Manhattan Music Lessons Archives - Hey Joe Guitar

New York Guitar School Will Never Stress You Out

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 05 Nov 2015 00:01:40 +0000

Calm Down and Relax, at New York Guitar School

Did you know that today, November 5, is the National Stress Awareness Day? You’ll probably tell us that you are too…stressed out to remember to put such events on your agenda, but that’s precisely a good reason why you should! After all, stress is like a nagging back pain – we all suffer from it from time to time (some of us more often that others), but we don’t really do much about it. However, there are some proven ways to ease both your backache and the stress.

Today, however, we’d like to focus on stress reduction only (since we are not licensed back healers), and talk about how music can relieve many of the symptoms of anxiety.

Down to a science

There’s lots of evidence to suggest that, aside from many other health benefits, music is a very effective stress management tool. For instance, in one study carried out at Monash University in Australia, college students made a presentation before a group with either Pachaelbel’s Canon or no music in the background. Those who were accompanied by music felt less anxiety, and also had lower heart rate and blood pressure than students who presented without music. This finding is not really a surprise to us because we’ve always known that listening to music relaxes our minds and bodies, slowing the pulse and heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and decreasing the levels of stress hormones. Singing, by the way, is also a great way to release tension.

“Soul” music

You may be a heavy metal aficionado, and there’s nothing wrong with that. But if you have a lot of stress in your life, soothing music will be more effective in taming your inner chaos. In one study conducted by a British university, researchers were looking at which types of music relieved anxiety the most. They determined – not surprisingly – that the most calming sounds were harmonious. “The most common labels for the relaxing tracks were, ‘peaceful,’ ‘serenity,’ ‘sadness’ and ‘joy,’” the researchers noted. So what should you listen to when you are stressed? Actually, there’s a wide variety of tunes, ranging from the above-mentioned Canon in D Major, to Louis Armstrong’s wonderfully uplifting “It’s A Wonderful World.” There are also sounds that will thoroughly relax you from inside out. And these tunes are supposedly scientifically proven to calm you down. You can’t argue with science!

Cool, calm, and collected

So now you know what kind of music will soothe your soul, but there is even more good news from the world of science. Researchers found that playing a musical instrument can switch off the so-called “stress response,” which, in turn, promotes inner peace and emotional balance. And this is where our teachers can help. They will give you or a family member music lessons right in the comfort of your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, eliminating the stress of commuting to and from. And that’s definitely something to be happy about!

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At Brooklyn Guitar School, We’ll Direct Your Music Experience

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 22 Oct 2015 00:01:42 +0000

Musical Guidance, At Brooklyn Guitar School

If you have ever attended symphony orchestra performances, you know that the music doesn’t just “play itself.” Someone is responsible for ensuring that all the different instrument sections are balanced in the overall sound, so that a concert goes off without a hitch. We are talking here about conductors, sometimes also called “musical directors.” They have been around for centuries, so they are a familiar sight to concert goers everywhere, but have you ever wondered what their role is? Obviously, it goes far beyond just raising and haphazardly waving their batons.

Simply put, their role is to help musicians play well together, but, as you can imagine, the task is much more complex than that.

Not just a magic wand

You may not have given much thought to the conductor’s role, but you’d probably notice his absence. That’s because without a leader, individual musicians in large symphony orchestras would have to use their own judgment – for example, on how to interpret a particular score – and the result might be uncoordinated and awkward. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule as well ! Very likely, these ensembles rehearsed with the conductor and performed in concert without one. In a way, a conductor is like any other team leader – in business, sports, or any other environment. He or she has to make sure that everyone in a group is in sync with each other. In music, this literally means being in tune and harmony! What the audiences usually see is a well – no pun intended – orchestrated performance. This means that in rehearsal, the conductor put in a lot of work to ensure coherence and coordination among musicians. What exactly does this entail? According to Wikipedia, “the primary duties of the conductor are to unify performers, set the tempo, execute clear preparations and beats (meter) and to listen critically and shape the sound of the ensemble.” That’s just a general definition of a conductor’s job, but there’s much more involved. For instance, through gestures, a conductor communicates instructions to the musicians, directing them when to start or stop, how fast to go, when to play louder or softer, etc.

We’ll conduct your lesson!

Over the years, there had been many famous composers who conducted their own orchestras – like Bach, Beethoven, Berlioz, Mendelssohn, Wagner, Mahler, Strauss, and Rubinstein to mention just a few. Other prominent conductors included Arturo Toscanini, Herbert von Karajan , Leopold Stokowski, and Claudio Abbado , among others. Each and every one of these brilliant conductors took the performances to the new level and delighted audiences with their mastery. At Hey Joe Guitar, we don’t conduct orchestras. However, our New York City music teachers are skilled at guiding their students through all the intricacies of music – whatever the instrument. When we come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, we’ll make sure you play with harmony, balance, and coordination.

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“Fall” Into Music, With Brooklyn Piano School

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 00:01:55 +0000

Brooklyn Piano School Will Get You In Mood for Autumn

Autumn in New York, as Frank Sinatra famously sang, is “so inviting.” He was right, of course. There is something special about this season. Yes, it’s sad to say goodbye to the sunny and warm days of summer , but early fall in New York is usually lovely as well. Trees in Central Park and other green spaces in the city are “dressed” in eye-popping colors of yellow, orange, and red. And the freshly fallen leaves emit a subtle, earthy scent into the crisp air.

As the 19th century English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley so beautifully wrote, “There is a harmony in autumn, and a luster in its sky.” Is it any wonder that the beauty of the fall season has inspired not only poets, painters, and other artists, but also many composers and songwriters? Let’s listen to some pieces of music inspired by colors, scents, and the mood of the autumn.

Season’s bounty

At the beginning of the 18th century, Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi wrote four violin concertos, which turned out to be his most famous work. Titled “The Four Seasons,” it included the very beautiful autumn concerto . A century later, Austrian composer Josef Strauss wrote a waltz entitled “Autumn Roses” . Another beautiful waltz celebrating the fall season, aptly named “Autumn Dream” was composed by a 20th century British composer Archibald Joyce. What about autumn songs? Speaking of waltzes, listen to Tony Bennett’s 1956 rendition of “The Autumn Waltz” . Of course, one of the most famous fall songs of all time is a 1945 classic written by a Hungarian composer Joseph Kosma and called “Autumn Leaves.” It was recorded in both English and French . There is also Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon” , U2’s “October” , and many others. Which of the above pieces of music inspires you the most?

Fall for us!

We hope all these compositions will motivate you to start making some music of your own. A great thing about music lessons is that you can begin them at any time of the year – in other words, music is always in season! Thankfully, our teachers are not just fair-weather friends; even when it rains and the temps drop (as often happens in the fall), they will still …waltz into your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office. So don’t wait until fall turns into winter – contact us while the leaves still have their radiant color!

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Discover Music – With New York Guitar School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 12 Oct 2015 00:01:33 +0000

New York Guitar School Celebrates Columbus Day

On August 3, 1492, Italian explorer Christopher Columbus set sail from the Spanish port of Palos. He was in command of three ships – the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Nina. The goal of this historic journey was to find a new sea route to China, India, and other parts of Asia.

More than two months later, on October 12, Columbus’ ships found the “New World” – the Bahamas and other Caribbean islands. But despite the myth that had persisted for hundreds of years, Columbus didn’t “discover” America — in fact, he never set foot here. Of course, in the 15th century, America was already settled by Indians; historians are not sure who actually discovered the continent, but we do know it was named after another Italian explorer, Amerigo Vespucci. Still, October 12 is observed in the United States as Columbus Day, which celebrates the contributions Italian immigrants have made to our country.

Music of the Renaissance

There are some songs that commemorate Columbus’s discovery of the New World . They are decidedly modern, but what about the music that was in vogue in Columbus’ home country of Italy, as well as in the rest of Europe, during his lifetime? The music of the Renaissance era is not as widely known to us as the styles that developed in the next century. Baroque had given us Johann Sebastian Bach, George Handel, and Antonio Vivaldi, whose music is still played and loved to this day. But that is not to say the Renaissance compositions are not worth listening to. A lot of the music from that period, both religious and secular, is based on modes, has a rich texture, and harmony . Among the most popular Renaissance instruments were the cornamuse, cromorne, shawm, clavichord, and virginal. None of them is still commonly used; the only instrument of that era that remains popular to this day is the recorder. We have no idea whether Columbus listened to music while he sailed the ocean blue, or, for that matter, whether he was a music aficionado. But we do know that the music played in churches and royal palaces during his lifetime was really beautiful! That’s the kind of music Europeans were fond of. But what about the inhabitants of North America, which Columbus allegedly discovered? Native American tribes of the 15th century were quite evolved and their music often included drums, rattles, flutes, wood whistles.

That’s amore!

As we said, Columbus Day is a holiday in the United States, a celebration of the rich Italian heritage. In New York, where approximately 1.8 million people of Italian descent live, a parade takes place today (as it does every year) along Fifth Avenue. As always, it’s lots of fun! Even if he didn’t actually discover America, Columbus still went down in history as an explorer and an adventurer. Learning to play a musical instrument is also an adventure of sorts – your curiousity will help you discover new sounds and other musical elements that you never knew before. That’s where our teachers can help. When they come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office, your music lesson will be smooth sailing!

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Mind Your Language, at New York Guitar School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 17 Aug 2015 00:01:58 +0000

New York Guitar School Is Not All Greek to You

Parlez-vous français? Parla italiano? 你說中國話? If you don’t speak any foreign languages (and according to government statistics, 75 percent of Americans don’t), but would like to be able to converse in another tongue, we may have a solution for you!

Yes, there are language courses, of course, but that’s not what we are talking about. We are referring to another method of mastering a foreign language: music training! It’s true: while you are learning a language, music stimulates your brain and helps it absorb new information quicker and better. In fact, research conducted at Northwestern University indicated that “music training leads to changes throughout the auditory system that prime musicians for listening challenges beyond music processing.” Does this mean that, as a musician or music student, you will become fluent in a foreign language overnight? No. What it does mean is that your brain “soaks up” all the new knowledge in a more efficient manner. ¿No es maravilloso?

Sing, sing a song

When your (or your child’s) brain is musically primed for learning, a good way to start speaking a foreign language is through singing. Studies from the University of Edinburgh found that people who sing words or short phrases in a foreign language become twice as fluent at speaking it later. Researchers believe it is because this technique links music and memory. Can this approach work with any foreign tongue? Yes, it can, but it’s important to keep in mind that each language has its own specific rhythm, cadence, and pacing – to put it into musical terms, it has its own unique “melody.” This means that singing phrases in, say, Zulu, will not be the same as singing them in Finnish, or any other language, for that matter. Just as an example, one of the easiest French songs to master may very well be “Frères Jacques ” because the same words and phrases repeat themselves in each section, so there is not a vast vocabulary to master. What if you want to learn Spanish and Portuguese through music? This article might help you achieve that. And by the way, experts say that the best age to start learning a foreign language is in childhood, which, coincidentally, is also the optimum time to start music lessons. Of course, it is never too late to begin mastering both – you are never too “old” to learn new things!

We speak your language!

We don’t mean to brag (well, actually we do), but our teachers speak a multitude of foreign languages – including Spanish, French, Russian, Japanese, Mandarin, German, Hebrew, Italian, Portuguese, and others. However, when they come to give a lesson in your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, they will communicate with you in the universal language of music. And that is one thing that will never be lost in translation!

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At New York Guitar School, We’ll Never Read You the Riot Act

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 20 Jul 2015 00:01:19 +0000

Keep the Peace, With New York Guitar School

We have said it many times before and we still stand by it: music training is good for you! However, this doesn’t mean that every music experience is always calm and uneventful; sometimes, concerts incite not only applause and calls for an encore, but also utter chaos.

You might think we are talking about women throwing their panties at Elvis Presley so he could wipe his sweaty brow with the undergarments, or teenage girls screaming, swooning, and sometimes even fainting at the Beatles’ concerts. No. We are referring here to real riots, which, surprisingly, occurred at classical music concerts. And some of them happened even in our city! Let’s look at a few of the most famous – or, in this case, infamous – ones that… struck the wrong notes with audiences.

