Friday, September 27, 2013

No Shortage Of Variety In Acquiring A Blues Education

By Dale Peck


A Blues education can be acquired in diverse ways. In the beginning, there were no schools offering to educate. The music developed and evolved within its surroundings and culture. Artisans learned in practice. This still remains a way to learn today. But, as its influence has broadened and spawned new genres of music, educational offerings are worth the time.

Practical experiences still provide ways to become a practicing musician in this genre as demonstrated by the example of Shun Kikuta, the Japanese musician. A graduate of Berklee School of Music, he did not study this genre. Instead it was his exposure to the B. B . King album Live at the Regal that began his journey into this genre. Subsequently, playing live with musicians in Chicago his skills were developed over time. Nevertheless, he still had his formal education as a foundation to build on when he opted to follow a new direction. People who live outside the culture and historical roots that gave birth to this sound get a helping hand in school.

Such knowledge would enable students to learn that it was Blind Lemon Jefferson, an early pioneer, who preceded generations before BB King. His recordings inspired other artists, who passed on the inspiration in their turn. Learning about the history and evolution of different styles helps the creative process. Such learning is attained through formal studies more easily. Artists who study and use musical concepts and elements improve their aptitude. This enables them to augment their skills. The result is a more powerful musician, who can play with greater meaning and expression thereafter.

The evolutional trajectory of this form of music offer plenty of material for years of in depth study. Its different subgenres and number of instruments presents additional layers of accumulated richness. At the post-secondary level, a specialized focus can be sharpened. Yet younger students are served well enough with lessons that expose them to its distinctive sounds with some discussions of history to add context. In class, a new window is opened by introducing students to this American product born of real word conditions in the past. As modern music has many elements borrowed from the blues, such knowledge expands the possibilities. Further exploration of other genres in the future will only be enriched by earlier exposure to this art form.

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.

Aspiring musicians will be happy to know video teaching can now offer a deeper learning experience. Form and theoretical analysis is also on the menu. Learning form is a key that is needed by students who want to make their own music.

Resources are constantly evolving. Even a developed lesson plan evolves as it gets used. New ideas spring from people who are using the material. Blues education is available today in many guises. Depending upon the level of interest, each option makes knowledge accessible as needed.




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