How To Help Your Child Learn An Instrument At Home

12th March 2021/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

If your child has just started learning an instrument at home, you know how difficult it is to keep their spirit going. Most of the progress is made by practicing at home. But more than often, it doesn’t amount to that, perhaps due to lack of support or a discouraging atmosphere. When your child begins to learn an instrument, their excitement alone will keep them going for some time, but to continue that enthusiasm, they need someone at home who shares that same passion and eagerness. That’s where you come in. You need to ensure that they are not lost in their mundane schedules and can manage enough time to sit with the instrument and your routine attention will push them to achieve that. We’ve consulted specialists, music teachers, guardians, and many students to assemble some tips for you with which you can ensure that progress in your child.

Flexible Schedule:

One of the reasons most children don’t like their forced disciplines is that they can’t study them at their own time. Their classes are at a specific time and they need to accomplish their course-related tasks at a predetermined period generally. This way, the child feels too regulated and could possibly lose interest in those subjects for lack of freedom. Hence, try to give them control over when they should practice their instrument. Showing such simple gestures as giving away scheduling control will empower and encourage them to give more care to their music lessons. Try not to make his/her practice an obligation. One tip I use with my own young children is to include another activity they like, for example, we bring a comic to the practice session or drawing materials. In between 10 minute intervals suggest they can read a story from the comic or to draw a music related picture.

Plan Goals:

It’s important to have a vision and target when you start a new endeavor in your life. It’s no different in your child’s case. Without a proper goal, they may lose sight of their advancement and that can drastically take away their energy to continue lessons. So, help them stay concentrated by regularly discussing simple and achievable milestones. Depending on the child’s age you could talk about music in college or that some people make a living from performing on their instrument, and how cool that would be.

Be their Biggest Fan:

This is something that we receive a lot of feedback on. If your child is trying hard to learn an instrument, admire their efforts consistently. Make time to listen to them perform, whatever it may be, one note, a melody or even a song. With my own children I make an event out of it, no matter how simple the performance, get other siblings involved by creating a stage area and seats for the audience, make it fun. Celebrating each of their accomplishments will only make them want to work harder. This goes a long way into inspiring them for life.

Positive Reinforcement:

Motivate them to play their favourite music (favourite genre) and share akin songs with them. There’s nothing easier for a child to learn than a song they like. As they get older you can make their practice sessions more fun by encouraging them to invite their friends and play with them. Learning something together and syncing music with friends gives an unparalleled positive reinforcement to them.

Build Environment:

Make your child’s room inspiring enough and create a music-friendly atmosphere around them. Keep musical books, sound systems, posters, stickers, prints in the room. That way, they will preserve the drive to be a musician just by looking around their surroundings and push themselves forward. In a word, you’ll need to personalise their learning experience to make it work in the long term.

Good Teacher:

The significance of having the right teacher can’t be stretched when it comes to learning a new instrument. The teacher is the person to look over their performance, guide them aptly, spend the most time around them and instill confidence in them if they’re failing repeatedly. If the tutor is not friendly and inspiring, then its possible your child may lose their interest sooner or later. Music teachers are generally friendly and experienced professionals who can translate their knowledge into your child efficiently and effortlessly. The rapport between student and teacher is the most important aspect of their relationship. The student needs to like the teacher and also be inspired by them.

Identify the Barriers:

Finally, you need to identify any potential barriers your child may face while learning. This could simply be a busy household where space to play/practice is tight and siblings mightn’t be too keen on listening to twinkle twinkle a hundred times. Frustrations can grow but you must identify the issues and try to resolve them to your best abilities.

Learning a new instrument is not an easy feat, but it surely is a rewarding one. Children often rely on their parents to make decisions for them because of their insecurity and doubt, so make sure you do your part to ensure his progress in music.

The History of Bodhrán As A Music Instrument

18th February 2021/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

In the 21st century, it is rare to witness the evolution of a classic instrument. Most of the instruments which are used to play music were conceptualized and perfected in the bygone millennia. There is however one popular Irish exception. The Bodhran. The bodhrán is a Celtic- Irish frame drum that surged in popularity as recently as the 1960s. The bodhrán breaks the rules as it is one of the few which are still evolving with many makers and players alike constantly trying new combinations and techniques to improve the Bodhran.

Origin

Bodhrán Music Instrument

The origin of the bodhrán is a topic for many raging debates. The origin story of this instrument is filled with theories as there is no rigid information i.e. date of creation available and the fact that many see this drum’s musical uprise as a fairly recent phenomenon.

One of the more interesting theories about Bodhran’s origin- proposed by Irish Music magazine editor Ronan Nolan- is that it is a poor man’s instrument. The bodhrán carries a similarity to the tambourine. This argument does make sense, as the simple construction of the bodhrán and required materials like wood and goatskin and possibly farm machine parts would be easy-to-find items on a farm.

Another scarce bit of information about the bodhrán would be some ancient pictures dating back to the 19th century. There are ancient canvas paintings by Dan Maclise depicting an Irish frame drum being played at a party.