Dissention in the ranks

It is no secret that not everyone is a fan of Richard Wagner, the 19th century German composer known for his somber music. In 1861, at a Paris performance of his opera “Tannhauser,” he placed the ballet sequence in the first act rather than in second, as originally written. Talk about a faux pas! The change outraged purist spectators, who showed their discontent with loud cat-calls, whistles, and general ruckus that disrupted the performance and caused a scandal in Parisian art circles. Half a century later, also in Paris, broken canes and crushed fedoras were not the only victims of a brawl that broke out in May 1913 during the premiere of Igor Stravinsky’s ballet, “The Rite of Spring.” Though now a classic, at that time both the music and choreography were clearly too shocking to audiences accustomed to the elegance and grace of classical ballets. As soon as the performance began, furious spectators started to boo the orchestra and dancers. Their outrage, according to eyewitness reports, was sparked by the sound of the bassoon – described as “strangled” – “fluttering and twittering woodwind sounds,” as well as “pulsating rhythms” that were far too avant-garde for the sensibilities of the early 20th century music patrons. Very soon, fighting erupted and spread throughout the audience. Police were called but were unable to contain the riot; Stravinsky did the only rational thing he could under the circumstances – he fled the scene. Much later, in 1973, a riot of sorts was staged – pun intended – in our own Carnegie Hall. A concert by Boston Symphony featured Mozart and Liszt, which, of course, appealed to the tastes of classical music lovers. However, the musicians also performed Steve Reich’s “Four Organs.” Some of the audience members didn’t dig the repetitive music of this minimalist piece, creating a scene. One elderly woman even removed her shoe and struck the stage with it in protest. As the conductor later said, “We kept going, even though people were having fistfights in the audience.” And there are many more instances of musical riots throughout history.

A peaceful experience

As the above examples demonstrate, when it comes to music, people’s emotions sometimes run high. We too are very passionate about music, though in a more positive and peaceful way. That’s why when our teachers come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office, they will not run riot. To the contrary, they will always be respectful of your (or your child’s) musical tastes and support your efforts to master your instrument with kindness and patience. Yes, our teachers are definitely pacifists, but when it comes to excellent music education, they will fight the good fight!

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At New York Guitar School, Children are Seen and Heard!

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 01 Jun 2015 00:01:31 +0000

Give the Gift of Music, at New York Guitar School

Did you know that today, June 1, marks an important holiday? (Let’s just say it’s important for anyone under 18). We are talking about the International Children’s Day.

Yes, it’s an actual holiday, proclaimed back in 1925 by The World Conference for the Well-being of Children, a Geneva-based United Nations agency that works to help youngsters around the globe have happier and healthier lives.

Depending on where they live, “happier and healthier lives” could mean proper nutrition, clean drinking water, medical services or educational opportunities – all the things we often take for granted.

And what about music lessons? Obviously, in some regions of the world, access to instruments and music training is rare, and that’s sad. But there is also positive news – for instance, this story about children living in a slum in Paraguay who used their creativity to fashion musical instruments out of discarded household items and formed an orchestra!

It only goes to prove that where there’s a will, there’s a way!

From all corners of the world

Music, as we all know, is universal, and since the Children’s Day is celebrated internationally, we looked at what youngsters are up to (music-wise) in other parts of the world.

It’s truly amazing to see so much young talent – children and teens performing on a variety of instruments or raising their voices in a song. We find all of these examples inspiring and uplifting:

USA : A beautiful concert by the LA Children’s Orchestra.

China : We are awe-struck by what this five-year-old can do.

Germany : This street performance gives a new meaning to the song “Drummer Boy”.

Argentina : This kid is amazing – so young and already so talented.

The Netherlands : What a gifted violinist this boy is.

India : This little girl has a big voice!

Australia : A good example of what you can accomplish with regular singing lessons.

Child’s play

We wrote before about the numerous benefits youngsters derive from music training. There is plenty of evidence to prove that regular music lessons – whether learning any kind of instrument or working with a teacher to master the art of singing – can improve all aspects of our children’s lives: academic, social, and emotional.

If you are wondering what present to offer your son or daughter (or any other child), our gift card is wonderful token of your love. It can be used to introduce a new student to music or allow an already initiated one to continue his or her training with one of our excellent teachers, who will come to a Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office to give lessons.

Remember, the best gift for this, or any other, day, is the one that will keep on giving –as Plato put it, “the rhythm and harmony that find their way into the inward places of the soul.”

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Have a “Senior Moment” – With New York Guitar School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 25 May 2015 00:01:32 +0000

New York Guitar School Presents Music to Dance By

The month of May is coming to an end, and for parents this means school is either already out or soon will be. For high school seniors, it also marks a major event, a rite of passage known as the prom.

Most of us may have forgotten the algebra we learned in high school, but we remember what we wore, who our date was, and what songs we danced to at our prom. These are the memories that last a lifetime.

Sure, there were occasional mishaps and awkward moments, but for the vast majority of seniors the prom night is a special and magical occasion. And it should be, because it symbolizes so much more than just dancing the night away – it is about growing up and moving on to life’s new challenges.

This magic moment

Fashioned after the debutante balls that were popular in the 19th century among the titled and wealthy, the word “prom” is derived from “promenade” – the march of elegantly clad guests arriving for the dance.

With ballrooms and stretch limos, today’s proms are pretty lavish – certainly a far cry from humble school gymnasiums of yore, which were festively decorated with disco balls and streamers. In fact, in the 1930s and 40s, when high schools first started to organize proms (and mention them in yearbooks), they were simple, strictly chaperoned events. Kids wore nice “Sunday best” clothes, but certainly nothing as extravagant – or expensive – as is customary today.

It is interesting to note how proms have changed over the past decades – the fashions, the songs, and the whole experience.

A night to remember

Is it just us, or did teenagers of the 1940s really look older than the current generation ? In any case, proper manners and etiquette seemed to be of paramount importance back then and continued to spill into the next decade as well, at least according to this trailer . But those of us who saw the movie “Grease” know better: the teens of the 1950s knew how to party and push the limits of propriety!

Speaking of movies, here is a great compilation of prom scenes spanning the decades between the 1980s and the present. And if you are wondering which prom songs have been the most popular in the past decade or so, here’s your answer!

Save the last dance for us

We are not sure how good our teachers are on the dance floor (some of them may, in fact, have two left feet), so if you want dancing lessons we suggest you look elsewhere.

However, if you need top-notch music training – on whatever instrument – one of our teachers will swing by your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office and give you lessons. Even without the dancing, we’ll have a ball!

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Brooklyn Guitar School Sings Praises to Teachers

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 04 May 2015 00:01:44 +0000

Be A Teacher’s Pet, At Brooklyn Guitar School

Did you know that tomorrow, May 5th, is National Teacher Appreciation Day? You didn’t think we’d miss mentioning such a momentous occasion, did you?

We don’t need to tell you how important good teachers are – without them, the educational system would crumble and fall apart. It’s as simple as that.

Fact is, teachers are the backbone of our music school. Without them, Hey Joe Guitar would not exist – after all, how would we be able to teach musical instruments without these talented individuals, dedicated, as they are, to spreading the joy of music to students of all ages.

Yes, teachers, really do matter!

And those are not merely tales out of school!

The art of teaching

Most people may not think of teaching as an “art,” but it is! That’s because nurturing and developing minds and talents is a skill in itself.

Let’s look at some of the qualities excellent teachers should have and impart to their students:

Work ethic: Good teachers work hard, putting considerable time and effort into preparing lessons and following up on students’ progress.
People skills: It is absolutely essential that a teacher is not only likeable, but actually likes and respects her students, and knows how to communicate with them effectively.
Passion: Knowing the subject is essential for a teacher, but it’s not enough. He must LOVE the subject and convey that passion to his students. This is one example where being “contagious” is a good thing!
Inspiration, encouragement, and motivation: A good teacher knows how to spark her students’ curiosity, and keep them interested and motivated. By making learning fun, she inspires students to keep going until they reach their full potential.

Do such teachers actually exist in the real world? Oh yes, they do! And we know them personally!

Truly remarkable!

We never tire of boasting and bragging about our own teachers, but we assure you that we are telling it like it is!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: whatever instrument they teach – guitar, piano, drums, trumpet, trombone, brass, reeds, saxophone, clarinet flute, violin, viola, cello, strings, accordion, ukulele, banjo, recorder, mandolin, or voice – our teachers are amazing.

All of them are graduates of the top music schools and have several years of experience teaching kids and adults of all levels. They are patient, friendly, attentive, and have all the skills and qualities listed above.

And you know what else? We don’t expect the students to travel the length and width of New York City to connect with our teacher. Just contact us and we will send one right to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office. Isn’t that a teachable moment?

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A Brave New World, With Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 00:01:14 +0000

Find Out How We Can Change the World, with Manhattan Music Lessons

Last month, we had a blog about how some songs used to be censored in the United States. Fortunately, though, most music these days is alive, well, and being enjoyed by millions of people.

Unfortunately, musicians in certain regions of the world do not have the same opportunities that we take for granted – to perform freely, without the fear of sanctions or even persecution. We are referring to various media reports in recent months, which related how certain governments ban all musical expressions. In Mali, for instance, listening to music had been forbidden for many months, and in Afghanistan a shelter for girls was forced to discontinue its music program. In other parts of the world, musical instruments are seized and destroyed. All this is extremely sad because music is a positive and uplifting experience – the idea that we always assumed was universally accepted. What a pity that this isn’t the case.

Music without borders

Still, countries and regions where music is banned are relatively few. In most parts of the world, it is generally accepted as a unifying force among people of diverse backgrounds, nationalities, cultures, and religions. As U2’s Bono put it, “Music can change the world because it can change people.” In the very least (which is already a lot), it can bring attention to existing social or political problems and the need to find peaceful solutions. For example, not too long ago, as social unrest grew in Kiev, Ukraine, one man faced the riot police armed only with…his piano . He played folk songs and classical music that seemed to have had a calming effect on all involved, and the incident ended peacefully. And over in India, 600 guitarists gathered in the street and played John Lennon’s “Imagine” to protest widespread violence against women. Both these examples show not only the power of music, but also demonstrate how it can bring about – calmly and peacefully – social and political change. But wait, there’s more! The aptly named “Playing for Change” initiative was founded in 2002 with the goal of uniting people through music. This video demonstrates how this works: the musicians performing the same song in different parts of the world are connected to each other by music – when they play, distances and differences disappear!

Let’s do this together!

At Hey Joe Guitar, we believe in the power of music, both as a “people connector” and an agent for change. We hope that in their own small way, our music lessons and all the instruments we teach can contribute to a better world. If you are not “fluent” in music yet, now is a good time to start. Just contact us and one our teachers will arrive at your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office with a noble mission: to make music part of your life, and the lives of all those around you! To paraphrase a well-known saying, a beautiful concert starts with a single note!

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With the Guitar, You Can Be All Fingers and Thumbs!

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 02 Apr 2015 00:01:11 +0000

Learning to Pull the Strings – With Brooklyn Music Lessons

If you are a guitar player or just someone who loves to listen to the sounds of the guitar, you’ll be happy to know that April is the International Guitar Month. The annual (since 1987) celebration is dedicated to recognizing this universal stringed instrument, as well as all the talented musicians who play it.

Now, you may think that we at Hey Joe Guitar are responsible for the creation of this holiday. It is a totally legitimate supposition and we don’t blame you for thinking this. However, we’d like to clarify that this month-long celebration is the brainchild of the Guitar Association, a New York organization whose goal is to “bring together and grow the guitar community by promoting greater access to learning and playing guitar.”

We think it is a very worthwhile objective, don’t you?

Different strokes

If you are rolling your eyes just about now, thinking that we will give a long tutorial about the types of guitars out there (classical, acoustic, and electric), or their sizes (¼, ½, ¾, and full), relax! There is so much more we want to share!

For instance, let’s look at some interesting guitar -related stuff:

A really cool electric guitar orchestra .
Some guitar humor .
Rock’n’roll history expressed through 100 famous guitar riffs .
North Korean kindergarten students in concert .
A talented young guitarist right here in the United States.

Right at your fingertip

One way to celebrate the International Guitar Month is to get to know this wonderful instrument.

A while ago, we wrote a blog about how various orchestras run community outreach programs allowing young children to touch and handle a wide range of instruments. The same is true for the guitar – by holding and strumming it, you literally get the feel of what this instrument is all about, from its smooth and curvy body, the fretted fingerboard, and, of course, its sound!

Once you or your child decide to learn to play the guitar, we’ll be here to help. We have many excellent guitar teachers and will be happy to match you up with one best suited to your level and needs. He or she will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office and teach you to…strike a chord!

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New York City Guitar School Will Help You Kick the (Bad) Habit!

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 00:01:24 +0000

Learn Good Techniques at New York City Guitar School

Let’s talk about fitness. You go to the gym and work out religiously, but instead of feeling like a million bucks, you are suffering from soreness, muscle pains, or maybe even torn ligaments and other sports-related injuries.

