International Music School Leipzig

An accordion consists of two parts, the treble, i.e. the melody part, and the bass, connected by a bellows. By pulling the two parts apart and pressing them together, the air in the bellows is moved and pushed through the soundposts in the two side parts. This produces the different tones depending on the keys or buttons pressed. The „sailor's piano“, as it is also known, was very popular with seafarers as it was easy to transport but could still produce a wide variety of tones and melodies. Thanks to the sailors, it spread all over the world and became a carrier of musical folklore.

The banjo is an instrument of the long-necked lute family. The instrument was originally played by West African slaves in the early 18th century, who brought the plucked instrument with them to the „New World“. Today, there are four to eight-stringed instruments that are played in various genres.

For many of us, this is how our musical careers began: Recorder lessons! Hardly any instrument is better suited than the recorder for entering the great world of music. There are many arguments in favour of the instrument: good-sounding instruments are available at a low price, learning the basics is relatively easy and there is no lack of physical activity either, because breathing has to be controlled and regulated by the diaphragm. There is countless literature for all levels of difficulty, especially from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The recorder can be played alone, in pairs, in a brass band or in an orchestra.

The viola, as it is also known, is the violin's bigger sister. It was already being played in the 16th century and can be experienced and heard today both as a solo instrument and in the orchestra. The instrument is characterised by its warm and full sound.

The cello belongs to the family of string instruments. With an enormous range, the cello not only offers a warm and rich sound, but also allows melodies in the highest register to shine. This is why the instrument is not only very popular in classical music, but also in pop and rock music today: alone, in pairs, in a chamber music group, in an orchestra or in a band - the cello cuts a fine figure everywhere!

Nothing works without bassists: the electric bass is a powerful instrument on which you play the very lowest and most powerful frequencies and which is underestimated by many. It is the „better half“ of the drums, so to speak. For this reason, good tone and timing are crucial. We not only focus on the instrument, but also on its amp and explore how to adjust the controls on the amp and the electric bass so that every note is a true marvel. Are you in?

Drums or electric drums? Many people ask themselves this question when they are interested in the rhythmic instrument. E-drums are the perfect introduction to playing drums and fit perfectly into your everyday life. Thanks to the advanced technology, you can experience the feeling of playing a real drum kit. And unlike the original, you can practise at any time without having to worry about your surroundings. Just put on your headphones and start rocking.

The rise of the electric guitar began in the 1930s. As acoustic guitars were unable to assert themselves against wind instruments and piano in big bands, the search began for a way to amplify the sound. Electrically amplified guitars were first used in the country, jazz and blues genres and then had a lasting impact on pop and rock music. Countless milestones in music history would be inconceivable without the sound of the electric guitar. Over the decades, the electric guitar has produced numerous icons such as Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Mark Knopfler and Jimmy Page. To this day, the fascination with the instrument has not waned and motivates hundreds of thousands of people to do the same as their idols. The path to forming a band with friends is then often not far away.

The word violin came to Germany from Italy in the 17th century and actually means „small viola“, i.e. small viola. The word violin, on the other hand, originally referred to the entire genre of string instruments and was more of a joking substitute for the term violin. It is now used much more frequently in colloquial language and only refers to the one instrument. The violin not only plays first violin in the orchestra, but of course also second. There is countless literature for chamber music at all levels of difficulty on the violin. Devilish violinists like Paganini became immortal legends, and today pop idols like David Garrett and Lindsey Stirling emulate him.

With the voice, everyone has an individual, free musical instrument with them at all times. Singing combines language and music to form a unity that can tell stories, express feelings and convey moods. Whether you are a member of a choir or love classical solo singing, whether you feel more at home in opera, classical music, jazz, rock, pop or soul; whether you only sing in the shower or want to practise for the next karaoke party: We will find you the singing teacher who suits you stylistically and personally.

Loud or quiet, complex or simple, heavy or light: the guitar is played where most emotions are located - in the stomach. This is where playful, single notes, loud, full chords or wildly drummed rhythms are created. The guitar may not be the easiest instrument to learn, but it is easy to take anywhere. And what would a crackling campfire in the open air be without a few songs on acoustic guitar? If the guitar is too big or too loud for you, you can opt for the smaller and more manageable ukulele. It is at least as popular as its big sister, but plays a little differently, not least due to the different number of strings.

The clarinet is the sister of the saxophone, as both have a mouthpiece with a simple wooden reed and therefore belong to the woodwind family. The two instruments are also similar in terms of their characteristics: So there is a different instrument for each register, from soprano to bass. Among the large number of wind instruments, the clarinet has by far the largest range of around four octaves - depending on the skills of the clarinettist. To simplify production and transport, the clarinet consists of five separate parts that are inserted into each other with cork-covered pins.

