Congratulations to Arya S., who has earned Vibe's "Student Spotlight" in the month of June!
Instructor Feature: Derek Hutchinson
3 Fun Music Ed Apps that Boost your Practice Time
Although the tried-and-true technique of “practice, practice, practice” is essential to promoting musical growth, sometimes a small dose of variety can bring new vitality to your practice routine. If you’re interested in finding some new ways to mix up your routine check out these 3 music apps and get practicing!
Singing vs. Playing an Instrument: Which To Choose?
In this age of a multitude of course options, musicians are often forced to choose between vocal and instrumental music. Although this abundance of choices presents students with wonderful opportunities, being forced to choose between vocal and instrumental music can be a difficult decision. Vocal and instrumental training each has unique strengths that help students develop in different ways. But perhaps the better question is if we should choose at all?
Does Playing Music Boost Confidence & Self-Esteem?
As time goes on, more and more research proves that playing music is beneficial to your brain in more than one way. According to studies done by Harvard Health, music has “major effects on many aspects of health, ranging from memory and mood to cardiovascular function and athletic performance.”
May 2020 Student Spotlight: Matt B.
Making Música: Bringing Cultures Together through Music
Music has a profound way of bringing people together. Whether it’s through performing in school choir or band, singing together in religious services, or jamming with a few friends, music has the power to form bonds between people who are otherwise very different from one another—people of different ages, genders, and sometimes, even people from different cultures.
The Nugget: A Beginner's Guide to Songwriting
I have been asked many times by various students different versions of the same question: “How do I even start writing music?” This question is difficult to answer and varies for everyone, but I would like to talk to you about how I personally write music! This isn’t intended to be a theory breakdown about how to put different harmonies together or song forms but rather as a way to expand on your own ideas.
The Art of Listening: Three Ways To Listen and Grow
In our current society, listening is the root of all music-making. Have you ever watched a two-year-old sit at a piano and explore it by touching any key he or she chooses? If a musician had never been exposed to piano players that make great sounds and had no idea which keys made great sounds when pressed simultaneously, this musician may be no more talented than the two-year-old. By contextualizing what we attempt to create musically, it instantly becomes recognizable and pleasurable to the ear. So, where do we begin?
