Success Music Studio

Geoff

Geoff (pronounce Jeff) Keith has taught instrumental music lessons for over 30 years, and special needs students for over 20 years, accruing over 6,000 hours working with special needs and LD students. In the 1990’s, he developed FBC Sudbury’s Kid’s Music Club program (children’s choir). His articles on teaching music to students with learning disabilities have appeared in the Dyslexic Reader. The information in the blog is similar to the information he presented at Berklee College of Music’s ABLE Assembly, which is a special needs arts conference for teachers. Also, he has been included in Marquis Who’s Who biographies.

Harmony is Tone Color - Xylophone - Tips for Synthesizing an African Balafon Style Xylophone Sound

Tips for Synthesizing an African Balafon Style Xylophone Sound

Do you have a hard time recreating on the synth the xylophone sounds from your favorite world music? Do you want to know how to tune the African balafon? The tuning and tone color of an instrument are closely tied together. Keep reading to get info and tips for synthesizing an African balafon style xylophone sound. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

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Please Explain Vowel Modification to Me Like I'm a 5 Year Old - Girl Singing at Microphone

Please Explain Vowel Modification to Me Like I’m a 5 Year Old

“Please explain vowel modification to me like I’m a 5 year old.” Vowel modification helps you get a good vocal tone, so you can raise your singing to the next level. It’s an essential technique to master if you want to reach your full potential, because singing is all about vowels. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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12 Easy Piano Songs (Including Twinkle Twinkle Little Star) - cute girl playing piano, little girl, piano

Is Playing the Piano a Suitable Activity for Autistic People?

Do you want your autistic child to play piano? Or are you an adult with autism who’s wondering if piano would be a good fit? Playing piano brings a lot of benefits beyond just the fun of playing music. Read more to find out the answer to the question, “Is playing the piano a suitable activity for autistic people?” Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Why is Classical Music Interpreted Differently from Pop Music - Ludwig van Beethoven Bust - Beethoven (Why Did He Keep Composing After Deafness) - Singing Beethoven’s Beautiful Ode to Joy - Learn How to Play Beethoven’s Beautiful Fur Elise

Why is Classical Music Interpreted Differently from Pop Music? Part 3

“Why is classical music interpreted differently from pop music?” Interpretation has a very important role in performing classical music. This doesn’t mean that interpretation can’t be important in pop music. However, classical artists seem to be very aware of the process of how to interpret a piece of music. You can be too. Read more to learn how it works. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Tonic vs. Root in Music Theory: Are They the Same Thing? (Part 2) - Sheet Music and Pencil - How to Graduate from Color Coded Music Symbols - Musical Talent and Giftedness

Tonic vs. Root in Music Theory: Are They the Same Thing? (Part 2)

Are you confused about the difference between the root and the tonic in music theory? Some musicians treat the terms root and tonic as if they were interchangeable. However, they have different, but equally important roles in music theory. Click to learn the difference between the tonic vs. root in music theory. Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

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Playing Piano with Color Coded Left Hand Notes and Rhythm – Color Music

Playing Piano with Color Coded Left Hand Notes and Rhythm

Would you like to introduce your kid to piano? (Or are you a music teacher who has a student with learning difficulties?) Multisensory teaching methods will help! Click to learn about playing piano with color coded left hand notes and rhythm. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies - Music Book - How Do I Switch from Minor Key Shaped Notes to Standard Notation

Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies

Do you want to sing Eastern European folk melodies and mediaeval chants? Are you puzzled about how the aeolian mode works? Modes have been a feature of music from ancient times to today. Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies lets you explore the exotic sound of the aeolian mode. Estimated reading time 2 minutes.

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Need Advice for Teaching a First Year High School Jazz Pianist - Pianist - How to Graduate from Color Coded Music Symbols

Need Advice for Teaching a First Year High School Jazz Pianist?

“What advice do you have for a pianist in jazz band?” Piano in middle school and high school jazz band can be challenging. Jazz is chromatic and modulates often. This means that piano teachers will have to have a plan of attack. Click if you need advice for teaching a first year high school jazz pianist. Estimated reading time 4 minutes.

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How Do You Sing Eastern European Vocal Harmony in 2nds by Ear - Babushka Musicians - Singing Shape Note Solfege Aeolian Melodies

How Do You Sing Eastern European Vocal Harmony in 2nds by Ear?

Have you ever wondered how Eastern European vocalists sing polyphony in parallel 2nds? Do you want to know how world music works? Understanding world music involves stepping outside your own perspective and seeing from the world musician’s point of view instead. Click to answer the question, “How do you sing Eastern European vocal harmony in 2nds by ear?” Estimated reading time 3 minutes.

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