Song Writing Concept

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Today I will be discussing one way to compose the music for a song. There are many different techniques for writing and composing a song. This is just one of the way to do so. 

We will start by selecting a key to write our song. If you already know what keys are best for you to sing in I would recommend doing this same process in those keys if you like the concept. Today we will be using the key of C major as this key does not have any sharps or flats. The C major scale is C,D,E,F,G,A, and B. Off of each one of these scale degrees you can build a chord. Here are the chords for the key of C major. C, Dm,Em,F,G,Am, and Bdim. The next step is some what random as you will be picking one chord from the key of C major to start our song. If you know you want the song to be an up beat happy kinda of tune you may want to start with a major chord. If you are looking to compose something a little more on the darker rain day side of things you should start with one of the minor chords from the key. Today we will start our song with the G chord. To start  you should play the G chord for one measure with either quarter notes or eighth notes. Next you want to try each of the chord from the key of C after you G chord with the same rhythmic value you chose for the G chord. Meaning you would play a measure of G then try a measure of C then Dm then Em and so one until you have tried every chord in the key of C after your G chord. You should be listening for which chord you like the best after the G chord. Once you have established the first two chords that you like together then you continue the process until you have either established a 2 bar chord progression or a 4 bar progression. (the amount of bars or measures are completely up to you to decided.) Once you have the chord progression you like you are on your way to composing a song. Next you want to start to consider what you want the tempo of the song to be. Also what the feel and rhythm might be of your chord progression. Is it going to be an eighth note rock song or a reggie or funk song. After you have started to develop your idea the next things to start to think about is lyrics and other instrumentation that you might want to incorporate in the song. 

Again this is just one way of getting the creative juices flowing to compose a song or chord progression. 

Thank you for visiting our blog page. Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more. 

5 Ways to Incorporate Music Into Your Workday

Listening to music while you work can help you keep your head up during a tough day, concentrate when you’re deep into a complex project, or simply relax as you check tasks off of your to-do list. With guidance from the Colorado School of Music, you can even learn to play an instrument if you’re interested in picking up a new hobby. Here are a few ways you can bring music into your professional life, from adding music to your lessons as a teacher to creating a home office that’s ideal for listening to music. 

Create Space for Easy Listening

Whether you work in an office or from home, you can go the extra mile to create a space where you can easily listen to your favorite tunes. For example, if you work from home, you can soundproof your home office. The Spruce recommends installing acoustic panels or foam on your walls, hanging up curtains to better absorb noise, placing a draft stopper under your door, and adding carpeting or upholstered furniture to this space if possible. Add a little decorative flair to express your own style, too. If you work in an office, soundproofing your space probably won’t be an option – but you may want to invest in a pair of high-quality, noise-canceling headphones!

Music in the Classroom

If you hope to work with kids one day and earn an available master’s in special education online, you’ll be pleased to find out that there are plenty of ways to introduce music into your classroom. Additionally, children with disabilities can benefit greatly from music education and exposure. Music can function as a multi-sensory learning experience, allowing children to take in new information, and express themselves without using words. Even if you’re not a music teacher, your students might enjoy listening to music in your classroom from time to time!

Creative Inspiration

Maybe you work in an artistic field, or perhaps you just have to employ creative thinking on a daily basis to solve problems at work. Either way, you can listen to music to spark inspiration! Cornerstone London states that listening to music while you work can boost your divergent thinking capabilities – basically, a great playlist can prompt you to think outside of the box and come up with innovative ideas and solutions. Plus, listening to music enhances your memory!

Boost Your Productivity

Listening to music can help you get more work done on a faster timeline. This is a simple, fun way to boost your productivity! People who listen to music as they work tend to work more efficiently and make fewer mistakes. When you’re working on a solo task, try throwing on your favorite album.

Music for Physical Activity

Maybe you work in the trades, or you’re employed in a role that involves working outside or doing lots of physical activity. By listening to music, you can give yourself a much-needed boost of energy! As it turns out, studies show that listening to music while exercising actually improves your physical performance. Plus, if you’re a personal trainer, or you teach workout classes, you can create custom playlists for different clients or sessions to keep everyone pumped up and motivated.

Music can be a powerful tool for people across many different fields. From integrating music into your lessons as a teacher to listening to music while you work, music can help you get more out of each workday. By following some of these tips, you might notice yourself feeling happier and more productive at work, thanks to music!

Are you interested in learning to play a musical instrument? Turn to the Colorado School of Music! Call us today at 303-526-9865 to schedule your first lesson.

Photo via Pexels

By Emma Grace Brown

Unlocking Literacy Through Melodies: A Symphony of Language Development for Children

Music plays a profound role in child development, influencing various aspects of cognitive, emotional, and social growth. One of the lesser-known but deeply impactful areas that music touches upon is the development of literacy skills in children. 

Understanding the alphabet and reading and writing effectively is fundamental, but literacy extends far beyond this, including vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking. This article, courtesy of Colorado School of Music, explores how music can act as a powerful catalyst in enhancing various aspects of literacy.

