3 answers
Avery
Student
Great Barrington, Massachusetts
2
Questions
Asked
398 views
I want to make music when I'm older, but I don't know what I should study to make my music sound better?
I'm in seventh grade, but haven't taken chorus since 5th. I'm going to get back into it next year but what else should I do? I can't take chorus and an instrument at the same time.
3 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6308
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Avery!
What to Study to Improve Your Music Skills
To enhance your music-making abilities, especially at a young age like seventh grade, there are several steps you can take that will help you develop both your musical skills and your understanding of music theory. Here’s a structured approach:
1. Rejoin Chorus and Participate Actively
Since you mentioned that you’re planning to get back into chorus next year, this is an excellent first step. Chorus not only helps improve your vocal skills but also enhances your ability to work with others in a musical context. Singing in a group teaches you about harmony, timing, and the importance of listening to other musicians.
Focus on Vocal Techniques: Pay attention to breathing techniques, pitch control, and dynamics during rehearsals.
Engage with Your Peers: Collaborate with classmates who share similar interests in music; this can lead to informal jam sessions or songwriting partnerships.
2. Learn an Instrument
While you cannot take chorus and an instrument class simultaneously, learning an instrument is crucial for developing your overall musicianship. Consider the following options:
Choose an Instrument You Love: Whether it’s guitar, piano, drums, or another instrument, pick one that excites you.
Self-Study Resources: Use online platforms like YouTube or apps such as Yousician or Simply Piano for self-guided lessons.
Private Lessons: If possible, consider taking private lessons outside of school hours. A teacher can provide personalized feedback and guidance.
3. Study Music Theory
Understanding the fundamentals of music theory will greatly enhance your ability to create and appreciate music. Here’s how to start:
Basic Concepts: Learn about notes, scales, chords, rhythm, and time signatures.
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera or Khan Academy offer free courses on music theory that can be very beneficial.
Practice Writing Music: Start composing simple melodies or chord progressions using the concepts you learn.
4. Explore Different Genres
Listening to various genres of music can inspire your own creativity and help you understand different musical structures:
Diverse Listening Habits: Explore genres such as classical, jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, etc., and analyze what makes them unique.
Attend Live Performances: If possible, go to concerts or local performances; observing live musicians can provide insights into performance techniques.
5. Collaborate with Others
Collaboration is key in the music industry:
Join School Bands or Clubs: If your school has any bands or music clubs where students collaborate on projects or performances outside of chorus classes.
Find Friends with Similar Interests: Forming small groups for songwriting or playing together can be incredibly beneficial.
6. Utilize Technology
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in music production:
Music Production Software: Familiarize yourself with software like GarageBand (for Mac users) or FL Studio which allows you to create and edit music digitally.
Online Communities: Join forums like Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers where aspiring musicians share tips and resources.
7. Set Goals and Stay Committed
Finally, setting specific goals for yourself will keep you motivated:
Short-term Goals: These could include learning a new song each month or mastering a particular technique on your instrument.
Long-term Goals: Think about what kind of musician you want to be in five years—this could guide your studies and practice routines.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a passion for music creation and performance, you’ll find that your skills will improve significantly over time.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
1. Berklee College of Music
Berklee offers extensive resources on various aspects of music education including theory and instrumental training tailored for beginners through advanced levels.
2. National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME provides guidelines on best practices in music education including the benefits of ensemble participation such as chorus.
3. Coursera
This platform offers access to courses from top universities covering topics such as music theory which are essential for aspiring musicians looking to deepen their understanding of music composition.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
What to Study to Improve Your Music Skills
To enhance your music-making abilities, especially at a young age like seventh grade, there are several steps you can take that will help you develop both your musical skills and your understanding of music theory. Here’s a structured approach:
1. Rejoin Chorus and Participate Actively
Since you mentioned that you’re planning to get back into chorus next year, this is an excellent first step. Chorus not only helps improve your vocal skills but also enhances your ability to work with others in a musical context. Singing in a group teaches you about harmony, timing, and the importance of listening to other musicians.
Focus on Vocal Techniques: Pay attention to breathing techniques, pitch control, and dynamics during rehearsals.
Engage with Your Peers: Collaborate with classmates who share similar interests in music; this can lead to informal jam sessions or songwriting partnerships.
2. Learn an Instrument
While you cannot take chorus and an instrument class simultaneously, learning an instrument is crucial for developing your overall musicianship. Consider the following options:
Choose an Instrument You Love: Whether it’s guitar, piano, drums, or another instrument, pick one that excites you.
Self-Study Resources: Use online platforms like YouTube or apps such as Yousician or Simply Piano for self-guided lessons.
Private Lessons: If possible, consider taking private lessons outside of school hours. A teacher can provide personalized feedback and guidance.
3. Study Music Theory
Understanding the fundamentals of music theory will greatly enhance your ability to create and appreciate music. Here’s how to start:
Basic Concepts: Learn about notes, scales, chords, rhythm, and time signatures.
Online Courses: Websites like Coursera or Khan Academy offer free courses on music theory that can be very beneficial.
Practice Writing Music: Start composing simple melodies or chord progressions using the concepts you learn.
