Did you know that October is Emotional Wellness Month?

Before you start scratching your head wondering what “emotional wellness” has to do with music, let us tell you that there is, indeed, a strong connection between them.

By its definition, emotional wellness means relaxation, inner peace, and stress reduction; it is the ability to lead joyful lives, despite occasional setbacks. In other words, it is a healthy balance of the mind, body and spirits.

In fact, there is evidence showing that even in the most tragic circumstances, music can lift our spirits and soothe the soul.

How exactly does this happen?

Gotta Love the Music!

In a nutshell, studies have shown that listening to or playing our favorite music on a regular basis can help boost our emotional wellbeing in several ways. By releasing dopamine, a chemical in our brain that affects our mood, music can:

• Alleviate occasional “blues” or feelings of sadness. (For people suffering from chronic depression music can bring relief as well, but it is important to see a mental health care provider for diagnosis and treatment).
• Impart positive feelings of happiness, pleasure and comfort.
• Have a calming effect, reducing stress and anxiety.
• Eliminate the “blahs” by boosting your brain power, memory, and alertness.

And the good thing is that anyone, of any age, can benefit from music’s magic!

Get Happy!

What are some of the concrete ways to improve your emotional wellness?

It’s really quite simple: throughout the day, listen to the kind of music you enjoy most. And if you haven’t yet started music lessons, now is a good time to consider doing that — we’ll be happy to help!

In the meantime, get yourself into a positive mood with an upbeat tune. How about this one:

The post Comfort and Joy Are Not Just for Christmas appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Look no further. As summertime and the livin’ is easy. This means that when school is out and kids are on vacation, the last thing they want to do is practice music.

We get it. But as music educators we know that stopping guitar lessons or piano lessons (and not practicing) for several weeks is not a good thing. Children (and adults too, for that matter) who resume their music lessons after a summer of inactivity often need several weeks to “catch up” — to relearn what they already knew but have forgotten.

There is actually a well-documented phenomenon called “Summer Learning Loss” or “Summer Slide.” This refers to the decline in students’ academic skills due to inactivity (that is why students are encouraged to read during school breaks).

Don’t Give Up – Summer Guitar Lessons Are Here!

We realize it’s tough motivating children to practice or even having summer guitar lessons or other music lessons in NYC when they’d rather be outside. Here are five tips on how to get them to play their music:

1. Start by explaining to your son or daughter why it is important to keep practicing: so that they don’t lose all the skills they already mastered.
2. By the same token, it would be good if they understood themselves how frustrating it would be in September to have to “catch up” and relearn what they already knew but have forgotten during the summer.
3. It’s all in the scheduling. Don’t overburden the child with “musical chores.” No planning lessons and practice sessions to the exclusion of playtime and all the other activities. Just because she has lots of free time on her hands doesn’t mean her music training should fill every hour of her day!
4. If your child has a friend who also plays an instrument, arrange for them to practice together. Perhaps put on a mini-concert for parents and relatives afterwards!
5. Keep them enthused and inspired by attending some summer concerts together.

Keep on Playing!

Looking for summer guitar lessons in NYC? We understand that your summer schedule may be different than during the school year. No problem! Just contact us as soon as possible and we’ll be happy to set up your summertime lessons.

Photo: Outdoor Acoustic Guitar Performance courtesy of Mariana Vusiatytska and Unsplash

The post Five Reasons to Motivate your Child (and yourself) too Not Take a Vacation From Music appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

As John Denver, who always performed with his acoustic guitar, sang:

“This old guitar taught me to sing a love song
It showed me how to laugh and how to cry.”

Yes, the guitar’s multi-layered sound can evoke all kinds of emotions, but there are many more benefits you can get from it. So let’s look at…

Five Reasons to Learn the Guitar:

1. Because it comes in different sizes (¼, ½, ¾, and full), people of all ages — from kids to seniors — can learn to play it. It is a truly ageless instrument.
2. Studies show that learning to play the chords and read sheet music opens new neural pathways, improving both cognitive and muscle memory.
3. According to Guitar World, “Guitarists have ability to slur, slide, hammer, pick up and down, finger, tap, bend, whammy, vibrate, play with your palm, play with your teeth, use a slide and play with so many types of dynamics and articulations that they can’t be replicated successfully.” No other instrument can beat such dexterity!
4. It’s a very versatile instrument on which many musical genres can be played: blues, jazz, country, rock, flamenco, and numerous others.
5. It comes in all kinds of shapes and varieties: classical, steel, acoustic, and electric. You learn to play one, and then can switch to another.

Out of the Hands of Babes…

We mentioned that even young children can learn and enjoy the guitar. Just look at these two examples of how kids in different countries play this instrument: in North Korea, it’s the pop sound and right here in the United States, rock music.

Enjoy celebrating the International Guitar Day and remember that this great instrument is…right at your fingertips!

Photo: Guitar Store courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

The post Stringing Along: Five Reasons to Learn the Guitar appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

There is a reason why we are bringing up this topic: March 20 has been designated by the United Nations as the International Day of Happiness. It’s just one day, but there is no reason why the entire month of March (and all the years of our lives, for that matter) should not be filled with happiness!

According to the UN, this event is intended to “increase human happiness and wellbeing.” There are many ways to achieve this goal, and one of them is — you guessed it — music!

Scientific research clearly shows that people who are exposed to music feel happier.

So let’s look at…

Five Pieces of Compelling Evidence that Music Makes Us Happy

1. Music boosts our mood by releasing the “feel good hormones” — such as dopamine — in the brain.
2. Another hormone, endorphin, has been scientifically proven to relieve pain. And, of course, less pain means greater wellbeing!
3. Music is known to reduce stress and anxiety, also alleviating the symptoms of depression.
4. A new study demonstrates that music boosts creativity.
5. Music keeps the brain more alert, even as we age. And a sharp brain equals an active and happy life.

Burst with Joy!

Science is clear: music and happiness go hand in hand – not just on March 20 but throughout your life.

To sum up, music lifts our mood, reduces stress, alleviates pain, makes us more creative, and keeps out brains sharp.

So if you haven’t yet started your music lessons, now is the time to get happy.

Photo: Colours courtesy of Camdiluv and Flickr

The post Five Ways to Fill This Month with Happiness (Clue: It’s All About Music!) appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

We hope your kids had an enjoyable and relaxing break, but still managed to keep up with their music lessons. Regular practice will make it so much easier for them to build on their progress.

If they have slacked off — as children tend to do sometimes — they may have to work a bit harder to get their groove back. And if your kids are totally new to music lessons, we welcome them with open arms.

As a parent, you surely know that music education is vital for your children and teens. But if you need a reminder, here are five compelling reasons for starting (or continuing) to play an instrument during this school year. All are based on scientific evidence as well as our own experience:

Benefit #1 – Improved scholastic performance: Music training can boost your children’s academic and social skills, including intellectual, motor, language, and overall literacy.

