Welcome, Pianists and Guitarists! [Singers, click here to view recommendations from Cardon Voice.] Our students often ask for recommendations for basic equipment to enhance their lesson experience. Below are some suggestions that may help you maximize your learning. We’ve got tips for those of you wondering how to shop for the best digital pianos (or keyboards) or guitars, too! Make sure you’re catching every detail with a solid pair of headphones or a bluetooth speaker (either works! pick according to personal preference). Here are our favorites: Open-Back Over-Ear Headphones “Open Back” allows you to hear your voice in the room...
Create Success in 2021
Happy New Year! Whether you’ve toiled away in 2020 or are just getting started, the new year means the same thing: take a look at where you are and where you’re going. Although everyone’s musical journey is unique, we can all benefit from goal setting. To help you kick off 2021 on the right foot, we’ve created this printable goal setting chart. Fill it out and review with your teacher in your next lesson!
Voice
Performance Preparation
Experienced singers wake up on the day of the performance with a plan. They’ve done their homework, know their bodies’ responses to stress and nerves, and have taken steps to ensure their success. With the groundwork laid, there’s no question that the show will go off without a hitch. But, how did they get this smoothly oiled machine to work in their favor? As a beginning performer, you might feel lost, overwhelmed, or even surprised at the complexity of presenting in the performing arts. The act of performance itself is a big hurdle to clear– no matter how much you’ve...
Voice
Voice Types
Have you ever wondered about your vocal range? Maybe you’ve seen charts like this one or this one, and wondered where your own voice lines up. And, once you know what your range is, how do you decide what songs will fit your voice? Let’s unpack some basic ideas relating to range and registration to help you find your footing. Perhaps you’re wondering about the classic “voice types” you’ve heard of: Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass. And what about Mezzo-Soprano and Baritone? The study of singing goes back hundreds of years, so a lot of this terminology is irrelevant for today’s...
Voice
Singing: First Steps
Becoming a singer can feel like a big goal. And, it is! But like any challenge, breaking it down into smaller steps will help you along your way. Follow this roadmap to make your action plan for success: 1. Create your vision of your Goal: Who? What? How? Visualize the singer you want to be, in as much detail as you can imagine. What style of music will you perform? What types of performances will you give? Do you want to be a coffeehouse singer-songwriter? A church musician? A mega diva superstar? These types of questions will help you create...
Guitar / Piano / Voice
The Talent Myth
tal·ent /ˈtalənt/ noun 1. natural aptitude or skill. “he possesses more talent than any other singer” Well, folks, I’m sure a lot of you have talent– and that’s great! But, all that means is that you got your foot in the door. Now, it’s up to you to make something of it. Take your natural skills and smooth out the edges of any weak areas to really make your special product stand out. Remember, by virtue of being a unique human being, your exact voice and artistry are unmatched by anyone in the world. What makes a great artist great...
Guitar / Piano
Plan to Succeed
If you’ve ever tackled a big project before, you know that a step-by-step plan can really save the day. From home repair to balancing your budget, focusing only on the end result could leave you feeling like you don’t know where to start. Grab your big ideas head-on by breaking big goals down into smaller stepping stones. Seems logical enough, right? But, many beginning musicians fail to look at the long-term goal in this way! Before you dive into singing those challenging show-stoppers, take the time to build your vocal foundation. Basic understanding of your instrument can seriously impact how...
Online Learning
Technology for Learning
In a world where so many of us work online and play online, why wouldn’t we also learn online? Harnessing the power of the internet to connect with musicians across the globe helps us to serve students in areas which may not have traditionally had access to the quality of music education we can provide, and digital learning tools help to make the experience just as good– if not better!– as meeting face-to-face. Here are some of our favorite perks available while learning music online: So Convenient. By learning from the comfort of home, you’ll never lose lesson time to...
Online Learning
Optimizing Audio for Zoom Lessons
We love Zoom! Through the marvels of modern technology, we can get together from across the globe to make music. To help minimize any disruptions or distortions to your sound quality as it zooms through the ethernet, please review your Zoom audio settings based on these tips. For Zoom Desktop Application: Looking for settings for iPad or Mobile device? Click here. Check for Updates Login to Zoom on your device Make sure you’re running the most recent version of Zoom; Update as necessary. Ensure Best Possible Connection Plan to take your lesson as close to your Internet Router as possible;...
Piano / Student Showcase
Masterclass: August 2020
Cardon Studios’ LIVE Virtual Masterclass series is designed to help in two special ways: Performers can gain valuable experience getting in front of a live audience, plus extra feedback from a teacher besides their primary instructor! Students who tune in just to watch can get a birds-eye view of their peers tackling some of the same challenges they may be working through, with the advantage of seeing what the teachers prescribe and how it effects change. Check out the August 7th, 2020 even here (Sorry to our first performer, Megan– we started recording late!): A big congrats to all who...