Posted by Dean Cutinelli on April 30th, 2021 | Comments off
Dean Cutinelli here from the Colorado School of Music. Remember we are just a call 303-526-9865 or an email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com away to start your private music lessons. We offer guitar lessons, ukulele lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, vocal lessons as well orchestral instruments. We offer in-person or online lessons. Now on to our discussion about chords.
Today I will be talking about chords that are native to a major key. Every major key has 7 chords. There are many extensions that can be added to chords that make up the vast variety of chords in music. We will save extensions and altered chords for another time. The major key is comprised of a major I chord, a minor ii chord, a minor iii chord, a major IV chord, major V chord, a minor vi chord, and a diminished vii*chord.
Now I am going to break down each chord into what I like to call chord definitions. Your major I IV and V chords are a root, a major 3rd, and a perfect fifth or R-3rd-5th. Your minor ii and minor iii and vi chords are a root, a minor 3rd and a perfect 5th or R-b3rd-5th. Your diminished chord is a root a minor 3rd and a b5th or R-b3rd-b5th. So for example if we are in the key of C major our major I chord is C and the note are C-E-G. If we wanted to make the C major chord to a C minor chord our notes would then be C-Eb-G. If we want to convert a C major chord to a C diminish chord the note would now be C-Eb-Gb. The next level of chord are your major 7th, minor 7th, dominant 7th and minor 7th b5 chords. I will be discuss these in next months music blog.
As a musician the chord definitions we help you as you continue to learn the different chord rules definitions and notations you will see through our your musical career.
I hope after reading this you have a little better understanding about the chords that are in a major key. Please feel free to contact us and come in for a music lesson from one of our great instructor at the Colorado School of Music in Golden CO. We offer guitar lessons, ukulele lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons and vocal lessons as wells as orchestral instruments.
Posted by Kirk Vollack on April 19th, 2021 | Comments off
CSoM NEWSLETTER … APRIL 2021
Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!
We offer weekly private music instruction for all instruments. Try a lesson in guitar, piano, or any of our currently offered instruments or disciplines.
Here is what we offer:
–Piano lessons for all ages and ability levels. Looking for something specific in your piano study? We have instructors that specialize in many styles.
–Guitar lessons, Electric Bass lessons or Ukulele lessons for aspiring guitarists of all ability levels and styles.
-Drum and/or specialty percussion lessons – learn to jam on a drum kit or explore world rhythms.
-Vocal music lessons for aspiring singers or those looking to pass that big audition! Voice lessons for all ages and aspirations.
–Violin lessons with our talented violin instructor. A great choice for both young and old, private violin lessons are fun and rewarding.
–Private music lessons for school band/ orchestra instruments, including (but not limited to) trumpet and trombone lessons, flute lessons, saxophone and clarinet lessons.
We’re happy to offer in-person lessons in our Golden studio! We’ve altered our school to accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register for in-person lessons or would like to know more about our covid-19 protocols and safety measures, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
Online Lessons!
In addition to our in-person lessons, the Colorado School of Music continues to offer online lessons! As with our in-person lessons, all online lessons are on-on-one private instruction with our talented instructors. Using, FaceTime, Skype, or your favorite video call app, connect with our teachers and take your lessons from home! We currently offer online lessons Monday through Thursday for all instruments and voice. Call 303-526-9865 or email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com to get signed up today!
Please Leave a Message-
During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!
Need to Move?
Did your coach just re-structure practice times and throw your schedule into chaos? You’re probably not alone. We understand the rigors of spring scheduling…so if you find that your music lesson time slot doesn’t fit, call us at 303-526-9865 and leave your name, current time slot and any days and times that work for your schedule and we’ll do our best to re-locate you!
Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from Golden, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder!
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!
Posted by Dean Cutinelli on March 30th, 2021 | Comments off
Dean Cutinelli here from the Colorado School of Music. Remember we are just a call away to start your private music lessons. We offer guitar lessons, ukulele lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, vocal lessons as well orchestral instruments. Now on to our discussion about the the major scale.