The word “Bodhran” itself originates from the word “bother” which means dull or numb. The Earliest documented use of this word dates back to a 15th-century medical transcript where the sound of a bloated belly was described as the sound of a drum. Information in old encyclopedias also shows this word was in use before 1827.

Whilst no set date or a year or even century can be provided regarding the Bodhran’s creation, various evidence does show its existence throughout history.

Playing the Bodhran

Despite the innocent looks of this frame drum, and the simple ‘tipper’ used to play it, playing the bodhrán requires impeccable coordination. Not only does the player need to learn how to balance the drum on their thighs, but the complex wrist movements and the hand-eye coordination required for playing can also take many months to perfect. Also, for higher ‘classes’ of playing, and to play different tunes, the player needs to learn to use their other hand- situated behind the drum skin, inside the frame- in particular ways.

Popularity and first use

The earliest uses of the bodhrán as an instrument are mentioned in Irish folklore. These were regarding pagan rituals, meaning the bodhrán could have been in use even before the 18th century. Accurate dates are still unavailable, but the mention of usage in pagan rituals is a strong reason to believe the bodhrán was in use in the 18th and possibly prior centuries.

Bodhran’s largest upsurge in popularity came in the 1950s and 1960s alongside the revival of traditional Irish music. But as aforementioned, the bodhrán existed for long before its musical prominence. So, what was it used for previously?

One unique use of the bodhrán was as a ceremonial war drum. The bodhrán was played in order to raise the temper of men before they fought battles. The idea here is, the higher levels of brute excitement would help the men overcome their enemies.

One more traditional ritualistic use of the bodhrán would be in the ‘Wren tradition’. Before its modern stardom, the bodhrán was made famous by The Wren – a group of men who entertained the local public by going to their houses and playing the bodhrán in exchange for food, etc. on St. Stephen’s Day. Legends around this culture suggest that the bodhrán could have been in use as far back as the 8th century.

The first legend says that St. Stephen upon being betrayed by a chattering wren- the bird- was stoned to death by his enemies. Since then the wren would get stoned down like St. Stephen.

The second legend says that sometime during the Viking raids of the 6th to 10th century, a band of Irish soldiers was compromised by a wren that was feasting on some food left on top of a bodhrán while they attempted an assault on a Viking camp at night. If these legends are remotely accurate, and the Wren has been celebrated since these events, the bodhrán could have been in use since the 8th century.

Switching gears from early use to recent popularity, and the bodhrán has never been more popular. Growing adjacent to the revival of Irish traditional music, the bodhrán had the biggest assist in form of Seán Ó Riada- the most influential figure in the revival of Irish music. During his time in the 60s, Riada would be seen wielding a bodhrán center stage which helped grow the bodhran’s reputation.

Further increase in popularity was caused by significant players like Peadar Mercier, Johnny “Ringo” McDonagh, and John Joe Kelly who also developed new styles and improved the bodhran’s tonal quality and sound to bring it on par with modern standards.

The bodhrán has had a winding and interesting history. From seemingly having no evidence of existence to popping up at random points in time, this framed drum has now earned its place as a traditional Irish musical equipment. And ever since it shed it’s ‘for ritual use’ cloak and became a musical instrument in the 50s, the bodhrán has gotten immensely better with players and makers still thriving to improve it and compose better music with it.

Is Bodhran The Right Instrument for You to Learn?

6th October 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

Looking for the right instrument for you to learn can be exhausting – especially if you seem to be interested in a lot of them. You have to consider what you love most about playing instruments and work your way from there.

One instrument that is slowly gaining popularity in recent years is the Irish bodhran. This frame drum originated from the mid-19th century and is believed to have evolved from the tambourine. It creates a beautiful rhythm that’s reminiscent of traditional sounds but is versatile enough to be incorporated into modern music.

While the bodhran is an interesting instrument to learn, most people are intimidated by the seemingly complicated way this Irish drum is played. They want to make sure that they’re making the right choice so as not to waste the money and effort spent in learning how to play it.

In this article, we’ll give you the pointers that you should consider to help you determine if the bodhran is the right instrument for you.

You Love to Create Rhythm

Drums are used to create interesting rhythms that simply captivate the audience. And since the bodhran is a type of drum, you must be someone who prefers creating rhythms instead of melodies and harmonies.

But this doesn’t mean that if you prefer making melodies, the bodhran isn’t automatically meant for you. If you have an ear that’s sensitive enough for identifying changes in each note, then you’ll love learning how to play this instrument.

Or, if you love producing the accompanying rhythm to the existing melody, you can’t go wrong with learning how to play the bodhran.

Bodhran; The Right Instrument

You Are Patient

When you’re learning how to play an instrument – any instrument for that matter – you are required to have a lot of patience. Whether it’s as simple as the piano or as complex as the violin, patience must always accompany you in your studies.

While the bodhran is relatively easy to learn, some of its hand movements can be quite tricky. And since these hand movements and placements help you control the instrument’s pitch and timber, it’s obviously an important part of learning how to play it.

With that in mind, you have to be more patient when you’re learning how to play the bodhran. But if you ever feel like giving up, remember that no one becomes a professional player for any instrument overnight. It takes a lot of years of practice and hard work before they perfect their skill, so not getting it right on your first try isn’t something to beat yourself up for.

