Should I Focus on Singing Lessons or Instrument Lessons?
As a working professional with an 8-hour job, it might be challenging to balance both singing and instrument lessons. However, if you find a greater enjoyment in singing lessons, does that mean they should be your primary focus? Here’s a detailed exploration of this common dilemma, along with insights on the importance of learning the musical alphabet.
Enjoyment and Focus: The Role of Singing Lessons
When choosing between singing lessons and instrument lessons, it’s crucial to consider your inherent interests and enjoyment. If you enjoy singing more, it might be a sign that this is the direction you should focus on. Enjoyment can lead to better learning outcomes and long-term satisfaction as a musician.
Moreover, a good voice teacher often teaches the fundamental elements of music, including the musical alphabet. This knowledge can empower you, providing a clearer direction and fostering a stronger connection with the art of music. If your instrument teacher is not covering these basic principles, you might lack the necessary confidence and direction.
The Importance of the Musical Alphabet
Music is the organization of sound in time, and understanding the musical alphabet can be incredibly beneficial. It involves basic concepts such as scale degrees, intervals, and chords, which are crucial for any musician to grasp. Unlike upper-level techniques, these foundational skills can be learned and internalized once, making your musical journey more manageable and effective.
The musical alphabet can be taught through the effective methodology of solfege, which involves singing to name and understand pitch. This is a process that helps your brain form a clear understanding of the relationships between notes. Once you have this foundation, you can focus on technique and musicality without being held back by a lack of foundational knowledge.
The French School of Music: A Legacy of Excellence
In my experience, the treatment of the musical alphabet in music education can vary significantly. I was fortunate to study at The French School of Music in Plainfield, NJ, under the guidance of Yvonne Combe, an alumnus of the Paris Conservatory. This rich educational tradition emphasizes the importance of solfege and provides a solid foundation for any musician.
Her methodologies, such as Fundamentals of Piano Practice (available as a free PDF on Amazon) and The Unstoppable Musician (a free PDF with an upcoming second edition available on Amazon) have been instrumental in guiding musicians to excellence. The Unstoppable Musicianship online training further brings these principles to life, combining traditional and modern teaching methods.
Empowerment through Understanding
One of the most significant benefits of studying the musical alphabet is the empowerment it brings to your practice. It allows you to measure your understanding and progress, making your practice more effective. Just as the alphabet enables reading, the musical alphabet enables a deeper and more meaningful engagement with music.
Sheetrock from The Unstoppable Musicianship shares a powerful testimonial that underscores the transformative impact of learning the musical alphabet:
“I want to thank you for your work in creating the Unstoppable Musicianship online boot camp. Without getting into too much detail, I have been struggling as a musician for roughly ten years, giving up several times due to lack of noticeable progress. Taking your course has opened so many doors for me while also giving me the tools to pave my own musical path. Learning solfege has been like learning the alphabet. This may sound dramatic, but you have my eternal gratitude.”
- Mitchel
Much like learning the alphabet, learning the musical alphabet once provides a lifelong foundation. Once you understand these basic principles, you can more effectively focus on the nuances of technique and musicality, knowing that your brain is already aligned with the musical goal.
In conclusion, if you find singing lessons more enjoyable, it might be worth focusing on them while also seeking additional resources, such as The Unstoppable Musicianship, to gain a deeper understanding of the musical alphabet. This knowledge will empower you to progress more confidently and efficiently in your musical journey.