Benefit #2 – Emotional health: Music can help youngsters develop emotional strength and resilience to deal with whatever challenges they may face.

Benefit #3 – Better focus: For kids who are often distracted and “all over the place,” music lessons can help boost focus, self-control, and attention span. After all, playing an instrument requires an alert mind, patience, and concentration.

Benefit #4 – Physical fitness: You may not think of music lessons as a workout, but it is. It requires good body posture and coordination, proper breathing techniques, as well as muscular strength to hold the instrument.

Benefit 5 – Increased brain power: Research shows that music boosts brain activity enabling us to process and retain information, solve problems, and regulate behavior.

There you have it: five reasons why music lessons are so valuable to your kids.

The First Step…

If your child is new to music lessons, he or she may be apprehensive about starting. Let us reassure you (and your child) that our teachers will try to make this experience both enjoyable and productive, regardless of which instruments your child chooses.

With regular lessons, a new student will develop each of the skills listed above, while having fun and feeling a sense of accomplishment.

And we bet that your child’s progress will be music to your ears!

Photo: Children Playing Guitar courtesy of WikiMedia Commons

The post See You in September: Five Benefits of Music Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

As a music school, we have many people – adults and children alike – tell us they would love to play an instrument. A lot of them express interest in the guitar. We are, of course, delighted and excited to teach them to play this wonderful string instrument.

But before we match our students with the most amazing teachers in New York City, we ask them what kind of guitar they have in mind. More often than not, they have no idea that there are several types of this instrument to choose from.

By Any Other Name, It’s Still the Guitar!

The so-called “simple” or “classical” style is the kind everyone imagines when thinking of the guitar.

Another well-known type is the electric guitar. The purely technical definition of this instrument, according to Wikipedia is: “a fretted string instrument that uses a pickup to convert the vibration of its strings.” But to put it in simple terms, it gives the rock and roll music its unique tone and character.

What about the acoustic guitar? We are glad you asked! Unlike the electric guitar, which uses electronic amplification, the acoustic type produces sound by transmitting the vibration of the strings to the air.

Now let’s move on to the steel guitar, which is usually positioned horizontally. Its strings are plucked with one hand, while the other hand changes the pitch of its strings with the use of a bar or slide called a “steel”.

Now, you might think that metal guitar is somehow related to its steel cousin, but that’s not the case. As the name suggests, the metal guitar is used by heavy metal and psychedelic rock musicians,

since its sound can be best described as “loud,” and “distorted.”

Next, there is a flamenco guitar, which is similar to the classic model but has a thinner top and less internal bracing. As its name suggests, it is used most commonly in flamenco music.

If you prefer the melodic sounds of the blues, there are several guitars on the market that are great for playing that genre.

What about the rhythm guitar? Actually, it’s more about the guitarist and his (or her) role in the band than the instrument itself. For instance, the rhythm guitar(ist) provides chords and rhythmic references for the vocalist and other players.

This is, of course, a brief description of various guitar types, but if you or your son or daughter are interested in learning more about these instruments, we’ll be happy to oblige!

New Year, New Guitar Lessons

The guitar has long been one of the most popular instruments. Why? Because the piano is too bulky and heavy to carry on the motorcycle!

We are joking of course! People of all ages choose to play this instrument because it’s so versatile – the types outlined above cover all music genres.

And it is also a great “equalizer”: even though many people imagine guitarists as male, fact is that there are lots of talented women guitar players as well.

All this goes to say that boys AND girls can enjoy and benefit from guitar lessons!

Photo: Wunjo Guitars of London on Wikimedia Commons

The post The Many Sounds and Functions of the Guitar appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Bounded by Atlantic Avenue to the north, Court Street to the east, Degraw Street to the south, and the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway to the west, Cobble Hill is one of Brooklyn’s oldest neighborhoods.

It is also one of the most interesting, which, according to the New York City Dept of Parks & Recreation, “Its namesake, the surrounding neighborhood of Cobble Hill, was first settled in the mid-17th century by Dutch farmers.”

In fact, the Cobble Hill Historic District teems with beautifully preserved landmarks. Among them is the Old St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church at 14 Greenville Avenue, which dates back to 1838; and seven brick row houses at 33 and 35 Strong Place, built in the Queen Anne architectural style in 1891.

From Rural to Urban

Up until the middle of the 1800s, Brooklyn was primarily a rural area. The present-day Cobble Hill had only 45 houses and 112 residents. It started expanding (and getting more urbanized) in the latter part of the 19th century, first with the influx of wealthy Manhattanites, followed by immigrants from Ireland and Italy, many of whom settled in neighboring areas of Brooklyn as well.

In that sense, Cobble Hill has a cosmopolitan vibe that is characteristic of many of New York’s “melting pot” neighborhoods. And, like elsewhere in the city, there is no shortage here of excellent restaurants and ethnic food stores.

Lots To Do

Whether you are trendy and hip, or quiet and laid-back, you will find that Cobble Hill is – no pun intended – right up your alley. And if you are looking for arts and culture, you will discover it here as well. For instance, there are a number of quaint, independent bookshops in the neighborhood, which are a fast-dying breed. So venues like BookCourt at 163 Court Street and the nearby Community Book Store (212 Court Street) need the support of every reader. What about the music scene? There are quite a few places along Smith Street that feature live music: Pano e Vino, Bar Tabac, Clover Club, and other venues. And would you like to have live music right in your own house? You can: in-home music lessons are available in Cobble Hill, as well as in other Brooklyn neighborhoods like Dumbo, Williamsburg, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, and Ditmas Park.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The post History and Charm Abound in Brooklyn’s Cobble Hill appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

You’d have to be living in an alternate universe or under a rock somewhere not to know that we are in the midst of a pre-election campaign season, and a contentious one at that. One thing that unites the candidates on both sides of the political spectrum – those who are still in the running at the time of this writing – is music.

All three candidates have their own favorite songs that convey their political messages and inspire their supporters. Let’s have a look at what they like.

Hillary Clinton

According to Rolling Stone magazine, Secretary Clinton, who grew up with classic rock, has particular affinity for female performers because they are “the best at what they do, whether that’s fronting a raucous soul band, writing hypnotic dance anthems, unspooling intricate rap lyrics about female empowerment or crooning ballads about heartbreak and young love.” At her campaign stops the same lineup of 13 songs is played: Latin pop (Jennifer Lopez’s “Let’s Get Loud,” Marc Anthony’s “Vivir Mi Vida”), pop (Katy Perry’s “Roar,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger,” Sara Bareilles’ “Brave”), modern rock (American Authors’ “Best Day of My Life” and “Believer,” Gym Class Heroes’ “The Fighter”).

Bernie Sanders

Did you know that in 1987, when Sanders was mayor of Burlington, VT, he recorded an album called “We Shall Overcome.” It featured folk songs like “This Land Is Your Land” and “Where Have All the Flowers Gone?” These days, as a presidential candidate, Sanders has eclectic musical tastes, ranging from Beethoven’s symphonies to Motown sounds, pop and disco music. And one of his campaign ads features a short excerpt from Simon and Garfunkel’s “America.”

