Altura Play Musical Instruments

Learn About the French Horn

2013-06-23T18:07:00.000+08:00

French horn, which is also known as horn and corno, is one of the most difficult instruments to play. It plays one of the most important and most unique sounds in bands and orchestra. The horn is classified as an aerophone, a wind and a brass instrument, which is made up of more than 20 feet of tubing wrapped into a coil with a flared bell. This instrument is not French in origin but German instead. The International Horn Society recommended that this instrument should be simply called as the horn since 1971. Despite of this, it is still commonly called as the French horn especially in the United States.

After the trumpet and the cornet, the horn is the third highest sounding instrument group in the brass family. It can be tuned either on B♭ or F. It can also be tuned on both. In school bands, they usually use the F instead of the B♭. You will notice that the horn has a very different mouthpiece from other instruments in an orchestra but it has the widest usable range approximately five octaves depending to the capability of the player.

The horn is a versatile instrument. It symbolizes power and strength. At the same time, it can also produce a rich and mellow sound. This makes the horn play a big role in orchestras. It is versatile enough that it can blend in and balance with the peaceful woodwind quintet or with the strong brass section. Usually, it is played along with the bassoon, clarinet, flute, and oboe.

During the old days, the horn is used for hunting and warfare but as time passed by, it had evolved into something complex and into a significant instrument in the music industry. In today’s time, modern horns are made out of a very long piece of brass tubing which continuously grow bigger as the tube goes to the bell from the mouthpiece. It easy for the player to hold and put the bell in his or her right hand since it is wound up. To play the horn, you should press the valves revamp the embouchure and place your hand inside the bell to change the pitch.

There are different parts of a horn. These include the mouthpiece, the valve levers, the valve tubes, and the bell. The mouthpiece is thin and coned-shape. The shallower the mouthpiece the higher parts it takes. To create wonderful notes, the valve levers and the valve tubes work together. the widest part of this instrument is the bell. This is the place where the sound is coming from. It is where you can place your hand to support the horn and you can change the tone and correct the pitch as you place your hand in it.

There are different types of horn. These are the “Single horn,” “Double horn,” “Compensating double horn,” “Triple horn,” “Detachable bell,” “Natural horn,” “Vienna horn,” “Mellophone,” “Marching horn,” and the “Wagner tuba”.

Single Horn - This type of horn uses a single set of tubes which are connected to the valve. It has lighter weight and allows simplicity of use. It is proved to be difficult for the highest range, wherein the partials grew closer and closer; Thus, making the accuracy difficult.
Double Horn - This is made by Ed. Kruspe in 1897 to find solutions for the difficulty in using single horn. This type of horn enables you to shift to higher brighter tones of the B♭ horn from the deep, warm tone of the F horn.
Compensated Double Horn - This type of horn has longer length of the slides. This is widely used in Europe for its convenience. It is easy to light in weight and easy to play specifically in high register.
Triple horn - This is a newly designed horn that is created to provide more security to the player in high register. This can also come in both full and compensating wraps.
Detachable bell - from the name itself, this type of horn has detachable bell. This instrument allows variety of bells to be attached on the same horn.
Natural horn - this is the ancestor of the modern horn. This is originated from the hunting horns. Its pitch is controlled by air speed and aperture. This is usually used as period instrument. It can be played from a single harmonic series at a time.
Vienna horn - this is a special type of horn which is used in Vienna, Australia. This instrument uses Pumpenvalve, a double - piston operating inside the valve slides, instead of rotary valves or piston valve. Vienna horn is closely similar to the size and weight of a natural horn.
Mellophone - there are two kinds of mellophone. First is the instrument which looks like a horn and the other one which is used in the in modern brass bands and marching bands.
Marching horn - this has the same appearance shape of the mellophone. Unlike the mellophone that needs an adapter to fit the horn mouthpiece, this instrument uses horn mouthpiece. This is commonly utilized in Marching bands.
Wagner Tuba - this is a rare instrument. It is different because of its modification of a larger vertical bell and a larger bell throat. Despite of its name, this instrument is not considered as a member of the Tuba family. It is because the German term “tube” is phonetically mistranslated to English as “Tuba”.

