What Is Jazz Improvisation?

Jazz is a genre of music that is America’s true native art form. It is deeply rooted in the blues and has influenced all other American genres of music that have come since (rock & roll, hip-hop, soul, rhythm and blues, among others). If you are wondering if studying jazz is worth your time, here are a few reasons why it will be well worth it!

Learning jazz will significantly expand your harmonic knowledge. The jazz repertory, particularly jazz standards are rich with harmonic information. If you want to understand how chords and chord progressions work, then studying jazz is right for you. Jazz harmony is also full of richly colored chords. Most jazz standards are packed full of 7th chords with extensions and alterations added on top. These types of chords are strung together in various progressions that will teach you everything that you need to know about voice leading and diatonic harmony. If you want to understand the possibilities of harmony and music theory, you should spend some time studying jazz. 

Learning jazz will force you to be proficient on your instrument. Due to the harmonic complexity of jazz, the wide-ranging tempos (fast and slow), and the melodic language itself, jazz musicians have no choice but to be proficient on their instrument. Learning the language of jazz forces you to learn numerous scales and patterns in order to be able to navigate the harmony. As a result, your technique will improve exponentially.

Learning jazz will improve your ears significantly. One of the fundamental aspects of jazz is improvisation. In order to become a great improviser, you need to have a great ear. In the early days of jazz, the language was learned by ear. Since jazz’ infancy, jazz musicians have learned repertoire, solos, and licks by ear. Simply learning jazz standards will help to build your ears due to the harmonic and melodic complexity of these compositions. When you start to adjust your hearing to these sounds, you will hear and understand more.

Which Woodwind Instrument Is Right For Me?

Most beginning woodwind players start on flute, clarinet, or alto saxophone, and while these are all generally okay for most students aged 10-12 (when most kids start playing in the band), some consideration may be necessary for some students. For example, a small student with small hands may have difficulty completely covering the tone holes on a beginner clarinet. An instrument with covered tone holes (like an alto saxophone or flute) may be much easier to hold and finger. 

Generally, woodwind instruments are started much later than piano and violin. The 10-12 age range is where many children are started with band instruments. This is due to the amount of concentration which is needed to succeed on the instrument. Ideally, woodwind beginners on the most common instruments (flute, clarinet, alto sax) should be able to sit and practice for 10-20 minutes or more without supervision. Woodwind instruments like the oboe and bassoon are more difficult because they require more studious and focused practice, especially in the beginning.

Recorder

The recorder is probably the cheapest and easiest woodwind instrument to learn. The recorder is a good choice for children under the age of 10. Recorders are light, inexpensive, and easy to make a sound on. The fingerings are relatively similar to a clarinet, but the real value in a recorder is learning how to read music, keep time and breath well. 

 

Flute

The flute is a common beginner instrument. It required a significant amount of air as well as breath control. Although the flute is relatively light, some smaller beginner students have trouble holding it horizontal or reaching some keys. There are specially-made “curved-head” flutes that make it a bit easier to manage, so that arm length or strength is less of an issue in the beginning.

Clarinet

The clarinet is another common beginner instrument! The clarinet also requires quite a bit of air, and special attention must be paid to the embouchure of the beginner clarinetist to properly seal the mouthpiece while permitting the reed to vibrate. Physically, make sure that you find a clarinet that is well balanced enough to be held with good posture and a correct bell angle without excess tension or discomfort. There are lightweight bells, thumb rests, and neck straps that can be used to make this instrument fit a wide range of students.

 

Saxophone

The saxophone is the last of the “beginner” woodwind instruments. While there are four common types of saxophones in use today (the soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone saxophones), the alto saxophone is the one that younger students will start out on. The saxophone shares many challenges of embouchure with the clarinet, having a similar (but slightly larger) mouthpiece and reed. Like the clarinet, the alto saxophone requires a reed that will need to be cared for and replaced on a regular basis. 

