The question of Learning Music as expressed by music students is that they are interested in how their instrument is different in technique and approach. Yes, every instrument has unique technique and use; however, basic music theory concepts remain the same. 5V6465TAH3U6
Even in finding your own style of music you love to play, the expanded music concepts still apply. I've moved from classical, to 70's rock, to jazz, to improvisational jazz and love each for the mood and feeling I get when I work with each of these music styles. What I’ve observed is that the underlining music principles are the foundation of my understanding in each of the styles.
Recently I’ve had a communication with a reader that included a discussion on this very concept of learning music. So I’ve taken the time here to go over the ideas used to learn a song or develop your playing skill.
Learning Music with Table Work
This budding musician latched and grasped the “table work” concept. Learning a song with table work really is about getting the mind engaged prior to working with your instrument.
It means taking your music and exploring the music theory as it applies to the song. It is the process of defining key signature, rhythm, chord systems and other related music rules that help you put the song into a framework for quicker learning.
It will go a long way to helping you get better at learning things faster.
Process of Learning an Instrument to Performance
I further discussed the process to performance and how it is something that takes time to accomplish. You have to go through several steps to achieve that goal of both performance and the natural ability to play the instrument.
The analogy of being able to type a letter on the computer without thinking is what was used. This is a great example of how you must practice to achieve a level of skill that lets you concentrate on the phrasing and expression of a song without having to worry about where the notes are that you need to play.
The Transition from Learning Music to Knowledge of Music
Practicing scales and chords both blocked and broken and emphasizing these in groupings is all a process of having you become so familiar with your instrument that you suddenly achieve a relationship that is second nature and effortless.
Just be assured that this happens with time and you may not even notice it as you progress on focus on other parts of you music.
I remember one day where I was studying a Mozart piece and was so focused on the expression that I didn’t realize that I was running some minor scale in the phrase. I was so hung up on the rhythm that I had fully concentrated on timing and not notes. It wasn’t until I finish that session, I looked at it and it hit me that I knew my minor harmonic scale without having to even think about it.
The Significant Steps to Learning a Song to Performance Quality
In this discussion I also outlined the steps that are included in the process of getting to performance quality. I’ve expanded more on that at the sister site and you can read about the simple steps and the mindset that allows you to get to performance quality quickly. Read about it here: Music Learning Process to Get to Performance