Helpful Hints

Music is good for health. This statement has been repeatedly confirmed in practice by numerous studies. However, Music can be just as beneficial. And let your child not become a great musician (or a musician in general), but attending a music school will bring him certain benefits.

These are not common words. In fact, there is a huge amount of research that clearly proves the fact that any musical activity can benefit not only the human brain and spirit, but also the body.

Moreover, it does not matter at all how old you are, how well you play this or that instrument, how long ago did you start practicing music. The fact is that playing music improves the cognitive functions of the brain.

There are other benefits associated, in all honesty, with a decrease in stress levels, as well as with the normalization of blood pressure, which in the end can prevent the development of depression and dementia.

And if you are looking for a useful hobby that can positively affect your well-being in general, as well as improve moral well-being, it makes sense for you to start going, for example, to piano lessons. So, we bring to your attention 10 reasons why you should take up music.

Music lessons are beneficial

As a result of one of the studies carried out at the University of Kansas Medical Center, USA, scientists came to the conclusion that musicians do better on tests of cognitive abilities than non-musicians do.

Playing any musical instrument regularly is a great way to train your brain. And it doesn't matter at all whether you're playing drums or lazily "blowing" the saxophone. At the same time, certain parts of the brain increase their activity.

Playing music improves coordination

This is an absolute fact - musicians usually demonstrate excellent coordination of movements. This is because playing musical instruments requires very high hand-eye coordination. Even athletes for whom visual coordination of hand movements is of paramount importance can benefit from this.

Extracting musical sounds improves your mood

Music affects the mood - this is a well-known fact, which would not be worth mentioning, if not for the need to explain the mechanism of action. Studies show that not only the music itself, but also the process of playing music affects the level of cortisol.

And if you play music at different speeds, you can regulate this process. By playing musical instruments, you create an emotional outlet. When you create your own music, you adjust your level of sadness, joy, or tension through art if you like.

Music improves reading as a learning skill

One of the important aspects of music-making that distinguishes a musician from a non-musician is, so to speak, ability to read and comprehend music. Constant reading and recognition of various notes also contributes to the improvement of reading skills and comprehension of ordinary texts.

Making music improves the respiratory system

Whether you play the trumpet, clarinet, flute, or any other wind instrument, one of the most important skills you need to master is how to breathe properly.

Relatively speaking, all these instruments turn air vibrations into music, which the musician must create. This means that well-trained breathing should become, if you will, second nature to any musician.

Music improves listening skills

In order to learn how to talentedly extract musical sounds from any instrument, you need to be able to listen literally at the level of intuition. This skill, if it is developed at the proper level, allows you not only to hit the notes.

Someone might say that this requires an ear for music, which is given by nature. Actually, it is not. Musical ear can be developed. This, in turn, will teach you to listen to the surrounding sounds in the literal sense of the word. This skill is extremely important in terms of building social relationships.

The benefits of music

Music allows you to set goals, achieve them and develop

The very process of learning to play a musical instrument can be quite tedious and even boring. However, as soon as you overcome these necessary barriers, you will instantly feel in yourself not only a certain pride, but also the strength to move on.

In this situation, a simple principle works - you get exactly as much as you invest. This fact should spur you on, no matter how tired you are. The more time and effort you invest in perfecting your craft, the more visible the result will be, which will have an inspiring impact.

Making music improves concentration

There are so many aspects to music that should not be underestimated when you play any musical instrument. As a musician (even an amateur or a beginner), you must catch the rhythm, timbre, light shades, texture of a piece of music.

The only thing that can be more useful to a musician than the ability to concentrate on the sounds of your music, is the ability to concentrate on all the sounds of, say, an entire orchestra or group.

If you want to learn how to play a musical instrument, but have not yet decided which one, this article is for you. What is the easiest musical instrument to learn? This question is often asked by people who decided to make music, but faced some difficulties in mastering this multifaceted art.

To solve this problem, we need to consider all types of musical instruments and identify their main features.

Types of musical instruments.

Conventionally, all existing musical instruments can be divided into three categories:

• rhythmic,
• monophonic (single voice)
• polyphonic (polyphonic)

It is in this sequence that the complexity in their development increases.
Via rhythmic instruments, as their name implies, the musician can create rhythm. A typical example of such an instrument can be various types of drums.

