Call us today at: 303.526.9865

CSoM NEWSLETTER … October 2023

CSoM NEWSLETTER … October 2023

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!

Now in our 17th year of business, we’re proud to offer both in-person and on-line private music lessons for all ages and levels including piano lessonsguitar lessons, violin lessons, drum lessons, voice lessons, ukulele lessons and band/orchestral instruments.  If you are looking for music lessons nearby please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction

Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from Golden, Denver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder!

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!

In person lessons!

We’re happy to offer in-person lessons in our Golden studio! At the Colorado School of Music we accommodate lessons in a fun and safe environment! If you’d like to register for in-person or on-line lessons, send an email to: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today! 

Scheduled Holiday Closures, 2022

The Colorado School of Music will take a short break over Thanksgiving (Thursday and Friday Nov 23rd and 24th,). No classes and no charge for these dates. Thank you! 

CLOSED for  Thanksgiving Holiday, Thursday and Friday, November 24th-25th

CLOSED for Holiday Break- Monday Dec. 18th through Monday Jan. 1st.

Weekly Lessons resume Tuesday January 2nd, 2024. 

Please Leave a Message-

During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!

Never Too Old…music lessons for adults!

Music lessons are for the young at heart, not just the young. If you’ve been thinking of renewing your love of piano or taking your guitar playing to the next level, try a private lesson with us! At the Colorado School of Music we are proud to have many adult students on our roster, studying all different disciplines. Our instructors are experienced with students of all ages, and will be happy to work with you to be sure that your lessons meet your individual needs. 

Adult music lessons are available for all instruments, including guitar lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, drums, violin, and more.

Piano Lessons
Piano Lessons

Happy Halloween!

Special Edition September Music Blog

By Emma Grace Brown

Foster Artistic and Musical Growth in Children with Learning Disabilities

Art and music are more than just pastimes; they’re lifelines that can offer profound emotional and cognitive benefits for children with learning disabilities. Engaging in art and music can be an uplifting, inclusive experience, helping your child discover languages of expression where words may fail. This guide from Colorado School of Music is your roadmap to various art and music-inspired avenues that will help your child thrive emotionally, mentally, and creatively.

Crafting Emotional Resilience Through Art and Music Therapy

Art and music therapy are not just recreational activities; they are structured forms of treatment that utilize the power of art and music for healing and promoting psychological well-being. Skilled art and music therapists can work wonders for your child by creating tailored sessions that address their unique needs and challenges. Through the creative process, individuals can gain insight, express emotions, and develop coping skills. Art and music therapy provide safe and supportive environments for self-expression and personal growth, fostering positive change and resilience.

Setting the Stage and Soundscape for Inclusivity

Traditional theaters and concert halls can sometimes be overwhelming for children with sensory sensitivities. However, sensory-friendly shows and performances offer a completely different experience. With carefully designed performances, these events make the magical worlds of drama, storytelling, and music accessible and enjoyable for your child. They provide safe and inclusive environments where children can fully immerse themselves in the joy of live performances. So, why not give your child the opportunity to explore the wonders of the theater and concert hall in ways that suit their needs?

Touch, Create, and Play

Children with sensory sensitivities can experience the world in a profoundly different way. Introducing them to tactile arts—such as sculpting, textured painting, or craftwork—and playing musical instruments can be both therapeutic and engaging, offering them unique outlets for their creativity. It allows them to explore various textures, shapes, sounds, and materials, fostering sensory exploration and self-expression. Additionally, tactile arts and music provide safe and non-verbal means of communication, enabling children to express themselves freely and confidently.

Dance and Sing Your Heart Out

Movement and rhythm have languages of their own, and inclusive dance and singing workshops can offer your child a judgment-free space to express themselves. Seek out programs that welcome diversity and are open to customizing dance routines and musical compositions to suit various capabilities. These workshops not only promote physical well-being and creativity but also foster a sense of belonging and self-confidence. Encourage your child to explore the joy of dance and singing and embrace their unique abilities in a supportive environment.