 

Oboe/Bassoon

The oboe and bassoon are generally considered more advanced woodwind instruments and are only rarely given to beginners. Both oboe and bassoon are double reed instruments, meaning that they use two thin pieces of precisely-shaped cane that are blown into and vibrate to make the sound. Learning how to form the embouchure for these instruments and shape the cane are both skills that are difficult for younger students to grasp. Oboes are held in a broadly similar manner to clarinets, although the double reed means that the angle of the oboe is even more important for proper sound production. Young players that are unable to hold the instrument “out” will not be able to form the proper embouchure with the reed. The bassoon is a very large and heavy instrument, and so holding this instrument is a challenge for smaller players. Most bassoonists use both a seat strap and a hand rest in order to adequately support the instrument and maintain a relaxed, correct hand position.

Learning to Play a Brass Instrument

Most brass instruments use a set of valves. When these valves are depressed, they produce different pitches. Most modern brass instruments excluding the trombone use valves, including the sousaphone, flugelhorn, trumpet, horn, euphonium, baritone horn, tuba, and the cornet. 

Slide brass instruments use a slide that is moved in and out to change the pitch. The primary instrument in this category is the trombone.

With natural brass instruments, it's only possible to play notes in the instrument's harmonic series. The bugle is a prime example of this. Typically, natural brass instruments are usually only played for ceremonial functions and some period performances.

The vast majority of brass instruments have a removable mouthpiece. Different sizes, shapes, and styles of mouthpiece can be used to suit different embouchures (the tension of the lips on the mouthpiece), or to more easily produce certain tonal characteristics. Generally, children shouldn't start to learn a brass instrument until age 11, by which time their permanent teeth should be in. Before age 11, most children’s teeth are still changing which means that the embouchure will need to be adjusted regularly.

In the case of brass instruments, the sound is produced by the player buzzing his or her lips into a mouthpiece. One can change the pitch by altering muscular contraction in lip formation. The way in which you tighten your cheek and jaw muscles, as well as manipulation of your tongue, can affect the embouchure. When you first try it, the result could be anything from a low to high-pitched musical note, depending on the tension in your lips. When learning a brass instrument, you must learn to control these muscles.

What's the Fuss About All That Bass?

The double bass, or simply the bass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. It is a transposing instrument, which means it sounds an octave lower than written.

The double bass is common for string orchestras, as well as concert bands, chamber music ensembles. Particularly, since the 1950s with the popularity of jazz music, the double bass gained itself a prestige roll in modern music, becoming an indispensable member in styles such as blues, rock, country, bluegrass, tango, and folk.

The bass plays an integral role in any ensemble, whether it be a rock band, jazz band or symphony orchestra. In terms of chordal movement, bass players follow in the grand tradition of counterpoint and voice-leading epitomized by Johann Sebastian Bach. Chords which are made up of two or more notes played simultaneously, and a bass player has the choice to trigger any one of them at any one time. As a harmonic instrument triggering some of the lowest frequencies within any musical entity, the bass lays the tonal foundation for how music flows from moment to moment.

Playing the bass will inevitably make you a better composer/arranger. Some of the best modern composer/arrangers are also bass players such as John Clayton, Randy Jackson, Victor Wooten, Paul McCartney, Sting, and Charles Mingus to name a few. A solid knowledge of music theory and harmony gives them their expertise. That foundation is rooted in the bass. If you devote some time to learning how the bass functions in a given musical composition, you will develop a crucial understanding of how to craft arrangements of your own. This knowledge will also aid you greatly if you choose to composer music.

Should I Learn to Play a String Instrument?

We have compiled some brief information on violin, viola, cello, and double bass for our string lovers like yourself!

Violin

The violin is a unique instrument, producing a beautiful sound without hitting keys or strumming chords. Pulling the bow across the strings is satisfying on both sonic and kinesthetic levels. 

The violin also trains your ear, allowing you to listen for pitch and tone with other instruments. It offers an extensive range of sound and style, contributing to all genres, from Western classical to folk and rock. 

Children should be at least 4 years old when they start to learn violin. You can learn to play young, as a teen, in middle age, or in retirement.

Viola

The viola is slightly larger than a violin and has a lower and deeper sound. It can be compared to the middle or alto voice of the violin family. 

Music for the viola differs from most other instruments in that it primarily uses the alto clef. Although it can switch to the treble clef for easier sigh-reading when a substantial section in a higher register occurs. 

The viola often plays the inner voices in string quartets, and is more likely to play accompaniment parts. Although beautiful repertoire can be found for this string instrument with a warm tone. 

Cello

Also known as the violoncello, the cello is a bowed, and sometimes plucked, string instrument. The four strings are tuned in perfect fifths. It is the bass member of the violin family. 

