Learning to play the violin is an enjoyable musical experience for all ages. From the moment you hold this light and delicate instrument you realize how special it is. Learning how to tune, care for your violin then understanding how to produce sound through bowing and fingering are exciting experiences for any new beginner.

It is easy to see why students want to take violin lessons and explore this majestic instrument.

There are many factors that can determine the ease of learning this stringed instrument.

Understanding how to create a beautiful long-lasting tone on the violin comes with hard work and dedication. At first the sounds may come out are squeaky, rough and unsatisfying. But with perseverance, practice, and good guidance such as a violin teacher, you will be playing your first songs quickly and making beautiful music.

Reading notes and rhythms are the same on all musical instruments but how you produce sound on the violin is very different than learning the piano.

When starting formal violin lessons, a violin student is usually taught from a classical approach vs other musical styles such as fiddle, jazz or even contemporary music. It is usually recommended that a student start by learning good fundamentals and technic. To achieve this, a classical approach along with a good violin teacher, does tend to provide a strong basis and foundation. Receiving consistent and positive feedback will make learning the violin an easy and enjoyable process.

There are plenty of violin books and courses for this type of classical violin education. Most course books will teach the fundamentals such as reading notes and rhythm, posture, learning your fingerboard and bowing. However, there are also approaches that work with your ear and less on reading. Some violin students may learn better from an ear-based approach.

Is it true that learning to playing the violin comes with developing calluses on your fingers. This happens with all stringed instruments such as guitar. A student’s skin will harden over time while playing violin and that is normal. A violin teacher can help and show you how to develop good strong fingers so you can avoid finger strain or worse, blisters. Calluses are necessary to play stringed instruments.

Learning to play the violin is not hard. All anyone really needs is a desire to learn. Once you grasp the violin basics, you will be well on your way to playing your first violin song. Taking violin lessons, practicing the violin daily, and even
watching You Tube videos can all contribute to your violin playing success. Once you pass the beginner stages, there are so many musical doors that can open up. You can play with others, play more complicated music, learn another style of violin music such as pop, Disney songs and even learn to fiddle and improvise. Some students go even farther by taking exams or joining an orchestral group.

So, if you are wondering if violin is hard to play? Why not give it a try and find out!

You may be surprised at how easy and satisfying it is to learn this beautiful instrument!

Imagine Music has been assisting students with their violin lessons to achieve successful musical progress. Whether violin lessons are online, in studio or in home, we can help guide you through the process of finding the right music teacher for you. We have different music lessons options for every type of music student. Our teachers have varying experience levels, musical teaching styles, education, and performance. For over 25 years, Imagine Music has been teaching and mentoring lifelong skills through the love of playing music. Contact us today and begin your musical journey.

Music Lessons in Calgary can vary in cost. It really depends on a few important factors.

Where do you want to take lessons? Do you need an instrument or books? And what kind of music teacher are you looking for?

Let’s look at each of these factors in more depth.

Cost Factors Affecting Music Lessons in Calgary

Instrument:

An instrument is key when starting music lessons. Students can’t get the feel of learning, progressing and the enjoyment of playing music without one. Some beginners will rent or purchase a used or new instrument.

Renting is an inexpensive way to start your music lessons. Buying an instrument can vary between under to over $1000, depending on the features you are looking for and the quality of your musical instrument.

As for music books, they are very necessary for practice. A good music teacher can help you with books depending on your musical level.

At Imagine Music, we have many students that have purchased music books in the past and will continue to use these same books in their current music lessons.

Most beginner students will purchase new books to start. On average, most students will need new books at the beginning of the music year.

The Music Lessons:

Another factor to consider is where you want to take your music lessons. Imagine Music Inc offers all three streams of delivery: online, in-home and studio lessons.

In-home means that the lessons are in your home with the teacher coming to you. They are usually higher in cost but are extremely convenient.

Studio lessons mean you are going to the teacher’s home or a brick and mortar establishment. The rate per lesson is usually less than in-home lessons.

Finally, online lessons can vary depending on the experience and qualifications of the teacher. These lesson rates are usually comparable to studio lesson rates.