There can be no talk about all sorts of musical complexities, such as pitch, chords, bass and solo lines, therefore, purely theoretically, learning to play such an instrument is much easier than playing the guitar or piano. In addition, the presence of an ear for music is not at all necessary here: it is enough to have a good sense of rhythm, and if you don’t have one, you can always develop it in yourself.

Playing on monophonic, or, more simply, monophonic instruments, you can create a melody. It will sound as if we sang it “with one voice”. There are a great many monophonic musical instruments: these are wind instruments (trumpet, flute, saxophone), bowed strings (violin, cello) and many, many others.

The ease or difficulty of mastering such instruments largely depends on the technique of extracting the sound, as this is often not easy. For example, on a trumpet, the sound itself is extracted with the help of a special vibration of the musician's lips, and the instrument itself only amplifies and corrects this sound.

Learn to play polyphonic (polyphonic) instruments is perhaps the most difficult. In this case, in addition to the main melody, either a bass melody or an accompaniment is extracted - a sequence of chords that creates an emotional and rhythmic background for the entire piece of music. The most popular instruments in this category are button accordion, accordion, guitar and piano (or synthesizer).

The main difficulty in the game is that the two hands of the musician play different notes or chords, i.e. move independently. And if the player who plays such an instrument also sings, this is already aerobatics!
As can be seen from the above, the more complex the instrument, the more complete and beautiful musical works can be created with its help. The above classification, of course, is not universal, because there are virtuoso drummers, whose playing not everyone dares to repeat, and there are also guitarists who know only three chords.

In any case, if a person learns to play an instrument, his enthusiasm and love for music will be the main factor. And when these qualities are present, you can easily and with great pleasure master any instrument, no matter how difficult it may seem.

Also, listen to yourself! And you will find the answer within your soul. This is the most correct answer!

Music is food for the soul. But you can not only listen to it, but also create it yourself. No time to learn notes and scales? No problem. There are several instruments that are easy to learn to play even without special training. The main thing is to feel a sense of rhythm.

Kazoo

This is a portable tube with a special membrane inside. You just need to blow into one end of the device, singing your favorite tune. And kazoo, thanks to the membrane, will change the sound beyond recognition. You will get an interesting melody that will appeal to others.

Triangle

Simple design tool. It's easy to play on it. But you need to get the hang of creating sounds of different tonality and duration.

Bongo drums

These are two percussion instruments connected to each other. Bongo drums are played without the use of additional sticks - with palms and fingertips. It's easy to master them. The main thing is the feeling of a sense of rhythm.

Classic drum set

This musical instrument looks voluminous and complex. But in fact, for people who feel the rhythm, learning to play them will be easy. The main thing is to understand the tonality of the sound of each component of the installation.

Tambourine

This is a compact drum, on some varieties of which bells are provided. During the game, the tambourine must be held in one hand, and the other should be struck on the sensitive membrane with the palm of your hand or fingers.

Ukulele

This is a smaller version of the guitar. To start playing this instrument, it is enough to master three basic chords. The ukulele looks like a toy. Therefore, often this tool is chosen for teaching children. After all, learning to play the ukulele is easier than learning to play the classical guitar.

When the love of music comes (it happens to everyone sooner or later), there are several things you can do: turn up the volume in your headphones, become a regular at concerts and operettas, or learn to play yourself. Fortunately, for this you do not need to drag a piano to the 9th floor and learn to copy notes by hand for several months. You can learn to play on your own quickly if you choose the right instrument. Founder Music School Guitardo Alexander Kazakov gives advice on what it could be.

Balalaika: three strings ─ one week

A seemingly simple relative of the guitar with a complex inner world for lovers of everything “Russian” and folk. Have you ever imagined that you could learn how to play the balalaika? If you listen to a tune from a fairy tale or a professional musician play, it may seem that there is nothing difficult to repeat. In fact, one single melody can be learned in a week of daily rehearsals. Start by observing the technique and try to repeat not only the strikes on the strings, but also the position of the body. It is very important how you hold the tool in your hands. We are relaxed or tense ─ all this will affect the speed of learning and the quality of the result. If you start playing and hear strange sounds, like rattling, check your instrument for professional suitability. It happens that loosely screwed parts spoil the sound of the melody as a whole. When both you and the balalaika are set to play, it's time to start the technique.