Piano versus Violin for Beginners

2012-12-22T18:40:00.001+08:00

Learning music is a beautiful world of its own. It helps you realize that there is pleasure in playing music beautifully especially if you are able to play one musical instrument.

If you have always wanted to be a musician, but you might have thought that you lost your chances since you no longer are a young person but as an adult, then you do not have to lose heart as you can always start a musical career even though you are in your twenties, or in your thirties. Some even start started much later than that. I have seen personally and I know people who learned to play an instrument when they were in their forties.

There will be endless debates regarding what instrument is better when it comes to learning music. Beginners often have to make a choice between piano and violin as their first instrument when it comes to learning music. If you are the one to make the choice for yourself or for your child, then read on the following points why the piano is a good instrument to start for beginners.

Although many have started their musical careers with violin as their first instrument, this article will lay down points why the piano is the better choice when starting to learn music:

1 The piano teaches you to read both treble and bass clef. Playing piano requires that you are able to read both clefs while violin only requires that you read the treble clef. You can learn how a middle C sounds like when playing the piano. If you learn the violin later, you will be able to play the middle C properly as you know how it sounds like.

2. The piano lets you play right away. Since the notes in the piano are defined compared with the violin that is not, you can produce a decent tune in six months. Playing the violin takes a longer time when it comes to producing a good sound.

3. The piano does not have problems with intonation. Learning violin for beginners involves difficulties in terms of intonation. Piano players solve that problem by having a piano tuner. A slight slip by a few millimeters is the formula between success and tragedy for a violin player. It is easier to play piano for aspiring new musicians.

4. The piano teaches sight reading better. With both hands playing different sets of notes, the piano can provide better sight reading skills to a beginner. Although it is not expected that a beginner can play Moonlight Sonata in the first few months, it can still teach you how to be better in finding patterns within the piece.

Playing a musical instrument is a great skill to be learned. Choosing between piano and violin depends on your preference. However, both are instruments are different from each other.

Do you have other thoughts regarding the choice between piano and violin for beginners? Share your ideas in the comments section.

Piano for Beginners: The Different Kinds of Chords

2012-12-18T23:39:00.000+08:00

In the last article, we read about piano chords. Future topics will include on how to create piano chords and why we should use them. However, we will try to recap what we have learned with the last blog post.

Define Chord

A chord is playing three or more notes together at the same time. However, it is important to take note that chords have differing notes. We have around six various kinds of chords and each of these kinds has its specific use in the world of music.

The root note is the most significant note in the chord. The chord obtains its label from this tone. An example of this is the C major chord and this is constructed on the root tone C.

The piano has 12 unique notes that you can build chords on, but this article will focus on C.

The following are the various kinds of chords:

The major chord

The following notes compose the C major chord:

Music has major chords as the most common chords. C, E, and G are the notes in the C major chord.

The minor chord

The following notes compose the C minor chord:

The minor chord and major chord have two similar tones. What makes the major and minor chord different is the middle note. Instead of the E, Eb is used. Minor chords are often tagged as the sad chord.

The dominant-7 chord

The following notes compose the C dominant-7 chord:

It is probable to have more than three notes in a chord. Major and minor chords can be extended with additional notes. However, the chord still stays the same as major or minor.

The dominant-7 chord or plain “7 chord” occurs by adding the fourth note of Bb to the C major chord.

The diminished chord

The following notes compose the C diminished chord:

The C diminished chord is similar with the C minor chord but the G becomes Gb. You can create a diminished chord by dropping the two top notes of a major chord.

The augmented chord

The following notes compose the C augmented chord:

Notes are can be both lowered and raised. The G is raised to a G# to create an augmented chord. An augmented chord works similarly with a dominant-7 chord. You can interchange one with the other.

The suspended chord

The following notes compose the C suspended chord:

The major chord becomes suspended if the E is played with an F. A suspended chord creates tension and is resolved by playing a major chord.

Hope this article helps you learn more about piano chords.

Look for the next article.

Piano for Beginners: Learn Piano Chords

2012-12-10T21:17:00.001+08:00

Altura Play Musical Instruments Piano for Beginners Learn Piano Chords

Learning how to play piano chords is easy. The first step needed is to be able to play piano scales first as this allows playing chords naturally.