The Major Scale
The major scale (or Ionian scale) is probably the most commonly used musical scale. It is one of the diatonic scales. The major scale is made up of seven notes with the eighth duplicates the first at double its frequency. Which is referred to as being anoctave higher from the starting note of the scale. The sequence of intervals between the notes of a major scale is: whole, whole, half, whole, whole, whole, half
The History
The Ionian mode of ancient Greek civilization was not used in western music until the late middle ages. At that point ecclesiastic music scholars began to separate the Ionian mode and Aeolian mode and use them as the foundation for what would become the staple of western music thereafter; the Major and natural minor scales respectively.
In 1000 CE Guido D’Arezzo made many improvements in music theory. He first improved and reworked standard notation to be more user-friendly by adding time signatures. Then he invented solfege. This is the vocal note scale: do, re, mi, fa, so, la ,ti, do.
Who Uses It
You can hear this scale in many styles and genres. This is the primary scale for Classical, jazz, pop, rock, blue grass,country and more. The major scale has also been know to be altered to change the sound of the scale. These are commonlyreferred to as modes. The changing of one note in the major scalechanges the sound and the way it maybe used. Ionian, Lydian and Mixolydian are major scales with one note being made sharp or flat. This give the scale a different sound.
Please feel free to contact us to come in a learn all about the majorscale and anything else pertaining to music from one of our great instructor at the Colorado School of Music in Golden CO. We offer private lessons for all levels and most instruments.
Posted by Kirk Vollack on February 15th, 2021 | Comments off
Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!
Now in our 16th year of business, we’re proud to offer both online and in-person private music instruction for all ages and levels in piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band/orchestra instruments.
Lessons in the New Year!
The Colorado School of Music offers weekly private music instruction for all instruments! Try a lesson in guitar, piano, or any of our currently offered instruments or disciplines.
Here is what we offer:
-Piano lessons for all ages and ability levels. Looking for something specific in your piano study? We have instructors that specialize in many styles.
–Guitar lessons, Electric Bass lessons or Ukulele lessons for aspiring guitarists of all ability levels and styles.
–Drum lessons and/or specialty percussion lessons – learn to jam on a drum kit or explore world rhythms.
-Vocal music lessons for aspiring singers or those looking to pass that big audition! Voice lessons for all ages and aspirations.
-Violin lessons with our talented violin instructor. A great choice for both young and old, private violin lessons are fun and rewarding.
–Private music lessons for school band/ orchestra instruments, including (but not limited to) trumpet and trombone lessons, flute lessons, saxophone and clarinet lessons.
So if you’re someone who’s looking to try a new instrument or rekindle their love for music, try a lesson for $10! To book an introductory lesson, please email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
In person lessons!
We’re happy to offer in-person lessons in our Golden studio! We’ve altered our school to accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register for in-person lessons or would like to know more about our covid-19 protocols and safety measures, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
Online Lessons!
In addition to our in-person lessons, the Colorado School of Music continues to offer online lessons! As with our in-person lessons, all online lessons are on-on-one private instruction with our talented instructors. Using, FaceTime, Skype, or your favorite video call app, connect with our teachers and take your lessons from home! We currently offer online lessons Monday through Thursday for all instruments and voice. Call 303-526-9865 or email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com to get signed up today!
The Snow is Here…
Now entrenched in the cold months, we often get questions regarding our policy for snow closures. In the event of a snow closure, The Colorado School of Music will post an announcement on our website by noon the day in question to announce the closure.
Onlinelessons will occur as normal on snow days.
In the event of a snow closure, in-house instructors will be teaching online lessons at the normal lesson time. When in doubt please check the Website: www.coloradoschoolofmusic.com or the Facebook page!
Need to Move?
Did your coach just re-structure practice times and throw your schedule into chaos? You’re probably not alone. We understand the rigors of spring scheduling…so if you find that your music lesson time slot doesn’t fit, call us at 303-526-9865 and leave your name, current time slot and any days and times that work for your schedule and we’ll do our best to re-locate you!
Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from Golden, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder!
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!
Posted by Kirk Vollack on January 23rd, 2021 | Comments off
Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!
Lessons in the New Year!
The Colorado School of Music offers weekly private music instruction for all instruments! Try a lesson in guitar, piano, or any of our currently offered instruments or disciplines.
