Tag Archive for: trumpet

Drew M. Hodis

The Benefits of Learning Music Theory

Learning music theory can be daunting and frustrating. But learning music theory expands nearly every facet of a musician’s abilities. Here are only 5 of many reasons learning music theory is so crucial:


Understand What You’re Playing

Students become literate musicians when they understand the ins and outs of music. Having a deep understanding of music theory allows musicians to analyze and break down pieces, which naturally leads to a greater appreciation of music.


Boost Music Performance

Understanding music theory allows musicians to recognize patterns and become fluent readers of music. Through this understanding of how music functions in structure and form, musicians can more easily access harmonic memory and reproduce large sections of music from memory.


Improve Improvisation Skills

Knowing how to play written notes is essential for a musician. Similarly, knowing how to improvise is a learned skill that theoretical knowledge and experience build on. Knowing musical forms, predicting chord progressions with your ear, and being aware of harmonic substitutions gives students a foundation on which to practice improvisation and create cohesive music.

 

Effectively Communicate with Other Musicians

Having a deep grasp of music theory allows musicians to speak, write, and read the language of music. Only if a musician understands and communicates music theory can they effectively collaborate with other musicians. Plus, understanding theory helps musicians put words to feelings and better understand an instrument and how to play it.

 

Boost Your Creativity

While some claim that music theory confines their ability to write creative music, the truth is that music theory provides the necessary tools to express creativity. Think of it this way: just as a creative writer needs a strong vocabulary, thorough understanding of grammar, and proper punctuation to write a coherent and creative story, a musician needs a comprehensive understanding of scales, chords, and harmonizations to write a creative masterpiece.

Consider beginning music lessons with one of our expert music teachers to strengthen your knowledge of music theory and improve your overall music abilities. Contact us for more information and to schedule your first session today.

by
Drew M. Hodis

Why You Should Learn a New Instrument in the New Year

Why You Should Learn a New Instrument in the New Year. Photo contains images of staff music and a guitar.

It’s almost January 1, and we all know what that means: New Year’s Resolutions are here. With 2023 around the corner, the possibilities are endless. Consider learning a new instrument, and we’ll tell you why music lessons are a great resolution.


Bring Your Passion for Music to the Next Level

If you’re reading this article, then the chances are that you’re a music fan. Learning a new instrument gives you the opportunity to be a part of the music rather than just listening to the music. Whether you learn a Jimi Hendrix guitar solo, a Chopin piano classic, or an Adele vocal part, immersing yourself in the music is one of the greatest feelings.


Learn a New Lifelong Skill

Learning an instrument and the music theory behind it is an invaluable skill that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Once you’ve gotten the hang of the instrument and understand enough of the theory, you’re set to keep learning new pieces on your own for the rest of your life. You may even consider writing your own music! Whether you’re 6 or 60, 2023 is the perfect time to begin developing this new musical skill set.


Reap Cognitive and Emotional Benefits

Research shows that learning a new instrument builds connections in the brain, enhances memory, and strengthens executive skills. Playing an instrument is also meditative, where 100% of your focus is on the music. Research shows that music’s emphasis on the here-and-now provides stress relief and boosts emotional wellbeing.


Book Your Music Lessons for the New Year

Hodis Learning & Music’s expert music teachers have years of experience helping students learn new instruments and gain a deeper understanding of elemental music skills. Call us or email us today to get more information and schedule your first session.

by
Drew M. Hodis

4 Reasons You Should Give the Gift of Music Lessons This Holiday Season

4 Reasons You Should Give the Gift of Music Lessons This Holiday Season

The holiday season is here, and parents are scrambling to find the right gifts for their children. If your child loves music, then music lessons are the perfect present. Music lessons will help your child build lifelong skills and lasting memories. Below are just four of many reasons you should give the gift of music lessons this holiday season.


1. Enhance Your Child’s Brain Development

Research shows that playing an instrument increases connectivity between different areas of the brain, resulting in better verbal memory, stronger reading ability, and stronger executive functioning skills. Adults who received music lessons as kids were even shown to have higher IQs, on average, compared to those who never played an instrument.


2. Engage in a New Hobby (That Isn’t Video Games)

Cultivating new hobbies is extremely important for your child’s development. With music lessons under their belt, your child will have access to choirs, bands, and even music-related clubs at school where they can meet and make new friends. And playing an instrument or singing requires your child to be unplugged from their video games!


3. Music Lessons & Playing an Instrument Are Fun

There’s something so uniquely exciting about playing your favorite song on the piano or being able to rock out with a friend. With the help of expert music lessons, your child is sure to experience the joy in music.


