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Jan 24 2025
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Bass guitar lessons Singapore

Why are bass guitar lessons important in Singapore

By Music Articles No Comments

Why are bass guitar lessons important in Singapore

Bass guitar lessons Singapore

Bass guitar lessons are often overlooked in Singapore, with many considering it an unappealing instrument choice. This perspective is understandable, given Singapore’s competitive environment. The bass guitar produces a subtle tone that’s more often felt than heard. Bassists typically take a less prominent position on stage compared to other band members too. With the prevalent kiasu mindset, most Singaporean parents might hesitate to enroll their child in a music school for an instrument perceived as a “supporting role.” However, a closer look reveals that bass lessons could actually be an excellent first choice for music education in Singapore. In this article, we want to share the benefits of signing your kids up for bass guitar lessons!

Bass guitar lessons triumph over others in Singapore

bass lesson in singapore

Bass guitar lessons stand out in Singapore due to their lower sign-up rate, making them a unique and valuable choice. While the bassist may be seen as a supporting character in a band, they are absolutely essential. Moreover, every band, song, and music relies on the bass frequency to create a rich, full sound. Without a bass instrument, music would lack depth and feel thin. This is true across genres, from the double bass in an orchestra to the lower register notes of a piano and the tuba in a brass band.

In Singapore, there is often a shortage of bassists to meet the needs of the many bands. In professional settings, it’s not uncommon to see the same bassists performing with multiple bands and at various events. Bassists rarely struggle to find opportunities to join a band, and their skills are always in demand. Therefore, it perfectly illustrates the principle of supply and demand.

The bass guitar is easy to learn

bass lessons for kids bass guitar lessons for adults

One of the most common questions people ask is whether the bass guitar, or any instrument, is easy to learn. Many music students tend to give up when an instrument takes too long to master before they feel ready to perform. With the fast-paced lifestyle in Singapore, few are willing to dedicate significant time to learning a new skill.

Fortunately, the bass guitar is relatively easy to pick up. Unlike the guitar, which has six strings, the bass guitar typically has just four. Players often focus on individual notes and riffs rather than complex chords with intricate strumming or plucking patterns. Additionally, the structure of most pop and rock songs makes it easier for students to grasp the basics of chord progressions and rhythm. This makes the bass guitar a great foundational instrument before transitioning to another instrument.

The bass guitar is affordable

Singaporean buying bass guitar in Ochanomizu Tokyo

Yes, the bass guitar is relatively affordable! Many parents worry about investing in expensive instruments only to find their child loses interest. Compared to spending SGD $1,000 or more on a piano, a complete bass guitar setup can cost as little as SGD $300–$400. Unlike electric guitarists, bass players typically don’t rely heavily on costly effects pedals, as most bass amplifiers come with basic built-in effects. While there are certainly cheaper instruments to start with, none are as undeniably cool as the bass guitar!

Conclusion

Taking bass guitar lessons in Singapore is a fantastic idea for several reasons. The bass guitar is an essential yet often underappreciated instrument that forms the backbone of any band, giving music its depth and groove. It’s relatively easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners, and it’s also a cost-effective option compared to many other instruments. With a growing demand for bassists and a shortage of players in Singapore, learning the bass opens up plenty of opportunities to join bands and perform at various events. Whether you’re looking for a fun, approachable instrument to start your musical journey or a way to stand out in the competitive music scene, the bass guitar is a smart and rewarding choice.

However, if you still have some questions, talk to us.

Consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

 

Jan 16 2025
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5 things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar

5 things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar

By Music Articles One Comment

5 things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar

5 things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar

There are so many things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar! Especially if you are a beginner thinking about signing up for guitar lessons in Singapore. The options available in our local guitar shops can be rather overwhelming. Through this article, we aim to help answer all the burning questions you have about buying your acoustic guitar. So let’s dive in!

Steel strings or Nylon strings

Steel string or Nylon string guitar

Beginner guitar students often struggle to choose between steel strings or nylon strings guitar. Both are classified as an acoustic guitar with the same tuning and note system on the fretboard and typically use 6 strings. However, they are also vastly different. Here’s a quick comparison chart to help you understand better.

Steel String Guitar Nylon String Guitar
A little painful for beginners to press Gentle on the fingers for beginners
Bright tone Mellow tone
Preferred by Pop, Rock, and Fingerstyle guitarists Preferred by Classical, Spanish, and Polyphia guitarists
Narrower fretboard width Wider fretboard width
Curved fretboard surface Flat fretboard surface

Wait, I realize the table might make things more confusing for beginner guitarists. Here’s our simplest recommendation: if the guitar student is a very young child, go for a nylon string guitar. It’s much easier for them to press the strings and produce clear notes. On the other hand, if you’re a teenager or older and prefer genres like Pop, Rock, or Fingerstyle, a steel string guitar would be a better fit.

At Vinnie Classroom, we don’t restrict the type of guitar you use for lessons—the same techniques can be learned on both nylon and steel string guitars. Many families have a hand-me-down nylon string guitar, but their child might prefer the look of a steel string guitar. Our advice? Stick with the nylon string guitar for building a solid foundation, then transition to a new guitar of your choice later on.

Acoustic guitar body shape

acoustic guitar body shapes

On of the things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar is definitely the body shape! While the nylon string guitars are often made in the same guitar body shape, the steel string guitar has a wider range of options. Here’s the list of their body shape along with the descriptions.

  • Parlour – Small and narrow body. The fretboard meets the body at the 12th fret, unlike the standard 14th fret for acoustic guitar. Brighter tone with strong mids.
  • 000 – Similar shapes include Auditorium, Concert, and OM. It has the most balanced tone for guitar plucking. Favored by fingerstyle guitarists.
  • Dreadnought – It has a much bigger body as compared to Parlour and 000 guitar shape. This shape produces a tight and bright treble and deep bass tones. Due to the lack of mid-tones, it is commonly used for strumming and singing. Note-picking using a guitar pick is well-liked too.
  • Rounded Shoulder – Also known as slope shoulder Dreadnought. This is a variant of the standard Dreadnought guitar body shape. The rounded shoulder helps reduce the treble tone, resulting in a strong, deep, and tight bass frequency response.
  • Jumbo – As the name implies, this body shape is the biggest of all. You get a much louder sound out of this guitar and definitely a much deeper bass. However, this guitar is not suitable for everyone due to its massive size.

