February 26th, 2009
Many students want to create music that has a certain emotional quality. For example, I once had a student ask me to show her how to play something that sounded happy.
Of course, this student missed the entire point of my teaching - to play where you are emotionally and to not try and come up with something. I tried to explain to her that if she were feeling happy, then the natural outcome of the music would be flavored with this emotion.
As a natural outgrowth of the proceeding statement, there will be times, many times perhaps, when the music that comes out of you sounds the same. Many interpret this as being uncreative, when in fact, you are being true to yourself. When you don’t try and come up with material, but instead, let the music come up, you are not forcing or willing the creative act. Instead, you are allowing yourself to express in the moment - whatever the sound may be.
If someone tells you that everything you play sounds the same, acknowledge it silently as a compliment and know that you are being true to yourself and the integrity of the artistic process!
When you are more concerned with enjoying the act of creating then trying to come up with material, you’ll be way ahead of the game!
Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music’s online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!
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February 25th, 2009
Today there are countless ways in which to download music off the Internet, as well as countless options of where to download MP3s. One may download their MP3s from a service such as the iTunes Music Store, Yahoo Music or eMusic that charges per song or album. Or one may take advantage of “cereal box” specials that offer free music downloads with the purchase of a certain product.
Or one may download MP3s for free through BitTorrent, Internet Relay Chat (IRC), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), or Peer-to-peer (P2P) services, such as Kazaa. These are the gray areas, if you will, when it comes to the legality of downloading MP3s.
From photocopying a page from a library book to recording a television show to TIVO and transferring to a DVD, therein lays a gray area of what is acceptable and what is down-right illegal. Napster became hugely popular not because it offered a great way to share files but because one could download countless MP3s without paying for them.
Either way one sees it, downloading MP3s is incredibly popular with music lovers. Apple Computer Inc. recently sold their one-billionth song through its iTunes service. This proves consumers are willing to pay for their music, but what if they already purchased the music on cassette tape or compact disc? Is there a need to pay for it again to have it in MP3 format?
Therein lays another issue within the gray area. Is downloading an MP3 from a bittorrent illegal if you already own the song? The arguments for this issue go on and on. The music recording industry states it is stealing because consumers paid for the song in one particular format (e.g. cassette tape) and are not entitled to another format without paying for it. Music fans argue they paid for the private use of the song, not the format it resided in.
Condoning illegal activity, I am not; however, as long as you’re not distributing this content either online or selling it on the streets, it’s extremely unlikely you’ll actually be caught and prosecuted for simply backing up your media files or downloading occasional songs from the Internet.
Music artists are even encouraging this by offering some of their songs on their Web sites available to download for free. It’s a great way to build up a fan base and attract new listeners.
In conclusion, have fun with your MP3 collection and don’t let all the lawsuits and negative press keep you from purchasing an MP3 digital music player or from downloading music off the Internet. Play by the basic rules and you’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have.
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For more information on MP3s, visit http://www.themp3plug.com
Blake Daniels is the creator and author of http://www.theMP3plug.com
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February 25th, 2009
In this article we’re going to cover one of the oldest and longest running musicals in history, the one and only Showboat.
Showboat first came to the stage in 1927, almost 80 years ago as of this writing. It was actually quite ahead of its time in many respects. For one thing, it featured African American performers in predominant roles. It also included as part of the story a mixed marriage, which in those days was unheard of. Yes, Showboat was certainly ground breaking.
There were actually several stories going on at the same time in the musical, very similar to one of today’s soap operas. There was, of course, the actual operation of the Showboat itself and the struggles it faced along the way. There was the story of the mixed race couple and the odds that they had to fight against. There was the daughter of the showboat owner who wanted a career but also wanted to find true love. Instead she meets a man who betrays her and runs off leaving her with a baby to take care of all by herself. The sub stories go on and on.
As tragic as the stories in showboat were, that’s how beautiful the music was. Some of the greatest songs of all time could be heard in this production. The list of great songs is pretty long but there are a few highlights.
For starters the is the great duet between the daughter and her soon to be snake of a husband. The song of course is “Make Believe.” This song pretty much sets the tone for the rest of the play, which has had so many renditions that it’s hard to pick out which pair was best. More on the various versions of this play later.