The Value of Open-Ended Art and Music Projects

While structure has its merits, spontaneous creativity is equally important. Encourage your child to participate in open-ended art and music activities, where the process of creation is as valuable as the end result. These activities foster creative thinking, nurture fine motor skills, and provide platforms for self-expression. Additionally, they allow children to explore different materials, techniques, and sounds, further expanding their artistic and musical horizons.

Home is Where the Art and Music Are

Your child’s most immediate canvas and stage are the home environment. Make sure it’s a nurturing space where they can feel free to experiment, fail, and try again—all without judgment. It’s this supportive atmosphere that will empower them to explore their creative limits. Encourage their curiosity and provide them with the tools and resources to express themselves. Embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their achievements, fostering a lifelong love for creativity and music.

Digitizing Your Child’s Artistic and Musical Journey

Kids create art and music at a prodigious rate, which can sometimes leave parents wondering how to store it all. Digitizing their artwork and recordings is a practical solution that also allows you to easily share their creations with family and friends. With the added advantage of being able to easily switch your documents online to various formats, it’s never been easier to manage and showcase your child’s art and music. Think of it like creating a digital playlist of your child’s creative milestones, a beautiful symphony of their development in artistic and musical form. This approach harmonizes well with today’s digital age, allowing you to play back the ‘music’ of your child’s creativity whenever you wish.

Finding Your Teaching Groove

As you navigate the labyrinth of your child’s creative potential, you might discover that you have an innate talent for teaching. If it’s a role you grow passionate about, consider sharing this gift with others. You could even formalize this skill and open up new avenues by establishing it as a registered business.

Fostering artistic and musical expression in children with learning disabilities isn’t just a matter of keeping them occupied—it’s about unlocking an untapped reservoir of potential and self-expression. Whether through art therapy, music therapy, sensory-friendly theater, or any of the other avenues discussed, your active involvement can play a pivotal role in your child’s holistic development. The arts and music are not diversions but catalysts for change, growth, and boundless possibility.

For private music lessons covering a variety of techniques and instruments, visit Colorado School of Music today!

September Music Blog 2023

Practice Tips 

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! If you are looking for music lessons nearby please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction. The Colorado School of Music provides private music instruction offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano lessonsguitar lessonsUkulele lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band lessons and orchestra lessons. Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from GoldenDenverArvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder! 

Today I will be talking about different practice techniques for guitar players to increase their picking technique and dexterity. Most of what I will be discussing will be different exercises for your picking. We will be using the major scale or the Ionian mode. This scale shape or mode is particularly useful for exercises because each string has 3 notes. The other tool we will be using is a metronome. First start by finding a comfortable tempo on the metronome for going up and down your major scale. Set the metronome at 1/4 notes to start. Try playing the major scale with 1/8 notes up and down the scale shape. You should have the metronome at a tempo that you can play the scale with 1/8 notes at a comfortable pace. Next see if you are able to play the scale with triplets with out changing the temp of the metronome. With the triples next try accenting the first beat or note of each triplet. 1 trip let 2 trip let 3 trip let 4 trip let. Again you should be accenting the 1, 2,3 and 4 of each beat. This gives you a clean grouping of each triplet beat. If you are struggling to stay with the metronome then slow it down so that you can get each accent on each beat in the measure with your triplets. Make sure you are going up and down your scale. Next we want to see if we can do some 1/16 notes picking up and down the major scale. At this point you may now need to  adjust the metronome. Again go up and down your scale with the 1/16 notes accenting on the first part of the beat. (1,2,3,4) Now we are going to get into some different sequences with your major scale. Try going up your major scale 4 notes then coming back to the second note in the scale and go up 4 notes continuing this patter up the entire major scale. You could do this exercises with 1/8 notes or 1/16 notes. (C,D,E,F then D,E,F,G then E,F,G,A ect) Next try going up the scale in 3rds. Starting on C to E then D to F then E to G ect.. Making sure you are accenting on the first part of the beat. I would do this last exercise with 1/8 notes. If you really want to push your technique try going up your major scale in sixths. You would start on C to A, D to B, E to C, F to D ect.. I would start this one with 1/8 notes. With each of these exercises make sure you are going all the way up the scale shape then all the way back down the scale shape. 

