Ideas for a musical life

Keep listening.
Keep becoming.

Notes on practice, lessons and the lifelong work of making music, written for curious students and the families who cheer them on.

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  1. Drums

    What Happens in a First Drum Lesson?

    What your child will learn in a first drum lesson, what to bring, which sticks to buy, and why you do not need a drum kit yet.

    · 3 min read

  2. Singing

    Can Anyone Learn to Sing? What Tone-Deaf Really Means

    True tone deafness is rare. Why most people sing out of tune, how singing improves with practice, and what to tell a child who thinks they cannot sing.

    · 3 min read

  3. For parents

    What Happens in a First Piano Lesson?

    What your child will learn in a first piano lesson, how to get ready, and whether a parent should stay in the room.

    · 3 min read

  4. Guitar

    What Size Guitar Does My Child Need?

    Half, three-quarter or full size? A simple fit test, the usual sizes by age, and why the right size matters more than the brand.

    · 3 min read

  5. Music production

    The Piano Roll, Explained for Beginners

    The piano roll is a keyboard turned on its side. Learn how to read it, draw notes and chords, and edit them, with no piano lessons needed.

    · 4 min read

  6. Drums

    What Age Should My Child Start Drum Lessons?

    Most kids are ready for drums between 6 and 8. The signs to look for, what to expect at each age, and why a practice pad is the best first step.

    · 4 min read

Browse by topic

The journal

120 articles

For parents

Helping your child start well and keep going.

See all 6
  1. For parents

    Keyboard or Piano? What to Buy for a Beginner

    Keyboard, digital piano or acoustic? What to look for in a child's first instrument, from full-size keys to the right bench height.

    · 4 min read

  2. For parents

    How Long Should My Child Practice Piano?

    Practice time for kids by age, why goals beat minutes, and simple ways to make piano practice a habit instead of a fight.

    · 4 min read

  3. For parents

    What Age Should My Child Start Piano Lessons?

    Most kids are ready for piano between 5 and 7. A simple readiness check, an age-by-age guide, and what parents should know before the first lesson.

    · 6 min read

Music production

Free, step-by-step tutorials for making your own music.

03 articles
  1. Music production

    The Four Chords Behind Hundreds of Songs: I, V, vi, IV Explained

    Learn the I, IV, V and vi chords, two orders that change the mood, and how to put them in your track in any key.

    · 4 min read

  2. Music production

    The Piano Roll, Explained for Beginners

    The piano roll is a keyboard turned on its side. Learn how to read it, draw notes and chords, and edit them, with no piano lessons needed.

    · 4 min read

  3. Music production

    How to Make Your First Beat (Free, in Your Browser)

    Make your first beat step by step: set the tempo, program a drum pattern, add bass and chords, and export it. Free, in your browser.

    · 5 min read

Guitar

Choosing, tuning and playing a first guitar, for families and beginners.

02 articles
  1. Guitar

    What Size Guitar Does My Child Need?

    Half, three-quarter or full size? A simple fit test, the usual sizes by age, and why the right size matters more than the brand.

    · 3 min read

  2. Guitar

    What Age Should My Child Start Guitar Lessons?

    Most kids are ready for guitar around 7 or 8. The signs to look for, what to expect at each age, and how to give a younger child a good start.

    · 4 min read

Drums

Sticks, beats, gear and quiet practice, for families and beginners.

02 articles
  1. Drums

    What Happens in a First Drum Lesson?

    What your child will learn in a first drum lesson, what to bring, which sticks to buy, and why you do not need a drum kit yet.

    · 3 min read

  2. Drums

    What Age Should My Child Start Drum Lessons?

    Most kids are ready for drums between 6 and 8. The signs to look for, what to expect at each age, and why a practice pad is the best first step.

    · 4 min read

Singing

Healthy singing, practice and auditions, for families and beginners.

02 articles
  1. Singing

    Can Anyone Learn to Sing? What Tone-Deaf Really Means

    True tone deafness is rare. Why most people sing out of tune, how singing improves with practice, and what to tell a child who thinks they cannot sing.

    · 3 min read

  2. Singing

    What Age Should My Child Start Singing Lessons?

    There is no single right age for singing lessons. Signs your child is ready, what to expect at each age, and how to keep a young voice healthy.

    · 3 min read

Tips and guides

Practice, technique and choosing an instrument.

See all 44
  1. Tips and guides

    The Music Passport Guide

    Support your students' musical exploration with the Music Passport, focusing on personal growth and engagement in their learning journey.

    · 3 min read

  2. Tips and guides

    How to Install Violin Finger Guide

    Learn to install the Music 4 Humans Violin Fret Finger Guide Sticker with our easy step-by-step guide. Start mastering violin tabs today!

    · 3 min read

  3. Tips and guides

    How To Hold Your Violin The Proper Way

    Explore tips for holding your violin, finding a comfortable position, and recognizing tension as you develop your technique.

    · 11 min read

Song tutorials

Learn songs you love, with sheet music.

See all 18
  1. Song tutorials

    New Partnership with My Sheet Music Transcriptions

    Experience the advantages of sheet music transcriptions from scratch. Preserve and adapt scores, learn new music, and share!

    · 3 min read

  2. Song tutorials

    Rush E – Violin Tutorial – Sheet Music

    Learn Rush E by Sheet Music Boss on the Violin with this easy-to-follow violin Tutorial with sheet music and violin tabs.

    · 3 min read

  3. Song tutorials

    This Is Halloween – Violin Tutorial

    Learn This Is Halloween from The Nightmare Before Christmas by Danny Elfman on the Violin with this easy-to-follow violin Tutorial.

    · 4 min read

From our teachers

Performances, lessons and notes from the people who teach here.

See all 37
  1. From our teachers

    JOJI – GIMME LOVE – DRUM COVER

    Explore “JOJI – GIMME LOVE – DRUM COVER,” shared by Gregory Pereira in the Music 4 Humans teacher journal.

    · 1 min read

  2. From our teachers

    Sergei Rachmaninoff – Vocalise

    Explore “Sergei Rachmaninoff – Vocalise,” shared by Edi Siljak in the Music 4 Humans teacher journal.

    · 1 min read

  3. From our teachers

    Knights of Cydonia guitar riff

    Explore “Knights of Cydonia guitar riff,” shared by Simrin Phull in the Music 4 Humans teacher journal.

    · 1 min read

The podcast

Conversations with working musicians.

See all 6
  1. The podcast

    The Music 4 Humans Podcast | Leyla Sneary |

    Leyla Sneary joins Louis Racicot to discuss the role music has played in her life and pursuing musical dreams on the Music 4 Humans Podcast.

    · 2 min read

  2. The podcast

    The Music 4 Humans Podcast | Alexa Rae |

    Alexa Rae joins Louis Racicot to discuss music, social media, and her experience as a drummer and creator on the Music 4 Humans Podcast.

    · 2 min read

  3. The podcast

    The Music 4 Humans Podcast | Michael Fisher |

    Michael Fisher joins Louis Racicot to discuss balance in life as a professional musician on the Music 4 Humans Podcast.

    · 2 min read