Donald Trump

“The Donald” courts controversy wherever he goes – in politics AND music! Various artists, including Aerosmith, Adele, Elton John, Neil Young, the Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen, among others, demanded that Trump stop playing their songs at campaign rallies. But even though Young snubbed him (objecting after his “Rockin’ in the Free World ” was played when Trump announced his candidacy), “the Donald” said he admires his music: “He’s got something very special. I’ve listened to his music for years …when I went to the concert at Madison Square Garden, Neil got up and totally brought the house down.”

Leaving politics aside

At Hey Joe Guitar, we stay out of all controversies – political and other. Our main goal (the only goal, really) is to bring music, in form of private lessons, into your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office. Our teachers are not going to discuss political candidates or their campaigns. Instead, they will focus their efforts on teaching you how to make beautiful music with an instrument of your choice!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post New York Music Lessons are Politically Correct appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Welcome to the month of May, which is a bridge of sorts, connecting spring ad summer seasons. There are quite a few special occasions to be observed this month. For instance, if you are a fan of Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Yoda, and company, today is the day to say “May the Force Be With You” and celebrate the Star Wars story that binds our galaxy together.

However, the Star Wars Day is not the only major (at least to some) observance this week. Another is the National Music Week, which is celebrated From May 1 to the 8th. Do these two seemingly different events have anything in common? Actually, they do: The soundtracks from the “Star Wars” franchise are…out of this world!

So much to celebrate!

The question of why we should celebrate music is, we think, redundant. But even though the answer is obvious, here are some of the reasons: Music is a health-booster: it’s good for the heart and the mood. It also relieves stress and anxiety, boosts the immune system, promotes better sleep, and heals your soul. There are mental benefits as well. For instance, it has been scientifically proven that playing an instrument is conducive to academic and professional success. That’s because music boosts confidence and self-esteem, leading to better social skills. It also bolsters focus and concentration. And let’s not forget that holding and playing an instrument improves motor skills, coordination, and agility by working all the major muscle groups. So there you have it – all the excellent reasons to celebrate the National Music Week.

Let there be music!

Now, let’s look at some ways to celebrate this event. You could, for instance:

• Decide to start music lessons on an instrument of your choice. It’s really easy – just contact us and we will send one of our awesome teachers right to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office.
• One of the many perks of living in New York City is the sheer abundance of music events. Attend as many as you can. For example, the Met Orchestra is kicking off its new season this month with a diverse repertoire. Or see Billy Joel in concert at Madison Square Garden.

We are guessing you won’t be able to attend all the events, but at least you know they are there! Enjoy the music – this week and beyond.

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post Celebrate the Music, With Manhattan Guitar Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Bach’s daughter Catharina was also musically gifted but, as a female, could not compose professionally. She did, however, excel as a singer. Then there was the duo of Leopold Mozart and his prodigious son and pupil, Wolfgang Amadeus. Theirs was the case of the student outgrowing the master, though Leopold was a gifted violinist and composer in his own right and there is no doubt he passed on his talent to his son. And Leopold’s other surviving child, daughter Maria Anna (Nannerl) became a talented clavierist. Moving on to the 19th century, two musical families stand out. First, there was the composer Felix Mendelsohn and his sister Fanny. But while Felix gained fame and recognition, Fanny did not get the encouragement or support to improve her craft, even though she was very talented . And of course we should not forget “The Father of the Waltz” Johann Strauss Sr. , and his son, Johann Strauss Jr. (aka “The King of the Waltz”). Johann Sr. had two other talented sons as well: Josef Strauss , who wrote over 300 dances and marches, as well as Eduard Strauss I, who joined the family’s orchestra as a harpist and eventually as a conductor. And then there was Eduard’s son (and Johann Sr.’s grandson), Johann Strauss III, who conducted the Strauss Orchestra and the first recordings of his family’s works.

Is it in the genes or in the water?

In more recent times, there had been other examples of famous musical families – Judy Garland and Liza Minelli, Frank and Nancy Sinatra, Nat King and Natalie Cole, John and Julian Lennon, and others. By now you may be wondering whether musical talent is inherited. There is some evidence to suggest that creativity could, indeed, be passed on from one family member to another. But there is also something else: people who love and play music (or sing), instill and nurture the same passion in their children. In other words, they create and foster a music-friendly environment. But it doesn’t really matter if affinity for music is inherited or learned. Either way, lessons will help you (or your child) discover and explore all the wonderful musical mysteries. So invite a teacher of ours into your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and start spreading the love of music all around you!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post New York Guitar School Salutes Musical Families appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

ion] A few years ago, researchers from the University of South Brittany found that women are attracted to men who carry guitars (leave it to the French to come up with a study like that!) You can read whatever you wish into these findings, but to us they indicate that playing an instrument – in this case, the guitar – is an appealing trait.

This made us think of all the musicians – too many to mention here – who not only excel at guitar playing, but also are emotionally attached to their instruments. It’s no surprise, really, given the important role the guitar plays in their lives – it is an outlet for their creativity, ideas imagination, and feelings. In fact, some musicians are so intertwined with their guitars that they give them names, simply because their relationship with their instruments is so close and personal.

He loved Lucy

In 1968, Eric Clapton gifted George Harrison with a red Gibson Les Paul guitar the Beatle named “Lucy.” He played the instrument for five years, including in the promotional video for the song “Revolution.” But in 1973, Lucy suffered a terrible tragedy: stolen from Harrison’s home, it was held hostage by a Mexican musician. After lengthy negotiations, the Beatle traded his Les Paul sunburst and a Fender Precision Bass for Lucy’s safe return. He kept her close until his death in 2001. Lucy is not to be confused with “Lucille,” the name B.B. King gave to his guitars. Throughout his long career that spanned more than half a century, the blues singer owned many Lucilles. And though it was not a one-of-a-kind instrument like Harrison’s Lucy, each guitar was, nevertheless, King’s faithful companion. Here are some other famous musicians and their beloved guitars: Eric Clapton’s “Blackie” and “Brownie ” Willie Nelson’s “Trigger ” Stevie Ray Vaughan’s “First Wife ” David Gilmour’s “Black Strat ” And many others.

Pulling on (heart) strings!

We are happy to have had this opportunity to showcase famous guitars, especially since April is the International Guitar Month. Of course, most of us don’t own iconic guitars, but that shouldn’t keep anyone from learning to play this string instrument. We have many excellent guitar teachers at our school and we can send one to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office for a lesson. And even though your guitar is just a “regular” instrument, you can “baptize” it! Whether you name it Emma or Ralph, or give it any other moniker, you two can be BFFs!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post At Brooklyn Music School, We Love Our Guitars! appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Here’s a riddle for you: “If you have me, you might take me for granted; if you don’t have me, you’ll miss me terribly. What am I?” Did you guess? Actually, there are no wrong answers here, but the one we are getting at is “health.”

