Learning to Play an Instrument
By Vincent Miele
MIDI files have been floating around the Internet for over 20 years. We’ve all heard them while surfing at one time or another, even if we didn’t realize it. Many musicians, pro and amateur, use MIDI files as backing tracks. Video games oftentimes use MIDI technology to render music. But the educational aspect of a MIDI file is often overlooked.
Studies have shown that when learning to play an instrument (such as guitar or piano) you can get faster results by playing along with accompaniment. It,s certainly more fun than playing alone - and fun is a factor when learning to play. However, the educational factor goes beyond fun alone.
Playing with others helps develop good timing. It helps with ear training improvement as you listen to the parts someone else is playing. It helps develop a musical discipline that is lacking when you play alone. But what if no one else is around? Well, thanks to MIDI files, you are never alone. You can have a full-blown band at your disposal at any time!
You don’t need any special equipment to play MIDI files - all computers are capable of playing them. By doing a Google search, you can find thousands of MIDI files. The downside is that the general quality of many freely available Midis aren’t that good, but that is not the point. When I was learning to play guitar, I got together with a few friends and we started a garage band. Our average age was about 13 years old. We weren’t very good at first, but we got better and five years later turned professional. The experience over the years was like a musical training camp.
After you find your MIDI files, start playing along with them. Trying to learn the parts is great, but so is improvising along with the song (jamming). Because MIDI files are as accurate as a metronome you will be developing your sense of timing. By repetition you’ll be improving your own chops.
Sacred Healing Sound
By Bret W Holmes
When I was living alone in a 10?X12? cabin in Vermont. I would play my guitar for hours. I would play to the wind. I would compose with the rain and perform for Barred Owls. The was the most peaceful canvas I could find to paint the sacred sounds that made me feel truly alive.
I was suffering from Bells palsy and a constant headache that came with it due to some complications. This was a 6 YEAR headache. I was truly crippled by the pain. I went to western doctors, acupuncturists, herbalist, homeopathic healers, dentists, eyes ear nose and throat specialists. These were no answers. I would take all kinds of over the counter pain killers. to dull the deep piercing pain I was feeling. The only real relief came from playing guitar. My headaches were sound sensitive. certain sounds would rip through my mind and rattle my brain. So.. a little cabin in the woods was the perfect place for me. I carried in my own water, had no electricity, and built a outdoor stove with fieldstones, so I could cook over an open fire. Mostly I was playing music. When I put my head against the body of the guitar and played. The tones and scales would ease my headaches. This was my version of music therapy.
After several years, I had a wisdom tooth removed and that helped relieve some of the pain in my head. I had recovered enough, so that I could start to live “normally” again. I played music with others, formed bands, and co-created a live music venue that was dedicated to acoustic, healing, world music. I still love music and play constantly and continue to find new ways to develop my skills, ear and compositions.
But, I will never forget the music I played on that hilltop. I was playing for myself and the great spirit.