Stretch Beyond Music Class
You enjoy learning about music and you want to learn more? Below are some ideas (in no particular order) of things you can do outside of music class.
Take Piano Lessons
First, you will need a piano or an electronic keyboard with at minimum of 60 FULL-SIZED keys. One of the benefits of having a keyboard is that you can wear headphones to practice.
Check with your local music store or the phone book for piano teachers in your area. Having a private piano teacher is the best way to learn to play the piano because the teacher can help to correct any errors before they become bad habits and the lessons will move along at a pace that you learn best. You will be able to schedule a weekly 30-45 minute lesson time with your teacher that is convenient for both of you.
As with any lessons, you will need to make time during the week to practice what your teacher has taught you before your next lesson. If you practice regularly, you will learn quicker and your interest will remain high.
Check with your local music store or the phone book for piano teachers in your area. Having a private piano teacher is the best way to learn to play the piano because the teacher can help to correct any errors before they become bad habits and the lessons will move along at a pace that you learn best. You will be able to schedule a weekly 30-45 minute lesson time with your teacher that is convenient for both of you.
As with any lessons, you will need to make time during the week to practice what your teacher has taught you before your next lesson. If you practice regularly, you will learn quicker and your interest will remain high.
Take Guitar Lessons
Like piano lessons, guitar lessons can be fun, too. It is a lot easier to carry a guitar around with you than a piano. The best way to learn to play the guitar is to go to your local music store and take lessons with a guitar teacher. Regular practice at home is the key to success.
Unlike a piano, it is best to find a guitar teacher FIRST, then have your teacher help you to select a guitar that would be a good fit for you. Guitars come in many sizes. If the guitar is too big or too small, it will make it hard for you to learn to play it and you may get discouraged. One benefit of playing an electric guitar is that you can play using headphones, so you won't bother others while you practice at home between lessons.
Unlike a piano, it is best to find a guitar teacher FIRST, then have your teacher help you to select a guitar that would be a good fit for you. Guitars come in many sizes. If the guitar is too big or too small, it will make it hard for you to learn to play it and you may get discouraged. One benefit of playing an electric guitar is that you can play using headphones, so you won't bother others while you practice at home between lessons.
Join a Church Choir
Many churches have a youth choir in addition to an adult choir. A church choir will have a regular rehearsal (practice) time. Most likely you would not need to audition (try-out) to be in a church choir. Church choirs sing during a church service. Ask your minister/priest or church secretary how you can join your church's youth choir.
Join a Children's Choir
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There are a number of children's choirs around our area. In order to be in a special children's choir, you would need to audition (try-out) first. These choirs are NOT associated with any church.
Explore, Study and Create Music on Your Own
- Blank Music Paper (download, print, and write your own music)
- Tempo Tapper (tap along with your favorite song and see how fast it is)
- Music Notes
- Music Links
- Music for Kids
- Interactive Music Sites
Classical Art Music
- Learn about Compsers and Listen to their Music
- Explore Classical Music
- Listen to Podcasts about Classical Music
- DSO Kids (music games and activities)
- NYPO (music games and activities)
- Name the Composer
The Orchestra
- Meet the Orchestra
- Instruments of the Orchestra
- Interactive Guide to the Orchestra
- Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra
- Instrument Lab
Create Your Own Music
- Creating Music
- Compose Music (leave blank spaces for rests)
- Jam Studio
- Wolfram Tones
Test Your Musical Knowledge