4. Explore Different Genres
Listening to various genres of music can inspire your own creativity and help you understand different musical structures:
Diverse Listening Habits: Explore genres such as classical, jazz, rock, pop, hip-hop, etc., and analyze what makes them unique.
Attend Live Performances: If possible, go to concerts or local performances; observing live musicians can provide insights into performance techniques.
5. Collaborate with Others
Collaboration is key in the music industry:
Join School Bands or Clubs: If your school has any bands or music clubs where students collaborate on projects or performances outside of chorus classes.
Find Friends with Similar Interests: Forming small groups for songwriting or playing together can be incredibly beneficial.
6. Utilize Technology
In today’s digital age, technology plays a significant role in music production:
Music Production Software: Familiarize yourself with software like GarageBand (for Mac users) or FL Studio which allows you to create and edit music digitally.
Online Communities: Join forums like Reddit’s r/WeAreTheMusicMakers where aspiring musicians share tips and resources.
7. Set Goals and Stay Committed
Finally, setting specific goals for yourself will keep you motivated:
Short-term Goals: These could include learning a new song each month or mastering a particular technique on your instrument.
Long-term Goals: Think about what kind of musician you want to be in five years—this could guide your studies and practice routines.
By following these steps diligently while maintaining a passion for music creation and performance, you’ll find that your skills will improve significantly over time.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used
1. Berklee College of Music
Berklee offers extensive resources on various aspects of music education including theory and instrumental training tailored for beginners through advanced levels.
2. National Association for Music Education (NAfME)
NAfME provides guidelines on best practices in music education including the benefits of ensemble participation such as chorus.
3. Coursera
This platform offers access to courses from top universities covering topics such as music theory which are essential for aspiring musicians looking to deepen their understanding of music composition.
Probability the answer is correct: 95%
God Bless!
JC.
Fernando Alves
DJ/Music Producer/Guitarist
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Fernando’s Answer
It's fantastic to hear that you're reigniting your passion for chorus! Since juggling chorus and an instrument simultaneously can be challenging, here are some uplifting suggestions:
1. Harmonize at Home: Enjoy practicing your favorite tunes and give karaoke tracks on YouTube a whirl. It's an exciting way to discover the range of your voice.
2. Master an Instrument Independently: There's no need for a formal class—grab an accessible instrument like a ukulele, guitar, or keyboard and experiment at your leisure.
3. Participate in a Local Choir or Ensemble: Should there be a community choir or similar group in your vicinity, it could provide an enjoyable opportunity to harmonize with others.
4. Utilize Online Resources: There's a wealth of free tutorials available online for singing, music theory, or even basic instrument lessons.
5. Delve into Diverse Music: Venture into various genres and observe how singers utilize their voices—it's a brilliant source of inspiration.
6. Engage in Vocal Warm-Ups: Research some exercises to fortify your voice and enhance your vocal range.
It's admirable that you're planning ahead—chorus is going to be an exhilarating journey! Stay persistent and keep up the good work!
1. Harmonize at Home: Enjoy practicing your favorite tunes and give karaoke tracks on YouTube a whirl. It's an exciting way to discover the range of your voice.
2. Master an Instrument Independently: There's no need for a formal class—grab an accessible instrument like a ukulele, guitar, or keyboard and experiment at your leisure.
3. Participate in a Local Choir or Ensemble: Should there be a community choir or similar group in your vicinity, it could provide an enjoyable opportunity to harmonize with others.
4. Utilize Online Resources: There's a wealth of free tutorials available online for singing, music theory, or even basic instrument lessons.
5. Delve into Diverse Music: Venture into various genres and observe how singers utilize their voices—it's a brilliant source of inspiration.
6. Engage in Vocal Warm-Ups: Research some exercises to fortify your voice and enhance your vocal range.
It's admirable that you're planning ahead—chorus is going to be an exhilarating journey! Stay persistent and keep up the good work!
Daniel Kroll
Mechanical Design Engineer
1
Answer
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
Take your time and be gentle with yourself as you navigate the world of music. Dive into music theory and make it a habit to play a variety of instruments as frequently as possible. Train your ear by actively listening to music, identifying elements that you enjoy in a song and considering how you might approach it differently.
Over time, you'll start to understand your own musical preferences and discover your strengths. Concentrate on these areas. While it's beneficial to explore a wide range of music, remember that it's impossible to master everything at once.
Furthermore, consider dipping your toes into the realm of music recording. There's a wealth of free resources available to help you record and customize your music. You may find that you enjoy this process even more than playing an instrument.
Expand your knowledge by learning about different roles in the music industry, such as audio engineers, monitor technicians, and music producers. The music world is vast and offers numerous opportunities, so don't restrict yourself by thinking you can only do one thing.
Over time, you'll start to understand your own musical preferences and discover your strengths. Concentrate on these areas. While it's beneficial to explore a wide range of music, remember that it's impossible to master everything at once.
Furthermore, consider dipping your toes into the realm of music recording. There's a wealth of free resources available to help you record and customize your music. You may find that you enjoy this process even more than playing an instrument.
Expand your knowledge by learning about different roles in the music industry, such as audio engineers, monitor technicians, and music producers. The music world is vast and offers numerous opportunities, so don't restrict yourself by thinking you can only do one thing.
Delete Comment
Flag Comment