Here is what we offer:
–Piano lessons for all ages and ability levels. Looking for something specific in your piano study? We have instructors that specialize in many styles.
–Guitar lessons, Electric Bass lessons or Ukulele lessons for aspiring guitarists of all ability levels and styles.
–Drum lessons and/or specialty percussion lessons – learn to jam on a drum kit or explore world rhythms.
-Vocal music lessons for aspiring singers or those looking to pass that big audition! Voice lessons for all ages and aspirations.
–Violin lessons with our talented violin instructor. A great choice for both young and old, private violin lessons are fun and rewarding.
-Private music lessons for school band/ orchestra instruments, including (but not limited to) trumpet and trombone lessons, flute lessons, saxophone and clarinet lessons.
So if you’re someone who’s looking to try a new instrument or rekindle their love for music, try a lesson for $10! To book an introductory lesson, please email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
In person lessons!
We’re happy to offer in-person lessons in our Golden studio! We’ve altered our school to accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register for in-person lessons or would like to know more about our covid-19 protocols and safety measures, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
Online Lessons!
In addition to our in-person lessons, the Colorado School of Music continues to offer online lessons! As with our in-person lessons, all online lessons are on-on-one private instruction with our talented instructors. Using, FaceTime, Skype, or your favorite video call app, connect with our teachers and take your lessons from home! We currently offer online lessons Monday through Thursday for all instruments and voice. Call 303-526-9865 or email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com to get signed up today!
Too Young For Music?
We often receive questions from parents regarding the appropriate/best age to start young children in formal music lessons. Of course, all children are different and there are always exceptions, but here are the general guidelines we use:
First, consider the instrument in relation to the age of the student. Piano lessons and Violin lessons are great choices for young children, as both violin and piano lessons have excellent curriculum for young beginners. Piano, in particular, provides a general overview of music theory and makes it easy to pick up other instruments as the student gets older. Some instruments can be difficult for beginners and aren’t as good for young children based on size, complexity, etc..
Four years old is generally too young for formal lessons. Progress is very slow and it can be difficult to maintain the focus required for practicing. Four year old hands are also often too small.
We feel that six years old is generally the best age for young children to begin formal lessons. Many lesson books and methods are geared toward this age for beginners, and the progress made at this age is both faster than younger students and better learned, as lessons and concepts seem to ‘stick.’
Five year olds are in the middle – at this age, it seems to depend on the child. If motivated and interested, the progress with a five year old will be a bit slower, but nonetheless valuable. We’re always willing to try lessons with five year olds – please ask if you have more questions about beginners or you’d like to take an introductory lesson with your young musician. Parents/Guardians are welcome in all lessons!
The Snow is Here…
Now entrenched in the cold months, we often get questions regarding our policy for snow closures. In the event of a snow closure, The Colorado School of Music will post an announcement on our website by noon the day in question to announce the closure. Onlinelessons will occur as normal on snow days.
In the event of a snow closure, in-house instructors will be teaching online lessons at the normal lesson time. When in doubt please check the Website: www.coloradoschoolofmusic.com or the Colorado School of Music Facebook page!
Posted by Kirk Vollack on December 17th, 2020 | Comments off
CSoM NEWSLETTER … December 2020
Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! Now in our 15th year of business, we’re proud to offer both online lessons and in-person private music lessons for all ages and levels including piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons voice lessons, and band and orchestral instruments.
Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from Golden, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder!
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!
Here is what we offer:
–Piano lessons for all ages and ability levels. Looking for something specific in your piano study? We have instructors that specialize in many styles.
–Guitar lessons, Electric Bass lessons or Ukulele lessons for aspiring guitarists of all ability levels and styles.
–Drum lessons and/or specialty percussion lessons – learn to jam on a drum kit or explore world rhythms.
-Vocal music lessons for aspiring singers or those looking to pass that big audition! Voice lessons for all ages and aspirations.
-Violin lessons with our talented violin instructor. A great choice for both young and old, private violin lessons are fun and rewarding.
–Private music lessons for school band/ orchestra instruments, including (but not limited to) trumpet and trombone lessons, flute lessons, saxophone and clarinet lessons.