4. Promote Time-Management, Discipline, and Commitment with Music Lessons

Music lessons require students to practice outside of sessions, which demands a certain degree of time-management skills as well as discipline and commitment.

Learning how to sing or play an instrument with expert music teachers at Hodis Learning & Music will set your child up for a lifetime of jamming with friends, discipline and commitment, and better cognitive functioning. Call us at 626-227-1149 or submit a message on our website to get more information and start lessons today.

by
Rachel Hodis

Get Your Child Excited About Music

Get Your Child Excited About Music. Read now! Image shows young students playing musical instruments in a music class.

Allow them to choose their instrument

It’s important for children to develop their own interests and discover their likes and dislikes. Also, your student might be more resistant to the idea of learning an instrument if they feel they are forced to play something that they don’t get a say in. We have expert music educators that can teach almost any instrument, so take a look and discuss options with your child.


Celebrate victories, big and small

Learning an instrument will take time, so make sure you’re encouraging your student throughout the process. Additionally, it won’t always be easy. There might be times when your student gets frustrated or discouraged. Encourage them to keep working hard and acknowledge the progress they have made. Consider tracking progress visually or reward your child after reaching a goal with a fun activity or treat.


Encourage and attend performances

Performances serve as an opportunity for students to set a goal, rehearse, and share their progress in front of peers, family, and teachers. It can also be a wonderful way for them to gain confidence because it can be quite intimidating to perform in front of other people. Your encouragement and presence at their performance will help them see how important it is and how exciting performances can be.


Listen to music with them that you know they like

Keep interest in music up outside of your student’s lessons and performances. Listen to music they like in the car and at home. Ask them questions about why they like this particular music or simply share that you enjoy aspects of it as well.

Book Private, 1-on-1 Music Lessons With Hodis Learning & Music!

Schedule private music lessons today by calling (626) 227-1149 or emailing us. Our expert music teachers studied their instrument at the university-level and have been teaching music to students of all ages for many years.

by
Drew M. Hodis

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults – How to Reach Your Goals

Learning an Instrument for Busy Adults: How to Reach Your Goals. Hodis Learning & Music.

Let’s face it – it’s 2022 and we are all very busy. Learning a new instrument is challenging amid our chaotic schedules. But it isn’t impossible! If you are serious about learning a new instrument and you are willing to budget some time for learning, then it’s just a matter of managing time and expectations. Follow the tips below to make your music education rewarding and fruitful.


(1) Be Realistic and Manage Expectations

How much time and energy will you have to practice? If you’re serious about learning a new instrument, you will need to practice. I usually recommend that busy students budget three 30-minute blocks of time each week to practice. Don’t have that much time to dedicate to practicing? Then you will need to manage your expectations on your progress as the process will be slow.


(2) Dedicate a Space for Practicing

If you dedicate a space for your practice, then you won’t have to fuss with setting up your instrument each time you practice. Make it a distraction-free space in your home. If your instrument is smaller, like a guitar or ukulele, and you have a personal office at work, consider keeping your instrument in your office so that you can practice during your breaks. If you practice during two 15-minute breaks in one day, then you’ve already completed 30 out of 90 minutes for the week! If your instrument is loud like a trumpet, consider investing in a practice mute.


(3) Set Defined Goals

What is it that you want to accomplish with learning a new instrument? If you know what your goals are, it will be easier to manage your expectations. Do you just want to learn a simple 4-chord song? Do you want to learn how to write songs? No matter where you begin, you’re going to start in the same place as everyone else- at the very beginning. Once you’ve learned the basics of your instrument however, your goals will drastically change where you go from there.


(4) Block Out Times in Your Calendar

It isn’t enough to say that you will practice three times a week for 30 minutes at a time. Build the practice into your schedule and you will be more likely to achieve this goal.


(5) Hold Yourself Accountable

In the end, your progress depends solely on your discipline and motivation. Build that muscle of accountability to ensure that you’re making strides to reach your goals. This might require sacrifices, but remember your reasons for wanting to learn an instrument in the first place.


(6) Don’t Beat Yourself Up When You Don’t Practice

You’re a busy adult! There will be times when you just don’t have time to practice. Give yourself some grace when life gets in the way.


(7) Make Sure You’re Having Fun

If you’re not having fun, then you’re not going to get the most out of your learning experience. Ask yourself what is getting in the way of enjoying your practice and change the situation if you can.