We are bringing it up because today, April 7, is World Health Day. Of course, we should all take care of our physical and mental well-being each day of the year. Thankfully, it’s never too late (or too early) to start living healthy– as the famous quote, which has been attributed to various people, points out, “If I’d known I was going to live so long, I’d have taken better care of myself!” What exactly does “living healthy” entail? It’s exercise, healthy diet, and doing things that are pleasurable and reduce your stress level. There are lots of activities that will accomplish this, but – for obvious reasons – we’d like to hone in on one. You must have guessed by now that we want to talk about music and its therapeutic effect on the body and soul.

Here’s to your health!

First, let’s talk about how music can prevent all kinds of ailments or, in the very least, help us recover quicker. Scientific studies have shown that music:

• Has beneficial effects on the heart and the entire cardiovascular system.
• Boosts our immunity so our body is able to fight off various illnesses.
• Calms nerves, reduces stress, and lifts your mood.
• Helps you sleep better, and we all know that a good night’s sleep is beneficial to our overall health.

And here is even more good news: there is a considerable body of evidence indicating that music therapy can help patients recover from or manage a number of illnesses, including cancer. It can also increase brain function in dementia patients, provide pain relief, and speed up the healing process.

Just what the doctor ordered

You may be wondering how much music does it take (either through playing or listening) to feel the beneficial effects. We are not aware of anyone actually providing any metrics, but we do know that any exposure to music is better than none at all. So if you decide to take music lessons – no matter which instrument you choose – they will not only help you draw all the above-mentioned benefits, but also help you develop other skills. That’s because music training also boosts your (or your child’s) concentration, discipline, and other mental functions. Would you like an amazing teacher to come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and give you music lessons? Just contact us and start boosting your health, stat!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Does a Music Lesson a Day Keep the Doctor Away? Manhattan Guitar School Gives You the Answer appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

“It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” ~Charles Dickens, Great Expectations This quote is very fitting because yesterday, March 20, marked the Vernal Equinox – the first day of spring! This must be a happy event for all those who are sick and tired of winter, including millions of New Yorkers who are still shivering from the massive blizzard that blanketed our city with snow in January.

Of course, as much as we crave a less inclement weather, this season – and especially the month of March – can be unpredictable. As Mark Twain said, “In the spring I have counted one hundred and thirty-six different kinds of weather inside of four and twenty hours.” Still, the mere promise of the warmth and sunshine ahead is enough to make our hearts sing. And this is our clever segue into music!

A bountiful season

Not surprisingly, spring had inspired many composers to write some of their most beautiful pieces. For instance, there is the “spring” section in Antonio Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons,” which is so light and upbeat that it aptly expresses the joyfulness of the season. Robert Schumann composed “Spring Symphony ;” Felix Mendelssohn wrote “Spring Song ;” and Igor Stravinsky composed “Rite of Spring .” Of course, there is also Ludwig van Beethoven’s “Spring Sonata ,” as well Johann Strauss’s famous waltz, “Voices of Spring ” But – psssst – we’ll let you in on a secret: while we love these (and other) “spring” compositions, we have a special affinity for Frederic Chopin’s “Spring Waltz .” To us, this melody evokes the image of a sunny day and a butterfly flittering from one (spring) flower to another.

Turn over a new (musical) leaf!

Spring imparts a sense of renewal that inspires us to bring our creative energy – whatever form it may take – to fruition. In other words, it is a time for making choices and taking action. For example, if you (or a member or your family) are thinking of learning to play an instrument or develop your voice, now is a good time to begin your private lessons. And starting is really easy: just contact us, tell us what instrument you’d like to play, and one of our amazing teachers will…spring into action right in your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home office.

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post Experience Musical Growth, With Brooklyn Guitar Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

As New Yorkers, we are always sad to see when a historic part of our city disappears. Last month, we were heartbroken when the last store on the famed Music Row had closed its doors. As New York Times reported, “in December, the last holdout, Alex Carozza, packed up his accordion store and 50 years of memories and moved off the block.”

In fact, music shops on the Row have been slowly dying for the past several years, closing their doors one by one, victims of raising rent prices and the competition from mega-stores that have been driving privately owned retailers away. “Now, all that is left of Music Row are the signs and awnings that beckoned to virtuosos and neophytes alike,” the article noted. “The block is haunted by empty buildings and the occasional tourist straining for some echo of its harmonious past.” And the past had, indeed, been “harmonious” – both literally and figuratively.

Gone, baby, gone!

Since the 1930s, the once thriving block of 48th Street between Sixth and Seventh avenues used to serve as a one-stop music stop – a veritable mecca for musicians and music lovers from New York and beyond. Rock legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, The Beatles and the Rolling Stones, to name just a few, shopped there for instruments, sheet music, amps, and other tools of the trade. Before it closed, Manny’s, where many artists bought their first guitar, displayed personal notes of thanks from Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. There was also Rudy’s Music Stop guitar and repair shop, which opened in 1978 and closed last August; others, like We Buy Guitars, 48th Street Music, Colony Music Center, New York Woodwinds and Brass, also closed. “The Music Row’s demise,” the article points out, was “brought on by the soaring value of real estate and the conveniences offered by the Internet — those modern forces that have reshaped so much of New York City’s commercial landscape.” This once vibrant section of the West Side is now a ghost town of sorts. Where once there were music shops, “now there are demolition crews, ‘for rent’ notices and a construction office for the glass tower going up around the corner,” the New York Times writes. How can we not be sad at this turn of events?

We are here for you!

Some changes are obviously positive – we are all in favor of our city growing and developing for the benefit of all its residents. But we can’t help feeling sorry to see such an important and integral part of NYC’s music history gone forever. However, we are happy that Hey Joe Guitar remains a viable part of New York’s music scene. We are especially proud of our amazing teachers, who are always on the go – to give lessons in their students’ Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Riverdale homes and offices. May we serve you for many years to come!

Photo by New York Times.

The post At Manhattan Guitar School, We Remember New York History appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Asked what special skills were needed to compose music, Johann Sebastian Bach replied: “There’s nothing remarkable about it. All one has to do is hit the right keys at the right time and the instrument plays itself.” Of course, Bach knew a thing or two about music writing, having composed well over 1,000 pieces. However, he may have underestimated the effort involved in creating music – it takes MUCH more than just hitting the right keys!

Still, quite a few people – distinguished in their own right – believed that composing is as easy as do-re-mi, and tried their hand at it. Not surprisingly, they didn’t go down in history as brilliant musicians, but they certainly deserve a round of applause for their effort. Who where they and what musical wonders did they create? Let’s have a look.