THANK YOU…
Endless thanks to our students, parents of students and our dedicated staff of music instructors for all your hard work and support through the ups and downs of this crazy year! We are so grateful to have persevered through these difficult months and we owe it all to our students, teachers and the love for music that endures even in the toughest of times. Both personally and professionally we truly appreciate the support! We’re looking forward to a happier and healthier 2021!
Closed for Winter Break December 21st-January 3rd
This month, the Colorado School of Music will be taking our customary two week Holiday Break. The school will be closed Monday December 21st 2020 through January 3rd,2021. No classes will be held on these days. All classes will resume at their normal days/times the week of January 4th. Thank you and enjoy the Holidays!
Lessons in the New Year!
The Colorado School of Music offers weekly private music instruction for all instruments! Try a lesson in guitar, piano, or any of our currently offered instruments or disciplines.
Posted by Kirk Vollack on November 19th, 2020 | Comments off
CSoM NEWSLETTER … November 2020
Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!
Now in our 15th year of business, we’re proud to offer both online lessons and in-person private music lessons for all ages and levels including piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons voice lessons, and band and orchestral instruments.
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!
In person lessons!
We’re happy to offer in-person lessons in our Golden studio! We’ve altered our school to accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register for in-person lessons or would like to know more about our covid-19 protocols and safety measures, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
Online Lessons!
In addition to our in-person lessons, the Colorado School of Music continues to offer online lessons! As with our in-person lessons, all online lessons are on-on-one private instruction with our talented instructors. Using, FaceTime, Skype, or your favorite video call app, connect with our teachers and take your lessons from home! We currently offer online lessons Monday through Thursday for all instruments and voice. Call 303-526-9865 or email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com to get signed up today!
Scheduled Holiday Closures, 2020
The Colorado School of Music will take a short break over Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday Nov 26th and 27th,) and will be closed for two weeks for our annual holiday break. No classes and no charge for these dates. Thank you!
CLOSED for Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday and Friday, November 26-27 CLOSED for Holiday Break- Monday, Dec. 21st through Friday, January 1st. All lessons will resume at their normal day/time starting Monday, January 4th.
The Snow is Almost Here…
Now entrenched in the cold months, we often get questions regarding our policy for snow closures. In the event of a snow closure, The Colorado School of Music will post an announcement on our website by noon the day in question to announce the closure. Online lessons will occur as normal on snow days.
In the event of a snow closure, in-house instructors will be teaching online lessons at the normal lesson time. When in doubt please check the Website: www.coloradoschoolofmusic.com or the Colorado School of Music Facebook page!
Please Leave a Message-
During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!
Posted by Dean Cutinelli on August 31st, 2020 | Comments off
Dean Cutinelli here from the Colorado School of Music. Remember we are just a call 303-526-9865 or an email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com away to start your private music lessons. We offer guitar lessons, ukulele lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, vocal lessons as well orchestral instruments. We offer in-person or online lessons. Now on to our discussion about the natural minor scale.
The Minor Scale
In music theory, the term minor scale refers to three different scale formations. The natural minor scale (or Aeolian mode), the harmonic minor scale, and the melodic minor scale.
I will be discussing the natural minor scale in this blog. The natural minor scale is a diatonic scale that is built by starting on the 6th degree of its relativemajor scale. A natural minor scale can be built by starting on the 6th degree of the C major scale. Your A natural minor scale would A, B, C, D, E, F, and G. These are the same seven note that our in the relative major key of C. Because of this, the key of A minor is called the relative minor of C major. Every major key has a relative minor, which starts on the 6th scale degree and they share the same notes and chords.
A natural minor scale can also be constructed by altering a major scale with accidentals. In this way, a natural minor scale is represented by the following notation:1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, ♭7, 8(Major scale 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
The History
Western music from the Middle Ages until the late 19th century is based on the diatonic scale and the unique hierarchical relationships created by this system of organizing seven notes. There is evidence that the Sumerians and Babylonians used some version of the diatonic scale. 9,000-year-old flutes found in Jiahu, China indicate the evolution, over a period of 1,200 years, of flutes having 4, 5 and 6 holes to having 7 and 8 holes, the latter exhibiting striking similarity to diatonic hole spacings and sounds.