Digital Sheet Music for Easy Access

The convenience of digitized sheet music cannot be overstated in today’s digital age. It allows musicians, educators, and students to easily access a wide range of compositions without the clutter of physical copies, and for those who still use paper sheet music, there’s no need to worry—you only need a PDF scanner. 

With the utility of mobile scanning apps, converting your traditional paper documents into digital PDFs has never been simpler. This digital conversion provides easy storage and organization and ensures that your sheet music is readily accessible whenever and wherever it’s needed.

Music Boosts Vocabulary and Word Recall

One of the most straightforward ways music aids in literacy is through the enhancement of vocabulary. When children listen to songs, they’re exposed to a variety of words that they may not encounter otherwise. 

This allows them to build a richer vocabulary at a younger age. Furthermore, the catchy melodies make those new words unforgettable, ensuring kids can recall and use them effectively in their everyday language.

Music Facilitates Basic Sounds and Phonics Learning

Before children can read or write, they must understand the sounds that letters make individually and when strung together to form words. Music aids in this basic phonics learning by exposing kids to different sounds in a rhythmic and enjoyable manner. The repetitive structure of songs also assists them in understanding phonetic rules, ultimately serving as a foundation for better spelling and reading skills.

Rhythmic Patterns Aid Auditory Processing

The rhythmic patterns in music go beyond mere entertainment. They play an essential role in shaping the auditory processing abilities of children. By listening to the different patterns and fluctuations in pitch and tone, children develop the skills necessary to distinguish between various sounds, thereby enhancing their language comprehension. This enables them to discern subtle differences in words and sentences, making them better listeners and more effective communicators.

Singing Builds Vocabulary and Grammar Skills

While listening to music is beneficial, actively engaging in singing can take literacy skills to another level. Singing helps to reinforce the vocabulary kids have acquired and provides them with a practical application for the words. 

Moreover, the structure of songs often incorporates various grammar rules, even if implicitly. Children, therefore, learn about sentence construction, tenses, and speech parts in a more intuitive manner than academics.

Music Encourages Creativity

The benefits of music in literacy development also extend to the realm of creativity. Engaging with music stimulates the imagination, inspiring children to create stories or even write songs. Imaginative play and storytelling require a sound understanding of language, further fortifying their literacy skills.

Learning an Instrument Develops Critical Thinking

Playing a musical instrument requires a unique blend of analytical thinking and creativity. Children who take up an instrument learn to read musical notations, which involves pattern recognition and problem-solving skills. These competencies have a direct carryover to literacy, as kids become better at understanding complex sentences and extracting meaning from text.

Music offers a rich, engaging, and effective avenue for literacy development in children. The benefits are manifold, from enhancing vocabulary and facilitating phonics learning to stimulating creativity and honing critical thinking skills. Educators and parents would do well to integrate music into the broader tapestry of their kids’ learning experiences; doing so is to turn the key that unlocks their full language potential.

By Emma Grace Brown

Thrive In Your Empty Nest With These Lifestyle Tips

The empty nest phase, often marked by the departure of children from the home, can stir a range of emotions, from excitement to apprehension. Yet, it also represents a ripe opportunity for personal renaissance and life enrichment. Whether you’ve been thinking of going back to school or just want to make small changes to your lifestyle to better your health, there are many things you can do to turn this era of your life into a positive one. This article, courtesy of the Colorado School of Music, uncovers pivotal strategies for thriving in this new life stage, offering avenues for joy, connection, and fulfillment.

Delve into New Interests

The freedom that comes with an empty nest provides the ideal setting for engaging in new activities or revisiting old passions. A newly found or rediscovered hobby can be a powerful vehicle for self-expression and gratification. Painting, cooking, or getting involved in music can become not just ways to pass time but also forms of art that bring deeper satisfaction. These days, you can learn just about anything online, including how to play an instrument; take a look at the lessons offered at the Colorado School of Music to learn more.

Pursue an Online Degree

The opportunity for further education is readily available through online courses, making it easier for empty nesters to explore new career paths. One notable option is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Education, which can lead to fulfilling post-retirement roles in teaching. The steps of a bachelor of science in education provide a structured, self-paced journey for those interested in making a meaningful impact on future generations.

Reconnect with Loved Ones

The absence of daily parenting responsibilities creates a space for fostering other relationships that might have taken a backseat. This phase offers a golden opportunity to invest in meaningful connections with friends and loved ones, whether it’s reigniting the romance with a partner or building stronger bonds with adult children. Simple activities like a weekend getaway, movie nights, or even regular phone calls can make a world of difference in strengthening these relationships and filling life with joy and purpose.

Embark on Adventures

An empty nest offers the freedom to roam—both literally and metaphorically. The financial commitments of raising children often put travel dreams on hold. With the barriers removed, now is the perfect time to plan that dream holiday. Tips and resources for budget-friendly travel are readily available online, making long-desired destinations such as a trip to Disney World more attainable. 