Now lets work on our hammer-ons and pull-offs. First set the metronome at a good tempo for triplets. Now pick one note a string and go up with hammer-ons and down with pull-offs twice per string. (C,D,E,D,C,D,E,D,C) Then on to the next string moving all the way up the scale and through each string. Then moving back down the scale with hammer-ons and pull-offs. 

If you practice these exercises daily and on a regular basis it will improve your technique. It should only take about 10 mins to work your self through all these exercises and with in a week you should be seeing results. Keep track of where you are setting your metronome for each exercises and try increasing the tempo little by little.

Thank you for visiting our blog page. Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more. 

music lessons
music lessons

CSoM NEWSLETTER … September 2023

CSoM NEWSLETTER … September 2023

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! If you are looking for music lessons near by please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction. Now in our 17th year of business, we’re proud to offer both in-person and online private music lessons for all ages and levels including piano lessonsguitar lessonsUkulele lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band lessons and orchestra instruments. Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from GoldenDenverArvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder! 

Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned pro or just learning for fun, private music lessons with our experienced instructors will take your playing to the next level!

Welcome Back to school!

We hope everyone had a great summer. Lesson times are filling up fast so please contact us to get back on schedule. Please contact us via email: info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call 303-526-9865 today! 

Please Leave a Message-

During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you! 

Never Too Old…music lessons for adults!

Music lessons are for the young at heart, not just the young. If you’ve been thinking of renewing your piano lessons or taking your guitar playing to the next level, try a private lesson with us! At the Colorado School of Music we are proud to have many adult students on our roster, studying all different disciplines. Our instructors are experienced with students of all ages, and will be happy to work with you to be sure that your lessons meet your individual needs. 

Adult music lessons are available for all instruments, including guitar lessons, piano lessons, drums, violin, and more.

Too Young For Music?

We often receive questions from parents regarding the appropriate/best age to start young children in formal music lessons. Of course, all children are different and there are always exceptions, but here are the general guidelines we use:

First, consider the instrument in relation to the age of the student. Piano lessons are a great choice for young children, as piano lesson books have excellent curriculum geared for young beginners. Piano, in particular, provides a general overview of music theory and makes it easy to pick up other instruments as the student gets older. Some instruments can be difficult for beginners and aren’t as good for young children based on size, complexity, etc..       

Four years old is generally too young for formal lessons. Progress is very slow and it can be difficult to maintain the focus required for practicing. Four year old hands are also often too small.

We feel that six years old is generally the best age for young children to begin formal lessons. Many lesson books and methods are geared toward this age for beginners, and the progress made at this age is both faster than younger students and better learned, as lessons and concepts seem to ‘stick.’

Five year olds are in the middle – at this age, it seems to depend on the child. If motivated and interested, the progress with a five year old will be a bit slower, but nonetheless valuable. We’re always willing to try lessons with five year olds – please ask if you have more questions about beginners or you’d like to take an introductory lesson with your young musician. Parents/Guardians are welcome in all lessons!      

Need to Move?

Did your soccer coach just re-structure practice times and throw your schedule into chaos? You’re probably not alone.  We understand the rigors of fall scheduling…so if you find that your music lesson time slot doesn’t fit, call us at 303-526-9865 and leave your name, current time slot and any days and times that work for your schedule and we’ll do our best to re-locate you!

music lessons
Colorado School of Music

See you next month!

August Music Blog

Guitar Technique and Tips

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! If you are looking for music lessons near by please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction. The Colorado School of Music provides private music instruction offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano lessonsguitar lessonsUkulele lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band lessons and orchestra lessons. Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from GoldenDenverArvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder! 

If you play guitar you already know there is a lot of technique involved in playing and learning the guitar. Today I will be giving to tips on practicing some fun tricks and techniques. First I am going to address playing chords on the guitar. You can easily be overwhelmed by the amount of chord shapes there are. I do recommend learning and memorizing all the open chord shapes that you can on the guitar. Once you have them memorized the next step in repetition. Practice going from one shape to the next as many times as you can handle. If you find for example going from a C chord to D chord make sure you practice these two chords back and forth over and over. Always use the same fingers every time you play a specific chord. C to D, C to D then D to C, D to C ect… There is no substitute for repetition. After you have memorized all the open chord shapes and have the ability to switch to one chord to the next in time you are now ready to move on to the next level of chords. Bar chords are consider by many very difficult. I agree they are hard to get them to sound good but just like the open chords when you first tried them they seem very hard. All the bar chord shapes come from the open chord shapes. For example the major bar chord with the root on the low E string come from the E major open chord shape. This is why getting your open chords shapes memorized first is important. The same process of repetition on the open chords applies to your bar chords. Practice going from one bar chord to the next taking note of the bar chords that you have difficulty with and make sure you practice your repetition with each set of chord that challenge you. Again always using the same fingering every time you play a particular chord.