Jacks of all trades

We know King Henry the VIII as a brutal wife killer, so it is difficult to imagine him as being sensitive enough to write music. But he did compose some songs and instrumental works, including a merry-tuned one he named Pastyme with good companye and Tandernaken . Russian writer Leo Tolstoy is best known for his literary masterpieces like War and Peace and Anna Karenina. Not many people know, however, that in his youth he composed a short (lasting about a minute) waltz . Also in the 19th century, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, took a quill pen to a lined paper and created a composition called Manfred Meditation . Upon receiving the score, the famous conductor Hans von Bülow wrote to Nietzsche: “Have you no better way to kill time?” And how about this: we don’t usually think of scientists as musically-minded, so it may come as a surprise that the 18th century astronomer William Herschel, who discovered Uranus in 1781, took enough time away from his telescope to compose a total of 24 symphonies ! Poet Ezra Pound is perhaps less of a surprise as a composer, because there is more congruence between poetry and music than astronomy and music. Be it as it may, Pound wrote two operas, The Testament of François Villon and Cavalcanti. There have been more famous people from various walks of life who composed as a hobby. It only goes to prove that creativity has no limits!

Musical talent

At Hey Joe Guitar, we like people who open their minds to all kinds of interests and activities– especially the musical ones. We are proud that our teachers are not only gifted musicians in their own right, but also pursue many other interests. Would you like one of out multi-talented teachers to come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and give you or a family member a lesson? Contact us and we’ll send over a teacher who will compose a personalized lesson plan just for you!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons Licence.

The post Manhattan Guitar Teachers are Always Composed! appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

When we think of the lives of famous composers we imagine them spending entire days and possibly even nights writing music. After all, they wouldn’t have been as prolific if their minds were distracted by non-musical activities. For instance, we know from his letters that Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart spent most of his days either composing or giving concerts. Ditto for Ludwig van Beethoven, who spent hours each day fine-tuning (no pun intended) his work.

And yet, despite their busy schedules many composers found time to pursue hobbies and interests that were not related to music. This proves that even geniuses need to take time off from work and just chill.

Diverse interests

Admittedly, it is difficult to imagine Mozart, dressed in a powdered wig, a brocade waistcoat, and breeches, doing anything other than sitting at his harpsichord. If that is your image of the great composer, prepare to be surprised! Historical records indicate that Mozart loved to play game of all sorts; he was quite handy at card tricks, billiards, charades, and fencing. He even rode horses. Mozart was also an animal lover who kept dogs, cats, and birds. Reportedly, he even owned a starling that could “sing” the main tune from the last movement of his Piano Concerto No. 17 . Another distinguished composer who found time for non-musical pursuits was Johann Sebastian Bach. He loved walking so much that he reportedly covered of tens of miles on foot just to hear a concert. Here’s a quick look at how other famous composers spent their free time:

• Giuseppe Verdi was active in local politics: he served as a member of the Chamber of Deputies and as a Senator in the Italian Congress.
• Richard Strauss loved playing skat, a card game that was all the rage in the 19th century Europe.
• Antonin Dvorak raised pigeons.
• Sergei Prokofiev enjoyed playing chess; he also wrote short stories.
• Dimitri Shostakovich liked playing cards and watching soccer games.
• Gustav Mahler was a sports enthusiast: he loved athletics, particularly hiking and swimming.

On their own time

At Hey Joe Guitar, music education is our number one priority. But that doesn’t mean we believe in it to the exclusion of everything else. Our teachers are busy giving lessons or performing, but they still have time to enjoy their hobbies. These are just some of the leisure activities they are involved in: travel, badminton, dressage, card games, fencing, chess, rowing, ski jumping, lacrosse, organic farming, and even wreck driving and bushwhacking. But be assured that no hobby will ever keep a teacher of ours from coming to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office on time for a lesson. After all, even someone who is into bushwhacking owns a watch!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Brooklyn Guitar Lessons Offer High Interest appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

This coming Sunday will be an important day for football fans – the SUPER BOWL! It is not just America’s largest sports event, but also a cultural phenomenon of sorts. The hype and frenzy start even before the Super Bowl Sunday and grow in intensity in the weeks leading up to the big game. In fact, people get so excited and caught up in the game, they sometimes tend to forget that, no matter who wins and who loses, the world will go on unperturbed by this event.

You may be wondering by now why we are bringing up this topic in the music blog. The reason is simple: NFL football and music go hand in hand, even if, on the surface, they don’t strike you as a natural match. But just think of all the Super Bowl halftime shows. They are huge! Performers like Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Stevie Wonder, Phil Collins, and many other famous singers had starred in the musical productions over the years. In that way, the Super Bowl is not merely a sports event, but also a musical extravaganza!

Musical interlude

The first Super Bowl game took place on January 15, 1967, so it is just one year short of its 50th anniversary. In the first decades, halftime entertainment featured mostly college marching bands, but that trend changed in the 1990s. In 1991, New Kids of the Block headlined the show , ushering in the era of big-name acts. Michael Jackson, Gloria Estefan, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and the Rolling Stones were among many famous halftime performers. The first Super Bowl of the 21st century featured a terrific show by Tina Turner . Other A-listers followed throughout the decade: U2 in 2002 , Paul McCartney in 2005, and Bruce Springsteen in 2009. These were just some of the many featured performers in the past years. What about this Sunday? You can look forward to Coldplay’s performance. Why is it that so many well-known musicians are eager to play at the Super Bowl? Our guess is that it is not only the exposure to tens of millions of TV viewers, but also the frenzied excitement of the spectators, the kind of fervor that is fuelled by good football and good music!

A totally different ball game

What if you are not a football fan, but do like music? That is totally fine. We certainly prefer a student like you, than someone who is a total opposite – loves football but hates music! Our teachers can’t promise you fancy footwork, but when they give you a lesson in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office, they will be right on the ball. With the teacher’s expert guidance, you will not know the agony of defeat – just the thrill of victory!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Get the Ball Rolling, With Brooklyn Guitar Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

It’s the middle of January – how are you doing with your New Year resolutions? We hope you are sticking to them, especially if you or your child have decided to take up music lessons in 2016. There is no doubt that music education has numerous benefits for people of all ages. It not only improves our physical health, but also the mental and emotional wellbeing.

Having been in the music education business for many years, we are often asked by prospective students how to select a truly great school. Our advice is always the same: choose the school that has the best trained, most experienced, nicest, and kindest teachers. That’s just for starters. There is much more that a top-notch school should be able to offer its students.

One-on-one training

While any form of music training is beneficial, we believe – based on our experience, as well as that of numerous students – that private lessons offer the most advantages. For instance:

• In a group setting, the instructor cannot pay attention to each student’s needs or learning pace. A private music teacher, on the other hand, gives the one-on-one instruction, adapted specifically to the student. It’s not general or generic, but specific and personalized.
• Because the lesson is tailored specifically to each student’s needs, level, and particular interests, the teacher will choose the exercises and repertoire that will help develop skills and technique.
• During a private session, the “hands on” instruction is exactly that: the teacher will demonstrate the proper way to hold, handle, and use the instrument, and also pay attention to the student’s posture.
• During a private lesson, a teacher will give an instant feedback to the student, assessing progress or suggesting corrections.
• Because the teacher is “invested” (in the manner of speaking) in the student’s musical development, he or she will offer constant support and encouragement – both of which are very important, especially when a student loses focus or motivation.