Increase Social Engagement

Social activities can play a significant role in staving off feelings of isolation or loneliness. Participation in community clubs, attendance at local events, or simple gatherings with friends can bring a new dynamism to life. These interactions not only enhance emotional well-being but also offer intellectual stimulation, keeping one engaged, alert, and happier.

Contribute to the Community

The satisfaction derived from volunteer work is unparalleled. Serving a cause close to the heart not only fills the hours but also enriches the soul. Whether it’s environmental conservation, animal care, or community service, the options are limitless. The time and energy invested yield rewards in the form of satisfaction and a sense of purpose that money can’t buy.

Revamp Your Living Space

An empty home can be viewed as a blank canvas. Makeovers, whether minor tweaks or major overhauls, can breathe new life into living spaces. This could range from a simple paint job to repurposing entire rooms for new activities like a home gym or an art studio. The revitalized environment not only marks the new life phase but also acts as a constant source of motivation and happiness.

Adopt Mindfulness Techniques

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and yoga offer a holistic approach to navigate the complexities of this life stage. They enable a better understanding of oneself and one’s emotions, fostering a balanced and harmonious life. These practices bring a heightened sense of awareness and tranquility, making the emotional journey of the empty nest phase easier to navigate.

An empty nest, far from being a period of loss or emptiness, offers a rich tapestry of opportunities for growth, adventure, and happiness. From diving into new hobbies to fostering relationships and exploring the world, the possibilities are endless. Seizing these opportunities can not only fill the void but also enrich life in a myriad of ways, making this stage one of life’s most fulfilling chapters.

Have a question for the team at the Colorado School of Music? Reach out today to find out more about music lessons.

By Emma Grace Brown

How to Get Live Gigs as a New Musician 

Live gigs are the bread and butter for the majority of musicians. Musicians get a nice percentage of ticket sales for every live gig they do and sometimes make extra from patrons and sponsors. As such, if you’d like to have a successful career as a musician, you’ll have to master the art of securing live gigs. This isn’t necessarily hard but it can be time-consuming and often requires you to hustle. 

To help you along, the Colorado School of Music offers some tried-and-tested suggestions on how you could get live gigs as a new musician:

Promote yourself and build credibility 

Raising awareness about you with your target audience is an essential first to setting yourself up as a musician as well as securing live gigs. You have to give people a taste of your musical talents and, so, establish your brand in the market. Some ways to do that is by recording a short free album or songs, getting a portfolio website, getting on social media, streaming your music practice, getting on YouTube, and offering your services on channels like Twitch. Music Think Tank offers useful suggestions in this vein.

Scout out local shows and venues

Major cities periodically host music shows and events. Many such shows are willing to hire unknown musicians for the  “undiscovered, exciting hidden talent” factor. If you can get in touch with promoters and demonstrate your talents, you should be able to secure a performance slot. You may not be paid much but the exposure and experience can be priceless. Gigs tend to lead to more gigs, and you can negotiate better pay as you go.  

Network with key players 

Networking with key players is a critical part of securing gigs. Who are the key players? Some examples are booking agents, promoters, fellow musicians, venue owners, sponsors, and influential fans. The right people can put you in touch with industry movers and shakers, and sometimes even book you for live gigs. Ditto offers helpful networking tips. 

Get the word out about your gigs 

When you’re just starting out with small-time gigs and don’t know anyone, you can and should get the word out about you and your performances to your friends, family, and acquaintances. It will give you that initial push you need to get started. It doesn’t hurt to cast a wide net and advertise to everyone you know – including people from high school who may be influential now. If you have lost their contact details, you can use people search engines with information about Denver and surrounding areas. You’ll just need basic details like your friends’ names, your graduation date, and the name of your school to receive immediate results with phone numbers and email addresses. 

Collaborate with other musicians 

Collaborating with other new musicians can help you expand your network. You can trade in favors – you can ask them to recommend you to people and vice versa. Approaching more established musicians can also pay rich dividends. You can get mentored, receive valuable advice, and even receive their help in securing live gigs. 

Be a musician for hire 

People frequently need musicians for private live events like weddings, corporate parties, birthday celebrations, and similar. While these gigs aren’t exactly glamorous, doing them can be worth your time. You can practice your skills, get paid, and slowly and steadily build up your credibility. These days, you can even be a virtual musician for hire via some platforms.    

Build up your musical skills 

You should always be looking to become a better musician. Knowing key musical techniques, instruments, theory, and related skills can make it easier to gain credibility, sell yourself, and produce better-quality music. Colorado School of Music offers private music lessons to musicians of all experience levels. You can learn a variety of instruments from experienced teachers. 

Reputation is everything in the music industry. If you’d like to have a steady supply of live gigs, do everything you can to build up your reputation, from promoting yourself to building up your skills. It could take a while, but if you keep at it, you will succeed.