You Have Dexterous Hands

If you’ve seen someone play this traditional Irish drum, you’ll instantly notice how fast their hands move. Particularly, their wrist seems so lightweight and swift while they play that watching them perform leaves you in awe.

Since the bodhran is a type of drum, it is normally played using a beater called the spin or tipper. And depending on how you want your rhythm to sound, you have to beat it in a certain way to produce what you want to hear.

For example, if you’re playing the bodhran for dance or celebratory music, you have to hit it hard to produce that booming sound. But if you’re planning to play it to accompany a soulful love song, you may want to beat it softly to produce a mellow sound that gives much emphasis on the lyrics.

Also, there are different ways to play a bodhran. The most famous way to play it is Kerry Style, but Top-End and Bottom-End styles are also quite popular. Some musicians also prefer playing the bodhran with their bare hands, and there’s nothing wrong with that – as long as you produce the rhythm that you’ve imagined.

From this, you can see that playing the bodhran requires you to have skillful hands to produce the perfect rhythm. But even if you’re not as skillful yet, you can certainly develop this in time – as long as you are patient enough to practice.

You’re a Minimalist

The bodhran has a minimalist aesthetic to it that’s not showy at all. Although some bodhran players have their drums painted to reflect their personality, not everyone does it.

This traditional Irish drum simply has a wooden frame with goatskin stretched across one side while the other side of the drum remains open-ended. In newer models, synthetic skin is used for the head as a more sustainable option. And that’s it – there’s nothing flashy about this instrument at all.

Thus, if you prefer an instrument that’s simple yet fun to play, then the bodhran is perfect for you.

You Want an Instrument You Can Take Anywhere

From what we’ve mentioned above, you can see that the bodhran is a very simple drum. What’s also interesting is that its size also varies – ranging from a diameter of 10 inches to 26 inches and with a thickness of 3½ inches to 8 inches.

With that in mind, you can see that some of its smaller models are quite portable. And since the bodhran is lightweight, you won’t have to worry about it being a burden to carry.

So if you love to travel, then we believe that the bodhran can be your perfect companion. This can certainly keep you entertained during long travels, and it could also be used to entertain your friends and family whenever you go on trips.

You Are Genuinely Interested in the Bodhran

But out of all the pointers we’ve discussed above, the most important one is the fact that you’re genuinely interested in learning how to play the bodhran.

When you’re truly interested in learning something, there’s no obstacle that you can’t overcome. This interest will fuel you to learn with so much patience that you wouldn’t feel discouraged by any setback you encounter.

Also, this interest will keep you going when you feel like you’re in a slump. There will be days when you will feel lazy and unmotivated, and that’s normal. When you really want to learn something, this feeling will go away on its own after some time. And when it does, you will feel more motivated than ever.

Thus, as long as you are truly interested in the bodhran and in learning how to play it, then we can guarantee that it is the right instrument for you.

Flute Lessons: How To Decide If Flute Is The Right Instrument For You

17th July 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

The flute is the oldest instrument that’s still widely used today. Records show that it’s been used by our ancestors from around 43,000 years ago – and this reveals how much our ancestors also loved to entertain themselves with music.

The question that is often asked is this: how to decide if flute is the right instrument for you?

In this article, I’ll discuss the determinative factors that will help you in ultimately making your decision. I’ve also added a list of advantages that you’ll enjoy when you’re playing the flute.

How to Decide if Flute is the Right Instrument For You?

Flute Lessons

Factors to Consider

I completely understand the dilemma that budding musicians feel when they’re planning to start taking lessons. Whether it’s the flute or any other musical instrument, you always want to make sure that you’re investing your resources into the perfect instrument.

After all, you’ll end up buying an instrument, paying for lessons, and spending hours of practice time – so you might as well spend it on something you know you’ll love.

To help you in making that decision, here are some of the factors that you have to consider to know if flute is right instrument for you.

Interest

When it comes to playing any musical instrument, the very first thing that you have to consider is how interested you are in playing it.

This interest or passion may stem from different reasons. Maybe you want to learn more about this age-old instrument and imagine the kind of music that captivated our forefathers. Or perhaps you simply love the sound of the playful tones produced by the flute.

In some instances, it may not be the flute itself that caught your interest – but the flute may be a part of something that interests you. For example, maybe you dream of performing in an orchestra someday or just join an Irish traditional music session, but all the other instruments seem too intimidating.

Some professional flutists even recall that they simply wanted to join their school’s band when they were young, and the flute seemed like the easiest instrument to learn to play.

This goes to show that your interest in the flute may stem from another dream of yours. Use that dream to ignite the flame of passion for playing the flute – and once you develop this passion, there’s no turning back.

Discipline

Another quality you must have is discipline. Although learning to play the flute only requires around 30 to 45 minutes of your time per day, being able to strictly follow your schedule requires discipline.

The flute isn’t as demanding as other instruments, so you may have to fight the urge to procrastinate with your lessons. You must be able to have a decent amount of self-discipline to keep you focused on your goal.

But on the bright side, this might be your opportunity to develop your self-discipline

Center Stage

If you love being under the spotlight, then there’s no doubt that the flute is the right instrument for you.