By the beginning of the Baroque period, the notion of musical key was established, describing additional possible transpositions of the diatonic scale. Major and minor scales came to dominate until at least the start of the 20th century, partly because their intervallic patterns are suited to the reinforcement of a central triad.
Who Uses It
The minor scale provides a darker and more complex sound than the major Scale. The natural minor scale is used in many different musical genre. You can hear this scale in rock, pop, classical, jazz, metal and many other styles of music.
Regardless if you play guitar, piano, saxophone, clarinet flute, or violin the minor scale is a must know for all musicians.
Please feel free to contact us to come in a learn all about the minor scale and anything else pertaining to music from one of our great instructor at the Colorado School of Music in Golden CO.
Posted by Kirk Vollack on August 18th, 2020 | Comments off
CSoM NEWSLETTER … August 2020
Now in our 15th year of business, we’re proud to offer both online lessons and in-person private music lessons for all ages and levels including piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons, voice and band/orchestral instruments.
Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from Golden, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder!
Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!
Welcome Back!
We’re happy to return to in-person lessons in our Golden studio! We’ve altered our school to accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register or would like to know more about our covid-19 protocols and safety measures, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today!
Online Lessons!
In addition to our in-person lessons, the Colorado School of Music continues to offer online lessons! As with our in-person lessons, all online lessons are on-on-one private instruction with our talented instructors. Using, FaceTime, Skype, or your favorite video call app, connect with our teachers and take your lessons from home! We currently offer online lessons Monday through Thursday for all instruments and voice. Call 303-526-9865 or email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com to get signed up today!
Back to School!
Summer may not be entirely gone, but the kids are almost back in school! Although we’re located in Golden, our students come from all over the Metro Area including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Littleton–even as far as Boulder and Denver! Our school age students attend no less than 14 different area schools, and range in grade from Kindergarten to Graduate school!
Joining a school band or orchestra this fall? The Colorado School of Music offers private instruction for all band and orchestra instruments including brass instruments, woodwinds, violin lessons and drum lessons!
Fall Schedules
If you’re a student returning from summer vacation and you’d like to get back into private music lessons for the fall – call soon to reserve your day and time for August and the upcoming school year! Spots are going fast! Our fall hours will be the same as our summer hours; M-Th 2pm-8pm. We currently offer piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, voice lessons, drum lessons and lessons in all band instruments!
Please Leave a Message-
During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!
Posted by Dean Cutinelli on August 2nd, 2020 | Comments off
Dean Cutinelli here from the Colorado School of Music. Remember we are just a call 303-526-9865 or an email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com away to start your private music lessons. We offer guitar lessons, ukulele lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lessons, vocal lessons as well orchestral instruments. We offer in-person or online lessons. Now on to our discussion about the Harmonic minor scale.
This blog will be discussing the harmonic minor scale. The harmonic minor scale has the same notes as the natural minor scale accept the seventh scale degree is raised one half step. A harmonic minor scale is represented by the following notation:1, 2, ♭3, 4, 5, ♭6, 7, 8 or whole, half, whole, whole, half, augmented second, half.
The scale is called the harmonic minor scale because it is a common foundation for harmonies (chords) in minor keys. For example, in the key of A minor the v chord is a E minor triad in the natural minor scale. In the harmonic minor scale the E triad becomes major. (E, G#, B) This simple change creates a new and unique sound.
While it evolved primarily as a basis for chords, the harmonic minor scale with its augmented second can be used melodically. The harmonic minor scale is also occasionally referred to as the Mohammedan scale and in Indian raga, it is called Kirwani.
Who Use It
The harmonic minor scale can be heard in harmony and melodically in classical music. It is widely used in jazz music for improvisation.
You can hear this scale used in heaven metal, rock and pop. There is a strong influence in Spanish music incorporating this scale as well. This scale also created a sub-genre know as neoclassical metal.
Regardless if you play guitar, piano, saxophone, clarinet flute, or violin the harmonic minor scale is a must know for all musicians.
Please feel free to contact us to come in for a music lesson to learn all about the harmonic minor scale and anything else pertaining to music from one of our great instructor at the Colorado School of Music in Golden CO.
