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The Study of Music Today
Here is all the gear and music products that I use on a dad-to-day basis for practice, teaching and performance.
Beginning Music
Many people feel that they cannot begin music after a certain age. This is a common myth. Age proves no obstacle to the enjoyable pursuit of music. The mature person has a better sense of his or her own needs, makes better use of time and understands the value and need for self-expression.
Practice Time
It is commonly thought that the study of music requires hours a day of boring practice. Rather than long, tedious practice, what is needed is a very efficient and interesting lesson plan in which students can develop their musical ability within the framework of their own available time.
It actually, simply comes down to doing the WORK!!!
Leisure Time
How does anyone spend their leisure time? There is certainly no shortage of alternatives. The experience of music is a most satisfying pastime. It grows even more satisfying as students begin to develop their ability to play.
Creative Capacity
Since music provides an opportunity to develop one's creative capacities, it should be part of everyone's educational experience. The concentration and discipline developed through the study of music is particularly valuable to children or adults who have never been exposed to creative music in the traditional school setting.
Bridge to the Generation Gap
Music, so popular with youth, is an excellent bridge to the so-called "generation gap". Music favors neither male or female, adult or child. It provides a unique opportunity for communication between parents and children. Though few take advantage of it, participation in music is one of the finest possible family activities.
The Study of Music Today
Few people are aware of the many new developments in music education today. It is quite common to identify music lessons with the boring and repetitive exercises of many years ago. In contrast to this, our approach and material are uniquely suited to the needs of the contemporary student.
Relaxation with Music
Anyone who has accepted responsibility in life has unavoidable pressure. It is most necessary to have a way to relax from the pressures of daily life. Music, with its emphasis on the relaxed exploration of sound, provides an excellent opportunity to escape from the tension and pressures of daily responsibility.
Thanks to Chuck Anderson for permission to use the above copy
Here are two flyers ( PDF files for download ) that I have as handouts for potential students and their parents. These have been very successful with new students.
How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain - Anita Collins
When you listen to music, multiple areas of your brain become engaged and active. But when you actually play an instrument, that activity becomes more like a full-body brain workout. What's going on? Anita Collins explains the fireworks that go off in musicians' brains when they play, and examines some of the long-term positive effects of this mental workout.
Lesson by Anita Collins, animation by Sharon Colman Graham. View full lesson: How Playing an Instrument Benefits Your Brain - Anita Collins
Just browsing over both books, they look fantastic! I'm a guitarist and uke player for over 25 years and was thinking about writing a ukulele book but you've already written what I think are the best, most comprehensive and thorough books I've ever seen for the instrument. I just might end up buying every book you've written and I'll be giving my highest recommendation for your books to my friends and students. Thank you so much for taking the time to write such great books! — Peter Rhee
Aloha, Curt, All I can say is WOW! What you have accomplished is simply incredible! All the best — Glen Hirabayashi, The Aloha Boys
Folks, if you haven't stopped by Curt's site, do so right now! ..And get his books, they are fantastic. This guy knows his stuff and is able to pass it along too. — Alan Johnson Proprietor, The 4th Peg
I can highly recommend Curt's Uke books — I have four of them and they are excellent. — fatveg — Portland
Thanks for visiting and checking out the site!
Original Animation by Curt Sheller - 1987 for my first web site 37 years ago.