If exercise is supposed to be good for you, why are you feeling like a truck has hit you? Could it be that your workout technique leaves a lot to be desired? Maybe you don’t warm-up sufficiently beforehand, don’t stretch afterwards, or just don’t do the moves the right way?

We are bringing up this analogy as a lead-in to the topic du jour: music lessons. When it comes to playing an instrument, the important thing is not only what you learn, but also HOW you learn it. Just as exercise that is not adapted to your body and strength could harm you, so can bad habits in music training.

Mistakes to avoid

Let’s look at some common mistakes beginning learners often make.

The instrument is not adapted to the player’s age or size: an instrument that is too big or heavy for you (and especially for your child) to handle and use comfortably will not only slow down the learning process, but may also cause wrist sprains and other injuries.
Bad posture and body position while playing: slouching back and shoulders, or an angled and twisted torso will cause pain and tension – and it goes without saying that if you are tense and uncomfortable, you will not play well. (Being flexible and nimble is important when you handle one instrument; imagine how much more challenging it is when you play three simultaneously ).
Playing music that is not adapted to your proficiency level: trying pieces that are too hard for you will not hurt you physically, but it may lead to frustration or lack of confidence in your abilities. In the extreme cases you may feel that you are not making any progress and throw in the towel. (Here’s a thought: maybe you should learn to walk before you can run!).

Obviously, none of these scenarios is conducive to effective music training. Fortunately, all of these bad habits can be prevented or reversed. How? You guessed it: by working with an experienced music teacher.

We’ll teach you right from wrong!

Among the many skills a teacher should have is the ability to convey a good technique. That’s because learning to play an instrument takes more than just strumming or hitting the keys. It is also about good posture, correct body position, dexterity, and the right way to hold an instrument – all of which should be adapted to the student’s age, level, and speed of progress, as well as the specificities of each instrument.

Every one of our teachers is highly trained not only in the music itself, but also in proper practice techniques. Therefore, when a teacher of ours comes to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, he or she will help you develop good playing habits.

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Go Green, With Manhattan Music School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 16 Mar 2015 00:01:22 +0000

Manhattan Music School Helps You Enjoy Irish Tunes

Ah, St. Patrick’s Day – what great fun, even if you are not Irish. Now, you might think that this holiday, which falls on March 17, is all about eating, drinking, dancing, parading, and lots of merriment. That it is, but there is so much more to St. Patrick’s Day that you may not know about.

Before he became patron saint of Ireland (which is called “Eire” in Gaelic, Ireland’s native language), Patrick was credited with bringing Christianity to his native land in the 5th century AD. Throughout centuries that followed, his life has been shrouded in legends and mysteries –including the famous tale about Patrick banishing all the snakes from Ireland. This and many other stories traditionally associated with St. Patrick are just part of the folklore, as well as rich storytelling traditions the Irish are known for. What history does tell is that Patrick, a son of the wealthy British, was kidnapped at 16 by Irish outlaws and brought to Ireland, where he was a slave until his escape to France six years later. However, he later had a vision in which he preached gospel to the Irish, so he eventually returned to Ireland, where he built churches and spread the Christian faith.

True colors

When we think of St. Patrick, we think of green. After all, leprechauns and shamrocks are green, right? And, Ireland is also known as The Emerald Isle, all of which may explain why we believe that green is that country’s national color. It is not! In fact, it is royal blue, though the green is the color of Irish Catholics. As legend has it, St. Patrick supposedly used a three- leaf clover to teach the Irish about the Trinity, so the shamrock’s shape and color came to symbolize the Irish Christianity and became associated with St. Patrick’s Day. As for the explanation behind the name “Emerald Isle,” it has more to do with Ireland’s climate than with history. Relatively mild winters and plenty of rain turn the country’s abundant pastureland a bright emerald green color. So now you know!

When Irish eyes are smiling

As New Yorkers, we at Hey Joe Guitar love the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. That’s because a significant number of our fellow NYC residents are of the Irish descent. Although the biggest wave of Irish immigration to NYC occurred in the late 19th century, when Ireland suffered a devastating famine, the first Irish immigrants arrived here during the colonial era of the 18th century. In fact, New York’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade dates back to 1762. According to the official website of NYC’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, that first event “was held on lower Broadway by a band of homesick Irish ex-patriots and Irish military, who served with the British Army stationed in the American colonies. This was a time when the wearing of green was a sign of Irish pride and was banned in Ireland. The parade participants reveled in the freedom to speak Irish, wear the green, sing Irish songs and play the pipes to Irish tunes that were very meaningful to the Irish immigrants who had fled their homeland.” What a difference three centuries make: today, our city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is the largest in the world – bigger than even in Ireland!

Celtic thunder

Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after. Poems and songs with pipes and drums A thousand welcomes when anyone comes. That’s the Irish for you! Talk about the luck of the Irish! You didn’t think we’d talk about St. Patrick’s Day without mentioning music, did you? Numerous musicians of Irish descent have made their mark on the American music scene: bandleader Tommy Dorsey, and singers Judy Collins, Alice Cooper, Sinead O’Connor, and Kurt Cobain, among many others. What about the traditional Irish songs? Many typical ones are ballads and folk songs, and quite a few are…drinking songs! All of us have probably seen images of hearty Irish town or village folk sitting in a pub and belting out tunes while raising their glasses of frothy Guinness. It’s possible that one of those songs is “My Wild Irish Rose” or “Danny Boy” , which are among the best known in the United States. Are you a fan of Ireland’s music? With our Manhattan, Brooklyn and Riverdale music teachers, you can learn to play any Irish song on any instrument, and be the life of the party by the time next year’s St. Patrick’s Day rolls in. In the meantime, we wish all our Irish friends Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona dhui!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Brooklyn Guitar School Will Always Humor You

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 00:01:58 +0000

Laugh Out Loud – at Brooklyn Guitar School

Why is a piano so hard to open? And why is slippery ice like music? We’ll give you answers to these questions in just a little while, but first let us introduce this blog’s topic: musical jokes. We will start with silly jokes kids tell and then move on to more, um, mature ones adults laugh at.

Why are we telling jokes all of a sudden? Well, doctors tell us that laughing is good for us. As Charlie Chapin (who certainly knew a thing or two about humor) said, “A day without laughter is a day wasted.” So without further ado, let’s start laughing!

Out of the mouths of the babes

The answer to the first question above (why is a piano so hard to open?) is: “Because the keys are on the inside.” And the response to the second one, “why is slippery ice like music,” is “if you don’t C sharp, you’ll B flat!” Hey, we never said they were good jokes! Here are some other ones:

What do you call a cow that plays a musical instrument? A Moo-sician!
Why was the musician arrested? Because she got in treble!
What’s the most musical part of a turkey? The drumstick!
What do you get if you cross a sweet potato and a jazz musician? A yam session!
What’s the most musical bone? The trom-bone!

Now let’s continue chuckling at jokes grown-ups tell.

Ageless humor

Going up the age ladder, here are some music-related jokes that adults find funny:

“I like the song you sang. One day you should put it to music.”
“Why are pianists’ fingers like lightning? They rarely strike the same place twice.”
“What did the guitar say to the guitarist? Pick on someone your own size!”
Note left from pianist to his wife: “Gone Chopin, have Liszt, Bach in a Minuet.”
“Haven’t I seen your face before?” a judge demanded, looking down at the defendant. “You have, Your Honor,” the man answered hopefully. “I gave your son violin lessons last winter.”“Ah, yes,” recalled the judge. “Twenty years!”

Knock, knock, who is there?

Your music teacher – the one who will never get in…treble! Joking aside, teaching music is no laughing matter, but it certainly doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be fun and enjoyable too. The teacher we will send to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office will never be dull, dour and humorless – though cracking jokes is not exactly part of her job description (neither is taking care of lighting, so we don’t really know how many music teachers it takes to change a lightbulb). The teachers’ primary goal is to instruct, guide, inspire, and motivate their students. So if you ever hear the one about the teacher who showed up at your doorstep with his musical instrument in hand, that is no joke, it’s real life!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Brooklyn Guitar School Helps You Weather the February Cold

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 02 Feb 2015 00:01:38 +0000

Heart-Warming Teachers and Music – at Brooklyn Guitar School

Do you know what today is? Yes, it’s Monday, February 2nd, but it is also a special occasion of sorts – especially for people who care about tradition, weather, and small animals.

Like every year, February 2nd is Groundhog Day, when – as legend has it – the furry rodent wakes up from winter hibernation and goes out to look at his shadow. If he sees it, there will be six more weeks of winter. If not, good news: spring is just around the corner.

This custom is particularly “hot” in Punxsutawney, PA, where a groundhog named Phil has been predicting the early or late onset of spring since 1887. The tradition is based on Candlemas, the day that marks the midpoint between winter and spring. This is how a poem describes it:

“If Candlemas be fair and bright,
Winter has another flight.
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain,
Winter will not come again.”

We hasten to add that none of the above is based on scientific evidence, but there are plenty of folks out there who swear by the groundhog’s predictions.

No need to shiver

For the record, Phil has seen his shadow about nine times out of 10, and the predictions so far have been correct 39% of the time – make of this what you will.

Now, let’s assume that today Phil sees his shadow, meaning that we still have weeks of winter ahead. Does this mean you have to grudgingly put up with the continued cold weather? It all depends on your attitude and state of mind!

What we mean is this: February doesn’t have to be cold and dreary. Did you know that in 2002 and 2012 temperatures in New York City reached balmy 40s? (No, it’s not exactly tropical weather, but it’s not frigid either). And, February days are not all grey and bleak; on average, NYC has 17 sunny or partly sunny days during this month – certainly much more comfortable conditions than those in Alaska or North Dakota, the states which, according to National Climatic Data Center, have the coldest winters.

Heat up with music!

An important thing to remember as you slog through February is that each day is bringing us closer to spring – no matter what Phil would have you believe. After all, that’s the law of nature – seasons come and go (well, maybe not so much in North Dakota, but certainly in New York!)

In the meantime, you can brighten and liven up February days with upbeat music that reminds you of summer, but you can also learn to play your own “hot” tunes. We make it so easy for you – just contact us and we’ll send a friendly and…warm teacher to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office.

No need to leave the comfort of your house – we will do all the trudging through the snow, sleet, slush, and other winter obstacles.

In the meantime, we wish you a shadowless Groundhog Day!

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At New York Music School, You can “Feel” the Difference

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 00:01:08 +0000

Unleash Your Emotions with New York Music School

How many times have you heard people say that no words can express how they feel? Or maybe, at one time or another, you have found yourself at a loss when trying to verbally convey your thoughts and emotions?

Fortunately, as Danish storyteller Hans Christian Andersen noted, “where words fail, music speaks.” It’s true: music not only has a profound effect on our emotions – lifting our spirits when we are blue and relaxing us when we are stressed out – but it also has an amazing ability to give us hope, inspire and motivate us. We call it the “feel-good” or simply “happy” music.

As John Lennon sang in “Intuition:”

As I play the game of life
I try to make it better each and every day.
And when I struggle in the night
The magic of the music seems to light the way.

Creative expression

Fact is, we can’t listen to music without feeling some kind of emotional feedback. Even if we play it in the background while working or doing other activities, the sounds we hear affect us in many ways.

Studies show that playing or listening to “happy” music will have a positive impact on our thoughts, feelings, and general outlook on life.

The key – no pun intended – is to choose pieces that are upbeat and uplifting. Generally speaking, the more up-tempo the music, the more happy emotions it will generate. The same holds true for lyrics – a sad song will bring us down, while a cheerful one will make us feel good.

That’s the magic of music!

Happiness playlist

What pieces of music will make you feel positive and optimistic? We can’t answer this question unequivocally because personal tastes and preferences vary. However, we feel pretty confident about the following choices – they are cheerful and upbeat enough to put most people in a good mood:

Ninth Symphony “Ode to Joy,” Beethoven (By the way, one of the most eloquent descriptions of feelings evoked by this piece came from the famous philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. A listener, he said, “might feel that he is floating above the earth in a starry dome, with the dream of immortality in his heart; all the stars seem to glimmer around him, and the earth seems to sink ever deeper downwards.”)

“Happy,” Pharrell Williams

“Don’t Worry, Be Happy,” Bobby McFerrin

“Call Me Maybe,” Carly Rae Jepsen

“Dancing Queen,” Abba

“Soul” music

Just as listening to music is a deeply emotional experience, so is playing an instrument or singing a song. Very few people (we personally don’t know any) can detach themselves from the music they are making and remain “neutral.” We can only imagine that this kind of rendition would be totally flat and lifeless.