Chords are composed of three or more notes played at the same time. This article will deal with playing simple piano chords that are composed of only three notes. Formulating and playing a three-note chord is easy. This makes piano for beginners an easy task.

What is a three-note chord?

A three-note chord is played by pressing the first, third, and fifth note of a piano scale at the same time. If the C major chord is played, the notes C-E-G are played at the same time. The C major scale has C as its first note, E as its third note, and G as its fifth note.

Another example of a chord is the A minor chord where the notes A-C-E are played simultaneously. The notes A-B-C-D-E-F-G-A compose the A minor scale. The first, third, and fifth notes of the A minor scale are A-C-E.

It is important to note that when playing the piano chords, the thumb, middle finger, and the little finger are used. The arms should be relaxed and the fingers are curled. Sit properly when playing the piano and avoid having a bad posture. It is quite difficult to play with straight fingers.

Learn Piano Scales

It is important that there is master of piano scales before moving to playing chords. Chords come from scales. Knowing the scales will ensure that learning chords will be easy. Never do away with practicing scales. Major and minor chords are easy to learn as these are made of whole and half steps.

Piano for beginners is easy if chords are known. The scales are the backbone of chords; thus, it is important to master the piano sales.

Look for the next article for an in-depth topic regarding piano chords.

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Piano Techniques: Tips for Beginners

2012-12-09T08:51:00.001+08:00

Altura Play Musical Instruments Piano Techniques Google

Many aspiring pianists give up learning piano even before they start. They believe that learning piano techniques is tedious and timely process. It does require ardent practice before one can play the piano very well, but it is not as daunting as many tell it to be so. The secret to be being motivated is understanding why you do what you do, and you align your skill with your goal in music. Here are some tips for aspiring piano players:

Start over when you make an error.

Experts are divided regarding the best methods for practicing a piece. Most believe that practicing a song in sections makes piano playing easier for beginners; this is not however the best way to learn piano techniques. It is quite common for beginners to obtain the correct notes at the beginning of the tune and make mistakes at the end. Learners often lack focus. It is best to start over when an error has been made. This develops a good habit with learners on how they can play correctly at the beginning and then shift towards the end so mistakes will be avoided.

Avoid increasing the tempo on the easier parts

There are always easier parts and more difficult ones in a musical piece. Beginners usually perform the mistake of speeding up around these easy parts and then slowing down with the more difficult sections of the song.

The tempo of the song is an important factor to consider when playing a piano piece. It is recommended that beginners should be consistent with the tempo unless told otherwise in the piano arrangement. Playing the song slowly at first then playing it quickly would be easier as this can form a habit in learning piano techniques.

Focus on the piece, not the hands

Beginners often make the mistake of looking at his or her hands when learning to play piano. You should be confident when you place your fingers at the keyboard. Aspiring piano players should cultivate this habit right from the beginning.

Looking at the score and not the hands has many advantages. One of these includes being able to focus on the piece itself and being in control. It is very ineffective to play a piano piece note by note.

There are various hints and tips for aspiring piano players, but the best way at improving piano techniques is commitment of time and consistent focus. Playing classical, church, or jazz piano entails differences in the process of learning, so it is best that you know what kind of pianist you desire to be.

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Best Ways to Learn Piano

2012-12-08T14:50:00.000+08:00

Altura Play Musical Instruments Learn Piano

Listening to someone play good music encourages a person to learn piano. You might have included it in your New Year resolution or your three-year goal but you are often sidetracked because of other important concerns. You might think that you are already late when it comes to learning the piano. However, this belief could not be more than wrong. Regardless of your goal of becoming a concert pianist or just to play piano for the benefit of enjoyment, there are countless ways of learning it.

You can choose any kind of method you like which can also be dependent on the cost. Time can also be a factor in determining which method you like to learn. Some of the best methods to learn are the following:

• Learn through private tutorials. Learning piano can best be learned through private tutorials. However, this can be an expensive method and scheduling between teacher and student has to be considered. This is a great method since learning can be made based on the pacing of the student.

• Learn through public instruction. This can be conducted in conservatories and other institutions. Learning piano through this method has similar pros and cons to private instruction. However, travelling to the said location is a consideration. Students might not be given personal instruction.

