[MusicTlk] Questions regarding learning music

[Ella Yu]

Hi Terry, I'm very much a pretty dedicated classical musician, so for more
casual musicians like you, I'm not in the best position to advise. All I
will say is that for casual musicians who mainly want to learn some songs
on various instruments for personal enjoyment, braille music (and music
literacy in general) isn't critically necessary. In fact, I'm pretty sure a
lot of sighted casual hobby musicians, especially on guitar and ukulele,
either learn by ear or using tablature instead of standard sheet music
(that's a whole other issue). Is braille music important? Yes, I do think
it is, particularly for those on an intensive classically-oriented path.
Since you did say you want to understand some theory, I would suggest
learning some of the basics of reading braille music primarily to enhance
theoretical understanding, but for most casual/pop musicians, it's not
something that you'll likely use a lot, at least not nearly to the extent
that classical musicians do. (Jazz is a unique, in-between situation).
Also, I don't play guitar or ukulele, so I can't help with the technique
issues related to playing chords that you describe. Hope this helps.

On Sun, Sep 15, 2024 at 3:25 PM Terri Stimmel via MusicTlk <
musictlk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> Hello everyone,
>
>
> I hope you all are doing well. I just have some questions regarding
> learning how to play music.
>
>
> I have been attempting to learn how to play both the ukulele, and piano
> for about a year and a half now. I love them both, and I can't really
> decide which one I like more.
>
>
> However, learning to play either instrument has been rather slow-going
> for me. I will admit that finding time to practice either instrument,
> has been difficult. Along with going to college, and other life demands,
> I have also had some health struggles.
>
>
> However, things seem to be improving. An, I am working on making time to
> practice. I just had to find a way to put it into my busy schedule.
>
>
> So my first question is this.
>
> When attempting to learn a new cord, on something such as a ukulele, or
> a guitar, what are some ways for me to get used to trying to make the
> shapes of the cords?
>
> I don't think I have small hands, maybe, medium-sized hands. But, my
> music instructor told me after watching my hands on the strings, that my
> hands don't seem to stretch much. They said it is as though my hands are
> tight. My fingers don't seem to spread out as much as they likely should.
>
> Could this cause me to have issues with playing certain cords?
>
>
> Also, when I try to play a G major, or a G Major7, my hands always feel
> odd. As though I just can't quite make that cord, and keep it in place,
> if I do. Sometimes, a string will get muted. I am trying to get much
> better at making sure I am playing with my fingertips, and not put my
> fingers flat onto the strings.
>
>
> Has anyone else ever had any experience with this?
>
> If so, what were some things that you found helpful?
>
>
> Another thing I was wondering is, how do you all go about learning, and
> memorizing cords for songs you want to play?
>
> Do you just try and learn it all by ear?
>
> Or, do you use Braille music?
>
> Is Braille music something someone could easily learn?
>
> I really have no experience with Braille music. I am a Braille reader.
> And, I have seen some Braille music before. But this was several years
> ago, when I was in middle school. I just remember thinking that it
> seemed strange.
>
>
> I am open to trying to learn it though, if it might help me do much
> better with learning to play music.
>
>
> Also, if you don't have much musical talent, or understand much about
> musical theory, how might you work on changing this?
>
> I took a music appreciation class, last semester, while in college. I
> loved it. And, I learned to appreciate classical music more.
>
>
> Learning by ear can work for me. And, when I have my music lessons, I do
> record them. This way, I can go back and listen, and try to learn the
> cords, and notes this way.
>
>
> But, I also want a much better understanding of music theory, and such
> things as that.
>
>
> For those of you who love learning, making, and playing music, but maybe
> wasn't all that musically talented, what did you do?
>
>
> Any help, or suggestions would be very much appreciated.
>
>
> Thank you,
>
>
> Terri
>
>
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