Being a good musician – even if you are just starting out – means that you can convey your own musical emotions to your listeners. That’s an art, but the kind of art you can certainly master.

That’s where our wonderful teachers come in. Accomplished musicians in their own right, they will teach you or your child not only the right techniques, but also how to convey your feelings through music (and yes, even children have the ability to connect with their audience on a deeply emotional level). It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for guitar or piano lessons (or any other instrument), just contact us and we’ll send an emotionally aware teacher to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office.

And here is another quote to inspire you on your “emotional” musical journey. It comes from Plato: “Musical training is a more potent instrument than any other, because rhythm and harmony find their way into the inward places of the soul.”

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Let the Memories Begin, With New York Music School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:01:33 +0000

At New York Music School, We Believe in Magic!

Quick: what was the best-selling album of 2014? Here’s a hint: winter weather. Still no clue? How about this: Walt Disney Records. And here is another one.

So now you know: the 2014 top seller is the soundtrack from the movie “Frozen”, which has become the longest best-selling Disney track, beating records set by “The Lion King” a decade ago, and “The Sound of Music” 30 years before that.

This has made us reflect on all the soundtracks from Disney movies of yore – so many wonderful songs and memories!

A sentimental journey

What is the happiest place on earth? If you think it’s New York City, we agree with you – it really is our kind of town. But actually, this title belongs to none other than Magic Kingdom, one of Walt Disney World’s theme parks in Orlando, Florida (but you already knew this, didn’t you?)

We are guessing that Magic Kingdom got this tagline for a simple reason that it really is fun for kids and adults alike. It’s a place where Peter Pan can fly, Cinderella can find her Prince Charming with the help of a glass slipper, and wooden Pinocchio can become a real boy. In other words, it’s a place where dreams really do come true (and to think that it all started with a mouse!)

It’s easy to be happy in this enchanting kingdom, one that inspired so many fairy tales, quirky and lovable characters, and, of course, a multitude of songs. In fact, music from various Disney movies is among the most recognized around the world.

When we say “multitude” of songs, we are not exaggerating – by some count, there are well over 800 of them. Obviously, we can’t list all of them here, but we’ll try to give you a run-down on some of our favorites.

With a smile and a song

Nearly everyone who believes in magic knows such timeless classics as “When You Wish Upon a Star” from Pinocchio, “Some Day My Prince Will Come” from Snow White, “Once Upon a Dream” from Sleeping Beauty, “A Spoonful of Sugar” from Mary Poppins, and “The Circle of Life” from The Lion King.

But, there are so many more! We don’t know which one is the fairest of them all, but we dare say all of them are …superfragilisticexpialidocious:

“A Whole New World,” Aladdin

“Colors of The Wind,” Pocahontas

“Part of Your World,” The Little Mermaid

“The Bare Necessities,” Jungle Book

“You'll Be In My Heart,” Tarzan

“I’ve Got a Dream,” Tangled

Let the magic (and music) begin

Did you know that Donald’s nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie play the trumpet, accordion and bass, respectively? One of the seven dwarfs, Sleepy, plays the flute, and Goofy is a whiz at the trombone, flute, tenor saxophone, and trumpet (though not simultaneously).

Whether you’d like to learn to play one of the many Disney songs, or just master an instrument and make your own music – hakuna matata, your wish will be granted!

Our teachers are skilled at all of the above-mentioned instruments, and then some! And they don’t need a magic carpet to show up at your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office for a private lesson – they will take a subway.

To quote Jiminy Cricket, “the most fantastic, magical things can happen, and it all starts with a wish!”

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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When it Comes to Music Lessons, New York Piano School is on the Ball!

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 30 Dec 2014 00:01:19 +0000

Start The New Year at New York Piano School

A spectacular end to the holiday season in New York occurs on December 31, when a gigantic ball slides down a pole to ring in the New Year at the strike of midnight EST. One million people gather in Times Square and a billion more watch the countdown in all corners of the world.

From its maiden voyage down the flagpole just over a century ago to the present day, “the ball drop” has been a cherished symbol of our city’s New Year celebrations. Not even NYC’s notorious cold winter weather can keep cheerful revelers from participating in what may well be the jolliest public New Year’s party in the country.

There is a lot you may not know about the ball drop beyond what you see on television, so here is a little “tutorial” to get you into the celebratory mood.

A New York tradition

The first ball, which was dropped in 1907, was built by a young Russian immigrant metalworker named Jacob Starr. For most of the 20th century, the company he founded, Artkraft Strauss, was responsible for lowering the Ball. In all, seven different versions of the ball – including one made of wrought iron – have been used in the past.

By the way, the first ball was made from wood and iron, was 5 feet in diameter, weighed 700 pounds, and featured one hundred 25-watt light bulbs. It was impressive by 1907 standards, but today’s version is far more advanced : constructed from aluminum, it weighs in at over five metric tons, is covered with wedge-cut crystals and more than 32,000 light-emitting diodes, and is capable of creating billions of kaleidoscopic color patterns.

All year round, the ball sits on top of One Times Square, getting ready for its December 31 one-minute drop: it starts at 11:59 pm and makes its spectacular 141-foot slide to the cheers of the crowds below.

Let us “drop” in!

Of course, no New Year’s celebrations would be complete without live music. The countdown show, “New Year’s Rockin’ Eve,” is a big part of the Ball Drop festivities. Since its beginnings in 1972, many famous artists had been featured; this year 38 musical acts are scheduled, including the headliner, Taylor Swift.

We at Hey Joe Guitar will also celebrate the New Year’s Eve with music. That’s because music is an integral part of our lives – not only on December 31, but also all throughout the year!

No matter what season, month, or day it is, our amazing teachers are always on call and they will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office to give you lessons. Whether you or your child want to learn to play the guitar, piano, flute, or any other musical instrument, leave it to us – we’ll get the ball rolling!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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The Violin Never Plays a Second String

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 11 Dec 2014 00:01:07 +0000

Learn to pull the strings – with Manhattan Violin School

December is filled with numerous festivities. But some of these events have nothing to do with the holiday season, and everything to do with beautiful music. We are talking about the National Violin Day, which is celebrated every year on December 13. (Interestingly enough, Dec. 13 also marks the National Cocoa Day and the National Day of the Horse – but while we like both cocoa and horses, we are focusing solely on the violin here!)

We don’t really know how or when the idea for a day dedicated to the violin began, but we are glad it did. Such a smooth and graceful string instrument capable of making sweet, mellow, and passionate music surely deserves to be celebrated!

From the 16th century Italy, where the first “vitula” (as this instrument was then called) was created, to the present day, the violin has been the smallest, highest-pitched member of the string family, which also includes the viola and cello.

For big or small, a great fit!

“A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony.” ― Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes

The famous detective was a violin player and often performed for his sidekick, Dr. Watson. But many famous (non-fictional) people were fiddlers as well: presidents Thomas Jefferson and Woodrow Wilson, physicist Albert Einstein, and actress Marlena Dietrich, among many others.

They may or may not have realized it, but aside from the beautiful music, playing the violin offers several other advantages: increased arm strength and flexibility, improved posture, as well as better coordination and motor skills.

However, you don’t have to be big and strong to love the violin. Because of its size, it is one of the most popular string instruments for children – certainly easier to handle for small hands than a huge and heavy instrument.

The ease with which kids “take to” the violin is demonstrated by these child prodigies: a 7-year-old and an 11-year-old who are, despite their young age, true virtuosos.

Let’s fiddle together!

Obviously, this kind of proficiency doesn’t just happen overnight. As with every endeavor – musical or otherwise – achieving success requires practice and patience. When it comes to mastering the violin (or any other instrument for that matter) you or your child can benefit from the guidance of an excellent music teacher.

An instructor will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office for a private lesson. And while learning to play the violin is certainly a great idea, we also offer guitar and piano lessons, as well as many other instruments.

So this December 13 celebrate the violin – and, if you want, the cocoa and the horse as well!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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Heads-Up on Hanukkah Festivities From Manhattan Guitar School

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 08 Dec 2014 00:01:09 +0000

Celebrate The Festival of Lights: Manhattan Guitar School Tells You Where

Looking at all the lights and decorations, you might think that the holiday season is only about Christmas. Yes, Christmas is a huge part of all the celebrations, but let’s not forget about Hanukkah, which this year falls between December 16 and 24.

There are plenty of events and festivities in New York celebrating the Festival of Lights, as Hanukkah is called – and not just all the delicious, crispy latkes served in restaurants around the city.

Let’s have a look at what interesting, family-oriented Hanukkah activities you can enjoy.

Dress warmly!

The world’s largest menorah is located right here in NYC, at Grand Army Plaza (Fifth Avenue and West 59th Street, across the street from The Plaza hotel). And it really is huge – 32 feet tall and 4,000 lbs. Made of gold-tinted steel and protected from the wind by specially designed glass chimneys, it is a truly impressive sight.

On each of the eight days of Hanukkah, the menorah’s oil lamps are lit at 5:30 pm. The only exception is before and after the Sabbath – on Friday the lighting takes place at 3:45pm, and at 8:30pm on Saturday.

Since Hanukkah commemorates, symbolically at least, the triumph of light over darkness (the rededication of the Jewish temple in Jerusalem in the 2nd century BC), it is not a somber holiday. That’s why the lighting of NYC’s gigantic menorah is a joyful celebration, which includes live music, folk dancing, and, of course, great food: latkes and sweet sufganiyot jelly donuts, among other delicious offerings.

Another fun outdoor activity for the whole family is the traditional “Hanukkah on Ice” skating party on December 16 from 6 to 9 pm at Wollman Rink in Central Park. There will be music, food, and the lighting of a giant ice menorah.

More festivities…

What else is there to do during the Festival of Lights? If you prefer indoor activities, the Jewish Museum is organizing, on December 14 from noon until 4 pm, the Hanukkah Family Day for children 3 years of age and up. Participants can make a Hanukkah menorah from wacky objects (a Jewish Museum tradition), dance, sing, watch the Hanukkah story, and explore the Museum’s world-famous collection of Hanukkah lamps.

There’s more: the National Yiddish Theater is putting on two free Hanukkah concerts, on December 14 and 17, which will feature holiday music, including traditional “klezmer” tunes, which are usually played during joyful celebrations.

Celebrate with music!

The above is just a quick glimpse of Hanukkah events around New York City, but there are many more interesting things going on.

All the concerts and performances will hopefully inspire you and / or your child to start making some music of your own. Your first step will be to choose an instrument – guitar, piano, violin, or whatever else “speaks” to you – and to find an experienced teacher who will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office and give you lessons. Please contact us so we can get started!

The year may be almost over, but your exciting musical journey is just beginning!

Photo by unknown, available under Creative Commons License

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NYC Guitar School Knows the Name of the Game!

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 20 Nov 2014 00:00:16 +0000

What’s So Special About Manhattan Music Lessons? You Name it!

What’s in a name? A lot, actually. Whether it’s old-fashioned and traditional or unusual and funky, each one reflects who you are – or, in the very least, your parents’ taste at the time of your birth.

Often, newborns are named after a member of the family but at other times, names are figments of their parents’ imagination and creativity – maybe derived from places they had lived in, like Brooklyn, or cities they visited, such as Rio or Paris (we don’t know of anyone named Cincinnati, do you?)

Of course, you can end up with a name that lands you in trouble , or, even worse, with no name at all!

Speaking of unusual names, we like – which should come as no surprise to anyone – the ones that derive from music. Let’s look at some of them.

Not just Tom, Dick and Harry

One of the more popular music-related names for baby girl is Melody. It needs no explanation – it sounds soft and…melodious.

Then there is Allegra, which, in musical terms means a brisk movement. So it is easy to imagine that a girl named Allegra would be active and happy. And you may be interested to know that this name has become more popular in the United States in the past few years.

Another one we really like is Aria. It’s easy to imagine that any female lucky enough to have this name has a beautiful singing voice. And even if she doesn’t, it still sounds light and sweet.

Then there is Octavia. In music, an octave is the interval between one pitch and another, so we are guessing that an Octavia would have a strong voice. What about Viola? It comes from Latin and means “violet.” We really like this one too.

Let’s go to boys’ names. There is Rock, Piper, and Reed, all of which impart strength of character (at least in our interpretation). And, believe it or not, Banjo is also a real name – actress Rachel Griffiths gave it her son.

Do you want to see more music-related names? You might be surprised to see how many there are.

