June 25th, 2010
Vocalist Bar-Bee flew to Jamaica during the weekend to be featured in Sean Kingston and Nicky Minaj’s video shoot for their hit single Letting Go. She revealed it was a special experience for her being part of the shoot. “It was terribly cool being a part of this entire movement. That is the type of music I like, ” she shared. Bar-Bee plays the lead female role in the video, but other celebrities including platinum-selling artist, Shaggy and Wayne Marshall were also on set. It was directed by legendary video director, Tiny X, who was on location in Ocho Rios.
In a different story, Classic recording artist Sean Kingston and Island Def Jam / RBMG recording artist Justin Bieber team up for a music video supporting their new single Eenie Meenie.
“Shooting this video with Justin was amazing. A food fight even started on set at one point when we were goofing around between takes, ” asserted Sean Kingston.
“When I met him 2 years back we just clicked so it was only a matter of time before we received together in the studio.
“The colourful video for Eenie Meenie was shot in the Hollywood Hills by director Ray Kay who has worked with both Sean and Justin during the past. The colourful high-energy video captures an indecisive girl as she floats backwards and forwards between each of the blokes. Sean and Justin notice that the girl has been eyeing both so they opt to ditch her together. The Eenie Meenie single is presently shooting up the US iTunes charts and approaching gold standing with over three hundred thousand singles sold. The track is also featured on Justin Bieber’s new album My World 2.0 that has sold over 750,000 copies. To date the track has had over 6,000,000 YouTube streams.
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November 17th, 2009
Plasma TVs are the latest in entertainment advancement. They offer a lot more than standard television sets. But there is also a lot more training that is necessary for plasma TV installation. It’s not that plain either.
Plasma TVs are flat. They can be mounted on the wall or on the ceiling. This produces a better visual experience rather thaner than putting it on a TV stand or entertainment center. You are able to make the most of the flatness of the TV only when it is installed on the wall or ceiling. This way you can really show off your television.
So how do you acheive the best plasma TV installation? The best and easiest way would be to get someone to do it for you. But this would cost more compared to doing it yourself. It’s not that big of a problem if you know what you are doing and obtain good help in the form of friends or family.
So what are the components essential for plasma wall installation? Well, you will need a couple of things.
First, the right tools are very imperative. You will need the following: A hammer, a good set of screw drivers, a set of nails and screws, and a spirit level. You would also need a step ladder if you are installing it at a height.
Then the other supplementary equipment is also important. You would need a reasonable length of wire to connect your plasma TV to the electric plug points. In most cases these cables come with the TV, but be sure you have the right cables before starting. You would need a wall mount or ceiling mount. This is the most expensive component. Then you would also need wire clips or zip-ties to secure the wires together and make it look neat and presentable. And then based on your situation you would need other stuff like plaster, or wallpaper etc. Once you have decided where you are going to install your plasma TV, you can go about sourcing your equipment.
So now you know that installing your TV is not confusing; it is a process that can be made painless by having a few necessary pieces on.
Click here to visit our website.
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August 27th, 2009
The garage and tag sale season is about too begin in this article I will tell you how you can make some serious cash buying and selling scrap gold and silver with the metals hitting record prices never has there been a better time to get in on this business. You can make a nice part time income by doing this I say part time because most sales occur on the weekend but some do start on Friday or mid week keep your eyes open for these they might have profitable finds, Or get the word out where you work that you are buying these metals. In fact, despite the economy scrap gold prices are on the increase so you could make a tidy profit.
Plan your day to hit as many sales as possible and remember the early bird gets the worm Go to sales in the higher rent district these people will have more of these items obviously then poor people. Personal tragedy happens and the need for instant cash happens too everybody.
These are the items you are looking for Class Rings, Cluster Rings, Tangled Gold Chains, Gold Watches, Bent/Broken Jewelry, Unmatched Gold Earrings, Items with missing stones, Gold Pins/ Broaches, coins bracelets and necklaces are things that you are looking for.
