4 Reasons Why Practicing your Scales and Technical Concepts are Important

Every riff you play, every tune you hear in a song has a technique behind it and it sounds the way it does because of the use of different concepts that allows a certain tune to have a distinct character. To sound good you have to follow certain rules, thus it is important that you put an effort in understanding your theory properly. Here, we will give you some of the reasons why it is so important to know your theory.

1. Strong Foundation

As you must have heard from numerous source, it is crucial to have your basics strong to be able to get the best out of yourself in higher stages. The best way to have a strong foundation is to practice scales and work on the techniques that you have been taught in the beginning stages. It will get your limbs playing or your vocal chords accustomed to your instrument and develop an instinctive memory in your muscles which will help you long way. As you build up your basics with scales, you will be able to experiment different variations which will make you more skilled musically.

2. Accuracy and Speed

For any instrumentalist it is very important to play your notes cleanly which basically requires accuracy in your playing. Since scales are the most basic sequence you can play on an instrument, it gives you the platform to give feedback to yourself and even evaluate yourself as you will know exactly how it should sound on your instrument. Due to this easily understandable sequence it is also the best tool to improve your speed on your instrument. Different scales require different shifts and alteration of your fingers, thus your muscle will respond to the memory you have developed with practice and will help you to execute in faster tempos. However, you should slowly increase the speed in your playing so that you don’t do any basics wrong.

3. To play in a band

Let’s say you have formed a band which has  a keyboardist, a vocalist, guitars and drums. To start at a common point, everyone has to know the scale on which you are trying to play a song in or else it will sound like a mess. Similarly you have to be able to play along the beat so that you don’t sound like you are all over the place. To have a chemistry within the band and to be tight in your playing, you have to know your scales and other basic concepts. More you are accustomed to your theory, there will be more scope for your band to play more genres, styles and advanced music.

4. Sound Unique

Techniques are used to make a certain note sound a little different which adds dynamic to the song. Dynamic plays a very important role in songs as it make it sound more whole and make it much less monotonous. So if you want to sound like your idols or want to stand out from the crowd, you have to work on your dynamic which are basically your techniques. Take references from your idol or from your mentor on how to best use the techniques to sound technically and musically correct while also adding a lot of character to the sound of your instrument. Work on the technical concepts very consciously as it is of utmost important that you get the basic of each and every technique right in order to sound the best.

BlueTimbre is a unique Music Company that provides Music Education and  Recording Studio services. BlueTimbre also works with schools to provide end-to-end Music Education solutions for schools. 

The BlueTimbre team comes with decades of cumulative experience in running Structured Businesses, Music Curriculum Development, Music Education and Performance.

4 Reasons Why Performance is a Vital Part Of Music Education

When you hear ‘Music Education’ or ‘Music Classes’, we automatically think of those complicated music sheets, music theory, warm up exercises and learning to play songs. However, the best motivation you can derive is only through performing the music and techniques you learn.

Based on our experience as musicians and educators, we have listed 4 reasons why Performance is a Vital part of Music Education.

1. Builds Confidence by Tackling Stage Fright

Everyone gets jitters before a show or a performance, it is just about how you handle it. Some can break under the tension while some might thrive under pressure, but one can only feel confident about their performance when they have faced it multiple times. It’s never easy to keep your composure in front of an audience but with numerous performances under your belt, you will get more confidence that will guide you to put out the best of your talent. Learning the instrument is one thing but to handle yourself on stage comes only with experience.

2. Builds Discipline by regular Practice for Performance

It always helps a student when there is a goal for all the practice and hard-work they’ve been doing to learn their instrument. If all the practice sessions lead to nothing, they might not see the use of it, especially the young students. Once they are aware that they must showcase their skill at a performance, they will get more involved with their instrument as nobody wants to put on a bad show in front of people. It will encourage more regular practice and they will learn to execute ideas on their instrument with intent and more concentration.

3.Builds Teamwork by working with Different Band Members

Most of the performances through music schools will be group-based acts. It is very essential to understand the process of playing in a band. The group must act with compatibility, respecting each member’s part in the song to do justice to any song. In a group-based performance, every one of them plays an important part. Everyone in a band should understand their role, do their best and realize the importance of teamwork to get the best performance out of all. Such performances encourage the students to understand teamwork and trusting your band member which, effectively helps you be more informed and well-rehearsed in life.

4. Builds Flexibility by Adapting to Stage Dynamics

Performing on a stage deals with various factors. (For e.g.; A vocalist should know how to use the microphone, A guitarist should understand the volume regulation or tones required, if everyone in a band can hear each other on the stage, etc.) One can be guided through all these musicianship factors, but it is an important learning curve when you first experience it. It is completely different than someone practicing at home or in a jam-room. There are various dynamics to performing on a stage which is crucial in getting the best sound out to the audience. There is no written rule book for this, it can be only learnt by experience through performance.

More often you perform, the more confident you will be in executing your talents in front of an audience. Performances teach you the skills and give you tools to execute all your learning which is one of the most vital part in music education.

So, the next time you see someone performing on a stage, cheer and support them, now you know what is has taken for them to get up there and perform!

BlueTimbre is a unique Music Company with Music Education spaces, Jam Room and Recording studio based out of Whitefield, Bangalore, India. BlueTimbre also provides complete end-to-end Music Education solutions for schools. The BlueTimbre team comes with decades of cumulative experience in running Structured Businesses, Music Curriculum Development, Music Education and Performance.

References : https://yourmusiclessons.com/blog/importance-public-performances/