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Learning an Instrument

Learning an Instrument

Date: May 04 2009

Themes: Hobbies, How To

Grammar: Be Able To

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

OK, so Mozart started composing and performing symphonies at the age of five. But we can’t all be so gifted. For most people, learning how to play an instrument is a challenging process that can take a number of years. It’s especially difficult to teach yourself how to play, without the help of lessons.

Devan is trying to learn how to play guitar, but it isn’t going very well. Listen to her ask for advice from Beren, who plays drums in a band.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

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2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Devan

Devan

Beren

Beren

Devan:  So, Beren, you play drums. How long did it take you to learn how to play them?

Beren:  Oh man, I am definitely not a natural. I know some people can just pick up an instrument and just play. But it took me a while to actually be able to play a full beat and feel comfortable. I’d say a couple years actually.

Devan:  Well, that’s reassuring because I’ve been trying to learn guitar for a couple years, and it’s just not coming naturally. My dad tried to teach me, but he’s one of those people that just plays by ear. And trying to learn from him is really frustrating ‘cause he doesn’t really know the names of chords or anything since he’s completely self-taught, by ear. But it’s really hard for me because I’m definitely not a natural. And I’m a little tone-deaf, too.

Beren:  Definitely, when I started, I was trying to teach myself and that actually worked out pretty well. But even like as recently as six months ago I’ve taken a drum lesson. And it really helps, ‘cause I can read a little music so, you know, I can get a book with drum notation and have a teacher show me what it’s supposed to sound like, and then I can take that home and work on it, and have something to work off of.

Devan:  Well, maybe there’s still hope for me yet. I guess I shouldn’t give up so quickly.

 

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Discussion

Devan asks Beren how long it took her to learn to play the drums. Even though Beren is good enough to play drums in a band now, it was hard for her to learn. It took her two years to teach herself how to play, and even now, she sometimes gets help from a teacher or a music book.

Devan’s father is a natural on the guitar. He learned to play without a teacher and without even knowing the different chords. He can just listen to a song a few times, pick up the guitar, and start playing it. Unfortunately for Devan, that doesn’t make him a very good teacher.

Have you ever learned to play an instrument? Are you a natural, or was it hard for you to learn? If you could play any instrument, what would it be?

 

Comments

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rezy-ran

Qatar

I'm not adept at perfection, I would like to be successful

05:43 PM May 04 2009 |

Futuristic

Futuristic

Philippines

Actually,I'm about to study howto play a guitar just recently, well, I'm not a natural with this instrument.

02:49 PM May 04 2009 |

time man

time man

China

I heard the drums in the county band usually,i want to learn ,but i'm not succeed.

02:29 PM May 04 2009 |

hazamov

hazamov

Russian Federation

I have been played a violin for 5 years. Then i have turned on a drum.  I am not a naturall, but not a tone-deaf too. Gold middle :) So, i think it's not very hard to learn if you have the strong desire.

02:23 PM May 04 2009 |

Mo

Mo

China

I learned to play the piano for six years when I was in primary school.But nearly no touching on it for several years, I am rusty in it now. It's a pity.

02:00 PM May 04 2009 |

bartek

bartek

Poland

I've learned to play the flute, mouth organ and guitar. But it was very hard to me to learn it. I would like play guitar very well, but I know that I'm tone-deaf

12:24 PM May 04 2009 |

achf

Brazil

I haven't learned play any instrument. I have never had interest to play something. But, if I was able to paly any instrument, I'd play drums like Pete Sandoval or Emil Dragutinovic. Beyond this, I would join in a black/death metal band.

11:31 AM May 04 2009 |

Liaa

Liaa

Russian Federation

Unfortunately I am not able to play any instrument.

10:50 AM May 04 2009 |

mehmetd

mehmetd

Turkey

ı d like to play guitar..guitar s sound is relaxing and calming human so much…ı like this sound…but ı dont have any chance to play this music instrument…of course i like to listen this sound…ı think it s best one of music instruments….

07:53 AM May 04 2009 |

mukashi

mukashi

Myanmar

I am into music. But to be honest I am not interesting to play any musical instrument.  I think I am totally tone-deaf to learn an instrument.  I just like to listen music. Listening music is my hobby.  I had a great pleaseure while I am listening music.

01:12 AM May 04 2009 |

June1

June1

Malaysia

I play piano since I was 7, I not a natural and I recently take a piano lesson for 9 years. At last i give up because it was hard when the grades goes higher.

12:52 AM May 04 2009 |

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