Use Backing Tracks to Fast Forward Music Practise at Home

 I believe that the regular use of backing tracks increases the chances of success and enjoyment for all music students across a wide variety of instruments. These tracks are supplied with modern tuition books and can be used both in music lessons and during practise sessions at home. There is plenty of time for sight reading, improvisation and creative playing as well, but without the backing tracks the whole process takes much longer. Here's why...    Do you get the urge to sing a long with a song you know? Do you sometimes hum or whistle a favourite tune? Do your feet start tapping when you hear classic rock and roll? Music has an amazing ability to make us want to join in and become a part of the action, especially if we already know the song or tune.Learning music based on familiar songs is called the "Mother Tongue" method. Most beginner tuition books use this method to some degree and it makes a lot of sense to do so. Students often comment that "Mary Had a Little Lamb" or "Merrily we roll Along" are easy songs to learn because they already know them. Dr Suzuki created theSukuki Method" based on the fact that young children will more quickly and thoroughly learn music if they are surrounded by it an an early age, just like they are surrounded by speech before they begin to read.When a music student hears and feels how a song goes then he will be much more likely to play it in the correct time and with the correct notes than if he is reading it from the sheet music only or by listening only. It is not cheating to play along with backing tracks of the music you are learning. In fact it is making the whole learning process much slower if you do not use backing tracks.Have you noticed which songs Voice contestants use in their performances? They choose familiar songs they love to sing and that suit their own singing style and vocal range. It is quite normal to want to replicate music we know and love.When music students are assisted by backing tracks they get to know and enjoy the music they are learning at a deeper level. The full orchestral backing, correct rhythm and those all important "count in" beats take the experience further than just looking at a black and white sheet of music notation, as exciting as this may be for us music-heads!So...if your child's printed music tuition book comes with backing tracks please use them regularly at home. If you need some help with creative ideas on how to use the backing tracks give me a call and I will be happy to help. 0418 563 226