We are a household name

Musical-themed names are great fun, but even if you were given the most ordinary name, you can still have an extraordinary ear for music. After all, who knew from day one that a boy named Wolfgang Amadeus would become a musical genius, as had Johann Sebastian, Ludwig, and scores of others.

What we are saying is this: your name defines your identity, not your affinity for music. After all, our school is called Hey Joe Guitar, and not Hey Rock or Hey Banjo.

The same goes for our teachers: some of them have quirky names and others don’t. But you can be certain of this: the one who shows up at your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale doorstep deserves to have his or her name in lights!

Photo by unknown, available under a Creative Commons License.

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NYC Guitar School Helps You “Compose” Your Thanksgiving Guest Wish-List

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 17 Nov 2014 00:00:43 +0000

Manhattan Music Lessons: We Reveal Which Great Composers Had Their Plates Full

Thanksgiving – a time for good food and great company. It is also an opportune moment to ask this question: if you could invite any classical composer to your Thanksgiving dinner, who would that be?

You may have favorite composers, but would you want to sit at the table with someone – no matter how famous and gifted – who is not a good conversationalist or, for that matter, ill-mannered?

Miles Hoffman, music commentator at National Public Radio (NPR) weighed in on this topic and came up with a list of composers who, in his opinion, would be terrific dinner guests.

Have a look and see whether you agree:

A VIP Thanksgiving

Are you a fan of Beethoven’s music? As talented as he was, the great composer would likely not make a good guest. As Hoffman noted, Beethoven had “a little too much tendency to be rude and crabby.”

What about Mozart? “He would be fun,” Hoffman says. But he points out that the composer’s “off color” sense of humor might not be to everyone’s liking. So there is no clear opinion on the, um, Mozart effect at the dinner table.

Does this mean you’d have to miss out on having these two geniuses over for Thanksgiving? Not at all! “I’d invite them for lunch instead,” Hoffman says. “Turkey sandwiches on the weekend after.”

What about musical greats who would be the life of the party?

The first on Hoffman’s list is Johann Sebastian Bach – “he drank a lot of beer, so I think that probably he was pretty jolly.”

Then there is Felix Mendelssohn, who Hoffman would place next to Bach “because he was almost single-handedly responsible for the revival of interest in Bach’s music.” But that’s not all. Mendelssohn “was generally brilliant, extremely well-read, and incredibly nice guy. Plus, he spoke English.”

Next would be Hector Berlioz – “a fascinating man in every way, clever, witty, and filled with passion and personality.”

The American contingent would include Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, and Ernest Bloch – the founding director of the Cleveland Institute of Music and first director of San Francisco Conservatory.

Gobble up!

We are thinking that any person – including a composer – who loves food is bound to be a decent party guest. Even if he is not socially adept, jovial, or a masterful conversationalist, in the very least he will be a good eater. According to the website of BBC Music Magazine, these are some of “foodie” composers:

Gioachino Rossini, whose love of food, the magazine claims, “was evidenced not just by his ever-expanding waistline, but also the number of dishes named after him, including Tournedos Rossini and Eggs Rossini.”

Richard Wagner. His wife, Cosima, reportedly said that the composer was “a vegetarian in principle but in practice, neither his health nor the orders of his physician allowed him to be.”

Frederic Chopin was a fan of “zrazy,” a Polish dish made of thin slices of chopped beef and stuffed with vegetables and eggs. Not exactly your typical Thanksgiving meal, but anyone who can eat “zrazy” will probably not be averse to the turkey either!

After dinner, stretch your fingers!

While you are thinking about which composers you’d like to have at YOUR Thanksgiving celebration, consider inviting someone else into your home – one of our teachers.

We are not talking about Thanksgiving dinner per se, but about all-season, year-round music lessons in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office.

Whatever instrument you’d like to play – small ones like the flute, violin or guitar, or larger ones such as the piano, cello, or base – please contact us to get started.

Thanksgiving comes but once a year, but the joy of music is timeless!

Photo by unknown, available under a Creative Commons License.

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When it Comes to Music, NYC Guitar School Does the Math

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 00:00:17 +0000

Keeping Score, With Manhattan Music Lessons

“Musical form is close to mathematics – not perhaps to mathematics itself, but certainly to something like mathematical thinking and relationship.”
~Igor Stravinsky

You probably know that learning to play an instrument is not exactly rocket science. We think of music as an artistic, rather than scientific, endeavor, one that “plays on” our senses.

Math, on the other hand, does not involve emotions; it is all about logic, as well as analytical and abstract reasoning. So the two fields are totally incompatible, right?

Actually, that’s not a correct assumption. In fact, the two fields are connected to each other in fundamental ways. That’s because music depends on numerical relationships, arithmetic, geometry, and symmetry.

Does this mean that if you are a gifted musician you are also good at calculus, algebra, and arithmetic (and vice-versa?) No. You could be a mathematical genius and not be into music at all, but if you play an instrument, you are also a mathematician of sorts, even though you probably don’t think of yourself as one.

Setting numbers to music

The connection between music and math is not a new discovery. Ancient Greeks were aware of it, and classical composers used mathematical structures in their music.

What’s the “common ground” between the two fields? Both are based on patterns, structures, and numbers. For instance, a musician will “measure” notes (determine the number of beats) and fit them into the sequence where they belong; a mathematician will do the same calculation when figuring out equations. In other words, behind the sound of the notes you hear are both simple and complex mathematical concepts.

Here’s a good example of how music and math overlap: musical rhythms are also mathematical equations, such as 4/4 or 2/4 time. When you play, sing, or write music, you are also crunching numbers – you are wondering, “how many more beats do I need?”

Any part of music you can think of – harmony, chords, scales pitch, and tone – has a mathematical component in it.

The sound of numbers

As mentioned above, classical composers were no strangers to math – for instance, they used fractions to divide a musical whole note into parts (halves, quarters, eighths, and sixteenths).

You may already have affinity for math and not even know it: research has shown that people are more attracted to music that has clear mathematical structure. One notable example is Pachelbel’s Canon in D. Bach’s works like Canonic Variations also show the composer’s fascination with numbers.

What about modern music? You may not be a fan of hip-hop lyrics, but the music’s stylized rhythms have a clear mathematical pattern. As a matter of fact, some school teachers use (appropriately worded) rap songs to help their students learn algebra.

“Count” on us!

We won’t tell you that all our teachers are math geniuses – they are not. But they certainly can put two and two together and know everything that pertains to an instrument of your choice. So in the end it all…adds up.

Please contact us to set up a music lesson in your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office. It really is as simple as 1,2,3!

Photo by unknown, available under a Creative Commons License.

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With NYC Music School, You’ll Never Be Out of Practice

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 04 Nov 2014 00:01:19 +0000

Don’t let your instrument play hooky – make a weekly date with your Manhattan music lessons instructor

“That which we persist in doing becomes easier, not that the task itself has become easier, but that our ability to perform it has improved.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Are you one of those people who started music training but somewhere along the line you decided to …tune out? Or maybe you (or your children) have not quit, but are not spending enough time practicing with a teacher?

Learning to play an instrument, like anything else you undertake in life, requires commitment, motivation and discipline. But, the good news is that, unlike training for the Olympics, you don’t have to practice many hours each day. If you play for your own pleasure and enjoyment (rather than preparing for a concert at Carnegie Hall), 30 minutes to one hour of practice a week with a teacher should be sufficient to keep improving your skill. It sounds totally doable, doesn’t it, but you’d be surprised at how many people just won’t do it.

Let the music begin (and continue!)

There are many reasons people cite for not practicing regularly or giving up music altogether. Even if they don’t blame their dog for ripping up their musical scores, they may come up with other excuses for not doing their “homework.”

For example, perhaps they thought that the instrument would just play itself – like those “magic” pianos you sometimes see in music stores – and no input of time or energy would be required of them. (Okay, so we are being a bit facetious here, but you wouldn’t believe the lame excuses people give for not practicing!)

Seriously though, many people give up because they underestimate the effort it would take to master the instrument. If they don’t become virtuosos overnight, they become disappointed with their lack of progress and decide to stop.

Or, they may genuinely have very busy jobs and lives, and decide that playing an instrument is too time-consuming.

Needless to say, we disagree with all these “reasons” and can offer some compelling counter arguments of our own.

Busting some myths

We find that all too often people harbor misconceptions about what it takes to learn an instrument. They may believe that they need to devote many hours every week to their music training – not so!

This particular myth falls under the same category as the one about having to exercise intensively for hours every day in order to get physically fit. In fact, federal recommendations call for half an hour of moderate physical activity five days a week to stay healthy (of course, if you want to work out more than that, you certainly can). However, people who are not aware that even a little exercise each day is beneficial get discouraged by the idea of time-consuming daily workouts, and give up fitness altogether.

We are bringing this up to demonstrate how misconceptions can throw us off the track. Just as it’s not necessary to pump iron or do other strenuous exercises each day to stay in shape, long-winded and too frequent practice sessions with your music teacher are not a requirement either.

A musical interlude in your busy week

We do realize that many of our clients – adults and children alike – are very busy. We get that, which is why our Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Riverdale music lessons are tailored to your schedule. Not only that, but we make those lessons easy and convenient for you because we come right to your home or office, so you don’t have to waste valuable time commuting to meet your teacher.

Out of out of 10,080 minutes that tick along each week, you can surely put aside 30 to 60 of them to get that all-important music exposure and all the benefits it offers: a healthier brain, sharper focus and concentration, improved motor skills and coordination, and better mood. (But, if you want to devote more time each week to your music training than the bare minimum mentioned above, we certainly wouldn’t stop you).

As Greek philosopher Aristotle so aptly put it, “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.”

Photo by Music Master

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NYC Guitar School is a Class Act!

Hey Joe Guitar — Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:01:41 +0000

Learn to Play – at Manhattan Music School

September is here 
And so is fall.
So welcome children,  welcome all. 
I hope vacation  was real fun 
And that you’re glad  school has begun.

-Anonymous

This little ditty is a dead giveaway about this blog’s topic: it’s back to school time in New York City! We are always a bit sad to say good-bye to the lazy, hazy days of summer but, with any luck, we still have plenty of warm and sunny days ahead.

What about the children? Chances are not all of them are eager to start school (and who can blame them?) Maybe your youngsters have mixed feelings – happy about reconnecting with their old friends(and making new ones) but not so happy about homework and climbing up that tricky rope in gym class.

Of course, as adults who have been there, done that, we know that school and all the extracurricular activities can be fun. We’ll tell you about in a little while. But first, let’s listen to some back-to school songs – many of them may even remind you of your own school days way back when.

Classroom classics

“ABC” – The Jackson 5

“School Days” – Chuck Berry

“We’re Going to be Friends” – The White Stripes

“Rock & Roll High School” – The Ramones

“To Sir With Love” – Lulu

“Be True to Your School” – The Beach Boys

Let the music play!

As mentioned above, beginning of the academic year is synonymous with all the great after-school activities your child can get involved in. If you think we are going to bring up music lessons just about now, you are right!

There are many compelling reasons why music education is a great and wholesome activity for your son or daughter, many of which we already covered.

At the risk of sounding repetitive, here, in a nutshell, are some of the many benefits children will draw from music lessons: better academic, intellectual, social, and emotional development; improved concentration, language and reasoning skills, as well as boosted creativity.

Once your child shows interest in starting music lessons, there are two things to consider: what instrument will he / she will play and who is best qualified to teach your son or daughter.

We have answers to both these questions.

At your service!

The choice of an instrument depends on factors such as age and size – the child should be able to handle the instrument with ease and feel comfortable holding and playing it. In case of a young child, good options include the recorder, flute, violin, or child-size guitar. Larger and heavier instruments like double bass or tuba may have to wait until your child is able to handle them!

Whatever instrument you pick out, chances are we teach it:
guitar, piano, drums, trumpet, trombone, brass, reeds, saxophone, clarinet flute, violin, viola, cello, strings, accordion, ukulele, banjo, recorder, and mandolin. And, we also give voice lessons.

As for finding awesome teachers for your youngster – no worries! Our Hey Joe Guitar instructors (all of whom are graduates of top music schools and conservatories) are highly experienced in teaching people of all ages, including children. Before we send them out to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office, we screen them very carefully to ensure they will patiently teach your kids proper techniques, adapted to their age and level.

So welcome to the brand new school year!

Photo by misst.shs

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Music Mysteries: New York City Guitar School Won’t Tell All!

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 00:01:52 +0000

NYC Guitar School Hold No Secrets!

