Our Approach
Music is language; Music is culture
Imagine a child learning to speak for the first time: they listen to and imitate the sound of the masters around them while their parents encourage and coach. It isn't until years later that they begin to recognize words on a page. Reading is incredibly important, but speaking takes precedence.
Because of this, aural training is one of the main focuses here at Studio Station. We develop the ear of our students so they can listen to and imitate the music they enjoy most. Having the ability to recreate what you hear on a record is empowering, encouraging, and it will keep you engaged as you learn the music you love to listen to.
This is a big part of what we call language development: You listen to the language of music around you, imitate what you hear, and learn to speak the language as the masters do. You are building your vocabulary, learning phrases, and picking up the nuance of different genres and styles. We will help you uncover the building blocks of music to make sense of it all and ensure you have a well rounded education. We will answer the "what" and the "why" as you learn.
This focus on aural training will teach you to speak. This is the base we will build upon as you learn to read and write. Fluency in all three areas is what we're pursuing.
Conversation is Improvisation
Some musicians are afraid of the word "improvise". They believe they need written music memorized or in front of them to play. But imagine if we carried conversations this way! You don't need a book in front of you to talk to me, nor are you repeating from memory your favorite poem when you see your friend at the grocery store (unless they really want to hear it).
You have a foundation of language built up over years and years that you call upon to carry conversations each day. It often isn't premeditated, it isn't scripted: _it's improvised_. And it feels _normal_. You built your vocabulary, you learned grammar, and you picked up common phrases from the culture around you. You understand how your language works so you can employ what you've learned without much thought. We believe Music should be approached in the same way.