• Learn through video instruction. Piano can be learned through an online video learning system or through a DVD. It is more affordable than hiring an instructor and learning the pace is convenient and flexible, but there is a need for multiple DVDs and a student will not be able to determine his progress because of the absence of an instructor.

• Learning through the use of books. Piano playing can be learned through the use of books; however, it is not as effective as other ways since a student might not be able to understand books or its instructions.

• Learning through online instruction software. This method integrates various methods of learning piano such as convenience and feedback from the instructor, individualized training, and flexible learning pace.

There are many ways of learning piano but the important thing is that you should have a piano. You are not required to purchase a brand new piano, but you can borrow from friends or relatives. However, it would be great to buy a new one as this can help you in learning the techniques of learning piano.

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Tips on Learning to Play Violin at Home for Beginners

2011-12-07T19:33:00.004+08:00

The violin is the sweetest sounding musical instrument among all the instruments in existence. Choosing to play the violin as your instrument is the best choice and learning it could be simple for beginners. All it takes is by following the three steps:

1. Develop self-confidence.

Many people who attempt in learning something new usually fail when they first start to think of the venture as a difficult one. When this comes to mind, this set-up makes learning it an unsuccessful one. It is thus important to have the self-confidence that will be your drive in learning to play the violin. Listening to music is an entirely different manner from leaning to play it by yourself.

Everyone always starts from a simple basic step. You should not think of yourself as inadequate in learning the violin as anyone can learn with the right mix of dedication, practice, and correct instruction. Do not forget to include the magic formula of self-confidence.

2. Set A Daily Practice Schedule

There is this adage that says, "Correct practice makes perfect." Learning to play the violin involves having a daily schedule of practice. One should have at least an hour of practicing the violin. Great violinists always testify that they reached their level of perfection because of the daily schedule of practice. Most people nowadays believe they do not have enough time on their hands but there are different ways of achieving this goal:

* Whenever you have vacant time, you can always practice while waiting.

* Imagine the piece that you have to learn at home. Visualize the notes that you have to play and the rhythm that goes with it.

* You can have online lessons which can make you choose your own practice time.

Stick with the schedule and you will realize that you have mastered a piece within a certain amount of time.

3. Choose the right violin teacher.

There are many online lessons that one can find on the web. If you live currently in Iloilo, Philippines, a quality violin teacher is available for violin lessons at affordable rates.

How to Play Violin Duet Music

2011-10-29T19:40:00.000+08:00

Learning the violin might seem to be a daunting task for children who aspire to be good violinists. It takes practice and dedication to play alone but requires teamwork and cooperation in playing violin duet music. In as much as it takes ample time to practice and improve the techniques in playing the violin, there are simple ways in learning how to play violin duet music.

First, imagine that each violin is a part of a greater group. Duets occur when one plays a melody and the other one plays the harmony or the rhythm . There are even instances when both are playing melodies which mean that the other one plays a counter melody.

Second, players should understand that the melody should be played clearly and with intensity while the harmony should serve as a support and not overshadow the melody.

Third, performing with others require that you have to be conscious of your rhythm and intonation with that of your partner. Practicing alone requires that fingering technique should be refined, but practicing with another requires more than that.

If you want to learn proper violin technique for violin duet music, you can read more about online tips on this site. You can also get cheap but quality violin lessons by a violin teacher.

Here is a sample video clip of Cousins Cipher Altura and Hannelee Altura Narvaez playing violin duet.

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How to Choose A Musical Instrument

2011-10-20T22:33:00.004+08:00

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You might have decided to learn a musical instrument. It might also be possible that you would like to pick one for your child. With all the types of musical instruments like the piano, strings, woodwinds, strings, and percussion, you might find it overwhelming to choose one for either your or your child. So what are the steps in choosing your first musical instrument?

Familiarize yourself with the different kinds of musical instruments.

Research is always the key to familiarizing yourself with the different kinds of musical instruments. You have to determine which instrument is the most likely for you. There are some who are more fit to be a woodwind player or a brass player. This depends on the embouchure of the person’s lips. Some are more inclined to be a string player. Some are better to be playing the piano, while some are better off with percussion. You have to visit a music store to determine the sounds each of these make or you can even surf online for their sounds. There are some schools that have small ensembles.

