September 25, 2013

Numerous Ways To Acquire A Blues Education

By Dale Peck


Anyone looking to acquire a Blues education today has many options. Times have changed and students are fortunate today to have choices unavailable before. In the early days, schools were a missing feature. Learning was a practical exercise. Local culture and surroundings provided fertile soil for nourishing enterprising musicians. Theory and analysis was to come in future.

Practical experiences still provide ways to become a practicing musician in this genre as demonstrated by the example of Shun Kikuta, the Japanese musician. A graduate of Berklee School of Music, he did not study this genre. Instead it was his exposure to the B. B . King album Live at the Regal that began his journey into this genre. Subsequently, playing live with musicians in Chicago his skills were developed over time. Nevertheless, he still had his formal education as a foundation to build on when he opted to follow a new direction. People who live outside the culture and historical roots that gave birth to this sound get a helping hand in school.

The guitar tradition exemplified by B. B. King is a direct descendant of the style inspired by Blind Lemon Jefferson. This manner of playing was prominent in Oklahoma and Texas during the 1920s. Jefferson has been recorded doing the single string solos. He inspired other guitarists and the influence is reflected in King. Understanding historical roots is part of building expertise. This type of learning is imparted at music schools. Successful musicians who learn and use the concepts and musical elements expand their musical foundation. They enhance their ability to add more depth and feeling to whatever style they play after this experience.

The richness of this art form means a student can be immersed in deep study for many years. A host of subgenres and different types of instruments have made learning more complex. A student can sharpen the focus during higher studies. Younger pupils are better served with classes that expose them to this distinctive genre and its background that is intrinsically tied to American history. In middle and high school, a new door can be opened into its special musical traditions. Since contemporary musical genres have borrowed elements from the Blues, learning the basics expands the context of studying other genres as well. Further studies of these genres will be enhanced by exposure to their roots in this music.

Classes offered by institutions of different stripes, web based learning tools and work experience offer diverse ways to learn. To encourage teaching in schools, accessible material has been made available online. Video study tools have also enabled school teachers lacking this background to share knowledge.

Online material includes lesson plans. Youngsters fortunate enough to be exposed through the classroom have an advantage over those who have not had this opportunity. It gives them a leg up in developing plans for the future. The more knowledge is made available, the better able individuals can be to make informed choices in their interest.

Aspiring musicians will be happy to know video teaching can now offer a deeper learning experience. Form and theoretical analysis is also on the menu. Learning form is a key that is needed by students who want to make their own music.

Resources are constantly evolving. Even a developed lesson plan evolves as it gets used. New ideas spring from people who are using the material. Blues education is available today in many guises. Depending upon the level of interest, each option makes knowledge accessible as needed.




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