In the United States, anything that is not at least 10 karats (42 percent gold) cannot be legally sold as gold. Anything that you purchase that is real gold should have the karat amount stamped into the jewelry. On rings the stamp will be on the inside and on necklaces and bracelets the stamp will usually be somewhere on the clasp.
For sterling, the mark will be either the numbers 925 (meaning 92.5 % silver, which is sterling) or a “sterling” stamp with the words. Near the clasp should have the mark, it would be at the end of the chain if anything. Sometimes the mark is on a little flat looking ring at the end of the chain, so check around.
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May 6th, 2009
Before I explain how to setup a P.A. let me first say that before you buy a P.A. make sure that it is the one you want and when you do buy it make sure that it comes with all the manuals, instructions and warranty. Another thing to note is that if you are buying a second hand P.A. check it out and make sure it works fine, if you are not the person that can really tell if a P.A. is working fine take someone with you that does. You don’t want a P.A. that is dodgy and does not work. Anyway lets get started!
- The first thing you want to do is setup your speakers. Place the speakers as far apart a possible within reason at a minimum distance of 4 meters and at a height of about 5 to 6 feet to the audience.
- Place the mixer and power amp/power mixer somewhere where it can be reachable by one of the performers. You want to have this close to someone since you may need to change the levels at times during performances.
- Next connect the speakers to the power amp/power mixer with the speaker cable. If your speaker cables are jacks or cannons they will plug straight into the speaker and the power amp/power mixer. However if the connectors are speakon connectors than you with have to plug the cable in and than twist it to lock it in.
- Next you will want to plug in all your input devices, for most people learning how to setup a P.A. you will just be plugging in microphones and CD players or audio devices. So connect the microphones with microphone cannon leads and connect CD and audio devices with phono leads (maybe phono to phono or phono to jack). If you are connecting instruments, sequencers or effect units use jack leads.
- If you are using a power mixer you will not have to do this step. Next connect your mixer to the power amp. The outputs from the mixer will normally be on the back or on the top on the right. Take two jack leads and connect the left out on the mixer to the left input on the power amp and the right output the right input.
- Connect the power cords to a power outlet. NOTE: DO NOT SWITCH ON YET. Before switching on check that all volume knobs and sliders are down on the mixer and the power amp/power mixer and that all power switches on the equipment if off too.
- Switch the power on at the wall than switch your gear on. If you are running a power amp and mixer switch the mixer on first and than the power amp, when you switch it off do the opposite - power amp off and than mixer off.
- NOW YOU ARE READY TO GO
- When it comes to switching off switch off the gear first and than switch off at the wall. Make sure that you do not remove, change or unplug any leads or cables while the gear and the wall power is switched on.
Anyway there is a quick and simple guide that can get you up and running with a simple P.A. If you are using a large or complex P.A. than additional things will be required and you should seek professional help from a music store on how to setup and use your P.A.
Jakob Culver is a professional working musician and founder of the website http://www.musiciansequipment.com/.
To find out more information on this topic visit our information page
©2005 Millennium Online Marteting Pty Ltd
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April 27th, 2009
A very important person on your successful team is your manager. Finding a good, responsible and reputable manager is not an easy task. If you don’t already have a manager, you may not need one. Experience proves, however, that you can only go so far without one. But how do you obtain a manager if you don’t already have one?
That’s a tricky one. While I have a huge list in my book, “The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing and Money” ISBN 978-0-9746229-4-1, you also need to get references. Once you obtain a list of managers you want to talk to, that are also interested in having a meeting with you, and here is a partial list of questions you should ask a manager to find out if they will be a good fit for your musical career.
• What style of music do you represent?
• How big do you think for your clients?
• Do you consider and pursue corporate sponsorships, etc.?
• What territory do you cover?
• How are you paid - what is your percentage rate?