Should your guitar have a cutaway?

acoustic guitar cut-away or no cut-away

Most beginner guitar students don’t need a guitar with a cutaway, and likely won’t for a long time! Cutaways are designed for acoustic guitarists who want easier access to higher-pitched notes. Without a cutaway, reaching those notes involves stretching fingers over the guitar body, which can be challenging. However, very few songs require such high notes, and even when they do, many professional guitarists manage just fine without a cutaway.

It’s also worth noting that cutaways can alter the guitar’s tone, often making it sound slightly less full. To illustrate, here are two videos of guitarists playing high-pitched notes on standard guitar bodies.[/vc_column_text]

Full solid, Solid top, Veneer, or Laminated Acoustic Guitar?

front, sides and back of an acoustic guitar

This is perhaps the most important things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar. Guitar stores typically have a big tag on their acoustic guitar that reads “Solid Top”, or “Full Solid”. But are they the same? Well, acoustic guitars can be categorized into 4 main types of wood, and here is their description.

  • Full Solid – The front, sides, and back are all made with solid pieces of wood. By saying solid wood, the guitar manufacturer means that what you see is what you get, with nothing glued in between anywhere.
  • Solid Top – This means the front part of the guitar body is made of solid pieces of wood. Typically acoustic guitars are made with one solid piece of wood that is sliced into 2 equal thicknesses to create the mirror effect.
  • Veneer – This refers to gluing a very thin piece of the said wood onto the laminated wood to create the required thickness. This helps with getting the aesthetic of the guitar right but provides almost nothing to help with the tone of the guitar.
  • Laminate – The common word is plywood. This means the thickness of the pieces of wood is formed by gluing multiple layers of scrap wood together. Like how a tissue gets its thickness.

Tonewood has been a subject of debate in the guitar community for decades. Some argue that the type of wood has no effect on a guitar’s tone, while others believe that the right wood is key to achieving their desired sound. Regardless of this debate, one thing is clear: solid top acoustic guitars generally sound better than those with veneer or laminated tops. This is because a solid piece of wood vibrates more effectively than multiple layers glued together. However, solid tops are also more sensitive to environmental factors and require proper care to avoid damage.

Acoustic Guitar Pickup Options

types of acoustic pickup

There are various ways to amplify an acoustic guitar through a sound system, which is why there are many types of pickups available. Here, we’ve outlined the 8 most commonly used pickups and how they perform. We hope this guide helps you choose the one that best suits your needs.

  1. Magnetic Soundhole Pickup – These works like those seen on electric guitars. They are mounted easily by securing them onto the soundhole. This also means that you can easily remove them and mount them onto the next guitar.
  2. Under Soundboard Transducer – Having such a transducer allows the sound of the surface of the guitar to be picked up. This is great if you intend to play in the style of Marcin or similar.
  3. Under Saddle Piezo – This is the most commonly found pickup style for acoustic guitar as it can be hidden under the saddle and not affect the look of the guitar. However, the quality of these pickups can greatly affect the tone.
  4. Under-string transducer – This works similarly to those under the saddle without the need to drill holes into your guitar. However, they can be rather fragile and will break if not handled carefully.
  5. Internal Microphone – These condenser microphone helps capturing the most natural sound from your acoustic guitar. However, they typically need to be used with a soundhole cover or risk the possibility of feedback with the sound system.
  6. Contact Microphone – These are rather inexpensive solutions to pick up the sound of your acoustic guitar. The position of the pickup affects the tone captured.
  7. iRig soundhole pickup – These are simply hung onto the soundhole and work both like a microphone and a magnetic pickup. They come with a specially designed preamp with feedback cancellation capability.
  8. External Condensor Microphone – These are professional options that don’t come cheap and are able to capture the very clear tone of the acoustic guitar. However, as with any microphone, there will always be a need to monitor the feedback risk.

Acoustic Guitar Preamp Options

types of acoustic guitar preamp

Most acoustic guitars with pickup options come equipped with an onboard preamp, often including an equalizer and tuner. However, modern designs are moving toward simpler systems, typically featuring just volume and basic tone controls. For more advanced sound customization, you can pair your guitar with preamps in pedal or software plug-in formats. Keep an eye out for IR (Impulse Response) technology, which can make your guitar sound like a much higher-end instrument! The topic of acoustic guitar pickups and preamps deserves a dedicated discussion, so stay tuned for a more in-depth article in the future! In this article, we shall focus on things to look out for when buying an acoustic guitar.

Do you need an acoustic guitar with a pickup?

The most common response to this question is, ‘Do you perform often?’ While that’s one way to approach the decision, performing isn’t the only reason to consider a pickup. At Vinnie Classroom, we hold annual recitals and regularly conduct video recording sessions. For this reason, we recommend that all our students opt for an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup.

Conclusion

Choosing the right acoustic guitar is essential, as it sets the foundation for your learning experience and ensures comfort and playability. In Singapore, where recitals and recordings are common in music lessons, having an acoustic guitar with a built-in pickup is vital for versatility and seamless participation in such activities.

However, if you still have some questions, talk to us. Taking guitar lessons can help you shop for the right acoustic guitar!

Consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Jan 13 2025
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second hand piano singapore

All about buying a second-hand piano in Singapore

By Music Articles One Comment

All about buying a second-hand piano in Singapore

second hand piano singapore

Buying a second-hand piano in Singapore for your child’s piano lessons can be quite a daunting task! Unlike first-hand piano shops, which are often located in sleek shopping malls, second-hand piano stores tend to have a less polished appearance. Some may look dim and uninviting, with sales staff casually dressed in worn-out t-shirts, shorts, and slippers. For many families, this might seem like a red flag, leading them to lean towards purchasing a brand-new piano for peace of mind. Recently, we visited five different second-hand piano shops and gained valuable insights from the experience. Now, we’re confident in sharing what to look out for when buying a second-hand piano in Singapore.

3 unique second-hand piano shop in Singapore

Before we share what we have learned from our shopping trip, here are the Google map links to the 3 second-hand piano shops we have visited.

(not in any order, these are not sponsored listings)

Piano lessons can help you shop for the right second-hand piano!

Signing up for piano lessons in Singapore can help you make better purchasing decisions. Piano teachers are the best people to seek advice when considering buying a piano for practicing after piano lessons!

