This article was co-authored by Cuong Nguyen. Cuong Nguyen is a Music Teacher and the Co-Owner of both OC Musica and the Huntington Beach School of Music. He has been teaching music for over 45 years and has extensive knowledge in music teaching pedagogy. He and his team of over 20 professional instructors specialize in teaching piano, voice, guitar, violin, brass, and woodwind instruments. Cuong is the 1984 winner of the Yoshiro Irino Memorial Prize in Composition. He received his Bachelor of Music with Honors from the Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
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If you’re looking to take your musical talents to the next level, you’re in the right place. Being a good musician is all about commitment and practice, and there’s no reason you can’t improve. So long as you’re willing to put the work in, you’ll be at the top of your field in no time. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you’ll need to become the best musician you can be.
Steps
Expert Q&A
- QuestionDo I need to have a perfect pitch to be a good musician?Warren LeeWarren Lee is a Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music Educator based in Hong Kong. Lee is a concert pianist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and is on both the Steinway Artist and Naxos Recording Artist rosters. Lee was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2015. In 2017, he received the Ian Mininberg Distinguished Alumni Award from Yale University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Royal Academy of Music and a Master's degree in Music from Yale University. Lee also holds an MBA degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an LLM degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London.
Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music EducatorNo, absolutely not. My wife is also a pianist, and while having a perfect pitch can be advantageous in specific scenarios, it is by no means a prerequisite. What is essential is the ability to refine your ear, achieved through extensive listening. This entails not only recognizing the sound of various elements but also comprehending the underlying narrative and technical aspects. To facilitate this, a basic understanding of music theory can be beneficial initially, allowing you to identify patterns and progressions. The goal is not to precisely label every harmony but to grasp the structural elements, similar to ADA, and to listen beyond the basics. - QuestionWhat skills do I need to have to be a successful musician?Warren LeeWarren Lee is a Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music Educator based in Hong Kong. Lee is a concert pianist of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and is on both the Steinway Artist and Naxos Recording Artist rosters. Lee was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music in 2015. In 2017, he received the Ian Mininberg Distinguished Alumni Award from Yale University. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Music from the Royal Academy of Music and a Master's degree in Music from Yale University. Lee also holds an MBA degree from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and an LLM degree in Intellectual Property Law from the University of London.
Professional Pianist, Composer, and Music EducatorMany artists possess the ability to create and produce art, yet it seems that their proficiency on the business side is not as pronounced based on my observations. Successful artists, in my view, have a grasp of essential skills such as sales, general branding, content creation, and the effective distribution of their work across various platforms. It's not solely about creating exceptional art or music; it's equally crucial to navigate the channels that enable proper promotion. Fostering relationships is vital. I recall reading an article emphasizing the concept of cultivating your first thousand true fans, underscoring the importance of developing a loyal following by giving people a reason to care. So, it boils down to creating fans, building relationships, and understanding how to promote oneself effectively. This involves knowing what type of content resonates with an audience and tailoring it for various platforms, websites, and social media channels that the artist utilizes. - QuestionIf I join a band, would it help me to perform better?Community AnswerIt can. You're more likely to practice your instrument and improve your skills if you know that others are counting on you to play well.
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Tips
- Record yourself playing and listen to find any mistakes you are unaware you are makingThanks
- When you are performing on the stage. Feel the music inside let the audience see you enjoy what you do. Don't just go there and stand like a statue follow the rhythm, if it's a sad song let it reflect on your face. Don't be crowd shy just go there and do your thing, carry the audience along show them you are good at what you do.Thanks
- Use a metronome if you are struggling with keeping time.Thanks
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about being a musician, check out our in-depth interview with Warren Lee.
References
- ↑ http://thevault.musicarts.com/importance-of-learning-music-theory/
- ↑ https://didgeproject.com/musicianship/rhythm-timing-metronome-exercises/
- ↑ https://blog.sonicbids.com/5-benefits-of-joining-a-band-for-a-solo-artist
- ↑ https://www.elephantjournal.com/2012/09/eight-benefits-of-learning-to-play-multiple-instruments-suzy-st-george/
- ↑ https://www.tsc.nsw.edu.au/tscnews/six-benefits-of-performing-in-musical-ensembles
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