The flute is one of the most resonant instruments out there. Because of this musical quality, it often takes the center stage – right in front of clarinets and horns. And because it requires flutists to stand straight while playing it, they’re bound to stand out in a sea of violins and violas.

For this reason, most band or orchestra managers prefer people who love the spotlight on them. These are the people who can play the flute comfortably even with the immense pressure bestowed on them.

But this doesn’t mean that only extroverts make the best flutists. Bear in mind that the flute is an instrument that you can play from wherever because of its compact size. With that said, anyone can play the flute to help them relax and unwind after an exhausting day – and not just in front of a crowd.

But in any case, being able to play the flute can improve your self-confidence, and this helps you to take the center stage in all aspects of your life.

Advantages

Fortunately, the flute is one of the simplest instruments that you can learn to play. This makes it a great beginner instrument for young kids who have shown an inclination for music.

To keep you interested in the flute, here are some of the advantages that you might want to consider.

Health

First of all, the flute helps you improve your health. Bear in mind that the flute is played by breathing air into its opening. Because of this, flutists are inclined to develop proper breathing techniques that ultimately strengthen the lungs. And not to mention, this also strengthens your core muscles by giving your diaphragm a nice workout.

Additionally, playing the flute requires you to stand up straight. This helps you keep your back straight while making sure that your eyes, hand, and mouth are working with each other harmoniously. As a result, you’re not only improving your posture – you’re also improving your body coordination.

Portability

Another thing I love about the flute is how portable it is. Being a relatively small musical instrument, flute bags and cases are also on the petite side, and can even fit inside bigger backpacks and travel bags. This means that you can take it with you anywhere without having to pay extra seats or storage fees.

Budget

And finally, flutes are more affordable than other musical instruments.

Although flutes used by professionals can go as high as 5,000 euros, beginners can start practicing on decent flutes that only cost around 100 euros. As you gain mastery of this instrument, you can upgrade to more expensive flutes.

Conclusion

The flute is an inexpensive instrument that’s easy to learn. With its unassuming exterior, it’s understandable that a lot of people are drawn to learning how to play this instrument. But the real question is this: is the flute the right instrument for you?

Fortunately, the flute does not require a lot from its players. First of all, it requires you to have an interest or passion for learning how to play the flute. Second, you must have the discipline to motivate yourself to keep practicing. And finally, you must love being in the spotlight.

These factors guarantee that you’ll truly enjoy playing this simple instrument. If you have all these, then there is no doubt that the flute is the right instrument for you.

Drum Lessons: How do You Decide if Drums is the Right Instrument For You

17th July 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

The drum is one of the instruments that I find truly fascinating. I love how it creates the perfect texture to accompany any music, or how it creates a bold sound that perfectly captures the drummer’s emotions. I also love how drummers seem to have so much fun while playing this instrument. The quest starts from the beginning of their first day of drum lessons and continues to become a professional performer.

Because of the nature of playing this unique instrument, a lot of people believe that drummers are simply born with this talent. But I’m here to tell you that some professional drummers realized that they were born to play the instrument when they were already in their teens.

With that in mind, I’m sure you have one question in mind: how do you decide if drums is the right instrument for you? Fortunately, this article specifically aims to answer that question.

Curiosity

The first factor that will help you determine if the drum is perfect for you is your curiosity about the instrument.

One thing that drummers have in common is that they began their journey by being curious as to how this instrument produces the sound. They were curious enough to identify the difference between the sound of each drum in the set, and the difference between the two cymbals.

Most drummers also recall that they loved tapping on surfaces whenever they heard music. This may range from tabletops to the back of pans and pots – and that drew them closer to learning more about the drums.

When you have this curiosity, you become interested in learning how to play the drums. This keeps you motivated and helps you stay focused on achieving your dreams of becoming a rockstar drummer one day.

Things You Need To Be Familiar With For Taking Drum Lessons

Drum Lessons

Passion for Music

Going hand-in-hand with curiosity is the passion for music.

There’s no denying that drums can complete any song, thanks to its accompanying beat and rhythm. This adds the texture into any seemingly boring tune and gives it more feeling – allowing the listeners to drown in the emotions portrayed by the song.

With that said, this means that you must be able to connect with the tune to provide the appropriate beat for it. To do so, you must have that passion for music that will allow you to express what the song wishes to portray.

Admittedly, this is one of the rarest qualities that only true musicians possess at a young age. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that this love for creating music can develop at a later stage in life – so you don’t have to be discouraged if you feel like you’re too old to start learning.

Practice Time

Providing the right beat for the song requires you to be familiar with different tempos, being able to pick up the proper groove, and playing the right fills at the right time. Because of this, you may have to make time and practice regularly daily.

On average, it is advised that you practice for a few hours per day. To break it down for you, you have to spend a few minutes perfecting a single tempo until your wrist becomes familiar with the movement. Once you feel familiar with that movement, then you can increase or decrease the tempo and spend a few minutes on that as well.

Additionally, it is also advised to practice one type of beat for a few minutes before moving into a new beat. This may take a few hours per week as well.

