THE ABILITY TO PLAY IN A GROUP:

One of the biggest benefits of learning music theory is that it will really help in making you feel more comfortable and confident when playing in a group. Some of the best musicians out there that have a good grasp of music theory are able to play in any environment because music theory gives them the knowledge they need to bounce off of other musicians. For example, knowing your basic music theory will give you the ability to recognize what key other musicians are playing in, and then understand what notes fit into that key. This opens up tons of variety for interesting chord progressions and lead guitar playing.

INCREASED CREATIVITY:

Another important benefit to note about learning music theory is that it can greatly increase your creativity. While yes, the thought of learning and studying theory might not sound like the most appealing thing to do, especially in the category of music, it will open up doors to different patterns and formulas of music. This will then allow you to explore new, creative ways to compose music.

IMPROVED SIGHT-READING SKILLS:

Although sight-reading is not used as much in modern styles of music, it is still a good skill to have as a musician. Learning music theory can actually help you become a better sight-reader through the process of identifying patterns, learning what chords most commonly go together and knowing why certain songs are structured the way that they are. Having an understanding of music theory takes lots of time and practice, but it is well worth it in the end. All of these benefits and more that come from learning music theory will ultimately lead you to become a better overall musician as time goes on.

Luckily, the teachers at Scottsdale Music Academy are all professional musicians who not only teach music but also play music for a living. Here are their top tips for booking music gigs.

Tips for Booking Music Gigs

1. Think Locally

While it’s every musician’s dream to go on a nationwide major city tour, that’s not always realistic when first starting out. That’s why we encourage our music students to think locally. Instead of looking for gigs across the US, concentrate on local venues in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Paradise Valley where you could possibly play. And don’t just focus your efforts on concert venues or clubs…think coffee shops, restaurants, museums or private parties, anywhere you could gain some experience and add to your resume.

2.  Use Your Connections

Along the same lines of “thinking locally,” it’s also a good idea to use your connections to find opportunities for music gigs. Chances are you know someone who knows someone who’s looking for a musician! Ask around and take advantage of your network. The more personal connections you can foster with promoters, booking agents or local venues, the better your chances will be at landing the gig.

3. Come With a Plan

When you’re reaching out to possible local venues, it’s wise to come with a plan. By that, we mean be ready to show them what you can offer. If you’re contacting venues via email, simply send along a link to your website or Soundcloud profile or links to any videos you might have. But your best bet is to visit the venue in person and play a little something for the owner or promoter. As an extra incentive, bring along a few ideas on how you’d personally help promote the concert or event. This will demonstrate how serious and interested you are about playing there.

4. Make Sure Your Music is a Match

Spare yourself future disappointment by doing your research and choosing your venues wisely. For instance, don’t waste your time contacting a venue that specializes in jazz music when your particular style of music is more rock or acoustic. Only reach out to venues where you know your style of music is wanted or make a habit of asking that question upfront. There are plenty of venues in Phoenix and Scottsdale that cater to a variety of music genres, including yours…you just have to look!

Our last tip related to booking gigs is to always be professional. It should be a no brainer, but sending thank you emails, interacting with the crowd after a performance, and showing up on time all go a long way to help ensure a good reputation and guarantee you’re re-booked in the future.

If you’re not quite ready to book your own gig or need some extra help preparing for it, consider signing up for band coaching. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to guarantee your first live performance goes off without a hitch. From stage presence to setup and audience engagement, you’ll learn it all! Contact Scottsdale Music Academy today to get started!

Why Too Much Screen Time is Bad

On the surface, binging your favorite Netflix show or following the latest Scottsdale restaurant on Facebook isn’t bad for you, but it can be harmful when you’re devoting a majority of your time to it. Excessive screen time not only monopolizes your time, it also decreases your level of physical and mental activity, and has been linked to hyperactivity and behavior problems in children.

The Fun Way to Reduce Screen Time

But fear not, there’s a remedy! It’s fun, it’s popular, and it involves an instrument. That’s right, we’re talking about music lessons! Believe it or not, music lessons are a great activity that can naturally help to reduce screen time. Here’s how:

Banishes Boredom

Often times, people turn to digital media simply out of boredom. Rather than spending your time glued to a screen all day, you could be doing something more useful, such as learning how to play a new instrument. Learning to play an instrument is a terrific hobby that’s been shown to stimulate the brain and foster creativity, making it the perfect substitute for your entertainment needs. In particular, music makes for a great alternative to video games and apps because it utilizes the body in some way or another and engages the mind, so much so that you won’t be the slightest bit bored.

Promotes Socialization

One of the downsides of most tech gadgets is their tendency to isolate users because of the solitary nature of the device. On the flip side, music lessons bring people together and provide plenty of opportunities to be social and engage with the real world. Whether you’re taking private music lessons or enrolled in band coaching, you’ll be paired with a music instructor who’ll guide you through the entire process. Plus, you’ll get the chance to meet other music-hungry students just like yourself! All in all, you’ll be interacting with more people, thus your screen time will likely go down as a result.

Keeps You Busy

It’s no secret that learning to play an instrument takes time and effort. Between practicing, preparing for gigs, and reading up on techniques, your free time will be limited. With less free time, you won’t be a likely to spend so much of it in front of a screen. But the plus side is you’ll be having an insane amount of fun and learning new things along the way! With so much going on, you won’t even miss your devices!

Like all good things in life, technology should be used in moderation and indulged in from time to time, not all day, every day. Whether the technology junkies are kids or adults, it’s important to be mindful of screen time and actively take steps to manage it. Music lessons can be just the activity you need to help reduce your screen time and disconnect from devices,  so you can finally tap into your musical side instead.

Give it a try by scheduling a free music lesson with Scottsdale Music Academy today!