We are a music school offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road, Singapore. Signing up for piano lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our piano students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

piano lessons for children piano lessons for adults

keyboard lessons for teenagers keyboard lessons for adults

Pricing: Do your homework first!

Second-hand piano prices can be surprising, often still costing several thousand dollars. For parents with no experience, choosing one can be tough since pianos look similar. Researching new piano prices beforehand can help. Remember, price alone doesn’t tell the full story—here are the factors that affect a piano’s cost.

  • Brand – Typically Japanese are cheaper than European brands.
  • Grade – Pianos are often made with a wide range of quality to target players of specific grades.
  • Orientation – While grand and baby grand pianos may look impressive, they are significantly more expensive than upright pianos. However, an upright piano can still deliver excellent sound quality.
  • Manufacturing country – Just like cars, Japanese-made pianos will cost more than Indonesia-made pianos of the same brand and model

Pianos sound different in various environments

second-hand piano Singapore

The sound of a piano can vary greatly depending on its location. Many second-hand piano shops are essentially large warehouses with high ceilings and little to no acoustic treatment. This causes the piano to echo and feel thin or hollow. In contrast, first-hand piano shops are often designed with acoustic optimization in mind, featuring low ceilings, carpets, and other sound-absorbing materials that enhance the instrument’s tone. This difference in environment can make it challenging to assess a piano’s true sound quality when shopping second-hand.

Without a doubt, this was one of our biggest challenges when shopping for the right second-hand piano for piano lessons. But what we have also learned is to try the pianos with a mindset about the potentially better tone in the right environment. Especially so for us when we shifted our piano to our piano studio at Vinnie Classroom along Upper Thomson Road Singapore.

Prepare your playing materials

playing piano using ipad for score

Preparing your piano scores on an iPad and practicing your pieces thoroughly before piano shopping can make a big difference. Being able to play confidently allows you to assess the piano’s touch, tone, and responsiveness, giving you a better understanding of which instrument suits your needs. This level of preparation ensures you choose a piano that complements your playing style and musical goals. Taking piano lessons at Vinnie Classroom can further enhance your skills! Our experienced teachers can provide personalized guidance and knowledge to make a well-informed piano purchase.

Ask about the condition

piano repairs singapore

The condition of pianos in second-hand shops can vary widely, ranging from models just a few years old to vintage pieces from the 1970s. These pianos may have been previously owned and used locally or imported from countries like Japan, where piano culture is deeply rooted. Interestingly, most second-hand piano shops are run by expert piano tuners and repair technicians. Their skill and craftsmanship allow them to restore pianos to near-brand-new condition, ensuring that even older instruments can deliver excellent sound and performance. This expertise adds tremendous value to the second-hand piano market. Of course, you are free to choose from any of their collection!

Find out more about aftersales support

piano recital singapore

After-sales support is key when buying a second-hand piano. Reputable shops often include delivery, tuning, and minor adjustments, with some offering limited warranties. Run by skilled technicians, these shops can also provide ongoing maintenance, ensuring your piano remains in great condition.

Arranging for the right Piano Movers

piano movers singapore

Our experience with piano movers has been nothing short of impressive. Despite being in their 60s, these seasoned professionals expertly handled a 250kg piano, carrying it up a flight of 22 steps with precision and care. They skillfully navigated tight spaces, ensuring every step of the move was smooth and hassle-free. Choosing the right piano movers is crucial—not only for their expertise but also for the peace of mind that comes with insurance coverage. In the rare event of damage during the move, proper insurance ensures your valuable instrument is protected.

Note that there is typically an additional charge of around $200 for every flight of stairs.

Conclusion

If you are just starting and do not wish to buy an acoustic piano just yet, read this article about our Guide to buying your first Piano for lessons in Singapore. Or read this if you are wondering When is the best age for Piano Lessons in Singapore.

Overall, our second-hand piano shopping experience has been very pleasant. Every one of these shops is run by friendly and knowledgeable owners. Unlike the unsually quirks of guitar shops in Singapore, there is nothing to worry about when shopping for a piano. So long as you are well prepared, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about when shopping for a second-hand piano in Singapore.

Alternatively, talk to us! We are here to help. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us!

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Jan 07 2025
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How to choose a guitar amplifier for beginners

How to Choose a Guitar Amplifier for Beginners

By Music Articles No Comments

How to Choose a Guitar Amplifier for Beginners

How to choose a guitar amplifier for beginners

Choosing a guitar amplifier has become more challenging for beginners than ever before! With new brands emerging frequently and releasing both innovative models and reissues, the options can be overwhelming. Advancements in technology have also expanded the possibilities, transforming amplifiers into more than just a simple box with a speaker and a power plug. If you’re a beginner taking guitar lessons in Singapore, this article is here to guide you!

Taking guitar lessons can help you choose your guitar amplifier!

As said, buying a guitar amplifier can be really tough. You need an amplifier for practicing after your guitar lessons. There are plenty of options for buying a guitar amplifier in Singapore! Having a guitar teacher can be helpful in this case.

We are a music school offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road, Singapore. Signing up for guitar lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

7 Types of Guitar Amplifier Options for Beginners

  • Traditional Combo
  • Built-in Effects
  • Internal Battery
  • Impulse Response
  • Headphones Amplifier
  • Plugin with Audio Interface
  • Novelty
We’ve selected these seven options to help beginner guitar students find the right gear for their guitar lessons. In the professional world, you might encounter other choices like head-and-cabinet setups or effects pedals with built-in amp modeling and cabinet simulation. However, this article focuses on a limited range of brands and models tailored specifically for beginners. So, if you’re not a beginner, this one’s not for you!

Traditional Guitar Combo

In the guitar industry, the term “combo” is short for “combination.” A guitar amplifier typically consists of two main components: the head, which processes the guitar signal and shapes the tone, and the cabinet, a box with speaker(s) that projects the sound. However, separating these components can increase production costs and make things more complicated for beginners. To address this, many manufacturers offer guitar combos, which combine the head and cabinet into a single unit. Combos are a convenient solution, sparing beginners the hassle of figuring out wiring or dealing with speaker impedance.

Marshall MG-10

Marshall MG10G 10W Guitar Combo Amplifier

The MG10G might not be the best-sounding guitar amplifier out there, but it’s a straightforward, no-frills option that gets the job done. Many guitarists begin their journey with a modest amplifier like this one and upgrade later as they develop a deeper understanding of guitar tone.