Go private

As you can see, private lessons offer numerous advantages. Of course, the most important component of this experience is the instructor – the student’s progress will depend on how well educated and experienced the teacher is. At Hey Joe Guitar, we realize the role our teachers play – no pun intended – in a student’s musical journey. That’s why we screen our teachers carefully to make sure that they meet our (and your) high standards. That means they are graduates of the top U.S and international music schools, have extensive teaching experience to ensure they have developed the necessary skills to make music education inspiring, interesting, and fun. And, as though all these criteria were not enough, we also select the teachers who are patient, affable, and well equipped with “people skills.” But that’s not all: our teachers are not only amazing but also mobile! This means they will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office. Now, that’s a private lesson that lives up to its name!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Get Personal, With New York Music Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

We often say – and will continue to do so – that music is beneficial to us humans on so many levels: as a health booster, stress reducer, key to success, memory enhancer, and in many other ways. All of that is true. However, we thought it would be fun to explore the other side of the coin, so to speak: the feuds between famous musicians. Of course, these spats have nothing to do with music per se, but, rather, with the sometimes conflicting personalities of composers and performers.

After all, no matter how talented these folks are, they are merely human and, as such, not exactly infallible.

Scandalous behavior

Rock musicians are the notorious “bad boys” of the music world, so you might be surprised to learn that even the classical composers sometimes quarreled with each other. Perhaps one of the best known conflicts in the history of music was the “War of the Romantics” – a conservatively minded group of composers led by Johannes Brahms, against a more progressive thinkers represented by Franz Liszt and Richard Wagner. Thankfully, their grievances were not petty or trivial, and had nothing to do with egos or fame. Rather, they were of artistic nature – the two groups butted heads over the traditional versus new forms of music. The former group favored music for music’s sake – that is, as entertainment. The second group, on the other hand, called for compositions that would include social, moral and cultural components. We are happy to report that the conflict, which put these distinguished composers at odds did not culminate in blows. It was limited to written manifestos and hissing at concerts.

No bridge over troubled water

The civility of the 19th century had not totally spilled over to the current times. For instance, Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel’s feud has been well documented. The once successful pair broke up in 1970, when, after a furious row, Simon quit. To this day, Garfunkel blames the split on his band mate, calling him a “monster” and an “idiot.” Then there was the fight between one-time friends, Elton John and Madonna. The hostility was sparked in 2002 when John described Madonna’s theme song for “Die Another Day ” as “the worst Bond tune ever.” More recent spats include the one between Katy Perry and Lily Allen, whom Perry called “fat,” as well as Courtney Love’s jab at former Nirvana drummer and current Foo Fighters frontman Dave Grohl, whom she accused of being “sexually obsessed” with her late husband, Curt Cobain. These are just a few examples of conflicts, past and present, among musicians. There are many more!

We’ll never do battle!

Needless to say, most musicians don’t get into rowdy rows, and we can guarantee that our teachers never do, either. No matter what instrument they teach, they and their students play well together! So when you invite our teacher into your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, you’ll get no quarrel from us!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post New York Guitar Lessons are Never an Uphill Battle appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Today is the last day of 2015 – congratulations, we made it! We are now looking forward to tomorrow – and the other 364 days of the new year, which we hope will be peaceful in our city and around the world .

But before 2015 becomes the “old” year, let’s look at some of the musical anniversaries that came up during the past 12 months. We are guessing you were not aware of many (or any, for that matter) of these milestones, but it’s never too late.

Has it really been that long?

Yes, it has! Time sure flies, and before you know it, two-digit anniversaries sneak up upon us. Let’s go down a list of musical anniversaries of 2015, starting with the 60th: on July 9, 1955 the song Rock Around the Clock , a hit for Bill Haley and His Comets (and the theme from the film Blackboard Jungle), became the first rock ’n’ roll song to reach No. 1. And can you believe it has been half a century since Bob Dylan recorded (on June 15, 1965) Like a Rolling Stone . Four days later, the actual Rolling Stones released (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction . Interestingly, Rolling Stone Magazine recently placed both hits as No. 1 and 2, respectively, on its list of the greatest songs of all time. The summer of 1965 continued to be prolific for music: on August 15, the Beatles performed at Shea Stadium in New York during their first U.S. your. July 26 marked the 40th anniversary of Van McCoy’s The Hustle , which was a huge disco hit in those days. We don’t know about you, but to us 1985, the era of big hair and shoulder pads, seems like only 30 years ago… October 26 of this year marked three decades since Whitney Houston had her first No. 1 song with Saving All My Love for You . Moving on: August 4 of this year marked the 25th anniversary of the day Mariah Carey had her first chart topper with Vision of Love . Twenty years ago, two sad events occurred in the music world: On March 31, 1995, the most popular Tejano singer, Selena, was shot to death in Corpus Christi, Texas. And on August 9, Jerry Garcia, leader of the Grateful Dead, died of a heart attack. . These are just some of the milestones that happened in 2015. Aren’t you glad we told you?

We are a class act!

Now, you may not know this, but 2015 also marked the 8th anniversary of the founding of Hey Joe Guitar. All these years, our teachers have tirelessly traveled all over New York City to give music lessons to students in their Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Riverdale homes and offices. We can promise you that 2016 will be no different: you can always count on our school to provide the best private lessons and teachers in the city. This will be our New Year’s resolution for many years to come!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post New York Guitar School’s List of This Year’s Music Milestones appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Christmas is less than two weeks away and the stores around New York City are full of shoppers looking for just the right gifts for family and friends. We love the traditional exchange of presents around the Christmas tree, or the unwrapping of packages left by Santa. We realize that most people these days (both adults and children) prefer big-ticket items that cost an arm and a leg – figuratively speaking, of course.

However, having said that, we are partial to gifts that are personal and symbolic – ones that have special meaning to you and the person who receives it. Such a present, no matter how small or inexpensive, is a wonderful gesture because it comes from the heart. It says to your loved one: “I chose this particular present because I knew you would enjoy it,” instead of, “I had to idea what to buy you, so here’s this tie. It doesn’t matter to me whether you’ll wear or or re-gift it; at least I didn’t come empty-handed.” Does this sound familiar?

A partridge in a pear tree…or two front teeth?

Actually, we are betting that nobody (okay, to be on the safe side, let’s say very few people) want to receive either a partridge or a set of front teeth for Christmas – no matter what the songs say. So how do you choose a gift that is personal and specific rather than generic? It’s easy: most people love to receive something that is useful to them. If they have a hobby or an interest, it makes it even easier to choose an appropriate gift. We don’t mean to sound self-serving, but let’s say your friend or family member is a music fan or musician. There are literally dozens of things you could offer them, ranging from tickets to one or more concerts that are scheduled to take place in New York in 2016, to some unique objects like a bracelet made from a recycled guitar string, vintage band posters, or any other of these cool items. It’s the thought that counts!