Then of course there is “Can’t Help Lovin Dat Man” which was sung by the highly visible African American couple. This is the kind of song that just makes one smile from ear to ear. In spite of the fact that her husband is a lazy so and so and pretty much drives her crazy, she just can’t help but love him.
But of course the highlight of the play, and probably one of the greatest songs of all time, is “Ol’ Man River” which is sung by the black man of the couple. This song so perfectly depicts the struggles of the black man in society and the hard life that he leads.
There are many debates as to who was the best singer of this song, whether it was Paul Robeson or William Warfield, which brings us to the number of renditions of this play.
While it first came into existence in 1927, written by Jerome Kern, it was later made into not one but three screen adaptations in 1929, 1936 and finally in 1951. Many critics feel that the 1951 adaptation with Howard Keel, Ava Garner, Kathryn Grayson and William Warfield was the greatest one of all.
Regardless of which one you may personally prefer, Showboat was without a doubt one of the most heartbreaking and musically beautiful creations of all time. Whatever version you decide to see, at least see one of them. You won’t ever forget this one.
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February 23rd, 2009
If you have a piano, you’ve probably made it the centerpiece of a particular room. There’s no doubt that pianos are a beautiful piece of furniture and can be a wonderful addition to your home. But where should you put it? And how do you care for it? These are questions you may not have considered until the delivery van is in the driveway or the first layer of dust has accumulated. Take some tips from the pros.
One of the first things to consider is that your piano is probably going to have to stay where you put it for some time. Unless this is a compact model, moving it from one side of the room to another is going to be a major undertaking. Even with wheels, you’re likely to damage flooring.
Get the exact measurements of your piano before it arrives and take careful stock of your room. Clear the spot you want the piano, then mark off the space the piano will take up. Is there comfortable room for someone to be seated on the bench to play? Making a paper or computer outline of your room and placing your furniture in the model is a good idea if you have the time and patience for this kind of undertaking.
If you have central heat, be sure your piano isn’t going to be blocking a vent. Not only will it knock down on the distribution of heat, but the direct stream of air isn’t good for the piano. Be sure there’s a light source for the pianist, but you also shouldn’t put the piano in direct sunlight.
Remember that little critters may very well take up residence in a piano, especially one that’s not used often. With that in mind, it’s probably a good idea to keep a grip on mice and bug infestations. If you have a piano in storage, be sure the area is “vermin free.”
Cleaning a piano is not a tremendously difficult chore if you start with a few simple rules. Never play with dirty hands. It’s especially important to enforce this rule if you have children in the house who take lessons or simply can’t resist touching the piano. Keeping the cover closed is a good start, but kids tend to be fascinated by the instrument and dirty hands can cause some serious cleaning issues.
If keys do get sticky, a slightly damp, soft cloth is probably your best bet. Be sure the cloth isn’t wet enough to drip. Wipe the top of the keys first, then depress each key to clean the sides of the keys beside it. Remember that grime on the sides of the keys can cause the keys to stick. Avoid harsh cleaners and keep in mind that many household cleaners will leave a sticky residue. For tough stains, try a bit of lemon or alcohol on your cleaning cloth.
As for the case, it all depends on the material. It’s best to follow manufacturer’s suggestions, A general rule of thumb is to clean a wood case as you would any other wood, but be careful that you don’t allow any cleaner or water to drip through cracks and crevices in the case.
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February 14th, 2009
We’re sure each and every one of you have their own list of musicians who would qualify for this list. Here’s our list of two top offenders to date:
Ashlee Simpson - The crazy hoe “cries” after the Super Bowl booing, and is relegated to blaming her band and formulating some preposterous reasons why she had to lip synch her songs during that Saturday Night Live episode. Note to Miss Simpson: If PAYING FANS do not like the way your wretched ass voice sounds at any given moment, they are PERMITTED to boo you, express frustration with you, and generally dislike you. IT’S THEIR RIGHT, they paid to see your ass perform! It says so on the ticket Ash, have you ever read the backs of the tickets Simpson? Didn’t think so.
