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Learn something new - your brain will thank youAs a college professor/scientist, who has written about the dynamics of narcotics and self-control, I have spent the last 3 1/2 years all but addicted to learning to play guitar. Despite lacking anything that might remotely resemble musical talent, I find no day is complete without at least a little bit of time on the guitar. Even listening to music can be a little like a drug. A brain imaging study that came out last year proved what many scientists long suspected: Listening to music can lead the brain to release the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is the brain's universal signal for pleasure, an internal system that tells the brain (sometimes rightly, sometime wrongly) that it is doing the right thing. Music can improve learning, boost language skills: studyScientists believe learning musical sounds could enhance the brain’s ability to adapt NEW YORK — Learning to play a musical instrument can change your brain, with a U.S. review finding music training can lead to improved speech and foreign language skills. Although it has been suggested in the past that listening to Mozart or other classical music could make you smarter, there has been little evidence to show that music boosts brain power. But a data-driven review by Northwestern University has pulled together research that links musical training to learning that spills over into skills including language, speech, memory, attention and even vocal emotion. Researcher Nina Kraus said the data strongly suggested that the neural connections made during musical training also primed the brain for other aspects of human communication. “The effect of music training suggests that, akin to physical exercise and its impact on body fitness, music is a resource that tones the brain for auditory fitness and thus requires society to re-examine the role of music in shaping individual development,” the researchers said in their study. Kraus said learning musical sounds could enhance the brain’s ability to adapt and change and also enable the nervous system to provide a scaffolding of patterns that are important to learning. The study, published in Nature Reviews Neuroscience, looked at the explosion of research in recent years focused on the effects of music training on the nervous system, which could have strong implications for education. The study found that playing an instrument primes the brain to choose what is relevant in a complex process that may involve reading or remembering a score, timing issues and co-ordination with other musicians. “A musician’s brain selectively enhances information-bearing elements in sound,” Kraus said in a statement. “In a beautiful interrelationship between sensory and cognitive processes, the nervous system makes associations between complex sounds and what they mean.” The study reviewed literature showing, for example, that musicians are more successful than non-musicians in learning to incorporate sound patterns for a new language into words. Children who are musically trained are better at observing pitch changes in speech and have a better vocabulary and reading ability than children who did not receive music training. Musicians trained to hear sounds embedded in networks of melodies and harmonies are primed to understand speech in a noisy background. But Kraus said currently what is known about the benefits of music training on sensory processing beyond that involved in musical performance is largely derived from studying those who are fortunate enough to afford such training. The researchers concluded that there needed to be a serious investment of resources into music training in schools accompanied with rigorous examinations of the effects of such instruction on listening, learning, memory, attention and literacy skills. |
Get Into Guitar!"Irene has been a guitar and songwriting teacher in Victoria since 1989... teaching private students, classes and workshops to "kids" of all ages."
PRIVATE LESSONS:Calendar of Availability - check for a day/time that works for youI offer private lessons, beginners to intermediate, in the Victoria, BC (Fernwood/Hillside) area to people of all ages. As one of the premiere guitar teachers in the Victoria area, my emphasis is on learning for fun, and although I occasionally provide some basic theory, learning to play the songs you love is most important! Songs can be chosen from a database of hundreds, or I can work out your favourite song requests. Lessons are given in my basement studio on Fernwood Road. The lessons are relaxed, positive and ALWAYS fun. If you're a beginner, I recommend trying a month's worth of lessons to see how you feel about playing guitar. I won't feel bad if it's not your thing! Read more about my teaching, including thoughts and tips, here. KIDS - I teach kids from the age of 8 up. Kids often have a shorter attention span, so the first few lessons will give a sense of whether or not they will stick to it! Please read more about my thoughts on Kids and Guitars on my blog. To set up a free consultation, please email Irene at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com or call 250.888.3973 Cost for private lessons are as follows:
There are always plenty of daytime slots available, and some afternoon and evening slots. Email me at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com to set up a free consultation, or to book your time. For up-to-date days and times available, please check the calendar. For a list of some of the songs I teach, click on the Song List. **** Email for info or call 250.888.3973. If you have any trouble with the regular email address, please try ijackson57@hotmail.com. Thank you! GUITAR CLASSES/GROUP LESSONS:If you are interested in joining, please email me at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com Adults Level 1 GuitarIf you've played a little but have long since forgotten, or even if you've never played an instrument in your life, this class is for you! We will learn basic chords, strums and play familiar songs in a relaxed, supportive class environment. Each class is an hour in length, and sure to be a lot of fun. All you need is a guitar. If you don't have one, consider renting at any of our local music stores including Long & McQuade. For more information and to get your name on the list for the next set of classes, please email irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com or call 250-888-3973. New classes will be announced here soon. Adults Level 2 GuitarThis class is for those who have a basic knowledge of guitar and who would like to take it to another level, or for those who have already taken a beginner class with me. We will continue to play familiar songs but also add some techniques and styles of playing to advance your abilities. As always, the classes are fun and positive and even if all you need is a break from your hectic life, this is where you'll find it! To register or to get more information, please email irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com or call 250-888-3973.For a list of some of the songs I teach, click on the Song List. PAYMENTNew class students: pay either by CASH or CHEQUE , or by Interac E-Transfer ON THE FIRST NIGHT OF THE CLASS New private students: payment by CASH or CHEQUE, or by Interac e-transfer, due at the FIRST LESSON OF EACH MONTH Videos