Play it right!

Of course, among the best gifts for music lovers are music lessons. It doesn’t matter whether the person is already playing an instrument or wants to start. In either case, we can help. First of all, you can’t go wrong with our gift certificate. Whether you buy a 3 or 5-pack of lessons, or a monthly membership; a 30-minute, 45-minute, or hourly sessions, the gift card is a perfect present for any music aficionado. Secondly, once the music lesson is set up, we will send one of our amazing teachers to the student’s Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale residence. (He or she will ring the bell, not come down the chimney). Think about it: isn’t a gift of music better than another tie, sweater, or scarf?

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Be Gifted, at Brooklyn Guitar School appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

A few more hours and the month of November will be over. Tomorrow December begins and, with it, all the excitement surrounding the holidays. While celebrations of Hanukkah (December 6 until the 14th), Christmas (December 25), and Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1) dominate this month’s agenda, other special occasions are not getting as much attention. But the fact is that December is full of (mostly wacky) holidays that most people don’t even know exist. We thought it would be fun to match some of these crazy events with appropriate songs. So let’s get to it!

A bit of craziness…

OMG – texting is no longer a new technology; as a matter of fact, December 3 will mark the 23rd anniversary of the very first text message, which was sent out in 1992. What did it say? Very appropriately, the message read “Merry Christmas.” We think a good song to mark this occasion is this upbeat tune . Let’s move on to December 9, which is the “Weary Willie Day.” In case you are not an expert on clownery, you may not know of a professional clown Emmett Kelly, who was born on this day in 1898. He went down in the clowndom history by creating one of the more memorable clown characters of the 20th century, known as “Weary Willie.” What’s the best song to commemorate this day? It’s a no brainer ! Now, if you are an animal lover, this next holiday will be right up your alley. December 14 is Monkey Day, an “annual celebration of all things simian, a festival of primates, and a chance to scream like a monkey” – if that’s your thing. And the next day, December 15, marks another animal-related event, National Cat Herder’s Day. What exactly is it? It celebrates humans whose lives or jobs feel as if they are constantly herding around cats. Songs? How about these , two? These are just a few of the bizarre December celebrations, but there are many more. Aren’t you glad we told you?

Keep playing!

Whether you commemorate one of the above-mentioned wacky events or celebrate more conventional December holidays, one thing is certain – no matter how busy you are during the festive season, there should always be time for music. What we mean is this: New York has no shortage of concerts during the month of December, so whatever kind of music you like, it is right there in your neighborhood. But also don’t forget music lessons. Our teachers are not so busy celebrating National Cat Herder’s Day that they would not find time to come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office!

The post Celebrate Wackiness, With Brooklyn Guitar School appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

If asked what is your favorite time of year, chances are you won’t say it’s mid-November, unless you live in the southern hemisphere, where it is spring right now. But in New York, November is often grey and chilly, which may be the reason why so many people exercise much less that they do during the spring and summer months. (There’s actually a Gallop poll showing that Americans are less physically active as weather gets cold). Are you one of them?

We get it: when it is dark and cold outside, you don’t feel like going out for a jog or even a walk. It is so much easier and more pleasant to stay inside. But if this is your mindset, we hope you reconsider, especially since there is a good way to make even the most strenuous workout more enjoyable. We are referring to music, of course!

Breaking sweat with music

You might think we are giving you a song-and-dance routine here since we have a vested interest in teaching you to play an instrument. Actually, this statement is not totally self-serving: Studies suggest that listening to music while you exercise makes your workout more effective. There are several reasons why that is. For instance, a good beat not only makes you want to move, but it also helps you keep your pace. Also, listening to music creates a surge of energy that keeps you going, and it diverts your focus from physical discomfort – like soreness and tiredness – that a more strenuous workout might cause. In other words, music “tricks” your mind into concentrating on the sounds generated by your iPod rather than on your exertion level or the repetitive movements of your exercise routine. If you are wondering what is the best “exercise music,” here are some general suggestions:

• As you warm up, you’d want to listen to tracks that give you a burst of energy.
• Whether you prefer high, medium or low intensity exercise, choose something upbeat to keep your juices flowing during the main phase of your exercise.
• A slower and more mellow sound will help you cool down afterwards.

Feel the (calorie) burn

As long we are on the subject of music and exercise, did you know that the mere action of playing an instrument provides a terrific workout as well? While it may not improve your athletic performance per se (unless you are a member of a fast-moving marching band), it can help you burn calories. Just as an example, playing drums for an hour will burn 270 calories; a guitar will “eat up” 204 calories; and a trombone 238. In fact, practically any instrument will use up at least 100 calories in one hour of playing. Also, since playing certain instruments is physically demanding, you can get a good workout while you are at it. Drum players, for instance, use practically all the body’s muscle groups for strength, speed, endurance, and coordination. In fact, all the instruments, as well as signing, exercise some muscle groups.

Let there be music!

No, we can’t promise that you will lose loads of weight while playing an instrument (though you might) or that we will help improve the quality of your workout. What we can promise is that whatever instrument you’d like to play, we will be happy to come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and give you lessons. Whether you use your new musical skills to drop a few pounds and get in shape is up to you. But as you can see from all the research above, music can help you be …as fit as a fiddle!

The post Flex Your Muscles, With New York Music Lessons appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

At Hey Joe Guitar, we love the month of May – and not only because spring is in the air and summer is right around the corner. There is another reason we think May rocks: tomorrow, 5-22, is the National Buy a Musical Instrument Day. Now, you probably think we invent these “holidays” just for the heck of it. Not so! This occasion really does exist and we had absolutely nothing to do with its creation – honest!

It is an “unofficial” holiday (meaning you can’t take time off work or school) and its origins are unknown. However, that doesn’t mean that this occasion should not be marked; after all, its purpose is to purchase an instrument so that you or a family member can begin to take music lessons. You’ll get no argument from us!

Be a savvy consumer

Buying your first musical instrument is a momentous occasion. This means you re ready to embark on a new and exciting adventure. As New Yorkers, we are very lucky because our city has so many great music stores. Just as an example (and this is in no way an endorsement, just information), the historic “Music Row” on 48th Street is lined with many such shops. Whether you are a first-time buyer or you are looking to replace your current instrument, there are several things to consider because an instrument is an important purchase. First of all, determine your budget – can you buy a brand new instrument, or opt for a second-hand one? If you can only afford a second-hand instrument, don’t be discouraged –there are plenty of good, quality ones available, so make sure you purchase from a reliable source rather than from the back of a truck in a dark alley. How can you vet your seller? Ask your musician friends, other students, or music teachers for referrals. And always try out the instrument – touch it, handle it, and play it – before parting with your money. If you are taking the instrument home with you right away – a difficult task if you are buying a piano– or have it delivered by the seller or another party, get insurance. Accidents do happen, whether or not you believe in Murphy’s Law!