"Pinch", "strike", "clatter" - start with these ways of influencing the strings to extract the first sounds. "Pinch" is made with the thumb of the right hand. It’s hard to imagine, but you need to apply the maximum force of a particular one finger, when, for example, when you “hit”, we put energy into the forearm. To make the melody sound, start to distinguish between a “pinch” and a “hit” as soon as possible. In the first case, the finger hits one string, in the second - all. “Rattle” is a gesture familiar to the listener, when the free hand of the musician moves clearly up and down, and the index finger extracts melodic sounds from the instrument. Try to repeat, but most importantly - remember that the balalaika does not like nails. Everything is done with the soft side of the finger. Sounds should be confident, but not harsh.

Ukulele: "Aloha!"

Want to host a Hawaiian music concert on the Pacific coast? Even if, instead of the ocean, the waves of the Volkhonka are splashing outside your window, this is no reason to deny yourself the sound of a gentle melody. You can buy a ukulele in any Russian city, you just have to learn how to play it. Choose one of the four instruments: by the way, they are different in size and sound, respectively. The smaller the guitar, the thinner the sound. Familiarize yourself with the structure of the ukulele. In general, this applies to every tool. First, look from all sides, visually examine the details. This is as important as reading the instructions for a new technique. You need to have an idea of ​​what you are dealing with (even if you have a small guitar that looks like a child's version in your hands). After meeting, we just set up and play. If you are having difficulty tuning, contact a familiar guitarist or use a tuner on your computer.

When we are convinced that the ukulele is not out of tune, we can extract the first sounds. GCEA standard tuning notes are searched on the Internet. They must be memorized, otherwise even a simple melody will seem complicated. If you have never played the guitar, it will take some time, but the knowledge will last a lifetime, even if you leave the practice of playing. We play with the right hand, we press the strings with the left - there seems to be nothing new here, but there is one point. You can move on to learning chords when you confidently play the strings and see the difference between open playing and frets that play closed. Fearfully? Nothing. Believe me, it's easier than learning to play the guitar: after all, whatever one may say, there are only four strings.

Harmonica: Western Romance

The main thing here is to put on a plaid shirt and make friends with a western harmonica. You can play melodies without special education, but you still have to remember something. The sound will turn out on inhalation, if you understand one simple thing - you don’t need to be too zealous, supplying air flows, or even blowing into the instrument. Before playing, completely relax your face and tightly wrap your lips around the harmonica. When you realize that already at this stage it has become difficult, it's time to start learning in all seriousness.

If you want to master the game on your own, a mirror will come in handy. Control the position of your mouth, learn to direct the flow of air so that you can control the sound and move from playing whole chords to playing individual notes. It will take some time, but the result will help you relax during a confident game. By the way, this instrument goes well with vocals, so you can create a great duet with your loved one.

Tambourine: the art of knocking correctly

If you do not have the task of making rain, then it is not necessary to learn how to play the tambourine seriously. But if you want to hum with world-famous fame, check out the talent of the famous tambourist guy Tim Kubart. Surely now you will be inspired to play the rustling instrument. To do this, you need a tambourine and a sense of rhythm.

The secret for those who are serious: learn to play quietly. Playing the tambourine has its own charm: you can hit at full power, swinging your arm from the shoulder, if this is the climax of the melody, or give a gently “vibrating” sound that enhances the effect of a jazz composition.

Try to be appropriate and light: do not play along with the tambourine throughout the entire composition. Feel where the tambourine is needed, and where you can give your hand a rest. If you doubt yourself or the tambourine, go back to listening to Kubart: he will inspire you to good quality playing (and a smile from ear to ear).

Xylophone: every child can do it

The first acquaintance with music for many occurs already in infancy. Parents buy the first xylophones and babies understand that they have become subject to other sounds besides crying. You can learn how to play simple tunes today - it's inexpensive but fun. First, determine what tool you are dealing with. Many mistakenly consider a metal-topped instrument to be a xylophone. In fact, the xylophone is the sound of wood. This means that we beat the rhythm on wooden plates with a wooden hammer. For children, manufacturers offer a wide selection of metallophones, and sometimes even “plasticophones”. Let's still give preference to the classic version.

