9/26/2013

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.

Blind Lemon Jefferson, an early 20th century guitarist, set the path later trod by the inspiring BB King decades later. Recordings of Jefferson inspired others who followed him. Awareness of historical roots of certain styles is a part of the development process for an artist. This kind of learning is acquired more easily through formal studies. Musicians who study and use musical elements and concepts fortify their musical grounding. They augment their capacity to add greater depth and expression to any style they choose to play after their formative period of study.

The sheer richness of the subject means students can spend years studying it in depth. The many subgenres and different instruments offer layers of accumulated depth. At the university level courses cater to specialist needs. For younger students, lessons are less sophisticated. They instead have their value in providing exposure. This is especially true if children do not live in an environment where they are exposed to this music. The classroom opens a new vista for them. Since the blues is the foundation of modern music, knowledge about it will only expand their musical horizons.

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.

Lesson plans are also available. Exposing children early on provides them with information they can use to decide what direction to choose later in life. The more material at their disposal the better chance they have of making an informed decision about a specialization.

Video teaching material now also offers an improved experience. Aspiring musicians can obtain a better grasp of the form from new material that has been recently introduced. Theoretical analysis and form has been available to encourage budding musicians develop their own creativity.

Available resources continue to evolve. Even prepared lesson plans evolve they are used. Fresh ideas develop as people use the material. Today, there are many ways to acquire a Blues education. Depending on the level of interest, the variety offers flexibility of choice.




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