The cello is used as a solo musical instrument, as well as in chamber music ensembles, string orchestras, or even rock bands. 

Music for the cello is mostly written in the bass clef, although the use of tenor clef and treble clef can be seen when needed. 

Classical repertoire for the cello comes from the Baroque era, where it plays basso continuo, and the Classical period. Modern cello celebrities like Yo-Yo Ma has brought this ancient instrument back to the spotlight and wowing the modern audience with its lush and warm timbre.

What To Expect When Learning to Play the Drums?

Here are some quick answers to your drum lesson-related questions!

Why should I learn the drums?

Drums were the first musical instrument and have become a global musical element for centuries. Rhythm is a universal language, so much so that drums appear in every culture of the world.

Am I too young or too old to learn drums?

As long as your child can sit behind a drum set with both feet resting on the foot pedals, he or she is ready to learn. The drums are an instrument that is suitable for all ages, whether you are in elementary school or retired.

Do I need to know how to read music?

Although knowing how to read music does help with understanding basic notation, it is definitely not required. Through repetition and instruction, you will learn note values, time signatures, and much more. With the help of our talented teachers, you will be gaining an understanding of music notation and playing advanced rhythms and drum patterns in no time!

Am I a Good Candidate for Voice Lessons?

Everyone is a singer naturally. Most people have shown a desire to sing at some point in their life, some at an early age, some as they grow older. But not everyone had the courage to enroll in voice lessons or trusted their ability to follow through. As a result, most people stop at the doorstep and refrained from knocking on the door of voice training. Well, don’t!

Singing is as natural as speaking. If you are able to speak, it means your vocal cords are able to create sounds high and low. Your body naturally does that. Although vocal training regimens may sound distant to you right now, the mechanism of singing is accessible to everyone. 

Some people are worried that they are tone deaf, and will never be able to learn to sing. Well, first of all, tone deaf isn’t some sort of permanent condition. Some people have trouble recreating sounds they hear and matching the pitch, but this comes from a lack of experience and coordination. All it takes is some time and practice.

Some people ask if they can increase their singing range. Well, definitely! Singing exercises can expand your upper and lower ranges by modifying your technique and the flexibility of your vocal cords. Granted, your range is limited by your physiology. Our top-tier instructors can help you to increase your vocal range and develop your personal sound guaranteed.

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What to Expect When Learning to Play the Guitar?

We have compiled a Q&A for all your guitar lesson-related questions!

What is a good age to start guitar lessons?

If you are looking for guitar lessons for your children, realize that it is much easier if they are at least 7 years old. It takes a significant amount of strength in the wrists and fingers to push down the strings, which can lead to easy frustrations.

As a beginner, should I learn acoustic or electric guitar?

The acoustic and electric guitar have many similarities. Generally, electric guitars are easier to play. The strings are lighter and easier to press down. Sore fingers, which many novices experience when learning acoustic guitar, are not nearly as severe when learning to play electric guitar. If you decide to start with acoustic, it is best to choose an acoustic guitar with a light gauge or even nylon strings. You should also use a guitar with a low action, which requires less pressure to make the strings touch the fretboard. An acoustic guitar with nylon strings is well suited for classical music and folk music.

Do I need to know how to play acoustic or electric guitar before learning bass guitar?

No. Pick up a bass guitar and dive into your favorite bass lines. Playing in the rhythm section of a band is different than playing lead melodies on the acoustic or electric guitar. Learning to be a bass player can be a very rewarding pursuit and if you are interested you should definitely pursue it.

Why Should I Learn to Play the Piano?

Many people have expressed the desire to learn to play the piano, or at least have heard about the benefit of learning it. We have compiled the following Q&A to help you decide if the piano is the right instrument for you.

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Why is the piano called the “king of all instruments”?

The piano is one of the largest instruments. It has 88 keys, all using a touch-sensitive hammer mechanism to create a wide range of dynamics and expressions. The piano is essentially an orchestra under your fingers.  

Why is piano skills the foundation for other instruments?