Now on to some tips for playing single string notes and scales. When you’r learning your scales using the correct fingers in paramount. Always use the same fingering forwards and back wards on your scales. Keep your fingers square and your wrist dropped. With your picking hand make sure your using alternate picking. (Down up picking) Alternate pick will help improve your technique. After practicing your scales with each note being picked you can now try to hammer on and pull of the notes in your scales. Try picking the first note on each string followed by hammering on the next notes on that same string. On the way back down the scale you can try puling off each note after the first picked note on that string. To take your single string technique to the next level incorporate a metronome. You can track your progress with the metronome. Let say you are comfortable playing your major scale with the metronome at 70 beats per minute. Make a log and each week see if you can increase the tempo of your metronome. This gives you a real way to track your progress and see the improvement. Never set the metronome at a speed that is to fast as this will not help you improve. It’s almost better to set the metronome a bit slower and make sure each note you play is very cleaner. I hope some of these tips will help you improve your guitar skills!

Thank you for visiting our blog page. Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more. 

Special Addition August Music Blog 2023

By Emma Grace Brown

Standing out in the world of music is no small task. As a musician, your skill, passion, and creativity are fundamental. However, it is just as critical to know how to promote your work effectively and catch the eye of the right people. In an era where the digital space has opened a world of opportunities for self-promotion and discovery, there are several strategies to help you amplify your reach and cultivate a vibrant musical career. This guide shared by the Colorado School of Music can point you in the right direction.

Work on Building Your Online Presence

With the internet breaking down geographical barriers, establishing a online presence is crucial. Create a professional website to serve as a virtual home for your music, where listeners can find your discography, tour dates, contact information, and backstory. Meanwhile, social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok offer opportunities to connect with your fans on a personal level and keep them updated about your projects. Platforms like Soundcloud and Bandcamp also allow independent musicians to share their music directly with fans.

Head to Industry Events to Network

Networking is a valuable tool in the music industry. Conferences, festivals, and showcases offer a platform to meet industry professionals, potential collaborators, and audiences who could become your fans. Relationships formed at these events can open doors to opportunities like gigs, collaborations, or record deals.

Get Involved in Competitions

Music competitions provide a platform to showcase your talent and get noticed by a wider audience, including industry experts. Winning or even being shortlisted can boost your credibility and give your music the exposure it needs.

Collab with Other Musicians or Creators

Teaming up with other musicians or creators for projects can be mutually beneficial. Collaboration exposes you to their fan base, and vice versa, widening your audience reach. Collaborative projects also bring fresh perspectives and a unique fusion of styles, making your music more appealing to diverse audiences.

Perform Live at Local Events

Local gigs, open mics, and pop-up events are excellent ways to create a local fan base. Live performances not only get your music heard but also create an emotional connection with the audience. Distribute promotional materials such as CDs, stickers, or business cards to ensure your music keeps playing long after the performance ends. If you have any merchandise, you can also use live shows to sell these items to fans.

Participate in Industry-Specific Workshops or Courses

Continuous learning is essential in an evolving industry like music. Workshops and courses can help you learn new skills, keep up with industry trends, and understand the business aspects of music.

Write a Comprehensive Business Plan

Having a business plan gives direction to your music career. It should outline your goals, target audience, marketing strategies, financial plans, and more. A well-prepared business plan can also be a powerful tool when seeking investors or collaborators.

Use Sign and Fill PDFs for Contracts

In your journey as a musician, it’s crucial not to neglect the legal facets. Here’s an option: consider utilizing sign and fill PDFs to create contracts that are legally enforceable when you’re collaborating with clients, partners, or service providers. These agreements should lucidly outline the obligations, payment conditions, and rights of all involved parties. This way, everyone is protected and understands their responsibilities within the agreement.