With these in mind, you know that learning to play the drum will take much of your time – especially if you plan to build a career as a drummer. If you have enough time to dedicate to learning how to play this instrument, then there is no doubt that the drums are the right instrument for you.

Consider the Cost

Another factor that you have to look into is the cost of the drum set. High-end drum sets usually cost over a few thousand euros, and that amount is already enough to stop you from considering drum lessons. Fortunately, there are decent beginner-friendly drum kits that are available for only around 300 euros.

But with that said, there’s no denying that drum sets are more expensive than other entry-level instruments. That’s why I think the cost of acquiring this instrument, along with the amount you have to pay for your lessons, is one of the factors that you have to consider before learning how to play the drums.

Body Strength

Playing the drums requires a lot of upper and lower body strength. Aside from being able to move your arms and wrists swiftly to match the harmony, your lower body is always on full alert to make sure that you’re hitting the right bass notes.

With that in mind, there’s no denying that the drums are perfect for those who prefer being active. Not only does it help you improve the overall appeal of the music, but you’re also getting a good full-body exercise from playing the drums.

Loudness

You also have to consider the loudness of the instrument. If you’re planning to buy a drum set so you can learn to play it at home, you have to consider if you’ll be disturbing people while you practice.

For example, this may not be advised if you live in an apartment complex, or a neighborhood with houses built so close to each other.

But I’m not saying that drum isn’t for you if that’s your living situation. It may, however, make practicing harder and more expensive for you, since you have to keep paying for a studio to allow you to practice.

Space and Portability

Finally, there’s no denying that drum sets are incredibly bulky. This means that it would take up a lot of space in your home, and will be hard for you to take from one place to another.

Most full-sized drum kits take up 20 square feet or roughly 2 square meters of floor space. This means that you must have a room that’s big enough to allow you to practice playing the drums comfortably.

And while we’re on that note, you must also understand that this will be the room where you’ll be spending most of your time practicing in. Bear in mind that drum sets aren’t easy to move around, so you have to get used to being in the same room every day. If you don’t mind this minor inconvenience, then I’m sure that the drums are the right instrument for you.

Piano Lessons: Things to Look For When Deciding to Learn Piano

17th July 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

There’s no doubt that the piano produces the most beautiful sounds. Although the piano is often associated with classical music, it is versatile enough to accompany most of today’s modern tunes.

Compared to other instruments, the piano is one of the easiest instruments to learn how to play. Neither does it require other accessories, so both your hands are focused on doing the same thing. This is why the piano is the recommended instrument for most beginners.

But buying a piano and taking piano lessons will require an investment, you might be wondering if the piano is the right instrument for you.

In this article, I’ll discuss the things to look for when deciding to learn the piano. I hope this will help you in making your decision and prepare you for what’s ahead in case you choose to take piano lessons.

Piano Lessons

Passion

First of all, you have to have a passion for three things: the passion for the piano, the passion for learning, and the passion for music.

Passion for the Piano

You need to have a passion for the piano to keep yourself focused on the goal. This is the passion that drew you closer to this particular instrument.

This may be due to your curiosity as to how each key produces the sound – or how the volume increases depending on the intensity of you pressing each key. Alternatively, you may be passionate about the instrument because you are fascinated with classical music and how intense and emotional they are.

You develop your interest in a certain instrument for different reasons. Whatever the reason may be, only you can determine if you truly desire to know more about the piano.

Passion for Learning

The passion for learning, on the other hand, is a general desire to develop a new skill. In most instances, this is what a lot of beginners have. This is the passion that drives you to attend piano lessons regularly. When you have a passion for learning at the beginning, the passion for piano and music usually follows.

Passion for Music

And finally, the passion for music will allow you to connect with the instrument on a deeper level. You are aware that the piano is a versatile instrument, and you know that it can help you unleash your creative side. With this passion for music, you develop a sensitive ear that helps you control the movement of your fingers to produce the sound you want.

But if you only have one of these three passions, don’t be disheartened. These three are closely intertwined, so if you have just one at the beginning, you’re bound to develop the other two as you move along with your lessons.

Time Management

Learning to play the piano requires a lot of your time. Aside from practicing for a few hours per day, you also have to attend piano lessons each week. Knowing this, you must be able to squeeze this inside your current schedule.

You have to have good time management skills to pull this off. Otherwise, you may be tempted to skip practice, and this will just leave you at the same level for a long time.

Alternatively, you may be taking in too much that you can handle. This may lead to burnout, and that could do more damage to you than good.

Discipline

You must understand that learning to play the piano requires a lot of discipline.

As I’ve previously mentioned, eventually you need to practice a few hours per day to be familiar with each note. Practicing also helps improve the dexterity of your fingers, and this helps you to play more complicated melodies.

These practice sessions usually take place at home, and without the prying eyes of your piano instructor. This means that you need a decent amount of self-discipline to motivate yourself to keep practicing.

Budget

One factor that often discourages a lot of aspiring pianists is their budget. There’s no denying that owning a piano and paying for piano lessons can be quite costly.

On average, the price of an acoustic piano ranges from 3,000 to 7,000 euros, while high-end pianos and grand pianos can go as high as 20,000 euros. To add to that, you have to pay your instructor his hourly rate whenever you attend lessons.

