[MusicTlk] Questions regarding learning music

[Sandra Gayer]

Hello Terri,

My name is Sandra and I am a Braille Music Teacher, when I'm not 
performing as a Soprano Singer. I'll try and answer your questions as 
best I can.


Regarding your hands; hand size and hand span, even though your hands 
are not small, the muscles and joints may not be as flexible as you'd 
like. I studied piano and there is a number of massage techniques as 
well as finger mobilizing exercises you are taught at basic level, 
before even touching the piano. Maybe your teacher is aware of these ideas?


People learn and memorize music in a variety of different ways, it 
depends on your preference. Some people learn by ear exclusively, some 
people use Braille Music, lots of people use both, including me. Braille 
Music probably seemed strange to you when you last came across it 
because it uses the same characters literary Braille has, but for 
different reasons. It's a matter of getting used to what the different 
characters mean, in a music context.


In terms of music theory and musicianship, these skills and knowledge 
tend to be taught as part of your general music learning. I teach theory 
at the same time as teaching Braille Music because they are interlinked.


I really wouldn't worry about being talented or not. If you love doing 
what you're doing, technique and talent can grow.

I'd be happy to have a chat with you on Zoom or similar, if you'd like. 
I live in the UK so I don't know which time zone you live in.


I hope some of the above proves helpful to you.

Very best wishes,

Sandra.

On 15/09/2024 23:24, Terri Stimmel via MusicTlk 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
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> MusicTlk mailing list
> MusicTlk at nfbnet.org
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/listinfo/musictlk_nfbnet.org
> To unsubscribe, change your list options or get your account info for 
> MusicTlk:
> http://nfbnet.org/mailman/options/musictlk_nfbnet.org/sandragayer7%40gmail.com 
>