The journey to getting discovered as a musician involves much more than making great music. It’s about smart networking, leveraging digital platforms, continuous learning, and business savviness. By implementing these strategies, you increase your visibility, and with perseverance, your music will resonate with the audience and industry professionals alike, opening doors to countless opportunities.

CSOM-Newsletter … August 2023

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! If you are looking for music lessons near by please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction. The Colorado School of Music provides private music instruction offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano lessonsguitar lessonsUkulele lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band lessons and orchestra lessons. Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from GoldenDenver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder! 

Closed on Labor Day –

The school will be closed on Monday, September 4th for the Labor Day Holiday. All MONDAY classes will resume on September 11th. Happy Labor Day!

Back to School Band! 

Fall is here, and school is back in full swing!  Although we’re located in Golden, our students come from all over the Metro Area including Arvada, Lakewood, Wheat Ridge, Littleton–even as far as Boulder and Denver! Our students ages range from Kindergarten to Graduate school!

Are you part of a school band or orchestra this fall? The Colorado School of Music offers private instruction for all band and orchestra instruments including brass instruments, woodwinds, violin lessons and drum lessons!   

Need to Move?

Did your soccer coach just re-structure practice times and throw your piano schedule into chaos? You’re probably not alone.  We understand the rigors of fall scheduling…so if you find that your music lesson time slot doesn’t fit, call us at 303-526-9865 and leave your name, current time slot and any days and times that work for your schedule and we’ll do our best to re-locate you!

Please Leave a Message-

During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!

Come See Our Instructors Perform!

In addition to being dedicated teachers, many of our instructors are professional musicians and perform regularly in Golden and the Denver area.

Odd Instrument?  – They’re not really odd, just interesting! The Colorado School of Music has talented instructors who specialize in many instruments. Do you play the trombone or the glockenspiel? Is it difficult finding a djembe teacher? If you play an unconventional instrument and are looking for direction, send us an email at info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com and let us know what you’re looking for – chances are, we have an instructor that can help you!

 Never Too Old…music lessons for adults!

Music lessons are for the young at heart, not just the young. If you’ve been thinking of renewing your love of piano or taking your guitar playing to the next level, try a private lesson with us! At the Colorado School of Music we are proud to have many adult students on our roster, studying all different disciplines. Our instructors are experienced with students of all ages, and will be happy to work with you to be sure that your lessons meet your individual needs. 

Adult music lessons are available for all instruments, including guitar lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, drums, violin, and more.

New payment option

We now accept Google Pay with the app. We also still accept cash, check and electronic checks from your financial institution.

Keep practicing!

Singing performance at the Arvada Center

July Music Blog #2 2023

Buying a Guitar

Thank you for stopping by to check out our monthly music blog. If you are looking for music lessons near by please consider the Colorado School of Music for private music instruction, including piano lessons, voice lessons, vocal lessons, violin lessons, viola lessons , ukulele lessons, drum lessons, percussion lessons, guitar lessons, bass guitar lessons and orchestral instruments. We have student attend our school from all over the Denver metro area. Including Golden, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Evergreen, Morrison and Boulder. Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory lesson from one of our great instructors. www.coloradoschoolofmusic.com info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com 303-526-9865

Today I will be talking about buying a guitar. Sounds basic but there are many things to consider when you are purchasing a guitar especial if it’s your first time. When I was growing up there was really only one way to buy a guitar and that was to go to the local music stores in the area and try out any of the guitars right there in person. For most of my life I have adhere to buying guitars that I can play before actually purchasing them. 

Today it seem a lot of people are purchasing guitars via the internet without ever playing them or even seeing it in person. I will address the reasoning behind this a little further in this blog. 

It is helpful when you decided to buy a guitar to know a little about the different guitars that are on the market and which ones you might want to target based on sound and style. If you have a favorite guitar player this is always a good place to start your research on which style of guitar you may want. If you pay attention to the guitar player or guitar players you like also take note of what kind of guitar they are playing. Today the market is flooded with many different manufactures and styles of guitars. 

