Category: Blogging

Instruments to Learn

Most Difficult Instruments to Learn

September 26, 2022 /

It’s no secret that learning a musical instrument can be a challenging task. Some instruments are notoriously difficult to master and can take years of practice to learn properly. While many online guides cover easy instruments to learn, we want to shine a light on those most difficult either for those who like a challenge or those who want to steer clear at all costs.

Violin

Perhaps to nobody’s surprise, the violin is widely considered to be one of the most difficult instruments to learn. The high level of coordination required to play the violin is what puts many people off as it takes years of practice to develop the necessary skills. The good news is that once you do master the violin, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most versatile and rewarding instruments out there.

What makes the violin so difficult? As mentioned, the main thing that makes the violin so difficult is the level of coordination required to play it. While your right arm (traditionally) holds the bow, your left arm must simultaneously hold the instrument and position the fingers on the strings.

Oboe

Even if you couldn’t point an oboe out in a line-up, you will have almost certainly heard this instrument before. The oboe has a distinctive, reedy sound which is often used in film scores to represent eeriness or sadness (think of the 1978 film Halloween, for example).

The oboe is notoriously difficult to play, due in large part to its double-reed mechanism. This means that, unlike other wind instruments which use a single reed (such as the clarinet), the oboe uses two pieces of cane that vibrate against each other to create sound.

Not only is it difficult to learn how to make a good sound on the oboe, but it is also difficult to keep a good sound going. The reeds are sensitive to temperature and humidity, meaning that they can go out of tune very easily.

Piano

For many years, the piano has often been cited as one of the most difficult instruments to learn, and it is certainly true that it takes a lot of practice to become proficient. However, the piano is also a very rewarding instrument to learn, and once you have mastered it you will be able to play a wide range of music. Whether you want to play along with music or impress people with your solo playing, the piano is a great choice.

French Horn

Next, we find an instrument in the brass family – the french horn. The reason the french horn is so difficult is that it requires a lot of control and accuracy from the player. For one thing, you need to be able to produce a clear, pure sound without any mistakes. What’s more, you need to be able to play in tune with the rest of the band. There are a lot of notes on the french horn, and it can be difficult to keep track of them all.

Tuba

As another brass instrument, the tuba is also quite difficult to play. In fact, it’s often said that the tuba is one of the most difficult instruments to learn. Much like the French horn, the tuba requires a lot of control from the player. The second the player loses control, the sound becomes fuzzy and difficult to listen to. In addition, the tuba is a very large instrument, which can make it difficult to carry around and hold.

About The Violin

March 24, 2020 /

The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks about the violin is “classical music,” or something highbrow and classy. While it is true that violins are ubiquitous in orchestras, they are very common in country and rock music. Violins also come in electric models as well, so you can add a wide range of effects to get a myriad of sounds. So where did the violin come from, and how did it become the wildly popular instrument it is today?

Violin History

Today’s violin owes its existence to an antiquated instrument called the “Lira,” which was developed and used widely in 9th century Europe. The lira developed over time into two separate types of instruments, one that was held in the arms and square shaped called the “lira da braccio” and the other positioned between the legs “lira da gamba”. Both of them were used frequently. However, as history manifested, instruments that were held in the arms became more popular and led to the development of the violin in 1550. 

Violin

In the 16th through 18th centuries, Italy had what was called the “Golden Era” of violin luthiers that included the Amati, Guarneri, da Salo, Micheli, and Ruggieri families. The violins made by these families are in short supply today and worth colossal amounts of money.

Violins and Orchestras

Between the years 1600 and 1750, which is called the “Baroque Era” of music, the violin was one of the most critical instruments in classical music for a myriad of reasons. A violin tone stands out over other instruments and is perfect for melodies, rapid note sequences, and different sounds that other instruments simply cannot create. Because of this range, violins made up a large part of an orchestra and existed in two sections, known as the first and second violins. Composers would typically assign the melody to the first violin section and the second to play the harmonies and lower ranges. Knowing this fact, if you listen to some classical music, you will likely be able to hear both violin sections performing like two vocalists complimenting each other.

Playing violin in an orchestra takes years of training and requires incredible levels of finger dexterity and coordination between both hands. One hand is fretting notes while the other operates the bow that creates the string vibrations. A violinist also has to consider how much pressure to apply to both the fingerboard and the bow, which controls the type of sound you will produce. Though playing the instrument is a vital aspect of musicianship, they must be aware of music theory, how to read sheet music, understanding what the other instruments in the orchestra are doing, and know how to fit into the big picture.

Conclusion

From musical creations to personal growth, playing the violin offers so many benefits. What makes it even more intriguing is its incredible history behind its development and how it is still such a sought-out instrument to play in the present day. The musical tones and its ability to fulfill musical voids while promoting player confidence and enjoyment makes it such a remarkable instrument that will undoubtedly still be around for thousands of years to come.

Food And Music

March 20, 2020 /

Nothing compares to live music and food from the grill. If you have ever been to New Orleans, then you know what I be talk’n about. Hitting the street for drinks, music, and entertainment are a part of everyday life in New Orleans. If you have never been there, it’s time to explore one of the best cities in the south, for good eats, and good times.