The Music Teacher:

Are you a beginner or advanced player? Or do you want to learn for fun or take a music exam? Your experience, needs and ability will determine how much experience you need in a music teacher.

Parents and students are looking for an experienced teacher as these teachers will know how to handle certain situations and have a clearer direction of how to reach student goals. They are also more accomplished musicians and may have an extensive teaching background.

Other parents and students are cautious about their musical investment and start with a music teacher with less teaching experience as their rates are usually lower. Some of these teachers can also have extensive performing experience but may be new to teaching music and may have challenges when problems arise.

In the end, it really comes down to affordability.

Whether you are looking for online lessons, in-home or studio lessons, Imagine Music can help guide you through the process. We have different music lessons options for every type of music student. We also have other teachers, all with varying experience levels, musical teaching styles, education and performance. For over 25 years, Imagine Music has been teaching and mentoring lifelong skills through the love of playing music. Contact us today and begin your musical journey.

Playing music a student loves is a great first step to inspiring students to enjoy music. Discovering new songs and sheet music though apps like Musicnotes, Apple Music, Spotify and YouTube are a great way to find new artists, styles or spinoffs of well-known pieces. These apps are an endless song resource for all levels of musical ability. When listening to artists the student enjoys, unconsciously they are training their ear to hear inflections, interpretations and phrasing that are pleasing to them. It inspires students to recreate these sounds though their instrument and therefore, learn this new piece.

A good teacher will introduce new pieces from their vast knowledge of repertoire. When paired with the knowledge of the student’s strengths, they will suggest pieces that they feel the student would be interested in. These pieces may introduce new techniques or different music styles. This new piece may not be popular or well known but, it may introduce students to new sounds, rhythms or ideas that they might not have done before. After mastering this piece, the student can enjoy this accomplishment. The end effect is inspiring for the student. I find many students will play their new completed pieces repetitively as they are so happy with how it sounds and the feeling of satisfaction it gives them when they play it!

Parents also share this same feeling of satisfaction but in a different way through the accomplishments of their kids. As students progress and become more advanced, I find parents excitedly suggest pieces for their kids to play. Listening and sharing your love of music with each other is another way to inspire students. The list of music requests can get bigger and harder especially as students become more experienced musicians. Many students love to play songs that make their family happy. Best of all, families reap the benefits of hearing great live music in their own home. These are often the shared memories that are remembered the most!

Inspiring students to enjoy music can come from many sources and influences in a student’s life. Students who are actively discovering music and playing new pieces are constantly moving forward into the next levels of their music development.

Oh… what a year can bring! In 2019, Imagine Music Inc. celebrated its 25th year anniversary recital with balloons, cake, giftbags, many hugs, and handshakes. Our students performed their best songs! We had a packed venue. Countless photos with family and friends were taken in front of our Imagine backdrop. Laughter and loud applause filled the room. The younger students watched the older students intently, hoping to pick up some playing tips. It was a party and as a group, we all celebrated how far each member of the Imagine Music family had grown musically.

In 2020, recitals went online without a recital hall, without a physically present audience and with the only sound heard streaming from a computer speaker. We decided to turn this situation into the best opportunity by putting Our First Ever Game Show Recital! This was a huge success with our students offering family togetherness but also musical creativity.

This December’s recital, Music For the Season, was a collaboration with Innisvale Connects, an organization providing seniors programs in Central Alberta. Covid-19 opened a new volunteer opportunity where our students streamed a free musical performance from 118 kilometers away to cheer and show their care for shut-in seniors. The excitement was just as real as 2019, only perhaps slightly more special as students were engaged in meaningful service to others with the gift of their learned music.

Our students played brilliantly for their peers, families, and seniors in Central Alberta. We dressed up and had fun! We were so impressed by the level of participation and the fantastic quality of music performed.

This was such a wonderful way to give back to the community and at the same time, reminded us that even the smallest gestures can really help others get through tough times.

What we learned in 2020 from our Imagine Music family is that music is a gift our students still wish to give.

Jada Playing at the Children’s Hospital in Calgary

Time and time again, I have seen so many kids start music lessons at a young age and continue playing until adulthood.

