Freelance Cellist and Teacher
Jennie Khan is an Auckland based cellist and cello teacher. She has a variety of experience performing both here and in Europe and has been teaching students of all ages for many years.
Keeping motivated is important for all musicians. Practicing, performing and playing in general can all present us with challenges to a degree that we start to have doubts. If you isolate the problem then there are ways to overcome it....
Read MoreLearning an instrument can involve many physical challenges and it is often necessary to find a certain level of familiarity in navigating it before things like tone and accuracy can really be fine tuned. However, there are simple exercises that can be practised to simultaneously develop the ear that need only a little technical skill. These are just as important as learning where the notes are on the stave or where to put your fingers.
Read MoreThe foundations of the intonation that we hear is somewhat intuitive, it depends a lot on one's musical exposure. Listening to most western music, be it popular or classical, these combinations of sounds, intervals and chords will sound 'right' to your ear. If however you listen to a lot of jazz or world music your ear will likely be more attuned to different types of harmonies.
Read MoreHaving a good ear is crucial for all musicians. There are a lucky few who have perfect, or absolute, pitch. I am related to at least one of these people, but unfortunately, I was not lucky enough to inherit that particular gene. So, like most, I have had to learn to develop 'relative pitch'.
Read MoreThe intention of this blog is to share my experiences, ideas and advice to help you to become a better musician. To share techniques and philosophies on how you can improve your playing both physically and mentally.
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