(8) Celebrate Your Progress

It can be so easy to get caught up in what you haven’t accomplished in your practice. Try to stay focused on what you have accomplished and celebrate your little victories!


(9) Learn Alongside Your Child

Learning with your child can be a fun way to explore a new area together and keep each other accountable. Plus, learning an instrument is a great way to promote your child’s development.


(10) Learn from an Expert, Patient Music Teacher

Hodis Learning & Music offers expert music education from experienced and patient educators. On top of teaching students the knowledge necessary to reach their goals, our music teachers can also help students manage expectations and create practice schedules that work in their busy lives. Having an excellent teacher can truly make all the difference. Schedule your first session or get more information with a simple phone call or email!

by
Drew M. Hodis
,

Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

Non-Musical Benefits to Learning a New Instrument

If you’re wondering whether learning a new instrument is the right hobby for your child (or even for yourself), there’s a lot to consider. What are the benefits of their chosen instrument? What style of music will they learn? What musical concepts will they be studying? These are all great questions that I hear often from new music students.

However, music lessons offer so much more than a strict music education. And oftentimes, having the right music teacher makes all the difference. Students can gain invaluable life skills from learning a new instrument, some of which are covered in the following list:


Connecting Both Sides of the Brain

Research shows that learning a new instrument that involves both hands (or even three or four limbs) creates connections between the left and right hemispheres of the brain. These connections allow both sides of the brain to communicate. This increased communication affords students greater motor coordination and increased ability to focus. It also helps students learn new languages and even read more easily. Essentially, learning a new instrument expands a student’s brain power.


Perseverance and Patience

At some point in their musical education, every student will inevitably struggle with a concept, piece, or technique. Students can use these experiences to build resilience in challenging situations. The same experiences can also help students cultivate a greater capacity for patience.


Managing Disappointment and Failure

As with any learning experience, learning a new instrument offers ample opportunities for disappointment and failure. Some students naturally practice and study harder to overcome their failure, while others learn this skill from their teacher. With motivation and encouragement from a trustworthy music teacher, students also learn to reframe their failures as learning opportunities.


Commitment

Sometimes students come home from school feeling too tired to attend their lesson. Learning the skill of showing up to obligations and thereby demonstrating their commitment is invaluable. (Just make sure your student demonstrates self-care by resting after their session.)


Working with Others

Learning an instrument teaches students how to work with others. If your student joins a choir or ensemble, then they will have opportunities to learn how to work with peers, as well.


Set and Accomplish Goals

With guidance from an expert music teacher, students will learn to make actionable and attainable goals in their studies. Accomplishing their goals reinforces their goal-setting skills.


Humility

Students quickly learn that mastering an instrument does not happen overnight. In fact, mastering an instrument takes many years of intense practice. The journey of learning an instrument is a humbling experience.


Lifelong Friendships

Throughout a student’s time learning a new instrument, they are bound to make friendships through music. Whether they make new friends in band, choir, or music class, some of these friends may stick around for life.

Choosing the right music teacher is crucial to a student’s education. Hodis Learning & Music employs expert music educators who are experienced in helping students break down complex concepts and skills so that they may grow in their musical abilities. Our music teachers are also skilled motivators who encourage their students to improve musically and non-musically. Check out our music teachers and their offered instruments here.

by
Rachel Hodis

Musician Series: Louis Armstrong

Musician Series: Louis Armstrong. New Blog Post! Image of Louis Armstrong playing the trumpet.

Louis Armstrong was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1901. He grew up in poverty and when he was 12 years old, he was sent to a home for juvenile delinquents. It was there he learned how to play the cornet, an instrument similar to a trumpet. He was a naturally skilled musician and soon played in marching bands and jazz bands.

In 1922, Armstrong was asked to play in the Oliver’s Creole Jazz Band in Chicago. He recorded his first solos as a member of the band and also met his wife, Lil Hardin, the band’s pianist.

 

Image of Louis Armstrong leaning against a wall while playing the cornet with eyes wide open.

 

From 1925-28 he created some of his most important works as an early solo artist.

Armstrong’s superb musical talent, innovative style, and impressive technique made major innovations to the genre of jazz.

By 1929 he was famous, and traveled the United States and Europe as a trumpet soloist accompanied by big bands.

 

the great concert of Louis Armstrong

Armstrong’s style also influenced the genre of swing, and many musicians sought to emulate his playing style.

Louis Armstrong died on July 6, 1971 in New York City. He is still widely regarded as one of the most influential jazz artists of all time.

Sources: https://www.britannica.com/biography/Louis-Armstrong

Learn How to Play Like Louis

Schedule a session with an expert trumpet teacher now!