Before you can even question a manager, you’ll probably have to send them a press kit in order to get your first appointment. As always, be sure to contact them prior to sending out packets. Most unsolicited press kits either end up coming back unopened or are simply thrown away.
If you find that you decide you want specific recommendations for management, contact major record labels and ask the staff who they use. That will help you determine who you should contact for management. At least then you will be dealing with a manager who already has a working relationship with a major label and who can hopefully get you a contract. Most managers, however, who are associated with major-labels, will not accept submissions from anyone other than the record labels themselves or high profile industry contacts.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t or can’t contact the managers the major labels recommended and pitch your music anyway. Someone may say yes! (See Chapter 17 in “The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing and Money” ISBN 978-0-9746229-4-1, for an extensive list of managers that are on the lookout for acts as well as additional questions and policy and procedures. In the book, you will find names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and available email addresses for managers that were recommended to us when researching this book by record labels, and by other industry professionals. Most of the managers in our book accept submissions from artists, but as with any manager, contact them first.)
Most managers will take a percentage rate of any venues or money they are involved in bringing in for you and your band. When selecting a manager make sure your contract is very explicit on this point. You should never pay your manager for income you receive that you developed on your own. Make sure you are not locked into a contract that will compensate them for money or gigs they had nothing to do with negotiating for you.
Steer clear of anyone who asks for money up front or states that they want a percentage of any and all money you earn. I have spoken with some of the largest mangers and management firms in the industry who stated this clearly is not reputable or ethical behavior for a manager. There are no legitimate managers who ask for any money up front, or a monthly retainer/salary. If they do, chances are they are trying to start up their own business and don’t have the level of experience you need to succeed.
Asking for money up front is also a way of stating they do not believe in you enough to take a risk. Why would you want to work with anyone who does not believe in you? And, why should they work for you if they are already getting paid, whether or not they get work for you? The main point is managers only make their money if they make you money. That should be motivation enough for a manager.
Once your package is submitted to a manager, give them a few weeks to review it before following up. When you do your own personal follow-up, make sure you ask them what they thought of your press kit. Ask them if they’ve listened to your CD. Your follow-up can also provide an excellent opportunity for constructive criticism on how you can make the improvements your press kit or CD.
If both parties (you and they) decide you would like to work with each other, you’ll need to sign a contract. It is essential that you get a lawyer involved at this point. You should never sign any contract until you let an entertainment attorney who has the expertise you need advise you.
The same rules apply to booking agencies, as do managers. Never sign a contract until you have had your lawyer look it over and examine it for any hidden clauses. Once I was given a contract that actually stated the booking agent would receive 5% on any and all money I earned, in addition to the 15% that the booking agent would receive for any venues they procured for me. That meant 5% of anything I earned, even if it had nothing to do with music would go to them. Protect yourself. Read your contract even before you hand it off to your attorney for review.
Finally, never sign an exclusive contract. If you sign an exclusive contract, you will not be able to accept any gigs from outside firms. It also means you will not be allowed to follow through on any gigs that you negotiated yourself or already had in place as standing gigs. If you sign an exclusive booking contract you could also wind up with a booking agent who may not even negotiate any work for you and your band. Then you’re stuck.
There are only a few major booking agencies that will require you to sign an exclusive contract. One is the William Morris Agency. Their names will speaks for themselves. You can rest assured that if you sign with on of these agencies your chances are very high for getting work. If an unknown booking agency requires you to sign an exclusive contract, just say NO!
Copyright 2005 Jaci Rae
Jaci Rae is the #1 Best Selling author of “Winning Points with the Woman in Your Life One Touchdown at a Time” ISBN 0974622907 and “The Indie Guide To Music, Marketing and Money” ISBN 978-0-9746229-4-1 ISBN 978-0-9746229-4-1 as well as the host of the Jaci Rae show. Dubbed by the media as “Racy Jaci” because of her quick wit and “The Rae of Hope,” for her powerful insight, please make sure to check her out at: http://www.jacirae.com To hear Jaci’s popular show, with some of the top behind the scenes as well as famous bands go to: http://www.jacirae.com click on the weekly show link.