Testimonials
"I have been playing the same lick for 30 years (self taught), my daughter has been taking lessons with Irene for 2 years. People throw beer bottles at me when I play, people throw money at my daughter when she plays. I have watched my shy daughter transform into a confident performer who can captivate anyone. She loves going to Irene who is a perfect fit for anyone. The lessons with Irene have had a extremely positive affect on her in so many aspects. The gauntlet has been thrown I'm tired of being 4 beats off and in the wrong chord so I'm signing up for lessons. My goal is to offered a beer instead of a thrown bottle. ~ Asia's Dad "I started taking guitar lessons with Irene about three years ago. I had taken group lessons twice in years past, but nothing can compare to the individual lessons I have taken with Irene. I have learned things much quicker as a result, and song playing comes much easier. Irene has a very easy going nature and I feel very relaxed during my lessons with her. My guitar lessons are the highlight of each week." ~ Larry H. "Irene is an amazing teacher. I was looking for someone that could teach my daughter to play guitar using a fun, casual approach to modern music that my daughter could relate to. That is exactly how she teaches and why Madi never wants to miss a lesson! Madi is 15 and has learned so much in the last two years." ~ Lynn E. "After many years of frustrated fumbling with the guitar, I found playing guitar creative and enjoyable after a few group lessons with Irene! Great attitude, great space and a great guitar teacher! Thanks Irene!" ~ David R. "I would be pleased to recommend Irene as a guitar teacher to anyone. She is knowledgeable, kind and relaxed. I look forward to my lesson each week." ~ Eric M. "Guitar lessons with Irene were my favorite part of the week. So much fun and I learned a lot!" ~ Brian K. "Well, starting to learn the guitar a little later in life, can be a bit daunting....until I found Irene. I am learning in a very positive environment. Even the days when you arrive, feeling like you are never going to "get it". Then you sit with Irene, always cheerful, with loads of patience, understanding and humour. I walk away ready to tackle those difficult chords. And I am playing, and loving it!! All in all I would say she is a brilliant guitar teacher, and I am so glad that I found her, and look forward to my lessons with her every week." ~ Karen V. "Learning guitar with Irene is so enjoyable. She can take whatever song you are interested in and come up with an interesting way to play it. You leave feeling refreshed, energized and accomplished each night!" ~ Catherine C. "My daughter has been taking guitar lessons from Irene for a few short months. I'm amazed by how much she has learned in that short time (how do they remember all those chords?), but I'm even more impressed by how happy and motivated she is about her guitar lessons. With Irene's bubbly personality, and her fun and encouraging teaching style, my girl's lessons are a joy to her." ~ Corinne S. "I have been taking lessons from Irene for almost a year, I have enjoyed every class and her teaching methods." ~ Jim L. "Irene is a great guitar teacher, I'm really enjoyed my lessons because I learn songs that I know, and are new and fun! I've gone to different places for lessons but I didn't have fun there because I'd have to learn songs that I've never heard before because my teacher picked them. Irene also has a great singing voice so when we play together and she sings it sounds amazing!" ~ Lindsay M. "Irene made learning easy and fun. Because I didn't need to get into the theoretical part of guitar playing, she taught us how to play, which encouraged me to want to play as I felt accomplishment. I looked forward to her class every week." ~ Berte M. "Irene is a great teacher – patient, knowledgeable and always with a sense of humour. I’ve been taking weekly lessons for about a year and a half and every lesson is both fun and productive. Learning new chords, strums – always going just a little further than I thought I could. I strongly recommend her." ~ Ken M. "I started taking weekly guitar lessons with Irene over 2 years ago, and I find my Wednesday night lesson a really great part of my week. I look forward to meeting up with Irene to practise the latest song I am learning. Irene is willing to work out chords and strum pattern for songs that you like, so you are able to learn your favourite songs. I have learned songs by Jack Johnson, Pearl Jam, Tragically Hip, Snow Patrol, Radiohead, and Stone Temple Pilots, and many others. Irene is a patient and friendly teacher, and she doesn’t pressure you. She understands when you’re busy and don’t have time to practise, and she never makes you feel guilty about it. She has a great wealth of knowledge about the guitar, having played for the majority of her life, and she’s happy to share her own experiences and answer questions. I highly recommend Irene as a guitar instructor, especially if you’re a beginner like I was when I first started taking lessons. Irene is a great person to help you build your confidence and your ability!" ~ Kate W. GIFT CERTIFICATESYou can purchase any combination of lessons, either private or group and download a gift certificate. A series of eight group classes costs $120. For private lessons, it is recommended that you purchase a package of 4 x 1/2 hour lessons, roughly a month's worth, at a cost of $72. Click on the gift certificate below to download Word .doc and print it out...or email Irene at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com for other options:
Have your recepient email Irene at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com or call 250-888-3973 to arrange times. For more information email Irene at irene "at" irenejackson "dot" com
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