Guitar Amplifiers with Built-In Effects

An amplifier with built-in effects is an excellent way for beginners to explore the world of guitar effects. In our guitar lessons, we’ve often noticed that many students are unfamiliar with effects and need hands-on experience to understand how they interact with their playing. Since individual effect pedals can be quite expensive, a guitar amplifier with built-in effects provides a cost-effective way for students to experiment and gain confidence. This makes transitioning to standalone or multi-effects pedals much smoother.

NUX Mighty Lite BT MKII Amplifier

Battery Inside!

As the world increasingly embraces electric vehicles, guitarists are joining the battery revolution too! While guitar amplifiers with built-in batteries or battery compartments aren’t a new concept, they’ve become much more common today. Many practice amplifiers now come with built-in batteries or battery compartments, benefiting from significant advancements in battery technology. With a battery-powered amplifier, guitarists are no longer tethered to a wall plug, making it easier than ever to practice anywhere!
Boss Katana Mini 7 watt combo amp

Impulse Response

Impulse Response (IR) might sound like a medical term to some and seem confusing to others, but it has been a game-changer in the guitar world. Since its introduction, IR technology has made legendary tones more accessible and affordable for the average guitarist. It enables players to achieve tones that were traditionally only possible in professional recording studios with advanced soundproofing. Many iconic tones, in case you didn’t know, require amps to be cranked to ridiculously loud volumes—so loud that the entire room would shake!

Rather than recommending a specific guitar amplifier for this section, I want to highlight the importance of IR technology. If it’s available in any of the amplifiers you’re considering, make sure to take full advantage of it!

Headphones Amplifier

Headphone amplifiers might just be the perfect solution for bedroom guitarists! Let’s face it: many of us live in close quarters where loud guitar practice can annoy family members or even drive the neighbors crazy. Noise pollution is stressful for everyone.

In the past, headphone amplifiers was an unpopular choice because they often sounded terrible. Poor guitar tone blasted directly into your ears could quickly lead to ear fatigue and frustration. However, thanks to the advancements in IR technology mentioned earlier, headphone amps now sound better than most basic practice amplifiers!

One thing to keep in mind: you’ll need wired headphones, as Bluetooth earphones aren’t compatible due to latency issues. Here’s hoping future advancements will resolve this and take headphone amplifiers to an even higher level!

Nux Might Plug Pro

Plugin with Audio Interface

If you’re tech-savvy and spend a lot of time working on your computer, the plugin and audio interface setup might be perfect for you. However, we don’t recommend this route for beginners due to its steep learning curve. Setting up and configuring the system requires some technical know-how, but the tonal benefits are immense! Imagine practicing with authentic amplifier captures of real-world amps that cost thousands of dollars.

Before diving in, you’ll need an audio interface to get started. The good news is that both the plugin and audio interface are quite affordable, making this an excellent option for those ready to explore the digital realm of guitar tones.

Neural DSP

Presonus Audiobox GO

P.S. There are free plug-ins readily available. If you are a Mac user, Garageband has quite a few good options too!

Novelty

The market is filled with novelty amplifiers, often aimed at collectors or those shopping for unique Christmas gifts. While these amps may look cute and stylish, they’re not designed with quality tone or usability in mind. Typically equipped with small speakers, they lack dynamic response, tonal depth, and sufficient volume.

Since this article focuses on guiding beginner guitar students, we recommend steering clear of these options.

Here are some examples.

Conclusion

Buying your first guitar amplifier can be overwhelming, especially with so many options available. We recommend considering how and where you plan to practice, as well as whether you want your sound to be consistent between your guitar lessons and home practice. By reflecting on these factors, along with the guidance in this article, you’ll be better equipped to narrow down your choices.

However, if you still need help, talk to us. Taking guitar lessons can help you understand what guitar amplifier fits you the best. Consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Dec 24 2024
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Christmas song on ukulele and guitar

4 Levels of Christmas Songs (Guitar and Ukulele)

By Music Articles No Comments

4 Levels of Christmas Songs (Guitar and Ukulele)

Christmas song on ukulele and guitar

We tasked 3 groups of students at different levels of their guitar and ukulele lesson on a Christmas song challenge. The idea is to showcase the fun of playing the instrument regardless of their competency! It’s the most wonderful time of the year indeed!

Entry Level – Ukulele Christmas Duet!

Chord changes on the ukulele or guitar can be quite challenging, especially when tackling difficult chords like E Major and E Minor, as Ethan and Evan were doing. In fact, struggling with chord transitions is one of the main reasons people eventually give up on guitar or ukulele lessons. Many feel stuck, unable to see progress despite attending lessons for an extended period. The key to overcoming this hurdle lies in consistency, with time as our greatest ally. While we can’t fast-forward through the learning process, technology offers us a glimpse of what dedicated practice can achieve. Here’s Ethan and Evan performing “We Wish You A Merry Christmas”!

Beginner Level – Ukulele Christmas Duet With A Clone!

Fingerstyle arrangements enable us to play both harmony and melody simultaneously, but this can be quite challenging for most beginners. In our ukulele lessons, we prioritize building our students’ confidence in both harmony and melody separately. Once again, we leverage technology to help students understand how the individual parts come together as a whole. Here’s Matthias performing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”!

Intermediate Level – High-Speed Ukulele~

Everyone enjoys playing fast on their instrument—a common tendency not just at our music school but likely everywhere in Singapore. However, playing at a faster tempo demands greater accuracy, which means dedicating more time to self-practice beyond music lessons. That said, the results are incredibly rewarding and satisfying! Here’s Matthias (once again) with the Christmas classic, “I Saw Three Ships.”

Advance Level – Fingerstyle Acoustic Guitar for Christmas!

The ukulele is an excellent starting instrument for anyone looking to transition to the guitar, and Zachary is a perfect example of this. After successfully completing his Grade 8 Rockschool Ukulele examination, Zachary maintained his passion and seamlessly transitioned to the acoustic guitar. Thanks to the transferable skills between the ukulele and guitar, it didn’t take him long to master complex guitar techniques as well. We often receive inquiries from parents about guitar lessons for their young children, but many hesitate when we suggest starting with the ukulele. Hopefully, this article will provide clarity and insight for parents considering this progression!

Conclusion

This Christmas, we celebrate the progress of our guitar and ukulele students as they bring festive tunes to life. From mastering chords to exploring fingerstyle, their dedication shines bright. Let’s continue to nurture the joy of music and inspire growth in every strum. Merry Christmas from all of us at Vinnie Classroom!

