Learning to play a musical instrument

Gigajam's Essential Skills Course for guitar, bass, keyboard and drums remains unique in the market. Our Unique Selling Point has always been that we provide the skills that enable people to be able to play an instrument.

It is interesting that the majority of online music tuition requires you to already be able to play to use their products. They offer much that is interesting and inspirational, and that is important, but rely on you developing the skills yourself, or having the benefit of a music teacher.

The whole reason we developed Gigajam was because developing the skills to be able to play music was not just expensive, it is not always easily accessible and is difficult to achieve on your own.

Gigajam is not just about our materials and our software, it is also about creating a clear, simple and logical path that leads to you achieving your goal.

Gigajam Lessons -You learn skills,
Gigajam Exercises - You practice your skills
Gigajam songs - Apply the skills learned to songs written to develop your skills from the course.
Play songs - You match your skills to playing songs you like
Write your own music - Take your skills and the tools you have developed and compose, perform, record your music.

Here are a couple of short videos that explain part of that process.

1. Playing Gigajam Songs http://schools.gigajam.com/VideoChannel.aspx?id=4
2. Playing Popular Songs* http://schools.gigajam.com/VideoChannel.aspx?id=5

*When we were young by The Killers

Let me know your views on learning an instrument and how you might go about supporting budding musicians.

Brian Greene
Managing Director
Gigajam
www.gigajam.com

Making More of Music

I have spent the last 6 years building Gigajam which was created out of a passion for music and learning music - it remains. I didn't realise how hard it was going to be and how many hurdles are built. I have learned that there are many issues surrounding the opportunity to learn a musical instrument. I believe more than ever that there is a pivotal role for technology in increasing the chance for more young people to learn.

Of course, having the opportunity is great, but then, we need to really think about the quality of that opportunity. Is it a one-off taster, does it cater for the individuals needs and desires, is it affordable, accessible, should it be free at the point of access, paid for by parents, where does entitlment sit? etc.

Ofsted have reviewed music in schools and did so at a time when much debate has provided a great deal of focus and resources to support music making. I feel the report shines a light on the elephant in the room - I am not sure though that anybody is really looking - So if you can bear not to cover your eyes, there will never be enough money and teachers to provide instrumental tuition to all for a sustained and impactful period of time.

Ours is not a silver bullett, but in the 21st century you need to add technology to the mix in a meaningful and effective way - that is not just using a whiteboard!! This is our considered response to Ofsted's Making More of Music - http://schools.gigajam.com/makingmore