You may find your guitar hero uses a guitar that’s way out your budget, but if you look you may find a company that produces a cheaper version of the style your favorite guitar player uses. 

Once you have an idea on which style your looking for I would look at as many music stores in your area to see who my have it in stock. At this point I would go and play as many of these guitar that are available to play. This means even if you find lets say a Gibson studio Les Paul and the store your at tells you they have 4 in stock and they are all the same, I would ask to see all four and play all four. Even tho they are technically all the same model and style they are NOT all the same. If you are at more of a beginner level you may have a harder time tell what is better about one than the other. I am going to tell list a few things I’m always looking for and watching for when I’m out looking to purchase a new guitar. First is the over all feel of the guitar. This includes the action, the components, how does the guitar resonate and sound. Also how well does it staying in tune as I’m playing it. Other things to consider is the neck size, shape and over all comfort while playing the guitar sitting down as well as standing up.

Once you think you have found a guitar that checks off all these different things to look for in a new guitar it’s time to work on the price. Some stores will include a case with your purchase and some will not. You want a case for your new guitar as they will help the guitar last longer and keep it in over all better condition. I would ask the store you have found the guitar you want it they do any kind of price match with online retailers. If so get yourself online and start searching to see if the price you getting is the best price available. Lets say the store your at won’t meet the best price online ask them if they can through in some accessories to make up some of the different in the prices your finding online. Bottom line is if you have found the guitar you want and have played it in person then this particular one is of great value to you then ordering the same one online. Again we have already talked about two guitars that are the same make and model each one will have a bit of a different feel, sound and over all vibe.

Remember your guitar is just a piece of wood and we know all trees are not equal as mother nature does a great job of creating every thing in a unique and special way. Therefor each guitar is unique and special in it’s own way. Good luck and have fun with the whole experience and make sure If you purchase a guitar online that you are able to return it. 

Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more.

July Music Blog 2023

Modes

Thank you for stopping by to read our monthly music blog. At the Colorado School of Music we off your first lesson for just $10. We offer a large variety of instruction for most instruments. We offer piano lessons, guitar lessons, vocal lessonsvoice lessonsviolin lessons, viola lessons, drum lessons, percussion lessons, ukulele lessons, trombone lessons, tuba lessons, euphonium and other orchestral instruments. We have students come from Denver, Lakewood, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Golden, Morrison and Evergreen. Please contact us at info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or 303-526-9865 www.coloradoschoolofmusic.com

Today I will be giving an overview of what a mode is in regards to music. Originated in ancient Greece these scales or modes create a unique sound. There are 7 modes or sounds that are part of the Greek scales. 

The first you encounter is Ionian. The Ionian mode is equal to our major scale. There are two other modes that are very similar to the major scale or that have a major sound. Lydian has a raised 4th when compared to a major scale or compared to the Ionian mode. By just changing the one in the scale you create a unique sound. This sound is referred to as Lydian mode. The Mixolydian mode has a flatted 7th when compared to a major scale. The Mixolydian mode fit the dominant chord like a glove.  These are the 3 modes with a major sound or are comprised from the major scale except the one altered note. Moving into the minor sounds in the modes you first want to look the Aeolian as this mode is the same or equal to your natural minor scale. Dorian mode has a raised 6th when you compare it to a natural minor scale or the Aeolian mode. The Phrygian mode has a flatted 2nd when compared to the natural minor scale. The final mode is the Locrian mode. This mode is specifically made to fit the diminished or minor 7 b5 chord. If we compared Locrian to the natural minor scale you will find it has a flatted 2nd and a flat 5th. 

Each of these modes is designed to create a special sound to fit with certain chords and chord progressions. The best way to get an idea of how they sound is to play them over chords. Try playing a major 7th chord and then jam the Ionian and Lydian over the chord starting at the chords root note. Next try playing a dominant 7th chord and improvising the Mixolydian mode over it. Now try playing a minor 7th chord and try the Aeolian, Dorian and Phrygian modes over that chord. Last try the Locrian mode with a minor7b5 chord. This excessive will give you a feel for what the modes are and sound like. 

Please contact us to come in for your $10 introductory music lesson from one of our great instructors or myself to learn further about music and the modes. We offer guitar lessons, piano lessons, drum lessons, violin lesson, Ukulele lessons, vocal lessons as well as some orchestral instruments and more. 