Hey Joe Guitar might be one of NYC’s top guitar schools, but that doesn’t mean we have no other interests. We do – and we are especially fond of gripping “whodunit” mysteries.

Recently, we came upon a news report that caught our attention. It’s about a Mozart museum in Vienna putting on an exhibit focusing on whether Antonio Salieri had really murdered Mozart – as many people believe.

The article inspired us to look into other music mysteries, which, like the one surrounding Mozart and Salieri, remain unsolved to this day.

Carrying their secrets to the grave

Let’s start with Mozart. Did the Italian composer Salieri poisoned his more famous rival, as the 1984 movie, “Amadeus” suggested? Rumors of intentional poisoning started circulating soon after Mozart’s untimely death at 36 and, in fact, Salieri had allegedly confessed to the act. All this, however, is speculation based on diverging reports, and there is no evidence to prove (or disprove) Salieri’s guilt.

As a matter of fact, there are several different variants of what (or who) might have killed Mozart – including kidney failure, rheumatic fever, and eating bad pork chops – but no definite answer. One thing we are fairly sure of is that the butler didn’t do it.

The plot thickens…

The mystery around Mozart’s death has captured the public’s imagination the most, but it is certainly not the only one. Here are just a few of other unresolved music whodunits:

Baroque violinist Jean-Marie Leclair was stabbed to death in Paris in 1764. The suspects included his ex-wife and nephew, but that’s all we know.

Another famous composer whose death is shrouded in mystery is Peter Tchaikovsky, who died in 1893 at age 53. The official cause listed was cholera, but there were some suspicions that Russia’s ruling Tsar had something to do with Tchaikovsky’s demise. We’ll probably never find out what really happened to the composer of “The Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker.”

Enquiring minds want to know…

You might be thinking by now that all the music mysteries relate to suspicious deaths. True, some of them do, including the one about Baroque composer Alessandro Stradella, who was stabbed to death in 1682 but his killer was never found.

Still, there are some mysteries that are not about death at all, but rather about puzzling events associated with renowned composers or pieces of music. For instance, questions are still raised about the identity of Beethoven’s “immortal beloved” to whom the composer sent a love letter in 1812. Or where the 16th century English composer Thomas Tallis was buried – the site remains unknown to this day.

There are also other intriguing music facts that are still inexplicable.

What about mysteries that have been solved at last? Let’s fast-forward to the 20th century, 1972 to be exact. There had been a long-running speculation about who was the subject of Carly Simon’s hit, “You’re so vain.”

The usual list of suspects included past boyfriends Warren Beatty, Mick Jagger, and Kris Kristofferson, among others. In 2010, Carly finally shed light on a nearly four-decade-old secret: the “vain” man she sang about was record producer David Geffen. We really didn’t see this coming!

We have nothing to hide!

Here’s one fact that is NOT a secret: the excellence of our New York City music teachers.

Whatever instrument or music style you’d like to learn, a competent instructor will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and give you personalized lessons.

There’s no mystery about that at all!

Photo by: Celisa B.M.Serra

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Face the Music, at Our NYC Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 19 Aug 2014 00:01:49 +0000

New York City music lessons are pitch-perfect!

Are you reading the above headline and thinking that we overdid it just a tad with the clichés? Yes, we did, but that was intentional to set the mood for this blog’s topic: musical idioms. As you know by now, the subject of music really…strikes a chord with us.

Most of these idioms are well-worn and you have heard them – and maybe even used them – yourself. The interesting thing about them is that they are actually not so much about music per se as about real-life situations.

Let’s explore some of them, but first, here’s a challenge: can you spot all the idioms that are interspersed throughout this blog?

All that jazz

Jam session: No, it has nothing to do with making preserves (but you already knew this, didn’t you?) It simply means improvising music in an informal setting “Jam Session.”

Fit as a fiddle: You are in good shape (hopefully because you play the violin!)

Play by ear: This expression conjures comic images of someone playing an instrument with his / her ear, but that is not the idiom’s intended meaning. Rather, it refers to handling a situation in an impromptu manner, or, in the musical sense, playing an instrument without annotation.

Tickle the ivories: If you are a linguistic purist, you may take this to mean touching an item made out of ivory, but this actually refers to playing the piano. We hasten to reassure you, however, that these days no animals are harmed in the process – modern piano keys are made of plastic.

Hit the right note: This idiom hasnothing to do with a wonderful singing voice; it means you have a positive influence on people.

Call the tune: Make an important decision and control the situation. And if you change the tune, you change your mind or actions.

For a song: Buying or selling something very cheaply – singing is not actually required.

These are just a few musical idioms. There are, of course, many more…

We’ll make beautiful music!

Idioms aside, we are totally serious about making sure that you or your children get the best possible music experience.

We don’t mean to sound like a broken record but we do like, on occasion, to toot our own horn. And the message we want to convey is that our excellent teachers play second fiddle to no one.

Whether you want to play guitar, piano, drum, or any other musical instrument, one of our awesome instructors will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale home or office and pull out all the stops.

This may sound like a lot of bragging, but it’s true – when it comes to teaching music, our teachers sure know the score!

Photo by Kelly B.

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It’s History: NYC Guitar School Commemorates Wartime Music

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 05 Aug 2014 18:15:37 +0000

Manhattan Music School Pays Tribute to Songs of Glory

You may not have realized it (unless you are a history buff), but 2014 marked the centenary of the beginning of the Great War, aka World War I (1914 – 1918).

Why are we talking about this historical event in a music blog? That’s because we just came across a very interesting article published by the National Public Radio (NPR) that talks, very compellingly, about the music created during that time, and how it reflects the moods of musicians caught up in this devastating conflict.

As the article notes, “The extraordinary level of destruction inspired them in myriad ways. Some composers captured the war’s violence while others seemed to counteract it by writing music that soothed.”

We’d like to share with you some of the music composed during and after this terrible war (which, unfortunately, wasn’t the last one).

Music from the trenches

Ravel’s “Le tombeau de Couperin” During the war, the French composer drove a truck near the front at Verdun. The six-movement “Le tombeau de Couperin” is dedicated to Ravel’s six friends killed in the war.

Welsh lyricist and composer Ivor Novello wrote a heart-tugging song, “Keep the Homes Fires Burning (Till the Boys Come Home”) in 1915. Irish tenor John McCormack recorded the song in 1917.

Perhaps the best known WWI song on this side of the Big Pond was composed by New Yorker George M. Cohan, whose statue graces the Times Square. “Over There” “Over There” was written two days after President Wilson declared war on Germany; according to the NPR article, it was “a morale booster, an incentive for men to enlist and the first in a string of patriotic hits that later earned Cohan a Congressional Gold Medal.”

These and other songs, though from another era, beautifully express the emotions and perspectives of those who participated in the war or observed it first-hand.

And even many decades after the war ended, composers continued to commemorate this event, which forever re-shaped the landscape of Europe. One such example is the 2012 Pulitzer Prize-winning opera, Silent Night by Kevin Puts.

We come to you in peace!

Obviously, our Hey Joe Guitar teachers are much too young to remember the wars our country had fought in, but they can certainly relate to heart-felt music, whether written during the war(s) or in peacetime.

What is most important to you is that our Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale teachers can relay their love of music to each student, so that your child will have the best instruction possible – no matter what instrument he or she plays.

Photo by The Happy Rower

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Beyond JINGLE BELLS – New York City Music School Reveals Lesser-known Christmas Songs

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 23 Dec 2013 00:01:31 +0000

Do you hear what we hear? Listen and learn with New York City music school!

Chances are that wherever you go these days, you hear traditional Christmas carols. Yes, they are beautiful and, for many of us, bring memories of Christmases past. “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “The Little Drummer Boy,” and “Do You Hear What I Hear,” are among the carols that usually carry the Yuletide season into the New Year.

We at Hey Joe Guitar love those songs too, but, let’s be honest, sometimes we would like to hear something new – or, at least, something that is not as widely played as the traditional carols.

Do such songs exist? Yes they do! There are plenty of lesser-known tunes that beautifully express the true spirit of Christmas. We hope that, among the ones listed below, you will find some that will… strike a chord with you and your family.

Put on your listening ears

These are among our favorite not-so-well-known Christmas songs. Do you agree that they are worth listening to?

There is a Star that Shines Tonight – Sheryl Crow

Christmas Celebration – B.B. King

New Star Shining – Ricky Skaggs

Dear Santa Tim McGraw

Please Come Home for Christmas – The Eagles

Notice how this selection includes different genres, from jazz and blues to pop and country. So whatever kind of music you are partial to, chances are you will find exactly what you like!

Sounds from near and far

Speaking of lesser-known Christmas songs, have you ever wondered what traditional tunes are most popular in other countries? Of course, we all know the one from our south of the border neighbors, but how about these tunes from around the globe:

Yes, we know, the world is a vast place and the wealth of Christmas musical traditions is huge. Unfortunately, we can’t include all of them here, but at least you have an opportunity to hear some of them.

All you want for Christmas: New York City Music School

Say your interest is piqued and you want to pursue music – Christmas and other. Nothing could be easier and more enjoyable than getting involved with our NYC music school

Whatever instrument you want to play – guitar, piano, drums, or anything else – (or whatever songs you would like to sing), our excellent teachers will come to your Manhattan, Brooklyn or Riverdale home or office to give you personalized music lessons.

Photo by rein

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Straight Talk, from New York City Guitar School

Hey Joe Guitar — Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:01:07 +0000

NYC guitar school teachers will give you a heads-up on sitting pretty

Remember when your mom used to tell you to sit straight? We hope you listened to her because good posture – the body’s alignment in relation to the force of gravity – is very important.

Maybe you’ve never thought about it, but gravity overstresses your muscles, joints, and ligaments. If you constantly slouch or stoop, chances are you’ll end up with chronic aches and pains. But correct posture will distribute the force of gravity evenly throughout your body, preventing soreness and other discomfort.

You might be wondering why in the world we are talking about posture in a music blog. Just sit straight and read on!

Yes, mother knows best!

Whatever instrument you play, regardless of whether it’s small and light like the harmonica or big like the upright bass, certain muscles of your body will be working overtime because of the repetitive motion required for playing.

Repetitive stress injuries like tendonitis, bursitis, as well as back, neck and shoulder pain could strike a musician just as they sometimes happen to athletes. But yes, you can prepare your body to resist these pesky and painful inconveniences.

We don’t mean to sound like your mother, but this merits repeating: correct body posture and movement – called “body mechanics” – while holding your instrument is very important for any musician. It will not only prevent physical discomfort but a poor performance as well!

Fit as a fiddle

If you play your instrument sitting down, remember to sit with a tall, straight back near the front of the chair, with your feet flat on the floor – your center of gravity should be on your feet and “sit bones,” rather than on your back or neck.

What if you play standing up? Your body must be balanced, with the weight evenly distributed between the two feet, which should be placed in a V position, not too close or too far apart.

And, it goes without saying that you should stand tall and not slouch, stoop or bend, so you can hold and position your instrument properly.

Whip yourself into shape

Clearly, we can’t teach you all about proper posture and weight distribution right here and now (but our Manhattan music lessons instructors who come to your home or office, will!)

Just to give you some practical ideas, these tips will help you “ache-proof” your body so you can handle your instrument like a pro:

Stretch before playing. These exercises will help you become more flexible and “fluid.” Strengthen your wrists, hands and arms, since they are essential “tools” while you play. Simple exercises like squeezing a tennis ball or lifting a dumbbell will be useful. Building up the core strength of your diaphragm trunk muscles is very important, especially if you play a woodwind or brass instrument.

These are just several of many exercises that will, if practiced regularly, improve your posture – in music and in life.

But even the best exercises will not prevent soreness if you don’t know how to hold your instrument correctly, so ask your Manhattan music lessons teacher to show you. He or she will be happy to come to your NYC home (Brooklyn and Riverdale in the Bronx included) and …set you straight!

Photo by Enrique Pellejer

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See Music Through Rose-Tinted Glasses – With New York City Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 12 Nov 2013 00:01:28 +0000

New York City Music Lessons Won’t Give You the Blues!

What color is your favorite piece of music? We are serious – different types of music evoke different hues, and many of us make emotional music-color connections based on how the various melodies make us feel.

There is actually a body of research from the University of California, Berkeley, proving this phenomenon. We find it fascinating because this means that music involves not just our sense of hearing, but also fires up our feelings and imagination.

So what colors do various melodies convey? The above-mentioned study suggests, for instance, that Mozart’s energetic Flute Concerto No. 1 in G major is most often associated with bright yellow and orange, while his heavier Requiem in D minor is seen as grey.

