Ever since my journey as a trainer commenced, I often encounter this question, "How long does it take to learn music?". Of course, the short answer to this would be , infinite number of years and journey through the ocean of music can never be complete.So I would like to answer a similar question, How can I master the art of music?
Understanding basic notes
However, here I would like to draw an analogy between maths and music. Since, both require a whole lot of understanding of what lies underneath. Imagine trying to divide or multiply without knowing addition or subtraction. Its obviously not possible. So the first step in learning music is trying to understand the basic notes.If you are beginner,initially start with the 7 basic notes ,C D E F G A B in western or S R G M P D N S in Indian classical. Try to figure out how each note/swara/frequency is supposed to sound. With the advent of smart phones, plenty of apps like RealPiano would come to your aid. Once you figure out the notes, try emulating and singing the same. In fact, you could check whether note being played and sung is the same , using apps like Tuner.Once you do this, get into the habit of singing any note/swara separately without singing the previous or next note. You can repeat the same for the sharp notes or other 8 swarams as well.Believe me, if you can do this with ease, half your battle is over.
Practicing pitch and rhythm
Once you have gained mastery over what and how to sing, the next step is to work on agility. Here again, apps to the aid. Metronome and Tuner are the real teachers here. Come up with different permutations and combinations of swaras/notes. Try singing the same in different pitches and different speeds. Gradually increase your pitch and speed, till you gain good flexibility in your voice.
Listening and deciphering
With steps 1 and 2 done perfectly, your third step is improvisation. This comes only out of listening. Any student of music, must cultivate the habit of listening to eminent artists. Importantly for all practical reasons, you must cut listening for aesthetic purposes. Instead, break each song in bits and pieces.Try and decipher each note being sung , figure out techniques adopted and then emulate the same. This differential approach, can give a lot of clarity and its amazing on how artists can do so much in such short time frame.
Exhibit your own creativeness
Even lemon juice prepared by two different people using the exact same ingredients would taste absolutely different. Same is the case with music. Once you figure out the details of the song, try to add your own elements, style and improvisations to the same. Again, improvisation should be within the limits of the emotion and swaras, the song is supposed to have. This helps in developing a unique style to your singing.
Stay tuned to my next blog on different singing techniques. Please feel free to share your feedback and comments.
Understanding basic notes
However, here I would like to draw an analogy between maths and music. Since, both require a whole lot of understanding of what lies underneath. Imagine trying to divide or multiply without knowing addition or subtraction. Its obviously not possible. So the first step in learning music is trying to understand the basic notes.If you are beginner,initially start with the 7 basic notes ,C D E F G A B in western or S R G M P D N S in Indian classical. Try to figure out how each note/swara/frequency is supposed to sound. With the advent of smart phones, plenty of apps like RealPiano would come to your aid. Once you figure out the notes, try emulating and singing the same. In fact, you could check whether note being played and sung is the same , using apps like Tuner.Once you do this, get into the habit of singing any note/swara separately without singing the previous or next note. You can repeat the same for the sharp notes or other 8 swarams as well.Believe me, if you can do this with ease, half your battle is over.
Practicing pitch and rhythm
Once you have gained mastery over what and how to sing, the next step is to work on agility. Here again, apps to the aid. Metronome and Tuner are the real teachers here. Come up with different permutations and combinations of swaras/notes. Try singing the same in different pitches and different speeds. Gradually increase your pitch and speed, till you gain good flexibility in your voice.
Listening and deciphering
With steps 1 and 2 done perfectly, your third step is improvisation. This comes only out of listening. Any student of music, must cultivate the habit of listening to eminent artists. Importantly for all practical reasons, you must cut listening for aesthetic purposes. Instead, break each song in bits and pieces.Try and decipher each note being sung , figure out techniques adopted and then emulate the same. This differential approach, can give a lot of clarity and its amazing on how artists can do so much in such short time frame.
Exhibit your own creativeness
Even lemon juice prepared by two different people using the exact same ingredients would taste absolutely different. Same is the case with music. Once you figure out the details of the song, try to add your own elements, style and improvisations to the same. Again, improvisation should be within the limits of the emotion and swaras, the song is supposed to have. This helps in developing a unique style to your singing.
Stay tuned to my next blog on different singing techniques. Please feel free to share your feedback and comments.
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