If you wish to join us for music lessons, consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Dec 09 2024
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5 things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

5 things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

By Music Articles No Comments

5 Things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

5 things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

There are plenty of things to look out for when buying an electric guitar. If you are unfamiliar with the instrument but are tasked with buying one because your child is taking guitar lessons, then this article is for you. Purchasing a guitar should be an enjoyable and exciting experience! However, the huge variety of brands and models makes it challenging to know if you are choosing the right one. Well, we hope to cover all the things to look out for when buying a guitar in this article! So let’s dive in!

Taking guitar lessons can help you choose and buy your electric guitar!

Buying an electric guitar is a chicken or egg situation! You need a guitar so that you can attend guitar lessons. However, you will only learn about what guitar is suitable for you after attending guitar lessons! There are plenty of options for buying a guitar in Singapore! Taking guitar lessons is an efficient and effective approach to help you figure out your options.

We are a music school in Singapore offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for guitar lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

5 summarized points on Things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

  • Budget
  • Body Style
  • Neck-to-Body Options
  • Pickup Options
  • Bridge Options

Budget – Cheap or Expensive Electric Guitar?

To those unaware, plenty of popular guitar brands own at least one subsidiary brand! These subsidiary brands often sell the same model but use cheaper materials, hardware, and manpower costs. This is great for beginners who want a guitar that looks just like their favorite guitarist. Below are some brands and their cheaper alternatives.

  • Fender – Squier
  • Gibson – Epiphone
  • Ibanez – Ibanez Gio*
  • Musicman – Sterling
  • ESP – LTD – Edwards – Grassroots

Be sure to buy your guitar from a reputable guitar retailer to avoid counterfeit guitars. Buying 2nd hand is an option but do your research before buying. If you are still unsure, you can always check with your guitar teacher in Vinnie Classroom (or the music school you are in). Guitar teachers are first guitar fanatics before they become guitar teachers, so every single one of them will be able to assist you with this.

We recommend students go with the subsidiary brand as they are relatively cheaper than the main brand. However if budget isn’t an issue, the main brand usually offers better hardware and build quality.

*Ibanez does not have a subsidiary brand, they simply name the budget models “Gio”. 

Body Style – look out for these electric guitar shapes!

Electric Guitar and their genre

The instrument’s body shape and its genre or kind have been a constant contentious issue, significant for tradition or some might say adaptability. Despite the fact that the Stratocaster is overwhelmingly regarded with rock and blues, hollow-bodied guitars with jazz, the aspect of the matter is that the shape has little relevance to the music. In the end, it is the player, not the shape, who is the true music maker. Regardless, here is a list of the most common guitar body shapes and their commonly associated music genre.

You can use any guitar design for any music genre. This is a guide to the commonly seen guitar design and its style.

We recommend beginners to choose a design that makes them happy every time they look at it! This will help motivate them to practice more frequently!

Neck-to-Body Options

Common Electric Guitar Neck-To-Body

  • Bolt-On Neck: These guitars bolt the guitar neck onto the guitar body. The benefit of doing so is to allow easy replacement of a new guitar neck should you drop and break yours.
  • Set Neck: A set neck basically means the guitar neck is glued onto the body. The benefit of doing so allows better tone transfer through the guitar strings and body. In return, a set-neck guitar typically has a longer sustain and thicker tone.
  • Through Neck: In this design, the neck and body are constructed out of a piece of continuous wood. The benefit of doing so is to allow the same tonal quality as Set Neck while making the overall design stronger and more resistant to breakage.

While Set Neck and Through Neck offer better tone and sustain, many guitar manufacturers still prefer to build their guitars using the Bolt-On Neck design. Dropping a guitar and breaking it is quite a common sight! We recommend the Bolt-on neck for ease of replacement and adjustment of the guitar neck angle when necessary.

Pickup Options

Common Electric Guitar Pickup

Electric guitars come in various pickup configurations, let’s look at some of the common types of electric guitar pickups.

  • Single Coil: Clear and bright, typically good for clean or low gain setup. Produces 60hz cycle noise when used in higher gain or distortion settings.
  • Humbucker: Double single coil connected in a way that allows hum cancellation, great for higher gain or distortion settings. However, it has a thicker clean tone that is not suitable if you want to play genres such as funk.
  • Noiseless Single Coil: These are humbucker disguised as a single coil. While they do retain a brighter tone like a single coil, they are really closer to a humbucker. They can also be designed as 2 skinny single coils that fit into the space of a standard single coil. Alternatively, they can also be designed with rails instead of poles.
  • Mini Humbucker: They have a smaller dimension compared to a standard single coil and typically have more mids and treble tones.
  • P90: A fat single coil! The P90 was designed by Walt Fuller for Gibson after WWII. The main musical influence back then was Jazz, hence you will usually see the P90 fitted on Jazz-style guitars. However, there is no stopping you from using the P90 with any other music genre!

We recommend configurations such as SSH, HSH, or HH for beginners as they offer the most tonal flexibility. S for Single coil and H for Humbucker.

Bridge Options

Common Electric Guitar Bridge

  • 6-point tremolo: These are the most commonly seen bridge design. They allow a relatively stable tuning while having some pitch bending. However, don’t expect to do dive bombs with this design.
  • 2-point tremolo: Having 2-point instead of 6-point allows the bridge to be floatier. This gives the possibility of bigger pitch shifting and even dive bombs on some models.
  • Fixed Bridge: These look just like the 6-point tremolo design but do not allow any movement. This allows stable tuning and better sustain and tone.
  • Tune-o-matic: These are also fixed bridges. The saddle and tailpiece are separated, allowing better string tension control and much quicker string height adjustment.
  • Floating Bridge: These come with a locking nut to help maintain the tuning stability. The design allows massive pitch bending. You can press the whammy bar all the way down and loosen your strings entirely in an instant. However, this design has a steep learning curve and is not recommended for beginners.

We recommend beginner guitar students either the 6-point, 2-point, or any fixed bridge design as they have the least tuning stability issues.

Conclusion: Things to look out for when buying an electric guitar

If you are confused and not sure what is the most suitable for you as your first electric guitar, we suggest you copy your favorite guitarist. Most guitarist goes through the process of trying out multiple styles of electric guitar design before they settle down for one that fits them well. There will be some wrong choices along the way but that is also what makes the journey interesting.