Piano Lessons
Piano Lessons

CSoM NEWSLETTER – July 2023

Happy Summer! Welcome to the Colorado School of Music!

Welcome to the Colorado School of Music! The Colorado School of Music provides private music instruction offering lessons for all ages and levels in piano lessonsguitar lessonsUkulele lessons, violin lessons, drums lessons, voice lessons and band lessons and orchestra lessons. Located in the heart of downtown Golden, our current roster is comprised of musicians from all over the Denver Metro area and includes students from GoldenDenver, Arvada, Wheat Ridge, Lakewood, Littleton and Boulder! 

Summer Music

The Colorado School of Music is open year-round and we offer our normal schedule of private lessons throughout the warm months. Summer is a great time to begin youth piano lessons or guitar lessons – or perhaps you’re interested in trying something new like ukulele or drum lessons. School band members – get ahead of your orchestra by taking some private instrument lessons during the break! Great slots are still available – email info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com or call us to set up a summer music lesson today!    

Fall Music

If you’re a student returning from summer vacation and you’d like to get back into private music lessons for the fall – call soon to reserve your day and time for August and the upcoming school year! Spots are going fast!  Our fall hours will be the same as our summer hours; M-F 2pm-8pm. We currently offer piano lessons, guitar lessons, violin lessons, voice lessons, drum lessons and lessons in all band instruments! 

Odd Instrument?  – They’re not really odd, just interesting! The Colorado School of Music has talented instructors who specialize in many instruments. Do you play the trombone or the glockenspiel? Is it difficult finding a djembe teacher? If you play an unconventional instrument and are looking for direction, send us an email at info@coloradoschoolofmusic.com and let us know what you’re looking for – chances are, we have an instructor that can help you!

Too Young For Music?

We often receive questions from parents regarding the appropriate/best age to start young children in formal music lessons. Of course, all children are different and there are always exceptions, but here are the general guidelines we use:

First, consider the instrument in relation to the age of the student. Piano lessons and Violin lessons are great choices for young children, as both violin and piano lessons have excellent curriculum for young beginners. Piano, in particular, provides a general overview of music theory and makes it easy to pick up other instruments as the student gets older. Some instruments can be difficult for beginners and aren’t as good for young children based on size, complexity, etc..       

Four years old is generally too young for formal lessons. Progress is very slow and it can be difficult to maintain the focus required for practicing. Four year old hands are also often too small.

We feel that six years old is generally the best age for young children to begin formal lessons. Many lesson books and methods are geared toward this age for beginners, and the progress made at this age is both faster than younger students and better learned, as lessons and concepts seem to ‘stick.’

Five year olds music students are in the middle – at this age, it seems to depend on the child. If motivated and interested, the progress with a five year old will be a bit slower, but nonetheless valuable. We’re always willing to try lessons with five year olds – please ask if you have more questions about beginners or you’d like to take an introductory lesson with your young musician. Parents/Guardians are welcome in all lessons!  

    

Never Too Old…music lessons for adults!

Music lessons are for the young at heart, not just the young. If you’ve been thinking of renewing your love of piano or taking your guitar playing to the next level, try a private lesson with us! At the Colorado School of Music we are proud to have many adult students on our roster, studying all different disciplines. Our instructors are experienced with students of all ages, and will be happy to work with you to be sure that your lessons meet your individual needs. 

Adult music lessons are available for all instruments, including guitar lessons, piano lessons, singing lessons, drums, violin, and more.

Please Leave a Message-

During the course of a week we field many phone calls from students and parents regarding lessons, scheduling and cancellations. During the afternoon, we often let the answering machine retrieve our messages so as not to disrupt class sessions. Please know that we are very conscientious about retrieving our missed calls and we always listen to our messages. We do not, however, make return calls for lesson cancellations unless requested. If you need to cancel for the week, please call 303-526-9865 and leave a message. Thank you!

Keep practicing, and enjoy the hot weather!

Come See Our Instructors Perform!
In addition to being dedicated teachers, many of our instructors are professional musicians and perform regularly in Golden and the Denver area.