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April 25th, 2009
There seems to be a substantial body of evidence in support of the Mozart Effect. While skeptics advice us to take the whole “Mozart Effect” thing, with a very large grain of salt. Whatever the truth, maybe there are other effects that have come from studying Mozart that have had tremendous influence on whole music learning, piano playing through the study and research and practice of new methods and technology aids. And it does seem to work for many people, similar to the Mozart effect.
Mozart was probably the greatest improviser on the piano, ever. Mozart revolutionized various forms of music and put unusual combinations of instruments together. He had an interesting head start, he began listening to his parents play the piano and the violin months before he was born, while most people develop a special fondness for the music they listened to during adolescence.
Plato in ancient Greece believed studying music created a sense of order and harmony necessary for intelligent thought. Plants exposed to classical music grow larger and give higher yields than plants without this stimulus. Countless studies have shown the physiological benefits gained from listening to enjoyable music, as well as studies on the use of music to improve memory, awareness, and the integration of learning style. A relationship between music and the strengthening of math, dance, reading, creative thinking and visual arts skills has also been vastly reported in the literature.
Some of the research and methods utilized today, need to be tried and experimented with when allowing our children to take advantage of the options that are available to them. If you have a piano, let your children bang on it, notice their facial expressions, and see if they enjoy doing it. Give the child the confidence that they need to untapped a new world of experiences and talents. Imagine one note struck upon the piano by them is a melodic concert for him, never heard before. Let him enjoy the moment and the many more that will come, if you just let him.
There is a wonderful method that is on the market today that can speed the keyboard learning process tremendously - Piano Wizard. It comes bundled up in a software package that works with a home computer and a keyboard. It shows that beginner student all the fun elements of music learning in an easy, colorful environment full of instrumental sound options.
You will find plenty of information about this innovative piano learning game on the Our Sponsor page of MozartsWorld.com. Here’s their current headlines page on the Mozart effect.
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March 16th, 2009
Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last few years, you’ll know that the most popular mp3 player in the world by far is Apple’s iPod. It comes in all sorts of editions, including the Mini, the Nano, and the Shuffle - and every single one is a best-seller.
What you might not have realised, though, is that Apple isn’t at all the only game in town when it comes to mp3 players. In fact, they’re quite a recent entrant into the market. Companies like iRiver and Creative have been around a lot longer, and their players are usually worth considering too, as they can often be cheaper than the equivalent iPod or have more features.
When you’re comparing the prices of mp3 players, the one feature you should look at more than any other is capacity. Don’t lose sight of the fact that a 40GB mp3 player can store twice as much as a 20GB one.
However, there other features to look for. Even though everyone calls them mp3 players, mp3s are not the only format you might want your player to be able to play - if you want to use it with Microsoft’s Media Player, for example, you’ll need a player that is also capable of playing wma (Windows Media Audio) format files. If you want to buy music from the iTunes Music Store, you need a player that can play aac (Apple) format files.
Another issue is battery life. Almost all mp3 players are now powered by mains chargers rather than by changing the battery, but battery life varies wildly, from as little as 2 hours up to as high as 10. Make sure you don’t get saddled with a player that won’t work for a long time if you want to use it for extended periods away from a power outlet.
Of course, the most important feature to many people will always be how their mp3 player looks when they’re using and wearing it. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but don’t be fooled into buying a turkey just because it has a pretty design
John Gibb is the owner of MP3 player guides, For more information on MP3 players please check out www.MP3-Players-guidance.Info
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March 11th, 2009
Have you ever done any of the following?