Looking at these figures, I understand why a lot of aspiring pianists are easily disheartened. Fortunately, modern technology has given us more affordable alternatives.

If you love the sound and feel of an acoustic piano but don’t have thousands of dollars to spend, you may opt to buy an upright digital piano with weighted keys instead. These keys are designed to imitate the resistance that acoustic piano keys have. As a result, you can barely feel the difference between these two keys, so it makes a great practice piano for your home.

And if you prefer the more electric sound coming from digital keyboards, a lot of decent ones are available for just a little over one hundred euros.

Thus, you have to plan your budget to accommodate the piano you need to develop your skills.

Instruction

Part of perfecting how to play the piano is how well your instructor teaches you.

As a tip, talk to parents at the school gates for any recommendations in the local music school. Preferably, they must be one within your area so you don’t have to worry about travel time and expenses.

Alternatively, some instructors take advantage of our highly-digital era and try to find ways to make piano lessons more accessible to students.

Overall, this greatly depends on your preferences.

Patience and Self-Love

And finally, you must understand that learning how to play the piano requires a lot of patience and self-love.

When you’re beginning to learn how to play the piano, the most challenging part is to memorize all the keys and their corresponding notes. This is the very foundation of your piano playing skills and, depending on how fast a learner you are, it may take up much of your time.

As a result, you must have the patience to get through this phase. Whenever you’re tempted to quit, remind yourself that this will all be worth it one day.

Going hand-in-hand with patience is self-love. You must know that there will be times when you feel like you’re not improving at all. When this happens, don’t feel bad about it. Remind yourself that no great pianist made it to the top overnight.

Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and take a break when you have to. After all, you will be able to learn more when you’re also having fun.

Fiddle Lessons: Things to Remember When You Are Learning to Play The Fiddle

28th March 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

The fiddle is one of the most sophisticated musical instruments out there. Whenever you hear its inviting melody, you just want to stop what you’re doing and enjoy the music. Keep reading our Fiddle Lessons article to know more.

Fortunately, the fiddle is also for everyone. Regardless of your age, you can always opt to take fiddle lessons. This is also true regardless of your purpose; whether you want to be a professional musician or simply because you love playing music as a hobby.

In this article, we will provide you with the most important things to remember when you are going for your first fiddle lesson.

Be Familiar with the Fiddle

The most important advice to give is to familiarize yourself with the fiddle. This includes knowing the parts of the fiddle, the bow and its functions, and the proper care for your musical instrument. This basic information will be taught during your first lesson and becoming familiar with these things by practicing at home will help you enormously on your learning journey.

Set Realistic Expectations

Let’s just get this out there – you will not be able to play like an ensemble musician after attending one lesson. The process simply doesn’t work that way.

You have to understand that playing an instrument is complicated, especially so for the fiddle. There are certain preparatory procedures that your teacher would want you to know first and these are essential to the proper playing of the fiddle.

Among these procedures include the proper posture, the proper hold of the bow, and tuning the instrument. They seem like simple steps you have to take but these can be tricky, especially when it comes to the proper posture. In fact, some students would take days to perfect the posture alone.

With that said, you now understand why you shouldn’t set impossible standards for learning how to play the fiddle – both upon yourself and upon your teacher.

Keep an Open Mind

Keeping an open mind is also important for your growth as a budding fiddle player, especially when it comes to taking constructive criticism.

Your fiddle teacher may notice some of your mistakes and will be quick to point them out to you. When this happens, don’t feel bad about it. Instead, listen to what the teacher has to say and do your best to improve while keeping their comments in mind.

As a tip, remind yourself that making mistakes is normal, especially if you’re just at the beginning of your journey. Should you receive some tough love from your mentor, keep an open mind and tell yourself that it’s all part of learning.

Be Patient

As previously mentioned, you won’t go from beginner to pro overnight.

With that said, keep reminding yourself that learning how to play the fiddle is not a race. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you think that your lessons are taking you nowhere.

Instead, focus on your goal and just enjoy the process. Eventually, you will wake up one day and realize that you’re already a great fiddle player.

You are Not Alone

Musicians love talking about their craft and they are keen on accepting new members to their community. You will find that they’re actually very accommodating and will give you a lot of tips and tricks that you can use while you’re still learning.

Knowing this fact alone should give you the strength to carry on, especially since you now realize that you have a tight support group to back you up.

Understand that going to your first music lesson can be quite scary. You’re learning something that’s completely foreign to you, after all. But if you take note of all the reminders laid down in this article, then know that there’s nothing else that can stop you from taking fiddle lessons. If you ever have a question about Fiddle Lessons in Dublin, feel free to reach out to Tempo Music School. We can help you with our classes.

Singing Lessons Dublin: What to Consider When Planning to go for a Singing Lesson in Dublin

28th March 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

If you’re planning to become a professional singer someday – or simply looking to improve your skillset – then I’m sure you have your eyes set on taking singing lessons.

Singing lessons can be a fun learning experience. You will be introduced to new singing techniques, learn ways to expand your vocal range, and improve your performance in general. However, to experience this magic, you must be able to take that first step and enroll in the class.

