7 Modern Musical Resources

What resources are out there for younger students aspiring to succeed in musical aspects? I am a music education major and I also work in a music store. I grew up in a small town where I didn't have the option of choosing the instrument I really wanted or taking private lessons to improve my skill set. It wasn't until college that I was able to professionally pursue this endeavor. I really want to find out what resources there are for other students and why there are not more for students that need them. I personally feel that the arts are just as important as sports, and they should be treated in the same regard when it comes to preparation and execution. I also want to find out what needs to be done to make programs like this successful.I am thinking of not only finding online resources for the background information but also interviewing music teachers in both small and large school districts. I think getting a physical viewpoint on the matter will be beneficial. I am also hoping to find some programs that I can interview regarding their outreach.

1. Private Lessons

Private Music Lesson with Guitars

Receiving private music lessons has become the standard in the music industry for artists getting ahead. In this setting, a student will be able to receive one on one instruction rather than a teacher instructing thirty odd students at the same time. This type of music instruction can be extremely valuable to a beginning musician. The catch is they are not free. Students who come from low income families may not have the luxury of paying for private lessons. Based on my experience, lessons can charge a student thirty dollars every half hour instruction. I will need to research and talk to current private instructors for more information.

2. School Assigned Teacher

Elementary Music Classroom and Teacher

A person struggling to find other resources to get ahead musically should talk to their music teacher in class. If you express that you would like to get ahead, your teacher might have ideas for you. The music teachers in the public education system are in charge of their programs. They have resources set up for such occasions and it's a good idea to ask that teacher for advice. They are professionals in their field and it is their responsibility to cater to the needs of their students. I plan to get more research on this by meeting with music teachers such as Band, Orchestra, and Choir directors.

3. Studios

Orchestral Recording Studio

Another way to get ahead is to reach out to music studios for collaboration. Granted, this might seem a little far-fetched for beginning students. But for intermediate students, this could be a great opportunity. Based on my own personal experience, I know of quite a few private instructors that have gone to open up their own studios and are available for collaboration. Some of my own instructors have left the public schools and opened their own studios. Instructors are willing to collaborate with students and give advice. I plan to reach out to some of these studios on their policies and research which ones are available in the area.

4. Commercial Music Stores

Music & Arts store front

Another resource is to go to local music stores. These people who sell, repair, and run these stores can be considered an expert in their field. They know first-hand what it means to refine their craft and better themselves as musicians. You can stock up on supplies and ask questions about your situation. Some of these stores also offer their own private lessons as well. They might not be free, but most often the first one is. I know this from first-hand experience working in a music store. I plan on reaching out to other companies and researching what options they have.

5. Community Theaters

Downtown Community Theater front

If you are looking for another free option to using more resources, getting involved in your community theater is always a good option. Everything is volunteer so most of the time, there is no cost to being involved. Being involved in productions at these theaters can get you experience. These theaters put on musical productions just as well as acting productions. It is a good idea to participate as much as possible. Sometimes, these theaters also offer performing classes that can help you. I plan to research community theaters in the area to find out how their programs work and what they offer.

6. Musical Research

tv showing the YouTube app

This is for beginning students who want private instruction but simply can't afford it. There is a lot of information on musical techniques on the internet. People have YouTube channels and other platforms devoted to this area. Conducting you'e own research is a good idea to get ahead. A setback to this approach is that you won't receive that one on one instruction as you would in a private lesson setting. But you can receive feedback and valuable information. I plan on researching online resources for begining students to take advantage of.

7. Rehearsals

kid practicing piano at home

And last but not least, practice practice practice. If you are aspiring to be a musician or performer, you must practice. There is a saying "Practice makes perfect". And it is not wrong. Performing musically is not something you can pick up overnight. To be great, it is going to take time. What every teacher and resource listed here will tell you is to practice frequently. You only get back the amount you put in and that is definitely true with music. To research this, I can find out different circumstances associated to practice time and how long people have been playing.