1. Made excuses for not practicing because you “didn’t have time”?
2. Practiced the same licks and exercises that you did last year?
3. Felt like you had hit a brick wall in your progress?
4. Felt unsure as to what to practice?
Unless your name is Steve Vai, chances are you’ve done at least one of the above!
They are all symptoms of having a lack of vision.
What do I mean by vision? Vision in
this context is having a clearly defined picture in your mind’s eye of how you would
like to play. It must be a crystal clear, exciting and inspiring picture!
Without an absolutely clear picture of what you would ideally like to sound like, you
will not know what you need to practice in order to realise that vision. You will also
probably lose the drive and motivation to practice daily for many years until you can
play like your vision. You may even start using the loser’s mantra which is “I don’t
have time to practice”.
Exercise One:
Think about how you would like to play in 10 years time. Close your eyes and try to
see yourself playing exactly how you would like to play. Write down what you see now.
Make sure that it is detailed. What techniques are you a master of?
What songs can you play? What bands are you in? How many students do you
teach? How does it feel when you play like you do?
Exercise Two:
Now write down what areas of your playing you will need to start
working on in order to reach your vision. What techniques do you need to start
practising? What chords do you need to learn? What music theory do you need to
start learning about? Do you need to start doing ear training? What books, teachers,
CDs and other tools will help you realise your vision? How much time every day do
you think you will need to practise in order to play like you want to play?
Exercise Three:
Spend 10 minutes a day for the next 30 days imagining yourself playing exactly
how you would like to play. Do this with your eyes shut. Don’t worry, it won’t make
you want to start eating tofu or go around the neighborhood hugging trees!
At the end of every time you do this, write down one small new detail about your
vision. By the end of 30 days you should be feeling so excited that you’ll want to practice 24/7!
Copyright©2005 by Craig Bassett. All Rights Reserved.
Craig Bassett (The GuitarSolutionsExpert) is a professional guitarist, guitar tutor and author.
http://www.pentatonic-guitar-lessons.com
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March 4th, 2009
Everything is so new to beginning piano students that they may not be aware of simple measures they can take to dramatically improve their progress over the next year. Too often students compare themselves to experts they see on television and their teacher. Parents can help their beginner at home take a realistic look at what goes on behind the scenes to achieve the progress students want to make in a way that doesn’t hurt kids’ feelings. Here are 7 ways beginning students can do this by taking a look at their
1. Practice Environment -
The practice environment will do one of two things. It will either support learning or detract from it. Make a list of things in the environment that support learning and then those that create distractions. Kids tend to self-distract a lot so the environment needs to be as helpful as possible. Turn off the television, friends come over to play after practice, no food at the piano, piano books shouldn’t be scattered all over the floor, but organized, etc.
2. Daily Schedule -
Beginners, just like advanced students, need a routine to keep their piano promises to themselves. Substitute the word Commitment for Routine and you’ll see what I mean.
3. Practice Session -
To make more progress over the next year simply increase daily practice by 10 minutes. This helps students become accustomed to longer periods of practice gradually. Small incremental changes are much effective because they lead to growth instead of short-term success followed by burn out.
4. Music Assignments -
If students are following the above steps they will enjoy the reward of learning a new piece of music every week. Over the course of a year that’s 52 songs!
5. Knowledge -
Make a list of music knowledge that needs to be memorized. Make copies of this information and keep it handy. Or purchase additional music theory or note reading workbooks. Beginners can take advantage of their time riding around in the car or waiting for dinner in a restaurant to memorize some useful music facts.
6. Goals -
Setting goals is a powerful tool. All human behavior is goal driven so staying focused on the goals that are most important over the long run is essential to help beginners reach their musical dreams. Piano recitals are often viewed as tests by students, but they are really just a tool to help students set goals. Students learn more when they have goals to reach.
7. Experience -
Following the above 7 steps will give beginning students more experience. Another way to increase musical experience is by listening to other musicians. Making a commitment to attend the symphony or a piano concert once a month or buying a new piano CD will help your beginner increase their musical experience and develop their listening ears.