When students begin, parents are so excited about the possibilities of this new musical experience. They are unsure where these music lessons will take them but they want to give their child the opportunity.

One thing is for sure, parents want their child to grow up having music in their lives and continue playing as an adult. Parents want their child to develop key skills such as perseverance, self-discipline, problem solving and creativity.

Many parents want their child to have a healthy outlet that they can use to handle stress and relax as they get older. Finding a teacher who can inspire and be supportive is really important. With the help of our teachers, we have seen many students continue to play music.

Some move on to study music in University, play piano as a volunteer, mentor other music students or become music teachers themselves. One long time student even became a well-recognized DJ.

Here is a wonderful letter from one student, Jada who started at age 7 and is now a University student. It is heartwarming to hear that Jada just celebrated her 5th official anniversary playing piano as a volunteer at the Alberta Children’s Hospital.

Only amazing things to say about Imagine Music! Both my brother and I were students at Imagine Music for over 12 years (in guitar, voice and piano lessons). Now, I am now able to more confidently play in front of audiences and in various settings. I was also fortunate enough to be able to get connected with various institutions to play and acquire volunteer hours (retirement homes, different venues/events). While the opportunities were numerous, I was only able to commit to one long-term position at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. In summary, the company is affordable, convenient, the teachers are knowledgeable and I am very grateful for the years I was able to practice music with them!

JadaImagine Music Student

In more than 30 years as a piano teacher, I have taught students with different physical and mental abilities, learning styles, and musical tastes.

In my opinion, music can be learned, played and enjoyed by anyone; all that is required is hard-work, perseverance and dedication!

Here are 3 GREAT TIPS as you learn to play music:

Use a
Metronome

No matter what level you are at, using a metronome can be a useful tool. Playing in time and understanding the feel of rhythm is satisfying. Most students using a metronome for the first time get frustrated by it; often it is because they are out of time. The constant ticking can be irritating and confusing, but believe me, nothing is more satisfying when you master playing with a metronome. As a teacher, I’ve heard a lot of incorrect rhythms, but it amazes me how students can instinctively know when they are in or out of time. Tricks like writing in the counting, counting out loud, and clapping will help you play the rhythms in time. Eventually, you may hear and feel the rhythms instead of having to mechanically count it out.

Playing scales, triads and arpeggio exercises may seem boring to some but these exercises have so many benefits for the fingers and body in general. Focusing on how your body and your fingers move correctly can teach you how to play with accuracy and minimal stress to the body. Using the metronome and playing technical exercises can elevate your musicianship with the ability to play faster and with better control.

Read Notes and

Get to Know Chords

Some students read a little music, some read quite well, and some play-by-ear who don’t read at all. I believe that learning how to read notes is a great asset. It opens your world to music that maybe too hard to learn by ear. I personally love learning arrangements by other musicians, taking their ideas and incorporating them into my own playing. A good piece of sheet music outlines notes, harmony and chord structure and shows you how these ideas were formed!

Learning music is exciting and never gets boring. To kick your playing up a notch, give one, or all three tips a try. If you are struggling, ask your music teacher to help.

Think Music,

Jennifer Aumentado

Owner & Director

I love spring. It is always a time for new ideas and fresh starts.

Imagine Music Inc. is celebrating its 25^th year in business. It’s time for a refresh. It’s time for new growth.

As I think of what makes us successful, I remember all the Imagine Music families over the years. Many of our students continue to play and enjoy music well past university. We call this success! We even have generations of families take lessons from us. We’re proud of these outcomes in the last 25 years.

I reflect on where we are now, and the community of musicians we are now coaching toward musical growth and maturity. 2019 will continue to bring many influences on our youth. However, my hope for our students is to use music as a healthy outlet, just as I see our adult students playing music for relaxation and mind strengthening.

The refresh towards growth always starts with some small idea that, under the right conditions, blossoms into potential. We are excited to reveal both our new website and our blog “Think Music”. Our solid commitment remains the same.

Our business continues to positively coach and influence our students to

“Think Music” as a part of their life.

I love this the most about our business,
Jennifer Aumentado