Taking guitar lessons can help you understand what electric guitar fits you best, consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you. Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Dec 01 2024
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how to make cheap guitar sound expensive

How to make a cheap guitar sound expensive

By Music Articles No Comments

How to make a cheap guitar sound expensive

how to make cheap guitar sound expensive

We have been sold the idea that a cheap guitar can never sound as good as an expensive one. The premium price tag gave the illusion that it must be better because it cost more. While there are valid reasons why a costly guitar bears that price tag, an entry-level guitar can be equally good when used correctly! In this article, we want to share 4 guitarists who reaffirmed the theory of Tone Is In The Fingers. Let’s dive in!

What is the first step to GREAT TONE?

I guess by now you are aware that perhaps the great tone came from great skill on the guitar. What better way to improve your tone than to have someone to guide you on every step? Taking lessons ensures your progress is efficient and effective!

We are a music school in Singapore offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for guitar lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

Jack Thammarat proves that Tone is in the fingers

Jack Thammarat lost his guitarImagine landing in a foreign country for your guitar performance but your guitar is nowhere to be found. Yup, that happened to Jack Thammarat earlier this November. After landing in India, he was told that his guitar was not on the same plane as him. We are talking about his trusty Yamaha, the one made by the USA custom shop with all the bells and whistles!

Instead of his custom-made guitar, Yamaha gave him an entry-level Pacifica PAC012 for the gig! Which he performed flawlessly! It left fans dropping their jaws and wondering how he managed to do that. The guitar eventually reached him in India but only after the show was over.

 

 

 

John Mayer can make a cheap guitar sound expensive!

John Mayer sounds great on his expensive custom shop guitars but he can also make a cheap guitar sound just the same! This wild moment happened during one of John Mayer’s concerts when a fan got more than he asked for! The fan hoped for a signature on his guitar, but John picked it up from him and started playing like it was his.

Joe Satriani sounds expensive with a cheap guitar!

This is perhaps one of the most legendary videos in guitar history, at least to me. The video shows Joe playing something that is not his signature Ibanez guitar but sounds like he would have on better gear. This video reinforces the idea that tone is in the fingers! Confirming what guitar teachers will often say during guitar lessons! Practice, practice, and practice! Joe Satriani is also famously known as the guitar teacher of the legendary Steve Vai. Guess what…

Steve Vai makes any guitar sounds like his expensive Ibanez Jem

Steve Vai, like many other Ibanez artists, is rarely seen using anything that isn’t an Ibanez. Most of these guitarists are loyal to the brand that has provided tremendous help for their career. However, in this one rare video, we can see Steve Vai playing a Parker Fly that belongs to a fan. These are very different guitars as compared to Steve’s signature model. The weight, balance, feel and tone take some getting used to. Yet, Steve played it like a fiddle.

What is the secret then?

Good techniques, proper guitar lessons, and consistent and effective practice habits are the keys to achieving a masterful tone on almost any guitar. While self-studying the craft is possible, taking guitar classes accelerates your progress. This is akin to why sports have coaches. A coach’s role is to analyse and study how they can help their athletes attain their optimum performance. Well, it is the same for music schools with dedicated music teachers. We have the best interest in helping you or your child get the best out of your music education.

So if you are looking for guitar lessons, consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Nov 30 2024
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how to choose guitar strings

How do you choose the right guitar strings?

By Music Articles, Music Instruments 2 Comments

How do you choose the right guitar strings?

how to choose guitar strings

I’m sure you’d know how destructive it would be if you did not choose the right guitar string. Your guitar will play differently due to the change in tension. Some parts of your guitar might get damaged in the process. You could even snap a fresh string and cut yourself! In short, being ignorant about your guitar strings is never a good idea. So how do we choose the right set of guitar strings? Let’s dive deep!

Should I sign up for guitar lessons to learn about string changing?

It is a ridiculous statement to suggest that you should sign up for guitar lessons to learn about string changing. However, guitar string changing IS part of guitar lessons in most music schools in Singapore. String changing is not an easy task!

However, if you are capable of changing strings on your own but need guidance in guitar playing, we are here to help! We are a music school in Singapore offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for guitar lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

What are the things I need to know about guitar strings?

Thankfully, you need to know just a few things about guitar strings before buying a pack! Let’s take a look at typical string packaging and the information present.

Gauge

The thickness of the strings. Most strings are labeled with just the thinnest and thickest strings on the front of the packaging for faster shopping. The rest of the specs are usually printed at the back of the packaging. Here are some common string gauges.

  • Acoustic: (a) 0.011 to 0.052, (b) 0.012 to 0.053
  • Electric: (a) 0.009 to 0.042, (b) 0.010 to 0.046
  • Ukulele: G (0.028), C (0.032), E (0.040), A (0.028)
  • Classical: Medium tension (recommended)
  • Bass: 0.045, 0.065, 0.085, 0.105

What happens if I use the wrong gauge?

Typically, the retail staff will recommend you some safer options should you be unaware of the current gauge of your strings. While there are no formal industry standards, most major brands ships their instruments with the same few options of string thickness! You can also go to the product website and have a look at the spec sheet. But ok let’s talk about the what ifs.

  • Too light – Your strings may start hitting onto your fretboard easily and cause notes to make an unpleasant buzzing sound. If you happened to restring way too light, the tension of the strings may not be enough to create enough clearance between the strings and the fretboard. You may end up with a guitar that has strings sitting flat on the fretboard.
  • Too heavy – Your strings will pull the neck in a tension more than it can handle and causing it to bow more than it should. If you are on a floating bridge, it will be tilted forward instead of sitting balanced and flat. You might break your bridge off the guitar if you are on a fixed bridge setup. Indeed, you can break your guitar when stringing them with strings that are way too heavy for it to handle.

Guitarists are fussy and hence the reason for the wide variety of string gauge. To change your string gauge to something different, you can send your guitar into a qualified tech (such as GuitarGeeksSG ) and these professionals will be able re-setup your guitar based on your new string gauge. It is a complicated process to fine tune the guitar. However, a right setup will mean that you will be enjoying your guitar more than before!

Material

The material of the string can reshape your guitar’s tone drastically. It is also the most common reason why there are so many different types out there! However, not every has the patience to try out every different types of materials out there. Hence, we usually refer to the description on the packaging, word of mouth or simply follow what our favourite guitarist(s) are using. To help you shorten your search for the best tone, here are some of the common materials and their characteristics.