But admittedly, the thought of attending singing lessons can be quite scary. To help you get started on your journey here are some pointers for when you are planning to go for a singing lesson.

Set Your Singing Lessons Goals

You may already have specific goals in mind before you even take singing lessons. But for this first step, you must set realistic short-term goals first which are in line with your long-term aims.

For example, if you want to become an award-winning Broadway singer in the future, then it’s best to take baby steps first that will eventually land you that dream role. You can begin by taking lessons that will improve your breathing technique and move forward with another lesson to develop your vocal range. All these lessons will add up to your portfolio and give you success in the long run.

Of course, even if your long-term goal is not as grand as being a professional stage performer, the same principles will apply. After all, this step will also help you save on vocal lesson fees since you know you’re paying for the lessons that are right for you.

Why is setting goals important, you ask? Because it helps you assess yourself before diving into any singing lesson. It helps you become more aware of your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to improve on a realistic level.

Being able to define your goals also helps your vocal teacher determine which pieces you will practice and helps them assess the progress in your training. This will guarantee that your learning pace will be in sync with their teaching style and will provide you with a more solid vocal foundation.

Manage Expectations

Having a great voice is one thing but knowing the technique to unleash your full potential is another. With this in mind, you must understand that the lessons you signed up for will train you in different stages and it would take at least a month for you to notice the improvement. Nevertheless, know that your skills will be quietly improving after just the first class.

On a similar note, you must also have expectations as to how your lessons will turn out. Ideally, singing lessons would involve teaching vocal exercises, application of techniques, constant practice, and regular analysis from your teacher. Keep these activities in mind as you attend your lessons.

Consider When to Start

Many of us find a passion for singing early on, so we have been encouraged at a young age to do so. But we should also consider our readiness to start learning.

Although potential singers are advised to take lessons as early as possible, this may not always be the best choice. A child’s emotional preparedness also plays an important role when it comes to learning – otherwise, they will find it difficult to absorb what they are being taught be it whether in a singing lesson in Dublin or anywhere else.

For those who have discovered their passion for singing at a later age, you don’t have to worry. Learning isn’t just made for younger students. As long as you have the willingness to study and the passion for singing, nothing should stop you from taking singing lessons at any stage of life.

Relax

Waiting for your first singing lesson can be nerve-wracking. Nevertheless, be open to your teacher about how shy or nervous you are feeling. They may have something up their sleeve to help you deal with these troubles. Eventually, you will be able to open up to your vocal coach, and this will ultimately help you reach your full potential.

As a tip, remind yourself that there’s nothing scary about singing. If anything, you should enjoy yourself during the process. Keep reminding yourself of this and you’ll realize that your worries will eventually turn into excitement.

Vocal Care

Most importantly, taking care of your voice is something that you should not take lightly. Ensure to ask your teacher to explain things to avoid that may cause your throat to run dry and also remember to keep yourself hydrated by drinking water regularly throughout the day. The main purpose of these lessons is to help you improve your singing and focusing on vocal care is an essential part of that.

And that’s it. As always, if you are looking for singing lessons in Dublin, feel free to reach out to us. Use the contact us page or read more about Tempo Music School here.

Sax Lessons Dublin: Things to Keep in Mind When You are going for your first Sax Lesson

28th March 2020/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

There’s something that’s just too dreamy about the saxophone. It produces a rhythm that’s both romantic and mysterious, and it just lures you to be one with the melody.

Because of its unique sound, a lot of us would want to learn how to play the saxophone. Fortunately, this seemingly intimidating musical instrument is quite learnable – especially if you are determined to work hard towards your goal.

In this article, I will enumerate the things you have to keep in mind when you are going for your first sax lesson. These pointers will prepare you to make the most out of each lesson and make sure that you’ll be able to learn at your ideal pace.

Study the Sax

Studying your sax lets you know how comfortable you are when it comes to holding one. Are you comfortable with its weight? Are you okay with its mouthpiece or do you think you have to replace it first? Do you need a neck strap to help you carry it with comfort? These are just some of the questions that you can already answer while you take an initial look at your saxophone.

Do Your Research About Sax Lessons in Dublin

Aside from learning about the basics of the saxophone, it also helps to do a little research on people’s experiences when they studied the saxophone.

Getting a little background about how people learn the saxophone also prepares you for what to expect once it’s your turn to learn this sophisticated instrument. It gives you a general idea of what you need to work on – like your breathing techniques and how your instrument should sound.

Set Realistic Expectations

We’ve always been told to dream big and I agree with that – just make sure that you know how to manage your expectations to avoid disappointments.

By these expectations, I mean setting up achievable short-term goals that will eventually add up and lead to the fulfillment of your long-term goal. This simply means perfecting note after note until you can finally create your melody.

Also, you must set realistic expectations regarding your teacher. Since you’re still at the beginner level, expect that he/she will teach you the basics and will eventually move you up the ladder once you’re ready. Don’t expect the teacher to ask you to play a full song on your first day – that’s just too much for a beginner to handle.

Maintain a Positive Attitude

To be successful in something, you must face it with a positive attitude. The same goes for learning how to play the saxophone.

