Tools of learning

By Gabriel Otero Giorano

Most musicians have learned from  teachers and self-taught. Both forms are necessary, but there are more learning tools between each one. We will see more of them here.

1. Formal Education

a) A good teacher-Choosing a teacher or instructor is very important. To me it stuck with me a quote from Robert Frip saying that a good instructor is one that connects the disciple with the tradition of music. That is the one that integrates the family.

b) Schools- Not all musicians are graduates of a school, but may constitute formal culmination of a process. We will dedicate the next installment of this series only at this point.

2. Listen  music

A musician has heard much. If we say in computer terms we would say that has a large database in memory. I personally hear much but I'll check in (cassette, disc, cd, video) very soon. So when I get something in my chest is really good ... But there are those who keep a true music library at home and is also valid.

Within this point is listening to music, touch and write. This practice is known as transcription. There are those generated from libraries and phrases of all genres who prefer to capture the essence of each style and work with it our own sentences.

3. Methods



 Years ago we had only books. Today come with tablature, encryption, cd, dvd, etc. As with the music is recommended to choose well because there are thousands. The College of Uruguay has a beautiful and well-stocked library where it is from a book of sonata form to the collection of Guitar Player magazine. The virtuoso Steve Vai among others indicates the Modern Guitar Method of William Leavitt and Chord Chemistry by Ted Green. Another great for guitarists already formed is The Advancing Guiatrrist Mick Goodrick. In harmony is especially recommended Little Harmony Manual Esteban Kilsich.









4. Technicals magazines

I always suggest the Guitar Player that covers many styles, ranging from the classes of harmony or technique to repair instruments. It is also a serious publication that does not use its pages for anything other than the technical. There are similar in Spanish as Guitarist and Total Guitar. 

5. See recitals

In addition to live performances we hear the music musician working: from your position to the type of instrument. It exploits much more a show at a theater in a stadium, not only by the distance you are from the musician's performance in mega events but because there are many distractions.

You can also see recitals in video. They have the advantage of being able to repeat any fragment. However in live concert I choose to look; allowing me to track a participant in particular. You can also attend trials bands, orchestras, etc. View another working is always educational.

6. Masterclass

It is called a short cycles of classes, sometimes unique. Often given by foreign musicians a day before or after a recital. So when someone comes important Solis for example, is good to be attentive to see if one of these in those days. Even when it comes an artist, especially jazz, usually attend nightclubs and playing with local musicians.



7. Workshops and Courses

If there is a place in which I am happy he is in a course, where in addition to learning from someone very interesting, I know new fellow travelers. So what lives in them is recorded in memory.

Gabriel Otero Giordano

Revista Guitar Player