  • Electric Guitar
    • Nickel-plated steel – Balance and smooth tone
    • Pure Nickel – Warmer tone
    • Stainless Steel – Bright and strong tone
  • Acoustic Guitar
    • 80/20 Bronze – Bright tone with a strong bass
    • Phosphor Bronze – Warm and smooth tone
  • Ukulele
    • Nylon – default ukulele string material
    • Fluorocarbon – Fishing line rebranded as premium ukulele strings. Thinner than nylon and brighter tone
  • Classica Guitar
    • Medium Tension – Balance tone
    • High Tension – Stronger attack and punchier bass tone
  • Bass Guitar
    • Steel – Brightest tone
    • Nickel/Steel Alloy – Bright tone
    • Pure Nickel – Warm and smooth tone

One more thing to note about string material is that the characteristic of the tone does not remain consistent throughout its lifespan on your instrument. As you play, the string gets stretched out, aged, tarnished, and even rusted. There are simply too many reasons why the tone doesn’t stay the same as day one. However, that’s not really an issue for musicians of certain genres. Some bassists believes they should never change their strings, only to boil them in hot water to clean them before reusing them. They believe this will allow them to have that warm tone they desire. Some guitarists would do a monthly string changing because they prefer the bright tone from a fresh set of strings. During one of Tommy Emmanuel’s clinics in Singapore many years ago, he mentioned that his strings are changed before every show! I do wonder how true and consistent could that be. Regardless, I should remind you that Tone Is In The Fingers!

Coating

Simply put, while coated strings are usually 2-3 times more expensive than non-coated versions, the coating makes your strings last longer and hence makes more monetary sense. Of course, your guitar has to have good-quality hardware and has been set up perfectly to reduce the chance of string breakage while playing. A set of coated strings from popular brands can last you anywhere from 2-3 months to more than 6 months. There are a few common factors that will cause even the coated strings to rust. If you have any of these following, your best bet is to stick to coated strings.

  • Sweaty palms and fingers
  • You’re in a place with high humidity
  • You practice aggressively on a very regular basis and cause high wear and tear
  • Changing strings regularly is not something you want to do
  • Buying new strings regularly will affect your budgeting

Still unsure about how to choose your guitar strings?

The last thing anybody wants is to damage their guitar because of a wrong set of strings. Choosing the right set of strings is only part of the equation, let’s not forget about the right technique for restringing a guitar. Restringing your guitar the wrong way can also cause significant damage. If you are unsure, we strongly recommend you leave it to the professionals.

GuitarGeeks.Sg

There are quite a few very established and reputable guitar techs in Singapore. Most of them are very reliable and offer great value for their service. One of them is Guitar Geeks Sg and they can be reachable here.

But if guitar lessons are what you need, we are ready to help you become the guitarist you wish to be. Consider taking a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Nov 27 2024
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Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

By Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Music Articles One Comment

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

Things to look out for when buying a guitar in Singapore

Singapore is a bustling city with a rich community of music schools and guitar shops! But every country has its unique culture and practices especially when it comes to guitar shops. So if you are new to guitar shopping here on the sunny island of Singapore, this article might help make your trip easier!

Guitar Lessons in Singapore

Before we share spicy information about our guitar shops, allow me to share what we do! We are a music school in Singapore offering guitar lessons at Upper Thomson Road. Signing up for guitar lessons with us means learning from a team with over 10 years of experience running a successful music school in Singapore. Over the years, we have refined our teaching methods to ensure they are engaging, effective, and tailored to suit students of all ages and skill levels. Our commitment to excellence goes beyond lessons—we organize annual recitals! It provides our guitar students with the opportunity to showcase their progress, build confidence, and experience the joy of performing.

guitar lessons for beginner singapore bass lessons for kids

acoustic guitar lessons for adults electric guitar lessons for teenagers

Perhaps a recommendation of the top 5 guitars in Singapore?

Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for ChristmasHaving a list of suitable guitars before heading down to the guitar shop is always a good idea. This makes you prepared and informed before getting convinced about something that you might regret later on. In our previous article, we shared our Top 5 Acoustic Guitar for this Christmas in Singapore. Perhaps that article might help you get a better understanding of what is available here on Sunny Island Singapura.

We have more of such articles underway! If you wish to be informed, consider following us on Facebook.

Buying a Guitar in Singapore is not the same anywhere else

Okay, let’s get to the juicy bits about buying a guitar in Singapore. Guitar shops are kind of like what they have described in Hotel California, “you can check out anytime you like but you can never leave“. Well, that is either you have made your purchase or you have mustered enough strength! I mean, they are candy shops!

Guitar shops here are categorized into Big and Small. They have very different vibes and ways of doing. So do remember to apply our pro tips accordingly!

Big Guitar Shops and their uniqueness

  • NOBODY IS SERVING ME

Big guitar shops are often understaffed and do not have the capacity to deal with every single customer walking in. If you are walking in hoping for someone to help, such shops might not be your best bet.

    • Snag a salesman up the minute you are able to make eye contact with one. Learning their name typically lets them know you are serious about buying something.
    • State your intention such as the type of guitar or the guitarist you are trying to model after.
  • THE SHOP IS SO NOISY

Because of the lack of staff, it is usually tough for them to do noise control. After all, it is a shop selling items that make sound! Some guitar shops do have a special room, a nice and quiet place that allows you to audition the guitar. But not all of the bigger music shops out there have such luxury.

    • Visit these guitar shops during quieter times such as weekday mornings.
    • Ask if they have a room for you to try the instrument.
  • THE STAFF DON’T KNOW ANYTHING

Now this is quite typical with most retailers. Especially with the holiday season fast approaching, many of these staff you encounter might be on their holiday job. Because they are students working during their holiday, they don’t usually have the most adequate training and experience.

    • Do your research by reading articles such as this one.
    • YouTube is a great source for learning all the information you need in a short time.

Smaller Guitar Shops and their quirkiness

  • THEY KEPT FOLLOWING ME AROUND

This quirkiness is commonly found in shoe shops too! Our best bet is because the staff are just too eager to serve you. Also, guitars are fragile and not that cheap.

    • Greet the guys in the shop first before you shop.
    • Tell them what you are looking for and ask for their advice.
  • THEY DON’T LET ME TRY THE GUITAR

Yes, this is true to a certain extent. Some guitar shops actually forbid their customer from trying their guitars. The staff would perform a tune on the guitar for you before hanging it back on the rack while leaving you confused. Their intention meant no harm, especially to the guitars.

