No Shortage Of Variety In Acquiring A Blues Education

By Dale Peck


A Blues education can be acquired in diverse ways. In the beginning, there were no schools offering to educate. The music developed and evolved within its surroundings and culture. Artisans learned in practice. This still remains a way to learn today. But, as its influence has broadened and spawned new genres of music, educational offerings are worth the time.

Practical experience remains a route to learning. But, educational opportunities bring a wider perspective to enhance artistic development. As Shun Kikuta, demonstrates by example, a combination of both can expedite the path to a professional career. The Japanese musician was trained at the Berklee School of Music, before he was introduced to the genre through a classic BB King record. Thereafter, he learned on the job by joining musicians plying their craft in Chicago. Slowly his skills were sharpened with experience. His formal education provided a base that supplied the skills he utilized in his new career path. An introduction to this art form in school also gives a deeper understanding to pupils who have not been immersed in the culture and its roots.

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.

These resources include lesson plans. Exposing youngsters through classroom exercises gives them knowledge they may use later to decide what they want to learn when they grow up. The more information at their disposal the better opportunity they have to make an informed choice about specialization.

Video teaching is no longer limited to imitating the styles of others. Students can also get educated in the form and theory behind the art. Learning the form is vital to enable students to create their own music. It is the advantage of this era that this quality of instruction is now accessible online.

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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