Song of the Volga Boatmen (Guitar Lesson)
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Song of the Volga Boatmen
Matt Brown demonstrates the melody and tips for playing the Russian folk tune "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Taught by Matt Brown in Reading Music and Rhythm seriesLength: 11:33Difficulty: 0.5 of 5
-Learn how to play the melody to "Song of the Volga Boatmen" by reading standard notation
-Learn how hammer-ons and pull-offs can be added to the score to achieve a legato style.
Chapter 2: (02:31) Play Along Make sure you are not playing any incorrect notes or rhythms as you play along with Matt. Also, remember to keep plowing ahead towards the end if you happen to make a mistake. Chapter 3: (08:26) Song of the Volga Boatmen Process of Learning a New Piece of Music
1. Learn the Title and Composer
Title: Song of the Volga Boatmen
Composer: Traditional Russian Folk Song
2. Note the Key Signature
Key Signature: A minor
3. Note The Style and Tempo
The style listed is "andante." Do your own research and determine what this tempo / style marking indicates.
4. Scan for Dynamics
Matt has added some simple dynamics into the score. They highlight important features such as modulations and the "apex" or high point of the melody. The dynamics begin at a mezzo forte or medium volume and build toward a climax. Notice how a decrescendo is added to the end of the melody to create a dramatic "fade out" type of effect.
5. Scan for other Important Features
A. Modulation
Notice how several Bb notes occur in the melody. These Bb notes signal a brief modulation to the closely related key of F major.
B. Sixteenth Notes
All sixteenth notes in this piece are played with a pull-off. This produces a smoother sound than playing them with alternate picking. Slurs (hammer-ons, pull-offs, slides, etc.) can be added into a piece as necessary when a smooth, legato style is called for.
Position Playing
In order to add in the pull-off figure, the melody must be played in 1st position or a higher position that Matt has not covered yet. For this reason, Matt opts to play the melody in first position.
Performance Example
Before you begin to practice the melody, watch and listen several times as Matt performs it at 05:56.
Practice Time
Pause the lesson video and practice sight reading through the melody slowly in time with a metronome. Go as slowly as you need to!
Video Subtitles / Captions
Supplemental Learning Material
Reading Music and Rhythm
Found in our Beginner Lesson SetsMatt brings all of his years of education right to you with this fantastic series on how to read music. You will start with the very basics and work up to some very advanced concepts.
Lesson 1
Intro to Reading Music
This introductory lesson will walk you through the basics of reading music and reading rhythm.
Length: 15:07 Difficulty: 1.5 Members OnlyLesson 2
Reading Music
Learn how to identify notes, the key signature, and the staff. Implement your reading skills by playing a few simple tunes.
Length: 43:32 Difficulty: 1.5 FREE
Rhythm and Time Signatures
Learn the basics of notation and time signatures. Practice these concepts with a few timing exercises.
Length: 22:01 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
3/4 Time Signatures
Now that you've learned a bit about 4/4 time, it's on to 3/4 time.
Length: 22:20 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Reading Music Practice
Now that you know the basics of reading music, it's time to put that knowledge to work with some exercises.
Length: 25:43 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
On Top of Old Smokey
Get some more practice reading music and rhythms during your rock fest rendition of "On Top of Old Smokey".
Length: 15:54 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
He's Got the Whole World
Matt Brown reviews the G major scale and teaches "He's Got the Whole World".
Length: 13:18 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Amazing Grace
Matt Brown explains how to read music in the key of F major. He uses the song "Amazing Grace" as an example.
Length: 15:22 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Shoo, Fly
Matt Brown teaches the song "Shoo, Fly" as another excellent rhythm and reading example. This song is in the key of G.
Length: 14:46 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Scales and Key Signatures
Matt Brown returns with the 10th installment in his Reading and Rhythm series. In this lesson, Matt discusses key signatures.
Length: 14:09 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Minor Key and Aura Lee
In this lesson Matt Brown covers the first minor key song in this series, "Aura Lee".
Length: 12:11 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Scarborough Fair
In this lesson, Matt introduces the A Dorian mode. He applies it to the song "Scarborough Fair".
Length: 16:29 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Second Position
In lesson 13, Matt Brown discusses and demonstrates second position.
Length: 29:52 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Rhythm
Lesson 14 is all about rhythm. Matt Brown discusses its importance and provides several exercises.
Length: 20:17 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
On Top of Old Smokey Review
Matt Brown reviews "On Top of Old Smokey". This time around, the melody is played in second position.
Length: 7:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Reviewing Angels We Have Heard On High
For lesson 14, Matt Brown reviews "Angels We Have Heard On High". The melody is now played in second position.
Length: 12:02 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Shoo, Fly Review
Matt Brown reviews the song "Shoo, Fly" in second position.
Length: 8:56 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Rhythm Strumming
This lesson covers right hand rhythm technique. Matt introduces syncopated strumming patterns.
Length: 25:38 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Down by the Riverside
Matt teaches the melody to "Down by the Riverside". This tune is used as preparation for learning accompaniment techniques.
Length: 15:02 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Accompaniment
Matt uses the song "Down by the Riverside" to teach accompaniment techniques for rhythm backing.
Length: 12:31 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Fur Elise Pt. 1
Matt teaches the classic tune "Fur Elise" in a two part series. For Part 1, Matt demonstrates the melody section.
