Expanding your Musical Library

Growing up, we tend to gravitate toward a particular style of music. While listening and learning one style can form a great foundation & love for music, it limits our musical library. Listening to other styles can have a profound effect on your playing as musicians and is well worth exploring. Below are steps to help avoid this music blunder.

FIRST – Explore new music. Listen to new music by asking your parents what they use to listen to, ask your instructor for some suggestions, or flip the station on Pandora.

NEXT – As you listen, focus on what makes this style unique. Set time aside each day to explore the music on your instrument. Try taking a melody out of a song, listen for a chord that grabs your attention, or find a progression you like.

FINALLY – Once you have control over what you have learned, try blending it into the style you are familiar with. If you play rock, try adding in a jazz chord to your playing to spice things up. Ultimately, learning new styles will make you a better player but most importantly, it will keep you motivated to keep practicing your instrument!

-Jacob Vallejo, B.M.E