Our musician series continues with Ludwig Van Beethoven.

by
Drew M. Hodis
,

Preparing for Music School: Advice From Experts (Part 3)

Hodis Learning & Music brass instructor, Alex, shares insights on the music school admissions. Alex earned his B.M. in Trumpet Performance from the Oberlin Conservatory of Music.

What goes into preparing for music school auditions and applications?

Preparing for music school auditions is a unique experience. Learning the music for the audition is not enough. The student needs to constantly work to improve their overall musical skills so that their baseline level of performance is higher, rather than simply being good at playing the pieces asked of them.

I think a lot of students get caught up in trying to learn the music they are asked to perform extremely thoroughly, but forget that most of their performance will depend on their overall level of musicianship rather than just the audition preparation.

How can you specifically help students prepare for music school auditions? Can you help with the application itself?

I can certainly help students applying to music schools, and could give advice on the application part. I can help students applying to music school by not only helping them break down each specific piece and tackling the challenges that come with them, but also by continually pushing them to improve their overall musicianship and craft.

What advice would you give those applying to music programs?

The best advice I can give students applying to music school is to understand that you will get out of it what you put into it. No school is going to guarantee success or failure with music, and most of your career will not be spent in music school. So, try to use the time there as an opportunity to learn and collaborate and soak up as much as you can because you will be using that information for a very long time.

I would also suggest not worrying too much about feeling that you are not good enough, or that others are better than you, but instead focus on what you think you need to improve on and create a long-term plan for getting there. It is much more important to trust the process and keep trying to be creative, rather than just trying to compete with others.

Are you planning on applying to music school? Schedule your first session with Alex today!

More about Alex:

by
Rachel Hodis
,

Educator Spotlight: Alex P.

New Blog post! Educator Spotlight on Hodis Learning & Music tuba, trombone, French horn, and trumpet teacher, Alex P.

What subject areas do you teach?

  • Music Lessons: Trumpet, French Horn, Trombone, Tuba, Voice
  • Academic Tutoring: Music Theory

What’s the most rewarding part of being a music teacher?

The most rewarding part of being an educator for me is watching a student make progress and seeing how it excites them to learn new things.

What are the most common areas you see your students struggling in? How do you help them in those areas?

The biggest struggle I see for students is simply a lack of motivation. Sometimes students aren’t interested from the beginning and with those students, it can be very challenging to get them interested. I like to help them explore their musical interests and other instruments to see if another area of music piques their interest.

What do you enjoy doing outside of teaching students?

I enjoy playing basketball outside of teaching, as well as making my own music.

What do you think makes Hodis Learning & Music a great service and company to work for?

I enjoy working for Hodis Learning & Music because of the culture of mutual respect and kindness.

More about Alex:

by
Rachel Hodis
,

What You Need to Know About Music School Auditions

What you need to know about music school auditions.

Music school auditions involve many steps and lots of preparation. Below you’ll find a general overview of the music school application and audition processes.

We also spoke to our music educators who attended music schools and are familiar with auditions, so keep an eye out for more blog posts where they’ll share their insights and personal experience!


What to Expect

Most music schools require you to complete and submit general school applications, which may include the common application. You’ll also submit a portfolio showcasing your areas of interest and artistic strengths. In your portfolio, you might also be asked to submit supplementary materials, like a personal statement, essays, transcripts, and a résumé.

Depending on the school and their application process, you might have to wait to pass a “pre-screen” where they review your portfolio and application before you are invited to audition. Other schools will have you schedule your audition when you submit your application, or shortly after. Some schools may also require an in-person interview.


The Music School Audition

Auditions may differ from school to school, so pay attention to specific repertoire requirements like:

  • Minimum performance length
  • Number of works that must be performed
  • If you must include different styles and what those are
  • The mode of the audition: in-person or virtual
  • Whether the audition requires an improvisation component
  • If you will be tested on sightreading
  • If you will be tested on music theory


Advice From Our Educators on Nailing Your Music School Audition

  • Becoming a well-rounded and versatile musician is key for gaining admission to music school
  • Make sure the school is a good fit for you, not just that it’s good on paper
  • Get started early and stay organized with your applications
  • Understand that you will get out of music school what you put into it

 

Hodis Learning and Music educators attended music schools such as USC Thornton School of Music, Berklee College of Music, and Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Keep an eye out for upcoming blog posts where they’ll share their experience and advice for music school auditions! And if you’re interested in booking a session to prepare for your audition, you can do so here.

by