By Justin Schultz

Learn to Rock Out!

Maybe the latest video game craze has you hooked. Do you find yourself spending hours playing Guitar Hero or Rock Band? Do the images of performers rocking out in synchronization with your constant button tapping have you dreaming of being the next rock star? Well, you aren’t going to become famous (or let alone play a live concert) by sitting in front of your television with a plastic toy instrument. Maybe it’s time for you to take a chance and learn a real instrument.

Before you register for your rock star union card there’s a few issues you must address first. You will need to chose an instrument to play and obtain one. There is a long list of instruments available to learn. Maybe you want to play guitar, slap bass, wail away at the drums, or toot your own horn. Ultimately, which instrument you choose will be up to you.

It’s important to research an instrument before making a purchase. Guitar Center is an excellent place to start your search for an instrument. They offer beginner packages that include all of the items necessary to start rocking. The sales associates are happy to answer any questions you may have about the instrument.

It doesn’t hurt to check out the prices and selection of instruments at your local music shop. Local shops often have a great variety of used instruments. Don’t let the term ‘used’ scare you, this isn’t a car purchase. If the instrument is properly taken care of, it will give you much more use than a new car ever would. Because of the atmosphere of local music stores, you may be able to find an instrument at a more affordable price than the big chain stores. Additionally, because local stores are in competition with national chains, they may be able to give you better insight and a better deal on your purchase.

Learning an instrument doesn’t happen over night, it will take a lot of practice time to start sounding like the next Jimmy Page, Jaco Pastorius, or Keith Moon. Becoming a competent musician requires a lot of dedication and daily practice. It also doesn’t hurt to have some guidance throughout the learning process. There are multiple ways to learn an instrument and the following examples can serve as a guide to assisting you in deciding which method is right for you.

Go to School

Hey, did you know that music is taught in schools? Many colleges offer courses specifically to train aspiring musicians. A major benefit to learning at an educational institute is the advice and critique of your learning will come from a working professional with experience and credentials.

“The teachers at Schenectady County Community College are all so proficient,” said Tony Potente, a guitarist from Albany, “They are above and beyond the average musician. They have it down to a T.”

At a school, you will learn the basic fundamentals, music theory, and be given assignments to practice between your scheduled lessons.

“You learn things the right way the first time rather than having to unlearn bad techniques,” said Potente, “When I first started, I held the pick wrong. It was a bad habit that my instructor and I had to work to break.”

Instructors at colleges share a wealth of invaluable knowledge.

“By the end of my studies, I know that I’m going to be disgustingly good.” said Potente.

The prices of private lessons will vary by institution, but are often quite affordable. If you are interested in taking lessons at a college, it is worth contacting local schools to learn more about their lessons and programs. Who knows, maybe you’ll sign up for additional music courses! (Tuitions vary, Schenectady County Community College offers lessons for $131 per semester plus lab fees.)

Hit up the Guitar Shop

Many guitar shops and music stores offer lessons at an affordable price. However, some caution should be taken when considering lessons at a music shop. There are excellent music teachers working at music shops, but there are also instructors who are happy to collect their fee and merely teach you the intro to the latest Coldplay hit.

“I took lessons at a guitar shop,” said Mark Rosa, 24, a bass player, “It was fun, but it left something to be desired. I spent a month learning two songs from Nirvana: Unplugged. It was like, when are we going to move on to some new stuff?”

To avoid Rosa’s experience, utilize the internet to locate shops that offer lessons, and read the biographies of the instructors. Unlike a college, a music shop instructor may have little or no credentials to their name. It helps to know who you are learning from. Music shops lesson prices vary by location. Prices for lessons may be based on the hour, or by the number of lessons. (Drome Sound, Schenectady NY, $30 per one hour lesson.)

Teach Yourself

You can always take the initiative and teach yourself to play. This method of learning can be successful if the proper time is devoted to it.

“I’m without a doubt a self trained musician!” said Sarah Belawski, a guitarist and drummer from Albany, NY, “I like that it’s about timing. You get to learn at your own pace, and that way it’s something you are doing because you want to do it, and not because you are scheduled to do it.”

It is also beneficial to jam and practice with friends, you might even develop a new style.

“I think the easiest way to develop your own style is to practice with cohorts from all different backgrounds,” said Belawski, “I had a drummer once who was really into electronic music. His beats all had a real techno feel to them. It really pushed me to keep up. We created some interesting sounds.”

There is a bevy of information available on the internet for free. Tablature can serve as a guide for learning songs by your favorite bands.

“Tabs are what taught me to play. I would never have been able to figure out how to read music. Having the songs spelled out in tablature taught me all the different chord progressions just as well as any silly old music theory class ever could.” said Belawski.

Another option to consider when teaching yourself is reading books or watching instructional videos. There are many places to find these sources including libraries, music shops, and the internet. Sheetmusicplus.com offers do-it-yourself instructional books at an affordable price.

(Fast Track Guitar Method 1 by Blake Neely and Jeff Schroedl: $7.95, You Can Teach Yourself Piano Chords by Per Danielsson: $19.95 at Sheetmusicplus.com)

Go! Jam Out!

Hopefully by now, you are walking out the door to your nearest music shop to get an instrument. Think about which method of learning might best suit you on your drive - and remember it’s going to take a lot of practice. Who knows, maybe someday kids will be mimicking your sounds on a future installment of Guitar Hero.