So, first learn the notes. Trite, but the xylophone will teach you this quickly and painlessly. Sign each plate with a pencil to remember faster. Next are two scenarios. Play simple melodies from printed sheet music or select by ear.

Maracas: music played in a "whisper"

To play the Indian rattle, you do not need a musical education. Only desire, the ability to learn a certain algorithm and a good ear. If you are new to this instrument, start with one maracas and play along with any tune. You need to shake the maracas from the hand or from the elbow. The duration of the hissing sound will depend on this. There are certain formulas, having learned which, there will no longer be a blank wall between you and the maracas. When confidence and a sense of rhythm appear, start playing on two.

6 chose

Not all of us are destined to become musicians. But, I suspect, the soul of this beautiful art reaches out to many. So why hold yourself back! Not all musical instruments require many years of training. There are those that can be mastered at a certain level in a few months, then to play for yourself or for friends. Yesterday was celebrated International Music Day. Let's remember simple musical instruments in honor of this holiday and think about how to master them.

Guitar

Mastering classical guitar playing, when fingers run along the strings, is long, difficult, and requires a lot of perseverance. Another thing is the accompaniment, when people sing and "strum" on the guitar. Learned three chords - and forward. By the way, a lot of people play this way. But, seriously, for all this to sound decent, you need a little more chords. It is necessary to practice to clamp them cleanly, without disturbing the extra strings, and quickly jump from one chord to another. In addition, it is worth understanding the rhythm in order to choose the right fight, and develop the fingers of the right hand, playing with brute force. People with good musical ability often learn all this on their own. If you are not sure of yourself, it is better to contact the teacher - with him things will go faster.

Despite its apparent simplicity, the guitar has great potential. In our country, non-professional guitarists have created a whole genre - the author's song. Good guitarists are appreciated in companies, and a guitar gives a man plus ten points to charm (if, of course, he knows how to handle it).

But one point is important here - the guitar in this case is only an accompaniment, the voice sets the melody. So a guitarist just needs to be able to sing.

harmonica

The harmonica is a fun and simple musical instrument. It's also practical: it fits easily in your pocket, so you can impress people with your art almost anywhere. The main thing is to have the patience to learn.

The harmonica has a series of holes. When you blow into one of them, one sound is extracted, when you inhale another. First you need to learn how to play chords - blow into several holes at the same time. Then - this is already more difficult - you need to learn to make a clear sound, blow only into one hole, blocking the rest with your lips or tongue. Then start playing simple melodies - you will find a lot of tablature on the Internet.

Although, in my opinion, the harmonica sounds boring alone. It is better if there is an opportunity to play a duet - you set the melody on the harmonica, and your partner accompanies on the guitar. But this is the next level of skill.

Block flute

The recorder is such a pretty wooden pipe that traces its history back to the Middle Ages. Perhaps that is why today it is associated with ancient times and fairy tales, fairies and knights, princesses and shepherds. Once it was the main woodwind instrument, but then the orchestral transverse flute took its place. The recorder was rediscovered only in the 20th century. Then it became a popular instrument for home music lessons.

The recorder is a fairly simple instrument. First you need to learn how to blow correctly in order to extract an even sound. If you close all the holes with your fingers, you get the lowest sound. On the Internet, you can find which notes correspond to different finger positions. When you remember this and bring the extraction of sound to automatism, it will be possible to play the simplest melodies by notes. But here, as with the harmonica, it is better to play accompanied by an accompanist.

Drum

How to cheer up friends and make everyone hate you? Learn to play the djembe! This is an African wooden drum covered with leather. Depending on how and in what part of the drum you beat, a different sound is heard. There are different punching techniques.

Now African drums are very popular, and there are enough schools where they teach how to play them. Some abilities allow you to master this simple tool on your own, others are better off contacting a teacher.

Admittedly, not everyone likes drum music. The neighbors, I suppose, will not be delighted with your daily workouts. Usually the inexperienced drummer manages to evoke the strongest emotions in his listeners. But it cannot be said that these are emotions with a plus sign.

Do you play any musical instrument? Ever wanted to learn?