by Jamey Mann, Catoctin School of Music What kind of strings to use, how to change strings, and how often to change strings are all necessary things to know for anyone learning to play a stringed instrument. In the stringed instrument world, there are countless number of brands, types, materials, and attachment methods. Many students get overwhelmed by having to buy or change their strings, so they...
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By Alyssa Cowell, Catoctin School of Music Sight-reading is a fundamental tool that all musicians should take the time to develop. It involves interpreting musical notation, understanding the rhythm, tempo, and dynamics, and playing the music fluently. A student’s ability to read music quickly and accurately on the first (or maybe second) try can build confidence and musical versatility. The Benefits of Sight Reading Sight-reading equips musicians to...
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by Brianna Jaeger As musicians, we often get asked the question, “Who is your favorite composer?” And the person asking usually anticipates a response such as, “Beethoven, Bach, Liszt, or Chopin.” I always love the look on people’s faces when I respond with, “Olivier Messiaen, Kaija Saariaho, Viktor Ullmann, or Richard Pressley.” This typically leads to a discussion on modernist theories, avant-garde arts, and new music. I find that...
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by Alyssa Cowell, Catoctin School of Music As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, summer brings with it a sense of excitement and adventure. It's the perfect time to engage in activities that uplift our spirits and create lasting memories. Among the multitude of options, music-related activities stand out as a fantastic way to enhance your summer experience. Whether you're a beginner student...
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by Jamey Mann, Catoctin School of Music A debated topic amongst guitar students and teachers is the use of tablature. Modern guitar tablature (tab) is a system of lines representing strings and numbers signaling which fret to push down. This is a system in which many self-taught guitar students use to start teaching themselves basic chords and riffs. I am in the middle when it comes to...
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