where going to make 25 mistakes before you could play the piece perfectly, would you worry about making these mistakes?... NO! You would want to make these 25 mistakes as quickly as possible... wouldn't you? What I am trying to say is each mistake you make brings you closer to your goal.
As long as your ear can recognize the mistakes, you can correct them and move on.
Tip 4
Learn How To Play Chords First
If you can learn the basic chords first before tackling classical pieces, you will be a long way ahead. Most popular music is based around simple chords and if you can master these, you will be able to play a lot of famous tunes and have great fun doing this.
The classical approach really limits you early on and I find that it discourages most beginners from continuing past their first year. If they were to learn the chord system first and then progress on to classical pieces, I am absolutely certain there would be far fewer students that give up.
Tip 5
The Right Mental Approach
Getting your mindset right is probably THE MOST IMPORTANT thing to do. Practicing because you have to and just going through the motions will not get you anywhere. This approach nearly always leads to boredom and eventually giving up.
The way to improve rapidly is to concentrate completely for every minute you set aside for practice and focus on improving one thing. This could be part of a piece, a new chord, a scale or anything you choose.
Seeing this progress gives you a sense of achievement and will keep you going through the session and the next.
Tip 6
Make Sure Your Mind Is Clear
If you have had a bad day, received some bad news, been in an argument etc. then you should not practice. You must get yourself in the right frame of mind in able to make the most out of your practice session.
Try going for a walk over the park - get some fresh air. Read a book, watch some TV - whatever it takes to get you in the right mood ready to practice and make some improvements to your playing.
If you still can't get yourself in the right mood then skip today's session and come back tomorrow focused.
Tip 7
Visualize
Many sports coaches teach the skill of visualization. Athletes are taught to see themselves running and winning an event. They see themselves from the starting gun step-by-step all the way to the finish line, breaking the tape, arms in the air and the crowd applauding their victory.
When the race 'for real' comes around, they are mentally prepared and more likely to run to the best of their ability.
It is no different to playing the piano...
Try visualizing yourself playing a piece of music that you have been practicing recently or are about to perform.
Picture the piece of music in your mind, the fingering for each note, your fingers pressing down the piano keys, the hand positions and chord shapes. Try to hear the piece.
You will be amazed at how quickly your playing improves when you can visualize a piece in as much detail as this.
Organs and Synthesizers
They're all played about the same way. On the piano, folks will often use the sustain pedal so that the note can be played, and then your fingers immediately leave the note and go onto another note. On the organ, you will need to keep your fingers on the key for as long as you want it to make a sound. Synthesizers may allow you to set this behaviour.