Length: 24:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Fur Elise Pt. 2
In lesson 22, Matt teaches the accompaniment sections to Beethoven's "Fur Elise".
Length: 13:12 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
The Entertainer Pt. 1
Lesson 23 starts a 2 part series on the classic tune "The Entertainer".
Length: 16:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
The Entertainer Pt. 2
Lesson 24 completes the two part series on "The Entertainer". You will learn the accompaniment in this lesson.
Length: 14:06 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Sea to Sea Pt. 1
Matt starts another 2 part lesson, this time on the tune "Sea to Sea" by William G. Leavitt.
Length: 20:36 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Sea to Sea Pt. 2
Lesson 26 completes Matt's 2 part series on "Sea to Sea".
Length: 10:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 1
Matt introduces the B flat major scale and teaches the song "Stars and Stripes Forever".
Length: 21:31 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Stars and Stripes Forever Pt. 2
Matt completes his two part series on "Stars and Stripes Forever" by teaching the accompaniment.
Length: 7:39 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
D Major in First and Second Position
Matt Brown teaches the D Major scale in both first and second positions.
Length: 17:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Danny Boy Pt. 1
Matt Brown demonstrates "Danny Boy" in both first and second positions.
Length: 16:28 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Danny Boy Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to the "Danny Boy" melody.
Length: 12:03 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Silent Night Pt. 1
Matt teaches the Christmas classic "Silent Night."
Length: 18:17 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Silent Night Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment to the "Silent Night" melody.
Length: 4:55 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches "Funiculi Funicula" as an exercise in reading and playing in 6/8 time.
Length: 14:39 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Funiculi Funicula Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Funiculi Funicula".
Length: 16:40 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Strumming Triplets
In lesson 36, Matt provides exercises to help you strum triplet patterns.
Length: 23:30 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Strumming Sixteenth Note Rhythms
In lesson 37, Matt Brown demonstrates how to strum sixteenth note rhythms.
Length: 17:28 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Song of the Volga Boatmen
Matt Brown demonstrates the melody and tips for playing the Russian folk tune "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Length: 11:33 Difficulty: 0.5 Members Only
Song of the Volga Boatmen Pt. 2
In lesson 39, Matt teaches the accompaniment to "Song of the Volga Boatmen".
Length: 8:35 Difficulty: 1.5 Members Only
Dance of the Ukraine
Matt Brown teaches and demonstrates "Dance of the Ukraine."
Length: 15:37 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Dance of the Ukraine Pt. 2
Matt demonstrates the accompaniment to the "Dance of the Ukraine" melody.
Length: 13:36 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Etude by Ferdinando Carulli
Matt Brown teaches an etude for classical guitar by Ferdinando Carulli.
Length: 21:20 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Morning Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches the melody section to "Morning" by Edvard Grieg.
Length: 18:44 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Morning Pt. 2
Matt teaches the accompaniment for Edvard Grieg's "Morning."
Length: 8:08 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bach's Minuet Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's classic Minuet.
Length: 14:55 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Bach's Minuet Pt. 2
In lesson 46, Matt Brown covers the accompaniment section to Bach's Minuet.
Length: 5:53 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Little Prelude in C Pt. 1
Matt Brown teaches Bach's "Little Prelude in C."
Length: 16:23 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Little Prelude in C Pt. 2
Matt Brown teaches the accompaniment to "Little Prelude in C" by Bach.
Length: 7:49 Difficulty: 2.0 Members Only
Clementi's Sonatina
Matt Brown teaches the 2nd guitar part to Muzio Clementi's famous "Sonatina."
Length: 23:46 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Bach's Invention #1
Matt Brown teaches Invention #1 composed by J.S. Bach.
Length: 21:42 Difficulty: 2.5 Members Only
Third Position
Matt takes a look at playing in third position. This lesson will set up future reading lessons that require the third position.
Length: 7:16 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
Third Position Practice
Matt Brown has you working through Jean Philippe Rameau's Minuet for third position playing in lesson 52. He provides a play along and accompaniment to help your sight reading and playing.
Length: 15:11 Difficulty: 0.0 Members Only
About Matt Brown
View Full Biography
Matt Brown began playing the guitar at the age of 11. "It was a rule in my family to learn and play an instrument for at least two years. I had been introduced to a lot of great music at the time by friends and their older siblings. I was really into bands like Nirvana, Alice In Chains, and Smashing Pumpkins, so the decision to pick up the guitar came pretty easily."
Matt's musical training has always followed a very structured path. He began studying the guitar with Dayton, Ohio guitar great Danny Voris. I began learning scales, chords, and basic songs like any other guitarist. After breaking his left wrist after playing for only a year, Matt began to study music theory in great detail. I wanted to keep going with my lessons, but I obviously couldn't play at all. Danny basically gave me the equivalent of a freshman year music theory course in the span of two months. These months proved to have a huge impact on Brown's approach to the instrument.
Brown continued his music education at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio. He completed a degree in Classical Guitar Performance in 2002. While at Capital, he also studied jazz guitar and recording techniques in great detail. "I've never had any desire to perform jazz music. Its lack of relevance to modern culture has always turned me off. However, nothing will improve your chops more than studying this music."
Matt Brown currently resides in Dayton, Ohio. He teaches lessons locally as well as at Capital University's Community Music School. Matt's recent projects include writing and recording with his new, as of yet nameless band as well as the formation of a cover band called The Dirty Cunnies.
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