MUSIC Lessons Frederick MD

08/08/2024

Back to school soon! Get started with music lessons and be ready for the school band. Adults: when the kids are out of the house, you'll have time to get in some music lessons too. Music is fun and great for mental health. Join in on the fun and study music with me. Lessons are available on drum set, piano, violin, cello, guitar, bass, ukulele, mandolin, recorder, and general music theory.

04/19/2024

There's a Goldmine in that song!

Meaning as you practice a piece of music, dig deeper! What key is the song in? Practice the scale first. What's the tempo? Put on your metronome and practice along with it. Is there a special drum fill? Figure out the basic idea (ie. triplets between the hands and foot), and then develop/practice variations of the theme. Does a section use double stops? Take a break from the song and practice double stop exercises.

The point is, you can become a better musician if you go beyond merely playing along to a favorite piece of music. In every song there is a goldmine of valuable information and techniques. Plus, these musical concepts are prevalent in other songs. So, you'll be prepping yourself for the next song to conquer.

This is a part of practicing wisely and efficiently.

Take your time with the song. Dig deep and become a better musician.

Music lessons with a dedicated life-long musician.

04/11/2024

Benchmark song!

What is that? It's the song you absolutely love. It's the song that made you want to pick up an instrument in the first place. Only problem is that it's too hard! So, what do you do? Put it on the shelf until you finally have developed enough skill to play it? NO! This is what you will use to mark your progress. Get started on it immediately. Maybe you can only manage the first phrase at a super slow tempo. That's fine. Next week. Try a little more. Then leave it alone for a few weeks. Practice other stuff. And from time to time, go back to the song and see if you can play it a little better. If you have improved overall, then this song will be a trifle easier to play. Great. It is you benchmark. It gives you an idea of your progress on the instrument.
One day you will perfect it. But for now, it will help you gauge your progress. Maybe have a small list of benchmark songs. This technique works! Good luck!!!

garyrmusic.com

05/30/2023

Practice Tip....

Pianissimo. Double P. Very soft.

Practice your etudes and scales, and rudiments, and so on at the lowest volume you can possibly play. First practice at a normal comfortable volume, and then begin playing softer and softer. Try to maintain the same musicality and intensity.

Why do this? One word: Control. Playing with intensity at soft volumes is not easy. It takes a good deal of control. Having dynamic control of your instrument is an important element of musical expression. It's a must!

So, try playing very soft without losing intensity. Add it to your daily practice routine.

Good luck!!

Gary R
www.garyrmusic.com

05/23/2023

Hello, Gary R here. Interested in music lessons? I teach drum set, piano, ukulele, violin, guitar, bass, cello, mandolin, and recorder. I have been playing music since the early 70's and have been teaching since 1982. Beginners to advanced students of all ages have been benefitting from my methods for decades. I am patient, friendly, and caring. I can help you, a family member, or a friend achieve musical goals and have lots of fun in the process.

The studio is comfortable and conveniently located in Frederick. Right off rte.15 with easy parking.

Not sure what instrument to choose? Many students begin by learning the basics of music theory (harmony, rhythm, and melody) and test out several instruments before deciding on the best fit. This can eliminate the unfortunate instances of taking years of lessons only to quit after reaching the conclusion that the instrument "just isn't for them."

Of course, if you already know what to you wish to play, then let's go! Contact me at your convenience to discuss musical goals.

More info available at:

www.garyrmusic.com