Keeping a positive attitude will immediately lift your mood and that can instantly energize you throughout your classes. It will also help you take on your lessons with an “I can do it!” outlook which automatically tears down the walls of doubt.

Remember that doubting yourself will only block any progress and this is especially true in terms of your sax lessons.

Nevertheless, know that there will always be days when you feel like you’re not improving very much. When that happens, look back on what you’ve achieved so far and be amazed at how brave you were for taking the first step. And more often than not, this works to motivate you to try harder and get back on track.

Keep an Open Mind

Keeping an open mind goes hand-in-hand with keeping a positive attitude. While the positive attitude fuels your growth, your open mind helps you unlock the doors to unleash your true potential.

Having an open mind – and more importantly, understanding that your main goal is to learn how to play the sax – will help you learn faster than those with closed minds. This trait will help you understand that your teacher only wants you to improve, so instruction and comments should be taken on board.

If you ever encounter hard-to-swallow pills from your mentor, remind yourself that this is all just constructive criticism and that every effort you will make towards that end is all for the best.

Communicate

Another thing that you have to keep in mind when going for your first sax lessons is that you should not be afraid to communicate.

Communication is the key to a lot of relationships, including a mentor-student relationship. It guarantees that both parties are harmoniously working together so that the student will be able to achieve his full capabilities.

By openly communicating about your goals and how you feel about your progression, your teacher will be able to assess your strengths and weaknesses. And from there they will be able to draft a lesson plan that will best suit your needs and will be carried out at your ideal pace. And remember, when you are ready to get a Sax Lesson in Dublin, you can always contact Tempo Music School.

Music School Dublin : How to Choose the Right Music School for You?

11th September 2019/in Music Blog /by Tempo Music School

There’s no better way to take your learning experience up a notch than enrolling yourself in a great music school in Dublin. Learning is a life-long process so you mustn’t rush into it. Do proper research, invest your time and energy into finding the best music school so that you can get the best music lessons.

However, in learning an instrument there’s no quick and easy way out. You need to be passionate about music and the instrument so that you devote yourself completely to it. The best part about music is that there are endless things to learn.

Finding the right teacher is crucial when starting your musical journey. The right music school will shape you, mold you, and motivate you to bring out the best in you. The criteria for choosing the right music school vary from place to place. However, we have come up with a common guideline following which you’ll be able to find yourself the right school to smoothen your path.

Inquire First

Do proper research before you jump to the conclusion that this school is the one for me. Don’t be overblown by the look of the school, instead talk to some of the current students and take note of the pros and cons of the school.

Try to gather information regarding the programs they offer and their teaching techniques. Also, make sure the school that you opt for the specific guitar lessons that you want as there are multiple different kinds of guitar such as acoustic, electric, bass, etc.

Location

Along with hard work and dedication, a successful music career requires peace of mind. If the location of the guitar school isn’t convenient for you then it’ll hamper the overall experience no matter how hard you try or how inspiring your mentor is. It’s important that you choose the location of the guitar school wisely so that you can put your best effort into learning the instrument.

Cost

It’s not necessary that you spend a fortune to get quality lessons. However, music schools in Dublin with professional musicians do cost quite a hefty amount. If you’re a beginner then there’s no point spending a premium for the most renowned tutor in town. For beginners and amateurs, investing in a school which is less-known and close to home will be a wise choice. As you gather more experience and you build up your career as a professional musician, you may opt for a more prestigious and expensive school to get the best possible lessons and mentors.

Attend a trial class

Since you’ll be investing a lot in the classes, it’s important that you are absolutely sure that they’re worth spending on and they provide the best guidance that you need. Before you officially enroll yourself in the term, ask if it’s possible to book a single lesson as a trial class.

Choose the right tutor

There are many great guitarists out there but not all of them have the ability and patience to teach. Most music schools in Dublin will have a biog of their tutors on their website. Have a look at your potential mentor so that you get a prior idea of their musical credentials.

The right mentor will help you stay focused so that you improve and reach your goals eventually. Having a teacher who constantly demotivates you or questions your ability will not only divert your focus away but also make you lose interest in your musical journey. He/she will also act as a guide to pave the path towards your professional career.

Recommendation

If possible, have a chat with some of the current students to learn about their experience with a particular school.

The Curriculum

Before you get enrolled, make sure that the school offers the right type of lesson for your preferred genre or type of guitar. If you want to enhance your knowledge of acoustic guitar then make sure the music school Dublin has skilled teachers to provide lessons or acoustic guitar. Also, if you want to learn to play bass guitar or any other type then you must ensure that the school has sufficient facilities to provide lessons on your desired curriculum.

Stay Confident

Just getting yourself enrolled in a good music school in Dublin will not suffice. You must stay confident and believe in yourself so that you can reach your goals even if it’s sky-high. Learning an instrument is not a piece of cake, therefore, you must practice and put in the highest amount of effort.

It’ll take time to acquire a new skill. Don’t be disheartened if you can’t master it as easily or simply as your fellow mates. Stay focused and dedicated, if you’re falling behind then have a discussion with your mentor so that he/she can help you to catch up.