Make a list

As mentioned before, the best way to ensure that you are not buying a lemon is to deal only with reputable sellers who have been recommended to you by people you know and trust. This is all the more crucial when you are buying a second-hand instrument, which comes with its own history. It may look wonderful but looks could be deceiving, so make sure you ask all the right questions, which are pretty much the same you’d ask if you were purchasing a used car. For instance:

• Who owned the instrument and how many people played it?
• Who tuned it and performed maintenance on it, and how often?
• When not in use, where was the instrument stored?
• Have there been any major repairs? (Cosmetic flaws due to normal use don’t matter, but stay away from an instrument that had been broken or otherwise damaged – unless you are confident it can be repaired).
• Check the valves, keys, frets, strings, and all the other pieces to make sure they are in working order. Last but not least, play it! Does it sound right, as this particular instrument should, or does the noise remind you of a pack of banshees?
• Even used equipment often carries some sort of limited warranty, so get it in writing. And never, ever, buy an instrument “as is,” unless, as stated above, you don’t care about its condition because you are certain you (or someone else) can do the necessary repairs.

We are here for you!

Now that you brought your bundle of joy home (or had it delivered), the next step is to book lessons. We recommend that you choose your music school with as much care as you put into selecting your instrument. Questions to ask: which music school has well trained and highly experienced teachers? Answer: we do! And which school offers convenient private lessons right in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office? That would be us again! Let’s put it this way: over the years, we have given thousands of music lessons to New Yorkers of all ages and proficiency levels, and have never had a single dissatisfied client – human or instrument.

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

The post Manhattan Music School’s Instrument Buying Guide appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

Quite a few times, we shared with you the latest research about the benefit of music training.

By now we may sound like a broken record, but any time there is something new to add to this fascinating topic, we’ll jump right on it!

Maybe because the positive effects of music education are so widely known, very often parents ask us questions like: “My son is very hyper and can’t concentrate. Will playing an instrument help?” Or, “my daughter is very shy. How can music lessons help her come out of her shell?”

This is just as relevant for adults too. People of any age can benefit from music lessons because the triggers in our brain are the same.

Music can make a positive difference for all age groups. We have witnessed this phenomenon countless times and would like to share our experiences here.

Music “Therapy”

If you are the kind of person who is often distracted, music lessons can help boost your focus, self-control, as well as attention span. That’s because to play an instrument you need an alert mind, patience, and full concentration.

Also, music training requires a certain structure and discipline –for the lessons and for practice sessions in between. Your mind is focused not only on music itself, but also on the proper technique, breathing, coordination, as well as body posture.

True, if you are just starting your music training, you may not possess any of these skills, but with regular lessons you will develop each one, channeling your unbridled energy into a worthwhile and enjoyable pursuit.

Numerous Benefits

What if you are very timid? Very often, the reason behind excessive shyness is a poor self-image, as well as feelings of inferiority and insecurity.

If you fall into this category, you’ll be happy to know that music is a terrific “healer” of shyness and social ineptness. How does this work? Being able to play an instrument is a terrific self-esteem booster; it’ll give you a sense of accomplishment, something to be proud of, and maybe even brag about! What better cure for shyness can there be?

All this is very positive, but there are even more compelling reasons to start music lessons:

• This very scien-cy article talks about a “feel-good” chemical called dopamine. Music is one of the triggers of dopamine, so it improves the mood and lifts the spirits. In other words, it makes us happy.

• Because certain genres – including classical and jazz -have shown to lower heart rate and blood pressure, music promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Excellent Teachers at Your Service!

As you can see, music training has multiple benefits for the whole family. However, there is one “but” – a lot depends on the kind of lessons and teachers you hire. (This is as true of music, as of any other learning experience).

An excellent music instructor is not only well educated and experienced in working with people of all ages, but he or she is also patient, kind, and enthusiastic – about music and teaching.

Our Hey Joe Guitar teachers fit all these criteria – and then some. They are graduates of the top music schools and accomplished musicians in their own right. Before we send them out to your Manhattan or Brooklyn home, we make sure they are carefully vetted and able to teach the right techniques to their students, whether on the guitar, piano, flute, or any other instrument.

Contact us to setup a first lesson and see what a positive difference music lessons make in your life.

To see the positive difference music lessons have made in the lives of underprivileged children in New York City, check out our charity MusiCan.

The post Benefits of Music: Hey Joe Guitar NYC Guitar School Tells (Almost) All! appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.

The topic of this blog – recycling – may surprise you. But, as you will soon find out, there IS a connection between recycling and music. Yes, really! Now, unless you have been living under a rock somewhere, or just landed on Earth from another planet, you certainly know what the term “recycling” means:  making new products out of old materials.

Not only is recycling good for the environment because it conserves precious resources, but it also “breathes” new life into items that would otherwise be discarded, adding to the already toxic pollution. Think of it as a “reincarnation” of sorts: an old and seemingly useless object can, in a manner of speaking, be born again. And this is where the topics of recycling and music converge.

From trash to art

Recently, we came across a very interesting article about Gary Zimnicki, a Michigan luthier (a person who makes or repairs string instruments) who is using reclaimed floorboards and ceilings from dismantled vacant buildings to make ukuleles and mandolins. Zimnicki, who, as the article notes “has been making high end guitars, mandolins and ukuleles for musicians all over the world” for over 30 years, “began using old floorboards and ceiling joists to craft more than a dozen instruments.” Although the work is difficult – it involves cleaning off “decades of dirt and gunk and then sawing into the very hard wood,” Zimnicki says the effort is worthwhile: the 100-year-old floorboards “produce a deep, rich sound.” It goes without saying that Zimnicki is to be lauded for thinking out of the box, and for being so creative and imaginative.

Old instruments never die

If you are concerned about preserving the environment, you are familiar with the “three Rs” concept: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Zimnicki is reusing and recycling old parts and, at the same time, reducing potential waste so it doesn’t end up in a landfill somewhere, polluting the air we breathe and the water we drink. But you might be wondering what happens to old musical instruments once they emit their last sound? Can they be reused and recycled? The answer is yes…and yes. With a dash of creativity, you can turn old instruments into some very cool decorative objects, which will add a unique personality to your home. For instance, instruments and other musical accessories can be transformed into lighting fixtures, side tables, shelves, and other unique pieces. Yes, we know, this is not your conventional home decor, but it just shows that the love of music takes – literally – many different forms and shapes!

Let us into your environment!

Our Hey Joe Guitar teachers don’t care what your furniture looks like or, for that matter, whether you have any at all (okay, we take it back: a couple of chairs – even recycled ones – to sit on during a lesson would be nice). As long as there is an instrument (brand new, second-hand, or even made from old floorboards) and a student willing to play it, we will happily come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and give you or your child music lessons.

Photo by Darla Robbins

The post NYC Guitar School: The “Reincarnation” of Musical Instruments appeared first on Hey Joe Guitar.