    • Let the staff perform on as many guitars as you wish for you.
    • After comparing a few, try to narrow down your options.
    • Ask to try the guitar if you are certain about buying it.
  • WHY ARE THEY SO ANGRY

Trust me they are not angry but just displaying some kind of defense mechanism that they have developed over time. You see, while there are many genuine buyers, there are also plenty who have time to kill. Smaller guitar shops do not have the time and resources to waste on customers who are just window shopping.

    • Remember that this is just a unique culture developed over time.
    • No matter what they say, do not engage in unnecessary arguments.
    • Beneath it all, they are nice people. Especially when money is on the table.

Disclaimer: Before presenting this article as some sort of proof during your shopping trip, please be reminded that what we are sharing here is based on our personal experience. They are only true to a certain extent. 

Conclusion about buying guitars in Singapore

Buying a guitar in Singapore can be a lot of fun. As Singapore is the busiest port in the world, we have pretty much every brand and model you can think of! We have access to a list of limited edition models, top-of-the-line boutique brands, and rare collectors. However Singapore is not just for the rich, the vast collection of lower-end and more affordable guitars helps most kids here to learn the guitar. So while we do not have our very own Ochanomizu guitar street, guitar shopping is still very accessible here in Singapore.

Talk to us if you are interested in signing up for guitar lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

Nov 05 2024
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Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

By Music Articles One Comment

Learn Piano on your own in 5 steps!

While most people prefer attending piano lessons in Singapore, it is entirely possible to learn the piano without attending lessons! In this article, we want to use our 10 years of experience running our music school to help you skip piano lessons! Yes, you heard that right! While this may not be suitable for everyone, it might just benefit you. Let’s dive in.

Step 1: You can learn piano without a teacher but not without a piano!

Step 1 of teaching yourself the piano is, obviously, to have the right tool to learn it. If you are thinking of using the Garageband on your iPad, please drop that idea. Piano playing requires that tactile sensation of hitting a key and the touch screen devices simply can’t offer it. However, we understand that committing to an acoustic piano is a heavy decision. But we are here to help! Read our article “A guide to buying your first piano” to have a clearer idea!

Piano lessons in Singapore

Kaiser is using a digital keyboard for his piano performance!

 

Step 2: Revise your music theory!

If you grew up in Singapore, you would have completed at least 10 years of music theory during your music classes during school! During the last 10 years, Vinnie Classroom has been one of the many vendors in Singapore offering music lessons. Commonly referred to as AMIS (Arts and Music Instructor Scheme), it is a registry of instructors with MOE for providing what we specialize in. However, being physically there during music lessons is enormously different from paying attention and learning what was taught. Thankfully you can still revise and get yourself back on track with music theory books and lessons! Piano playing requires a good grasp of music theory and there are plenty of resources these days. Rockschool and ABSRM offer music theory examinations and they are very popular amongst our students. Of course, if reading these books on your own isn’t working, you can consider signing up for our music theory lessons! Our teachers go through regular training to keep their minds fresh too! Because everyone needs help on this topic.

ANZCA Piano Asia Representative Ms. Audrey Chin

Ms Chin teaching interesting music theory during a teachers’ training session!

Step 3: Work on good piano-playing postures and techniques

The most commonly overlooked factor for most self-taught musicians has to be proper postures and techniques. Because of the lack of a piano teacher, most people are unable to tell if they are doing it right. However, this article intends to help you learn the piano correctly on your own, so we are sharing some useful pointers to take note of when practicing. Moreover, modern technology and the abundance of free resources have made self-learning more accessible and achievable than ever.

  • Use your phone to video your practice session and use it to review your piano techniques and postures.
  • Place a mirror by the side of your piano for instant correction of habits.
  • Refer to helpful Infogrames. For example, refer to our Good Piano Posture infogram below!
  • Search the internet for more information! Google is your best friend 😀
Good Piano Playing Posture

Infogram on Good Piano Posture

Step 4: The essentials of piano playing

Piano playing is impossible if one does not possess good dexterity on their fingers. Many will struggle during this stage and give up easily, with a list of complaints that are almost identical.

“I cannot play the piano because…”

  • my fingers are not moving as I want them to.
  • the notes are too far apart and my hands are too small.
  • I have no strength to press the keys down after a while.
  • there is no way I can get my left and right hands to move independently.
  • the keys feel the same so I kept hitting the wrong notes.

If you find yourself using the same complaints as the list above, keep in mind that you are not alone. Even the most professional pianist once faced the same issues on the piano.

So how do we get past these common issues faced by beginners on the piano then? Well for a start, beginners practice scales on the piano! Scales are more than just a set of notes, they are essential to music creation and also to getting your fingers strong, agile, and accurate on the 88 keys. So you are done with scales, then you may consider trying some practice method books! These books will cover other elements of music such as arpeggios, chords, and cadences.

piano lessons relief stress

Piano playing should be a form of stress relief.

 

Step 5: Pick a song let’s go!

You should be feeling very comfortable on the piano by this stage of your music journey. All your fingers should be ready and your brain should be processing those notes as fast as you read a book. It is time to pick your first song and dive right in. BUT here is where people start giving up. During regular music lessons, the teacher will be able to spot and correct your mistakes as you practice. They can also share better ways to accelerate your learning pace on the song you are working on. Based on your lifestyle, a good teacher can share useful tips on how to practice your instrument.  Being alone means the lack of helpful eyes to keep you on track. Regardless, here are some of our tips on learning a song.

  1. Listen to the song as many times as you need. You know you are ready when you can sing out every part of the song.
  2. Tackle one small section of the song at a time. Don’t try to play through the song like a tractor plowing through the field.
  3. Work on difficult sections slowly before increasing speed.
  4. Use a metronome.
  5. Video your practice for review purposes.

That’s it! You’ve got it! Congratulations on picking the piano. We hope our article is helpful to you and gives you the much-needed confidence.

What if I am still unsuccessful?

Learning the piano by yourself is indeed a very challenging task. If you feel like you can’t play the piano as well as you like, then you might want to consider enrolling for formal piano lessons. Talk to us about your piano lessons. Or, take a Trial Lesson with us! I am sure with our decade-long experience, we will be of valuable help to you.

Contact us through these easy channels! 🙂

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