As music budgets are severely cut in schools and more students are seeking private tuition, recent figures released estimate that the live music sector makes a huge £3.5 billion economic contribution to the UK economy.
£1.66 billion of that comes from musicians, composers and songwriters.
There are more than 17,000 music performances a year in London alone, while London based artists like Adele have had some of the world's best selling records. The... Read More »
When it comes to choosing musical heroes, guitarists have always been high on the list. Indeed most guitar teachers receive the parental phone call as a result of a child's fascination with one of the guitar greats.
Now with the influence of games such as Guit... Read More »
To many, playing a musical instrument is just a hobby. However, music can make a powerful contribution to the education and development of children, having benefits which range from those that are largely academic to the growth of social skills and contribution to overall development.
... Read More »
Who'd have thought that the small and humble ukulele could become so hugely popular?
In the last couple of years, the ukulele has shot to fame as the instrument of choice for adults and children alike. You'll be familiar with this tiny yet wonderful instrument without even knowing it - if you've heard Hawaiian music, or the hit songs of singer songwriter Jack Johnson, then you've heard the ukulele.
The uke, as it's commonly and affectionately known amongst its fan, is like a m... Read More »
Since X Factor and Britain's Got Talent have become must-see TV, it seems like everybody wants to sing. Singing is seen as a way to become rich and famous and escape ordinary life.
Actually, the truth is that singing is for all of us. It's for ordinary people and singing can be incorporated into all of our lives. Shows like BBC2's The Choir have shown us what a great effect singing can have on people's lives when they come together to, well, sing.
Perhaps you are a little lack... Read More »
The guitar is the instrument of modern music, the spirit animal of youth. It is synonymous with cool independence and fresh creativity. Whether it be a battered acoustic or a thrash metal axe, it is imbued with the same core romanticism: revolution, newness and change.
Because of this, playing the guitar is a deeply rewarding activity. It has social benefits that no other instrument can provide, and an immediacy of use that isn't possible with practically every other common instrument... Read More »
So you want to impress at your audition? Auditioning for a competition like TeenStar is about so much more than the way you sing in front of the judges you're trying to impress. Preparing for your audition and making sure you're in the right mind set is just as important.
Preparing for your audition
Practice, practice, practice - then go and practice som... Read More »This guest post was written by Dan, pianist and keyboard expert!
Teaching kids piano can be a great opportunity to work from home, especially if you have good piano training and experience. With the present state of the economy, more people are looking to use their skills as a way to earn additional income. One way that can be done is by taking a passion for the piano and turning it into a home based business.
What you are going to find with this approach,... Read More »
Those of us who teach piano will often be asked by parents at what age their children should start taking lessons. I tend to think that age seven is about right - partly because younger children's hands are very tiny and a child could struggle to reach all the notes! However, it's undeniable that many of the world's great pianists started honing their craft at an even earlier age. Mozart was famo... Read More »
The East Coast Musician of the Year 2011 Competition. Heats Saturday 5th November, Final Saturday 13th November. Early Registration Deadline 31st July 2011. Closing Date for Entry 30th September 2011
Supported by East Ridings Schools' Music Service, The City of Hull Music Service, Hull Philharmonic Orchestra, Scarborough Symphony Orchestra and Opera North, interest in this competition has been growing. Since its inception three years ago it has attracted both able stu... Read More »