The piano is one of the most popular instruments, not least because it can be played in several parts. It is the perfect introductory instrument for both young and old musicians. The basics of music theory are also better visualised than with many other instruments. There is countless literature for all levels of difficulty, whether classical, pop/rock or jazz. It is easy to tell imaginative stories, but also to take on the parts of an entire orchestra. But it is also a wonderful accompanying instrument, where the instrumentalist or singer still has enough freedom to sound. Piano always works!

The double bass, also known as the bass violin, is the largest and deepest string instrument and therefore forms the foundation of many pieces of music. Its range of use extends from folk music, rock and pop music, rock ‘n’ roll and rockabilly, jazz and swing to the (chamber) orchestra. The double bass is the all-rounder of the string instruments and, in addition to its use in bands and orchestras, also comes into its own as a solo instrument. For this, it is tuned higher than its normal range. So that children can also take double bass lessons, there are eighth, quarter and half basses - depending on the height of the child. Of course, our dedicated teachers will also help you choose the right instrument for your child.

The sound of the oboe is expressive and intense. The specific sound is produced by a double reed, whereby the distance between the two reeds is only one millimetre. This means you hardly use any air when playing, but you have to pay attention to a precise breathing technique. The oboe is a further development of the medieval shawm and belongs to the family of woodwind instruments. The mouthpiece, called the „reed“, is decisive for the sound. Many oboists therefore spend a lot of time customising their mouthpiece, as its composition represents a balancing act between sonority and playability.

The traditional Arabic ensemble, also known as takht, consists of four main melody instruments: Oud, nay, kanun and violin and one main percussion instrument: the riq. The oud is a short-necked lute from the Middle East. The origins of the instrument are thought to date back to the year 868. In Europe, the instrument is best known for the lute developed on it in the 16th century, which became popular with troubadours, trouveres and travelling musicians. As with most instruments from the lute family, the player produces the sound by plucking the strings.

The trombone belongs to the brass family, or more precisely to the trumpet family. The English and French name of the instrument, „trombone“, means nothing other than „large trumpet“. Today's common name comes from Martin Luther's translation of the Bible, who turned the bosanna into a trombone based on Hebrew and ancient Greek models. The sound of the trombone is produced at the mouthpiece. The player's lip movements cause the air in the trombone to vibrate and the notes are modified by the slide. It can get really loud: At the trombonist's ear, peak values of over 115 decibels are produced - louder than a chainsaw or a rock concert.

In contrast to the recorder, this wind instrument is played via a blowing hole on the side of the pipe, is not made of wood but of metal and is held at the side of the body. Archaeological finds document the first instruments of this type as early as the 12th century. Over the centuries, the instrument has developed into one of the most popular wind instruments, which is now used as a soloist, in orchestras or in bands.

The saxophone is a hybrid: it borrowed its keys from the oboe, the mouthpiece is similar to that of the clarinet with a simple wooden reed, which is why the instrument belongs to the woodwind family despite its metal body. The sound of the saxophone was also intended to be somewhere between these two instruments, as the Belgian Adolphe Sax (actually Antoine Joseph Sax) wrote in his patent application for the instrument on 21 March 1846. Adolphe Sax planned to use the saxophone in symphony orchestras as well as in military music. However, the instrument never caught on in classical orchestras and instead contributed to the triumph of jazz.

This instrument needs no lengthy introduction: the drum kit. Consisting of a variety of different percussion instruments, it can be put together in different ways depending on requirements and musical style. Small and large drums and resounding cymbals form the basis today. And they can get really loud! In the past, it was almost impossible to play drums without a rehearsal room and without annoying the neighbours. Today, you can practise regularly on an e-drum set with headphones, even in small rented flats. Good timing, dynamics and posture are just as important as the ability to think and play with foresight, no matter what genre you're playing.

Synthesisers are one of the most powerful and intuitive approaches to creating sound. Many instrumentalists are also interested in their own sound, but compared to acoustic instruments, sound synthesis is only limited by the imagination.

Music production is at the heart of modern music. Whether hip-hop, pop, electronic music or film music - the majority of songs today are created on the computer. With digital audio workstations (DAWs), synthesizers and professional recording technology, you can create your own beats, record, arrange and mix songs.

The trumpet is a great instrument: with 130 cm of brass wound up, a cup mouthpiece and three valves, you can play wild jazz solos, powerful brass music or festive Christmas trumpet sounds. The trumpet is used almost everywhere and there is countless literature for all levels of difficulty, whether in classical music, pop/rock or jazz. You get to know your body in a completely new way, especially your own breathing, because playing the trumpet also requires physical effort.

A little music theory is also part of making music. Whether at the very beginning of learning an instrument or when you already know how to read music: theory forms the basis for flexible music-making and an understanding of musical relationships. Reading music and harmony are only the first exciting elements of the universe of music theory.