What About Technique and Music Theory

The main thing you're going to start with, or at least should start with, in learning a new instruments is technique. Like I said on other pages, there is no replacement for a teacher that can work with you one on one on learning the technique to play your instrument.

Now what is really important is getting good technique taught to you. Some of the band method books out there actually set you up to play poorly because they don't promote good technique from the beginning. However, there are those that can teach you via the new technology through audio recordings, video, workbooks, and web sites like "you tube"

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Let me give you an example of how this works. 

My daughter wanted to learn how to play the cornet, well actually trumpet, but the cornet was easier to hold for the petite girl that she is.  Fortunately my jazz mentor is a horn player and a good one at that. 

They spent several lessons on just learning to breath, form lip position, holding the cornet and blowing without ever playing a single note. 

Now this wasn't that big a deal because they were so intently focused on making the right positions that all of a sudden on the third lesson a note emerged and it was the cleanest and clearest sound that my daughters eyes got big as dollar bills.

I want to take this a step further, she is also studying the piano and has a great deal of theory behind her already. She now has the ability to rapidly progress through the materials on notes and scales because she already knows them and focus on the technique of playing. Now that's what I'm talking about.

Visit Our Preferred Partners

Our Preferred Partners are worth considering if you are looking for specific types of  techniques such as:

Cyberflute.com: Kathy Ferneau's on-line flute studio. You'll find tips for playing the flute, taking care of it, and flute lesson videos as well as other neat things like the figurine gallery, too.

If you have or know of good guitar related site and want to be considered as a preferred partner please contact us with your specifics for consideration. 

Summary

So in approaching music theory and your wind instrument, realize that the theory is just as important as the technique. Start with the foundational series on music theory such as rhythm and mastering the master staff. As you become accomplished and start to play with others the knowledge of chords and key signature are going to play an important role in your ability to move forward, help others and be a serious musician.

You don't have to get over serious and be a pro, but I believe that the true enjoyment is in the journey of ever learning more. Make your wind instrument music theory a part of that journey.