A burst of color

Of course, the way we respond to music – and art in general – is a matter of individual preferences and interpretation, so while someone else may see a certain piece of music as red, you might perceive it as blue or purple.

The researchers say that, generally speaking, we tend to associate faster-paced music in a major key with lighter, more vivid colors, while slower-paced music in a minor key is more likely to be paired up with darker and grayer hues.

And what about pieces that comprise different tempos, going from light and jaunty to heavy and solemn? We can only guess that they will evoke a burst of psychedelic colors.

Beyond black and white

We thought it would be fun to listen to different genres of music and pair them with matching colors. We hasten to add that this is a totally unscientific experiment and its findings are highly subjective (which is why we said before that interpretation of music is an individual matter):

The mellow and soothing sounds of Chopin Nocturne Op. 9 No. 2 make us think of pale hues like cream, light blue or yellow.
The rousing tunes of Ravel’s Bolero conjure images of an earthy color like moss green with shades of mauve.
The fast-paced, rhythmic sounds of Dave Brubeck’s Take Five bring to mind vibrant colors like red and dark blue – with little specks of glitter thrown in.
Last but certainly not least, Led Zeppelin’s high-vibe Whole Lotta Love evokes “metallic” shades of steel gray.

What do you think of this decidedly personal interpretation?

Color your world with music

We are not going to claim that our teachers are experts in color – or, for that matter, that they will always show up at your doorstep in a color-coordinated outfit.

But we can promise you that our in-home Manhattan music lessons (as well as those we offer in parts of Brooklyn and Riverdale in the Bronx) will provide you with excellent instruction that will leave you…in the pink!

Photo Credit: the sky is kelsey’s

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Manhattan Music Lessons can be a Scary Experience!

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 28 Oct 2013 15:53:35 +0000

With our NYC music lessons, you’ll be ready for tricks AND treats

We always talk about the benefits of music, but let’s be honest –it can be scary too!

And with Halloween just around the corner, prepare to be frightened, because we will share with you some of the spookiest songs on our playlist. As a public service, we are dividing this list into two parts: one (a less scary one) for kids, and the other one, for adults.

So put on your costume and let’s get the party rolling!

A sweet Halloween

Kids like dressing up and trick-or-treating. Make their Halloween a pleasant one (and only mildly scary) with these fun, childproof songs:

The little ones will have loads of fun with these tunes – just make sure they don’t sing with their mouths full of candy!

Boo!!!

Okay, so kids are now tucked in bed (unless they are hyped up on the sugar rush and are wide awake), and now it’s your turn to party.

Imagine that you are in a haunted house with creaky floorboards and masses of cobwebs hanging from ever nook and cranny. All of a sudden, you hear a ghostly / ghoulish shriek, and a black cat lands on your shoulder. The lights flicker off and on, and the cat morphs into an evil witch clad in black from the tip of her pointed hat to the hem of her dress. The witch points her gnarly hands at you, with sharp nails that have been uncut in several centuries and says: “If you don’t play some good music this very minute, I will put a spell on you!”

So, you have no choice but to bring out your iPod and start playing. For this occasion, may we suggest these frightfully terrific pieces of music?

“Thriller” – Michael Jackson

According to Billboard magazine, this is the most-downloaded Halloween-themed hit of all-time.

“Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker Jr.

This song topped the Hot 100 in 1984, the year when it was first released.

“Runnin’ with the Devil” – Van Halen

This 1978 hard rock hit is a classic Halloween song

“A Nightmare on my Street” – D.J. Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince

In 1988, before Will Smith became a mega star he is today, he recorded (at the height of his “Fresh Prince of Beverly Hills” days) this hip-hop tune, which ranked No. 15 on the Hot 100.

Magic in your home

Halloween comes but once a year, but our Manhattan music lessons take place all year long. Whatever type of music you (or your child) want to learn, our teachers will come (but not on a broomstick) to your Manhattan, Brooklyn, or Riverdale (Bronx) home or office for private lessons.

Our instructors are among the best in NYC, but don’t be afraid that they’ll put a spell on you. They WILL, however, teach you some wonderfully bewitching music!

Photo Credit: Pedro J. Ferreira

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No Need to Cut Class this Summer – with Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:42:32 +0000

Manhattan music lessons are even hotter in the summer!

“Mom, Dad, I am BORED!” Ahhh, the sounds of summer, when school’s out and kids are footloose (and underfoot as well). How can you keep your young’uns productively busy?

Good news is that New York City offers a wide variety of exciting summertime activities for youngsters of all ages http://mommypoppins.com/newyorkcityfamily/new-york-city-kids-summer-activities-guide, so no child should be bored and whining.

Summer holidays also provide a wonderful opportunity to introduce your kids to music. They will have lots of free time to take lessons and practice, and Hey Joe Guitar with its Manhattan music lessons will be pleased to help them along the way.

Don’t forget the music!

Now, we don’t mean to say that playing an instrument and improving your child’s musical skills should be all-consuming. Children need a variety of fun activities in their spare time – visits to the zoo, swimming, monkeying around on a playground, and learning all sorts of cool stuff.

But summer days are long, and, with a little creative thinking and advance planning, music lessons will fit snugly into your child’s (and your) schedule.

In case you are wondering why it is important to initiate your son or daughter to music, we can give you numerous compelling reasons. There is a wide body of scientific evidence showing that starting music training early in life has multiple benefits on the children’s character and development – academic, intellectual, social, and emotional. Music education also helps youngsters develop concentration, discipline, and become better team players (no pun intended) – all the skills and abilities that will serve them well throughout their lives. Remember: a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step and that first exposure to an instrument will hopefully launch a lifetime passion for music!

Hey Joe Guitar at your service!

Your children are off for the summer, but our NYC music lessons never take a break. Here are some of the advantages our school can offer during the summer and at any other time of the year, for that matter:

We have excellent, well-trained, personable and patient teachers, all of whom are graduates of top music schools and conservatories, and the majority hold master’s degrees in music and/or teaching. They are carefully screened to ensure they will teach your children proper techniques, adapted to their age and level.

We teach guitar, piano, drums, trumpet, trombone, brass, reeds, saxophone, clarinet flute, violin, viola, cello, strings, accordion, ukulele, banjo, recorder, and mandolin. And, we also give voice lessons.

We come to you! As New Yorkers ourselves, we know just how hot and humid our city is in the summer and we would never ask our students to venture outside with their sometimes-sizeable instruments. That’s why our teachers will “deliver” the lessons to your air-conditioned Manhattan or Brooklyn home or office – they don’t mind breaking a sweat so your kids don’t have to!

If you want to get a head start on summertime music training for a child (or a young-at-heart adult), or if you need further information about our in-house Brooklyn and Manhattan music lessons, please contact us.

Music – this is what’s HOT this summer!

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Photo credit: Don O’Brien

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The Sounds of Summer, with Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 08 Jul 2013 09:44:37 +0000

Sizzle this summer with our Manhattan, Brooklyn and Riverdale music lessons

It’s summer! If you are a New Yorker, you are used to sweltering temperatures. Fortunately, our city has lots of green spaces, where trees and other lush vegetation provide shade and respite from heat and humidity.

So take a blanket, picnic basket and plenty of fluids, and stretch out on the grass. Whether you are sitting / lying under a clear blue sky or a dark, starry one, summertime in the city can be a blast, especially if music is your constant companion.

If you are looking for songs to enjoy throughout the summer, you came to the right place because we have lots of suggestions for you. Go ahead, prep your iPod and get ready to rock, roll, swing, or just chill out with these all-time favorite summertime tunes.

Here comes the sun

“Come on over, let’s have some fun
Dancing in the morning sun
Looking to the bright blue sky
Come and let your spirit fly
You’re living it up this brand new day
Summer sun, it’s time to play.”

These lyrics from Kelly Rowland’s “Summer Dreaming” are sure to put you in the “summery” mood. But there are many, many more songs that are great choices for those long summer days and nights. For example, how about these classic mellow sounds, “Summertime and the Livin’ is Easy” by two legendary performers, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

And, for more vibe, “Summer Loving” from the movie “Grease” might be just the ticket.

Whatever genre of music you prefer for your summer playlist, these all-time classics are terrific for any mood and occasion.

Happy campers

What if you spend at least part of your summer camping in the woods, by the lake or river, rather than picnicking in a park? No problem – there are plenty of songs for the rugged, outdoor adventures, as well as quiet evenings sitting around the fire and eating smores. Just grab your guitar and start strumming!

How about classics like “Row Your Boat.” – a perfect tune for all ages. Then there’s a very fitting camping-and-fireside song called “There Ain’t No Bugs on Me.”

Another quirky and fun tune is titled “A Song That Gets on Everybody’s Nerve.” (Make sure you only sing it once, otherwise it may turn out to be a self-fulfilling prophecy). Good news is that there are so many different camping songs, you don’t need to sing the same one over and over again!

By the seashore

Of course, New York has some wonderful beaches and if you spend part of your summer by the ocean, your playlist should focus, appropriately enough, on the sea, sand, and surf. Here too, various songs abound.

Some “oldies but goodies” that we especially like are “The Beach Blanket Bingo”, “Surfin’ USA”, “Stranger on the Shore” and, for a more energetic, upbeat sound, “King of the Beach”.

What if you are not the park / camping / beach person, but would rather run for the hills? If mountain hiking trails are calling your name this summer, a newer version of the old Roy Rogers / Dale Evans classic, “Happy Trails”, might inspire you. Then there is also that old classic, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”, “Rocky Mountain High” and, for a some offbeat fun, “These Boots Are Made for Walking”.

What’s hot this summer? Music lessons!

Wherever you are spending those lazy, hazy days of summer, we hope music will be your constant companion. And so will our teachers, who will stay in NYC this summer and will be happy to start (or continue) your Manhattan music lessons in the comfort of your home or office (and if you live in Brooklyn or Riverdale, they will come to you as well).

In the meantime, wherever your adventures take you this summer, here’s one tune that will surely put you into a mellow mood all summer long.

***

Photo Credit: Jelle van Lindenhuizen

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Let the Freedom Ring – with Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 09:31:29 +0000

Our Manhattan music lessons will help you get into the 4th of July spirit

Are you ready to celebrate the 4th of July, joining Americans in our city and country in commemorating the Independence Day? So are we at Manhattan Music Lessons!

Because no matter where we came from and what our ethnic, cultural or religious background is, we are all united in commemorating July 4,1776, the day Americans declared their independence from the British.

Today, the 4th of July is a day of cheerful celebration, with picnics, parades, and fireworks displays taking places all over the country. But have you ever wondered how the very first Independence Day was celebrated?

Birth of the nation

According to historic accounts, Declaration of Independence’s full text was first published in The Philadelphia Evening Post on July 6, 1776 and publicly read in Philadelphia, Easton PA, and Trenton NJ two days later. As the announcement was made, cheerful shouts and firing of muskets greeted the proclamation. And as the news spread across the 13 original states (at that time called “colonies”), the newly independent Americans rang bells and lit bonfires, removing all signs of the British monarchy.

The following year, on July 4, 1777, ships in the Philadelphia harbor were decorated in red, white and blue, and cannons shot 13-gun salutes in honor of each state.

What about the fireworks? They didn’t become part of the celebrations until 1816, when America’s technological advances made the colorful displays possible.

Oh say can you see?

Marching bands or other musical groups perform so many patriotic songs during the July 4th celebrations, but way back in 1776, there were actually very few such melodies.

Two notable exceptions are “The Liberty Song,” released during the American Revolutionary War in 1768, and “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” first sung sometime between 1754 and 1763. Interestingly enough, “Yankee” was originally composed by British soldiers to make fun of the disheveled colonial Yankees with whom they served during the Seven Year War between the British and French North America – today’s USA and Quebec in Canada. Most people who sing “Yankee Doodle Dandy” today have no clue that this popular song was actually intended to mock our soldiers!

The songs we think of as patriotic today, such as “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” “America the Beautiful,” “Stars and Stripes Forever,” and the national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner” were actually composed in the 1800s. Other popular tunes, like “God Bless and America” and “This Land is Your Land,” were written in the 20th century.

On 4th of July, life’s a picnic!

NYC has plenty of Independence Day activities planned, including parades, fireworks, and concerts.

And what about the songs for your picnics and backyard barbeques, something newer (but no less patriotic) than the standard 4th of July fare listed above?

May we suggest these “gotta-love-them” tunes:

“America” by Neil Diamond

“Born in the USA” by Bruce Springsteen

“R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” by John Mellencamp

“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith

“Surfin’ USA” by the Beach Boys

Red-white-and blue music

Would you like to learn to play or sing these and other patriotic tunes (or any kind of music for that matter?)