The piano is the best instrument for any student to start with because the piano lays the basic foundation of music. If you are skilled at the piano, it is significantly easier to learn other instruments. In fact, all music majors in college must pass courses in piano before they can graduate. Piano lessons can lead to a heightened interest in other instruments and musical genres. Not to mention the benefit of hand coordination and a deeper understanding of music theory. We highly recommend that students begin their musical studies with the piano.

What age can a child start piano?

Piano lessons for children can start as young as age of 3. Although the child might not be able to comprehend music theory thoroughly, the training of the ability to control their 10 fingers individually will contribute significantly to their brain development. The sense of pitch will be rooted in their memory. Children who start music early are often found to be more musical and comfortable when music is around. 

I am an adult with no music experience, is it too late for piano lessons?

It is never too late to learn to play the piano, and we are more than happy to help you on your journey. We find more and more adults enrolling every day. Whether it is for relaxation, personal enjoyment, or a specific goal in mind, learning piano is a rewarding experience for students of all ages. We employ the best piano teachers in the area to ensure that learning is fun, active, and hassle-free.

I only have a small electric keyboard. Is this okay?

Learning to play on an electric keyboard is perfectly fine for beginning students. Initially, you don’t use all the keys, and children are generally too short to reach the pedals to start. As you progress, you will want to select an acoustic piano or full-size electric keyboard, preferably with “weighted keys” to better emulate the feel of an acoustic piano. Don’t hesitate to take piano lessons because of the cost of the instrument. There are ways to get around it, and you can always find a used piano at a reasonable cost. You can also rent a keyboard from us!

Unlike a traditional acoustic piano, an electronic keyboard is always in tune and are highly portable. Students are more likely to practice if they can do so in any room of the home. If you can’t acquire an acoustic piano, don’t feel bad about being stuck with an electric keyboard. Depending upon the type of music you wish to play, an electric keyboard might be more suited for its versatility.

Does it mean I don’t need to invest in a piano?

The keyboard is the most common due to its lightweight and other fun functions, such as sound library, metronome, and drum beats. It is convenient for people with limited space, or performers who need to carry their own instruments around. With all the new technologies added, some keyboards can be as expensive as a real piano. So what’s the catch? The keyboard doesn’t have the hammer mechanism that is the building blocks of a real piano. As a result, the “touch” that is known to be a crucial part of playing the instrument is missing. Real piano keys can train finger muscles of endurance and proper techniques, while most keyboards are not touch-sensitive, thus hindering the development of skills essential for piano playing at a higher level. Nevertheless, it is totally an economic option to start with a keyboard, but once you are committed to learning the instrument, we recommend that you invest in a real piano such as the upright for home practices.

Why Is In-Home Music Learning a Good Option for Me?

Traditionally, music lessons are taught in studios. Students show up at their designated time slot and the teacher gives the lesson. However, there are other factors that can potentially add stress to the originally simple lesson.

Commuting can be a source of headache according to some parents. Whether it’s a weekday night lesson or Saturday morning lesson, parents have to drive to the studio’s location, which can be up to an hour away. And if there is traffic or road construction, the commuting time can be significantly longer. Then there is the regret of being late. The studio doesn’t take responsibility for the delay caused by students. As a result, your scheduled lesson time falls short. And after the lesson, it will be the same routine back home, extending the lesson time from one hour to, in reality, two or more. 

Scheduling can be another cause of stress. In the most perfect world, students will always be able to show up on time for their lesson. However, sickness, emergencies, or a time clash with other life agendas can all make it hard to keep the promised time at the studio. When that happens, studios normally will not be able to accommodate to your need for a change because they follow a very tight schedule. What happens is you are left with a make up lesson option, which will be fulfilled someday in the future. 

In comparison, in-home music learning lifts those areas of strain, leaving you with only the fun part of music learning. Your teacher will take the burden of commuting to you, so you can sit home and relax. This can be a huge advantage if you can only take lessons on weekday nights. Having in-home music lessons enables you to have a leisurely after work schedule, while having fun and progressing on your musical skills.

Scheduling is also made easy with an in-home music learning model. If you foresees your designated time will clash with an engagement, simply let the instructor and the studio know, and they will find another time that works for your schedule. Instead of the disappointment and helplessness of having to miss a class, in-home music lessons allows you to manage your lesson schedule around your life schedule. As a result, you end up with peace of mind and always ready for more. 

Another perk? You are still offered performing opportunities when you study with Fusion Music Studio.