These 7 New Year Resolutions will set at example for students to improve on year after year. By striving to make what goes on behind the scenes at home line up with their piano dreams students achieve the progress they want to make and feel good about their piano lessons. Start now by looking at which of the above 7 improvements you could most quickly implement in your own home - and do it today!
For great home piano activities parents can use to help children ages 5 to 11 develop their musical talent, visit Piano Adventure Bears Music Education Resources You’ll find a treasure box filled with piano resources to create an exciting musical adventure for your child - right in your own home! Visit their website and subscribe to their f’ree internet newsletter so you can download f’ree piano sheet music and mp3s of original piano compositions.
These exciting stories, games, piano lessons, and inspirational gifts feature the Piano Adventure Bears, Mrs. Treble Beary and her new piano student, Albeart Littlebud. Young students follow along with Albeart to learn what piano lessons are all about in a fun way that kids readily understand appreciate. Click here to visit PianoAdventureBears.com For a wealth of information about piano lessons, visit tallypiano.com
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February 27th, 2009
There are many vintage and antique music boxes and music collectibles that the music box and antique collector can seek. These include wooden jewelry boxes, inlaid music boxes, wooden keepsake boxes, and disc music boxes. The top three disc music boxes are the symphonion, polyphon, and Regina music box.
Symphonion
Symphonion music boxes were made in Germany beginning in 1886. Paul Lochmann, founder of Kuhro-Lochmann was the first manufacturer of disc music boxes. They symphonion was produced in many sizes, types, and styles. Some of the more popular items in the 1890’s were disc-playing clocks, the three-disc Erocia the “Rocco” which was contained in an attractive wooden case, and the “Gambrinus” which was a coin-operated machine made in the shape of a barrel.
Since many collectors consider the tone of symphonion music boxes superior to the polyphon music boxes, finding a music box such as this would be a real treat for the music box and antique collector.
Polyphon
Established by Gustave Brachhausen in 1897, the Polyphon Company created a line of strong interchangeable music boxes and musical objects such as coin operated clocks fitted with disc movements and the polyphon-concerto. The polyphon-concerto was as a disc orchestra, which played a piano, bass drum, snare drum, and glockenspiel. In later years, the company also made a very rare “folding-top” table box as well as the casket model, which included paper rolls. Discovering the rare “folding-top” table box would be a tremendous find for the music box and antique collector as well as a great asset for any collection.
Regina
Many music box and antique collectors view the Regina disc music box as having the best sound.
The company was established in 1892 when Polyphon founder Gustave Brachhausen, went to the U.S. to found the Regina Music Box Company in New Jersey. Some interesting music boxes and musical items made by Regina before its demise in 1922 included a hand-operated vacuum cleaner, and the disc orchestrions that played piano, tublar bells, drums, and triangle. In addition, the company came out with the Reginaphone, which had a turntable, and horn that could be removed as well as a phonograph arm that could be turned to one it. This enabled it to be used as a normal music box.
For the music box and antique collector interested in collecting antique and vintage music boxes, the symphonion, polyphon, and Regina music boxes would make great additions to any collection. Why not add them to your current collection of inlaid music boxes, musical jewelry boxes, wooden jewelry boxes, and wooden keepsake boxes today?
Copyright 2006 Monique Hawkins
Established in May of 2005, http://www.My-Music-Box.com is a music box gift store specializing in products such as inlaid ballerina music boxes for ballerina rooms décor, whimsical carousel music boxes, and musical jewelry boxes. The company provides interesting information for music lovers of all ages. Owner Monique Hawkins is also the author of the blog “What You Never Knew About Music” http://whatyouneverknewaboutmusic.blogspot.com , and owner of the eBay store “Monique’s Music Box” at: http://stores.ebay.com/Moniques-Music-Box Monique can be contacted at (540) 858-2885.
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