You can, with Manhattan music lessons. Please contact us so we can match you (or your family member) with an excellent music teacher who will come to your home or office. You’ll have a great experience – even without the fireworks!

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Photo Credit: Vinoth Chandar

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That’s No Bull: At Manhattan Music Lessons, We Like “Animal” Sounds

Hey Joe Guitar — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 08:13:19 +0000

Manhattan music lessons: Pet-friendly, but with a human touch

“All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard no horse sing a song.”
– Louis Armstrong

True, horses don’t usually belt out tunes (at least not the kind that are pleasing to a human ear), but there is at least one documented case of a singing equine – the famous Mr. Ed.

But, generally speaking, we have to agree with the great jazz trumpeter – outside of Hollywood, horses are not known for their musical abilities – it’s a definite neigh. Just as you can lead a horse to the water but can’t make him drink, you can also give him the violin, but, in all likelihood, can’t teach him to play it.

Now, the question you may be asking yourself is: do animals respond to “human” music? The answer is yes, and you heard it right from the horse’s mouth.

Monkeying around

As mentioned, animals (at least the domesticated ones) do respond to music but, according to scientists, they have their own specific preferences. A study carried out at University of Wisconsin-Madison found that our four-legged friends don’t like pitches that are too high or too low, which sound too shrill and grating to their fluffy ears.

Common consensus among animal researchers is that our pets are not fans of heavy metal and similar genres, because these types of harsh sounds make them agitated (lots of humans would agree).

One notable exception are monkeys – research showed that, unlike humans and domesticated pets, these primates love loud and shrill music. Now, THAT’s monkey business!

A different “breed” of music

What about the most common household pets, cats and dogs? Animal behaviorists say that Fido likes classical music the best. In studies, dogs that were exposed to this type of music spent less time barking, and appeared to be calmer and more relaxed.

The same is true for felines. Soft and soothing music is the cat’s meow: it seems to keep the frisky creatures from fighting, making them calm and, as far as we can tell…happy as a lark!

Now, having said all that, music is composed by humans for humans. Let’s not forget that despite the contention that “animals are people too,” in reality they are a totally different breed (need we even say that?) This means that, given a choice, they’d prefer the so-called “species-specific” music that uses pitches, tones and tempos more adapted to their sense of hearing.

Still, there are certain similarities between “animal” and human music. For example:

Whales use many of the musical concepts found in human music, including rhythms and structure.

Bird songs follow rhythmic patterns and pitches that are in tune with human music.

The workings of nature are truly fascinating, aren’t they?

“People” skills only

We have news for you: it seems that you CAN teach an old dog new (musical) tricks!

Now, that doesn’t mean we can teach your dog to play the piano, so please don’t even ask! Our Manhattan music lessons do have a bite to them, but we make no bones about this: we draw a line at teaching in doghouses, stables, or barns. So if that’s the kind of lesson you have in mind, you’re barking up the wrong tree!

However, we’ll be happy to come to your (human) home or office and teach you to play any instrument. In our book, that makes a lot of horse sense!

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Photo Credit: Adam Foster

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Celebrate Easter in Latin American Style – with Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 05:26:26 +0000

Thanks to Manhattan music lessons, you don’t have to travel south (or speak Spanish) to enjoy the sounds of the Semana Santa right here in New York

In New York City, the week leading up to Easter (unlike the days before Christmas) is mostly quiet and laid-back. Not so in Spain and Latin / South America, where the Semana Santa, which commemorates the last week of Jesus’ life, is a big and jubilant celebration.

In fact, the Semana Santa (the Holy Week), which starts on Palm Sunday (Domingo de Ramos) and ends on Easter Sunday (Pascua), is one of the most important religious observances in the Spanish-speaking Catholic countries. There is plenty of food, music, dancing, colorful costumes, as well as elaborate processions with ornate floats, which depict scenes from the Bible.

Since the Semana Santa, which dates back to the 4the century AD, is such an important holiday, many New Yorkers of Latin and South American descent head south of the border to celebrate this event and take part in all the festivities.

Any way you look at it, the Semana Santa is a very special fiesta!

Pomp and circumstance

In nearly every community in the United States, Easter Sunday is associated more with Easter bunnies, elegant bonnets (as seen in NYC’s annual Easter parade), and egg hunts, than with religious celebrations.

In South America, however, the emphasis is on the religious context and significance of this holiday, which is one of the most important ones in the Roman Catholic Church because it commemorates Christ’s resurrection.

But even though the Semana Santa is celebrated in a similar festive fashion throughout the entire region, each individual country has its own unique twists. For example:

During the Semana Santa, Ecuadorians eat a special soup called fanesca, made from a fish base, beans and grains.

Young girls in the Mexican city of San Miguel de Allende, wear bride-like white dresses for the procession that takes place on Good Friday. In another city, Cadereyta, boys carry streamers during the procession.

In Peru and El Salvador, rugs beautifully made from colorful flowers decorate the streets.

Sacred music

When we think of Latin and South American music, we think of salsa, calypso, rumba, merengue, tango, as well as other “hot” and often fast-paced rhythms. Or, maybe we conjure up images of a traditional Mexican mariachi band.

But the Semana Santa music is different – it’s both joyous and sad. During the processions, musicians often play slow brass tones interspersed with heavy drum sounds, aptly expressing Easter’s solemnity and its religious meaning .

If you are not heading south in the week before Easter, but would like to learn to play some of the hymns and other sounds associated with this holiday, our Manhattan music lessons will help you get started. Whether you would like to try typical tunes of the Semana Santa, or any other music on any instrument, we will be happy to come to your home or office and teach you.

We can also help you play Easter-related music from this side of the border, including this classic!

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Photo Credit – Mind’s eye

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In 2013, Bring Music Into Your Life – with Manhattan Music Lessons

Hey Joe Guitar — Tue, 01 Jan 2013 06:00:43 +0000

Is learning to play an instrument on your “to-do” list? Consider it done, with Manhattan music lessons.

“Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.”
~Oprah Winfrey

So let’s talk about New Year resolutions. Yes, again! Doesn’t it sound like 2011 all over again – and each year before that?

You know how it goes: you make a list of things you commit to do (or quit doing) in the New Year. But, by the time Easter comes – or maybe even earlier – all these promises are forgotten.

We are not making it up. There are actually studies showing that only about a third of people stick to their resolutions.

And, in case you are wondering what other people resolve, there’s a government website that lists the most popular resolutions. Not surprisingly, drinking less, eating healthier, improving education and career, as well as getting fit are at the top of the list.

We are sorry to see that learning to play an instrument is not anywhere on this list. This is not exactly music to our ears!

Be realistic!

One of the reasons that so many of us don’t follow through on our commitments (other than lack of motivation) may be that we are setting the bar too high.

For example, if you decide that in the New Year you are going to climb the Everest, when your physical condition doesn’t even allow you to climb a flight of stairs (and you don’t have any immediate plans to start exercising), then it is clear that you have been too ambitious, not to say unrealistic, in setting your goals.

The message here is that in order to bring your New Year’s resolutions to fruition, you should stick to commitments that are doable.

And of course, you should only plan to accomplish activities that are healthy, pleasant and enjoyable – take up a new hobby (like playing music or singing, for example), participate in a sports activity, visit more museums – whatever strikes your fancy and makes you happy.

That’s the best way to ensure that your resolutions for 2013 are kept.

Music rules!

You knew we would be talking about music here, didn’t you? We genuinely believe that music training is a terrific activity for people of all ages.

Why do we love music? Let us count the ways:

It makes us happier: A number of studies have shown that music reduces stress and anxiety because it releases the “feel good hormones” like endorphin and serotonin in the brain.

It makes us smarter: There is plenty of scientific evidence demonstrating that children who play an instrument not only score higher on academic tests and generally have better verbal and intelligence skills, but their emotional development is also boosted.

It makes us fitter: Yes, that’s right. Playing an instrument for one hour can burn as many as 204 calories (drums), 170 calories (trombone), 136 (rock-n-roll guitar), and 102 (piano).

It makes for a better world: Music has been shown to be a great “people connector,” bringing together hostile nations and communities in peace and harmony.

Have we convinced you yet?

We’ll let you in on a secret: we at Hey Joe Guitar have a resolution too – to continue bringing music education to people in our community in 2013 as we have done in the years past.

We’d be pleased and honored to bring our Manhattan music lessons to your home or office – all you have to do is call us.

We may not be able to motivate you to climb the Everest, but we will teach you a few crescendos anyway!

Have a happy, healthy, peaceful and MUSICAL New Year!

***

Photo credit: Abhisek Sarda

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Take to Our Manhattan Music Lessons as a Duck Takes to Water!

Hey Joe Guitar — Fri, 14 Dec 2012 08:07:39 +0000

With Manhattan music lessons you’ll belt out great tunes, NYC style.

Are you one of 780 million people worldwide who viewed Psy’s “Gangnam Style” YouTube video?

There’s no doubt that this (no pun intended) song-and-dance number is funky, upbeat, and totally catchy. In fact, in a few months since the song’s July 2012 release, it catapulted into YouTube’s list of 30 most-viewed videos of all time.

Does this mean that the song will continue to be a huge hit for a long time? We can’t say one way or another (since we are not in the business of crystal ball reading), but we do know that even the hottest hit could turn out to be a flash-in-the-pan phenomenon. Just because a song has gone viral doesn’t guarantee its long-lasting success.

Here today, gone tomorrow?

There are numerous songs that sizzle for a while before they fizzle out. As stated above, we don’t know what the future holds for “Gangnam Style” or this year’s other viral hit, Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Call Me, Maybe.” Will we still love them as much five or 10 years down the road? Stay…tuned!

Sometimes, songs that fall out of grace are the ones borne out of fads, trends, or fashions of the day. Do you remember Rick Dees’ “Disco Duck?” Though it hit number 1 on the charts in 1976, it pretty much waddled away after that.

We are not sure whether it’s the lyrics (“I was on the dance floor, acting strange. Flapping my arms, I began to cluck. Look at me… I’m the disco duck”), or the fact that this song was pegged to the disco craze of the 1970s. But, honestly, how many people are still humming that tune – or even remembering it – today?

We are thinking that perhaps songs about animals in general and poultry in particular are just not destined to be enduring hits (“Old McDonald Had a Farm” might be one notable exception). For instance, aside from occasional parties, weddings, and Oktoberfests, the 1980s craze surrounding the “Chicken Dance” faded with the declining popularity of “oom-pah” music.

These are just two examples of hits that come in with a bang but have a relatively short lifespans.

Songs that the whole world sings

“As it slowly rambles on and on
No need in bringin’ `em back,
`Cause they’re never really gone.”

– “Just an Old-Fashioned Love Song,” Three Dog Night

Fortunately, for every tune that falls into oblivion, there are so many others that never go out of style. Why they remain popular year after year, and even decade after decade, we do not know. Maybe it has something to do with the performers, music, lyrics, or the mood and emotions these songs continue to evoke in us, time after time.

Whether it’s the Beatles, Frank Sinatra, Janis Joplin, or numerous other recording artists, in many cases their songs live on, transcending time, trends, fads, and crazes. (See 500 greatest songs of all time)

That’s what we mean by “oldies but goodies!”

True, some songs have a mass appeal, while others are more individualistic. None of the songs listed in the above link strikes your fancy? Don’t worry, and …march to your own beat!

You probably have favorite songs of your own, the ones you like to listen to on your iPod. It doesn’t really matter how old they (or you) are – as long as they tug at your heartstrings and hold a special meaning to you (even if nobody else shares this particular affinity), that’s all that matters.

The beat goes on

We at Hey Joe Guitar have been around long enough to know that great music and beautiful songs have a universal appeal.

That is one compelling reason to take up singing or learn an instrument of your choice. Our Manhattan music lessons make it easy and convenient – we will come to your home or office and teach you. No disco ducks or chicken dances, just beautiful music!

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All That Jazz: The Amazing Gottlieb Archives

Hey Joe Guitar — Wed, 27 Jul 2011 15:30:15 +0000

Do you love classic black and white photography of jazz greats? We thought you might. Check out the Flickr blog today, where you’ll find some of the newest additions to the Gottlieb Jazz Photos set by the Library of Congress.

Feast your eyes on some new additions today to the stunning Gottlieb Jazz Photos set, uploaded by the Library of Congress to their Flickr Commons collection. Rehearsals, performances and even a jazz wagon ride in Times Square – wonderful photos.

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