Neeraj K asked 9 years ago
Hi Jon,
Hope you are doing well. Some months back, i asked you if I was ready to join without the ability to read music. Well after putting my time in learning to read music and piano, I can do okay at the moment. I am at grade 1 piano. Now, is it a good idea to continue for a few more months and then join the academy or do you think I am ready to join at the moment? Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank you,
Neeraj
Jon Brantingham Staff answered 9 years ago
Neeraj,
I believe you should be able to accomplish the course. Your reading will improve if you compose, and practice reading scores from other composers. The question is, will you be able to keep with with the videos. I recommend watching the first three lessons (they are now free), to see how you keep up.
Jon BrantinghamNeeraj,
Many of these questions really depend on the student. Some people can go through the course relatively quick, while others may take months to fully grasp everything.
As far as exercises, everything is laid out in the workbook, including recommendations for how much you should practice before moving on. However, the exercises can also be great to come back to for experienced composers, as they can often “reset” your creativity, getting you to use tools you haven’t used in a long time.
For daily minimums, I would say attempt to go through at least 1 video and 1 exercise a day. But that could be repeating videos if necessary, watching an exercise video, or doing a composer workout. The most important thing is that you are putting it into practice on a regular basis.
Neeraj K
replied 9 years ago Hey Jon,
As you rightly said the videos are very detailed. It was not as hard as I thought. Fortunately, I have a basic understanding of music techniques like circle of fifths, intervals and scales. Coming to exercises for each video, how many exercises (number of melodies for instance) do you recommend. Also, what are the daily minimum hours you think we have to put in for getting most out of 101 course. I know it also depends on our pace of understanding. But would like to know your thoughts on this. Hopefully, I may get onboard for the 101 course coming weekend. I am excited.
Thank you,
Neeraj
Thank you Jalmari! Sounds really interesting!
I think that if you can handle content in the Free Beginners Course mentally, there is little in your way of progressing through 101 and learning a lot while in there. Piano exercises on intervals, that come with 101 really improve your piano skills too.