Want to learn how to shred your guitar like a pro? Thinking of honing your hip-hop production skills? How about adding some tweaks to your violin technique? Well, now you can because the internet has got you covered.
If you are musician, staying at home shouldn’t be a total drag. Perfect your craft even further courtesy of these free online music classes delivered by some of the best artists and organisations in the business. Here are some of the key courses you can log on to today.
Learn to play your favourite David Bowie tunes with Fender
The esteemed guitar maker Fender, adored by the likes of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton, is offering online classes covering guitar, bass and even the ukulele. Hope on their Fender Play online platform and sign up for free courses for three months without giving up any payment information. The lessons, by certified instructors are as easy going as they are brisk, with many lasting only a few minutes. Also included are instructional videos on how to play certain rock classics by artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed and The Police. Plug in and sign up on www.fender.com
Learn the beauty and complexity of classical music through Yale University
You don’t need to be a musical snob or spent decades in a conservatory to appreciate classical music. Through this course by the US Ivy League university, the novice listener will be provided with a firm and fun understanding on key pieces by the likes of Bach, Mozart and Puccini.
The course is eight weeks long and requires a commitment of three to five hours per week. Topics that will be covered include The Baroque Era and The Romantic Era and the course comes with its own series of videos and readings. You can sign up by clicking here.
Learn production techniques and the music business with Berklee College of Music
The online education platform EDX is home to a few courses by the respected US music institution Berklee College of Music, which recently opened an Abu Dhabi campus in Saadiyat Island. There are five courses available in English, and another five in Spanish, that offers a gold mine of information for producers and artists.
The Vocal Recording Technology class will provide you with tips on the best gear available to help your recording process. The Creativity & Entrepreneurship will teach you how to think both creatively and smart when it comes to navigating your music career, while Introduction to Music Theory is tailored for musicians who learnt by ear and with no formal training.
All courses are self-paced, however instructors recommend you spend between three to six hours per week on each course to get the most out of it. For details click here.
Learn some great violin technique with Nicola Benedetti
This is indeed a master class. Nicola Benedetti is a classical music superstar and she has been using her time home to drop some great nugget sized tutorials as part of her With Nicky series. Available on her YouTube channel, she offers tips and advice on how to improve your playing and how to maintain inspiration and motivation while practicing. Check out the series here.
Learn the art of the mix with Young Guru
If you are a hip-hop producer, then this course is for you. Learn how to create the perfect sound mix courtesy of Young Guru. Throughout his two decade career, he produced tracks for the likes of Jay Z, Beyonce and Kanye West. Through his seven videos (totaling 53 minutes) and associated notes, you will learn the best ways to organise your sound mix, adding effects and reverb and finding the right tone. Delivered through the online platform Skill Share, you can gain access to Young Guru's class through a free two-week trial period. For details click here.
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From Scrabble to Pictionary: virtual games you can play with friends and family while isolating
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