The Nigerian Mvies

The Nigerian Mvies
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Friday, 20 September 2013

Blues Education Courses For Students Of All Ages

By Dale Peck


Interested persons have many opportunities to obtain a satisfactory Blues education. The modern era has increased the possibilities. Aspiring musicians were more restricted before. For instance, schooling was less of an intellectual exercise. Theoretical analysis was not on offer. Learning was acquired on the job. Regional culture and the local environment provided the inspiration for enterprising artists.

Practical experience remains a route to learning. But, educational opportunities bring a wider perspective to enhance artistic development. As Shun Kikuta, demonstrates by example, a combination of both can expedite the path to a professional career. The Japanese musician was trained at the Berklee School of Music, before he was introduced to the genre through a classic BB King record. Thereafter, he learned on the job by joining musicians plying their craft in Chicago. Slowly his skills were sharpened with experience. His formal education provided a base that supplied the skills he utilized in his new career path. An introduction to this art form in school also gives a deeper understanding to pupils who have not been immersed in the culture and its roots.

The guitar tradition exemplified by B. B. King is a direct descendant of the style inspired by Blind Lemon Jefferson. This manner of playing was prominent in Oklahoma and Texas during the 1920s. Jefferson has been recorded doing the single string solos. He inspired other guitarists and the influence is reflected in King. Understanding historical roots is part of building expertise. This type of learning is imparted at music schools. Successful musicians who learn and use the concepts and musical elements expand their musical foundation. They enhance their ability to add more depth and feeling to whatever style they play after this experience.

The evolutional trajectory of this form of music offer plenty of material for years of in depth study. Its different subgenres and number of instruments presents additional layers of accumulated richness. At the post-secondary level, a specialized focus can be sharpened. Yet younger students are served well enough with lessons that expose them to its distinctive sounds with some discussions of history to add context. In class, a new window is opened by introducing students to this American product born of real word conditions in the past. As modern music has many elements borrowed from the blues, such knowledge expands the possibilities. Further exploration of other genres in the future will only be enriched by earlier exposure to this art form.

Formal courses, practical experience and online tools offer students an array of choices that were not available before. New tools like videos even enable teachers who have no experience to expose their pupils at the precollege level. Flexible and accessible resources now exist online to support school teachers.

Online material includes lesson plans. Youngsters fortunate enough to be exposed through the classroom have an advantage over those who have not had this opportunity. It gives them a leg up in developing plans for the future. The more knowledge is made available, the better able individuals can be to make informed choices in their interest.

Aspiring musicians will be happy to know video teaching can now offer a deeper learning experience. Form and theoretical analysis is also on the menu. Learning form is a key that is needed by students who want to make their own music.

Blues education resources continue to improve. Time is a friend in this regard. Whatever the level of interest, the variety on offer is able to fulfill the need.




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