Try some musical instruments.

After doing some research and have been familiar with the different sounds that each instrument make, you can try some musical instruments. You can ask friends or some people you know that play instruments if you can try them out. However, it might not be hygienic to have the other person’s mouthpiece. At least, you will be able to touch and hold the instrument. Your school might have a band. You can let your child visit there and the band teacher might let your child try some models there.

It is important to consider your physical capabilities. It is not a good choice to decide on a learning a trombone if you do not have long arms. Some people are not fit to play brass instruments as they have braces on their teeth. Stringed instruments have sizes that may fit a child. Violins have a full size, half size, quarter size, and eighth size. So it is quite possible to have your child play a violin as this kind of stringed instrument has different sizes.

Choose an instrument based on temperament.

They say that instruments say something about a person. Shy people are most likely not going to choose the tuba as this is a loud brass instrument. Tough guys would refuse to learn the flute as they would think of this as “feminine” instrument. Piano students should be good in independent study as the instrument requires it to be treated with such. Choosing the percussion or a loud brass instrument in a crowded neighborhood might make your neighbors feel resentment with your daily practice.

Consider the amount of investment you will make.

Musical instruments need to be maintained. Strings are required for violins, violas, cellos, or even big basses. Reeds for the oboe, clarinet, and bassoon might be expensive. Pianos need to be tuned regularly. These are some factors that you have to consider in choosing a musical instrument.

Following these steps will ensure that you choose a musical instrument that fits you or your child.

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Why Children Should Learn Music

2011-10-20T11:50:00.002+08:00

Music is considered to be the queen of the arts. It also serves to be a means of self-expression to the performer. The following are the top reasons why children should learn music:

1. Music improves verbal intelligence. The York University had a new study that showed the dramatic benefits of music-based cognitive training that included improved verbal intelligence (Hughes, 2011).

2. Students who learn music do better in school. The Journal Social Science Quarterly (2009) has a study that shows that children who undertake music lessons in and out of school has a positive effect on their achievements in reading and mathematics in early childhood and adolescence (Southgate et. al, 2009).

3. Music assists motor development. Learning musical instruments develops motor skills that include hand, eyes, and body coordination.

4. Music promotes cooperation. Children who learn music participate in group orchestras and different ensembles. Working together with others instills discipline in aiming towards a common aim.

5. Music improves memory. The Chinese University of Hong Kong had a study that showed that children who engage in musical training perform better in in word recall compared to those who did not participate in musical training (Lavelle, 2003).

6. Music improves test scores. Dr. James Catterall (1997) of the University of California showed in a ten-year study showed that children who learned music had improved in standardized tests and in reading proficiency exams.

7. Music reduces aggression and improves self-esteem. A study by Choi, Soo Lee, and Sook-Lee(2010) in Group Music Intervention Reduces Aggression and Improves Self-Esteem in Children with Highly Aggressive Behavior: A Pilot Controlled Trial showed that group music has a positive effect in reducing aggression and improving the self-esteem of the participant.

References:

Catterall, J. (1997). Ten Year Study Shows Music Improves Test Scores. Retrieved from http://www.orangeparkschoolofmusic.com/TEN-YEAR-STUDY-SHOWS-MUSIC-IMPROVES-TEST-SCORES.html

Choi, A., Soo Lee, M., and Sook Lee, J. (2010). Group Music Intervention Reduces Aggression and Improves Self-Esteem in Children with Highly-Aggressive Behavior: A Pilot Controlled Trial. Retrieved from http://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2010/465730/abs/

Hughes, M. (2011). Music-Based Training Improves Preschoolers’ Verbal IQ: York U Study. Retrieved from http://news.yorku.ca/2011/10/04/music-based-training-improves-preschoolers-verbal-iq-york-u-study/

Lavelle, P. (2003). Music improves language and Memory. Retrieved from http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2003/07/29/911523.htm
Southgate et al. The Impact of Music on Childhood and Adolescent Achievement. Social Science Quarterly, 2009; 90 (1): 4 DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-6237.2009.00598. Google