Kelly Osbourne - Just because your dad used to be a rocker doesn’t mean you deserve to even get a shot being one. But you did…and you blew it. You have no observable talent. You can’t force people to buy your overpriced CD’s. You cannot get “angry” that your debut album sold less copies than Waterworld did on DVD. If you are not good, people do not “HAVE to” buy your garbage. Retire from your “career” and stop mooching off of your goddamn parents’ identities and money. I hear that Target is hiring. Here’s the link:http://www.target.com
By: W.U.
http://www.baseballcarddeath.com
http://www.icomplain.blogspot.com
All rights reserved. Content may not be duplicated without proper crediting. All content is the original, registered trademarked content of the aforementioned websites, subsidiary companies of IComplain.net. Unlawful use of this content will be prosecuted.
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February 12th, 2009
The idea that studying music improves the social development of a child is not a new one, but at last there is incontrovertible evidence from a study conducted out of the University of Toronto.
The study, published in the August issue of Psychological Science was led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, and examined the effect of extra-curricular activities on the intellectual and social development of six-year-old children. A group of 144 children were recruited through an ad in a local newspaper and assigned randomly to one of four activities: piano lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons, or no lessons.
Two types of music lessons were offered in order to be able to generalize the results, while the groups receiving drama lessons or no lessons were considered control groups in order to test the effect of music lessons over other art lessons requiring similar skill sets and nothing at all. The activities were provided for one year.
The participating children were given IQ tests before and after the lessons. The results of this study revealed that increases in IQ from pre- to post-test were larger in the music groups than in the two others. Generally these increases occurred across IQ subtests, index scores, and academic achievement.
While music teachers across the country greeted the new research enthusiastically, in fact, many other studies have previously shown a correlation between music study and academic achievement.
In 1997, well known music researchers Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw and their team at the University of California (Irvine) reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children’s abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science. A group led by the same two scientists had earlier showed that after eight months of piano lessons, preschoolers showed a 46 percent boost in their spatial reasoning IQ.
The March 1999 issue of Neurological Research published a report by another group of researchers, also at the University of California (Irvine), who found that second-grade students given four months of piano keyboard training, as well as time playing newly designed computer software, scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than other children.
Students with coursework and experience in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT, according to a Profile of Program Test Takers released by the Princeton, NJ, College Entrance Examination Board in 2001. This report stated that students in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal and 41 points higher on the math, and students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on the math, than did students with no arts participation.
Another part of this same study shows that longer music study means higher SAT scores. For example, students participating in the arts for two years averaged 29 points higher on the verbal portion and 18 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. Students with four or more years in the arts scored 57 points higher and 39 points higher on the verbal and math portions respectively than students with no arts coursework.
Another study also found support for a relationship between math achievement and participation in instrumental music instruction. The researchers found that students who participated in instrumental music instruction in high school took on the average 2.9 more advanced math courses then did students who did not participate.
In fact, various studies over the last 10 years suggest teaching kids music can heighten their aptitude for math, reading, and engineering. (One explanation for improved ability in mathematics is that music theory is based on mathematical truths. Rhythms are divided into fractions - half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes. Scales have eight tones, and the steps between them follow an equation.)
A McGill University study in 1998 found that pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly for students given piano instruction over a three-year period. The researchers also found that self-esteem and musical skills measures improved for the students given piano instruction.
And data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 revealed music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students, and that the percentage of music participants receiving As, As/Bs, and Bs was higher than the percentage of non- participants receiving those grades.
In 1994, a report entitled “The Case For Music Study In Schools” was printed in Phi Delta Kappan, the professional print journal for education. It included details of research conducted by physician and biologist Lewis Thomas, who studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group.
The same report asserted that the very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry were, almost without exception, practicing musicians.
The world’s top academic countries also place a high value on music education. In a study of the ability of fourteen year-old science students in seventeen countries, the top three countries were Hungary, the Netherlands, and Japan. All three include music throughout the curriculum from kindergarten through high school.
St. Augustine Bronx elementary school, about to fail in 1984, implemented an intensive music program, and today 90 percent of the school’s students are reading at or above grade level. And a ten-year study at UCLA tracked more than 25,000 students, and showed that music making improves test scores. Regardless of socio-economic background, music-making students get higher marks in standardized tests than those who had no music involvement. The test scores studied were not only standardized tests, such as the SAT, but also in reading proficiency exams.
Music training helps under-achievers as well, according to research published in Nature magazine in May 1996. In Rhode Island, researchers studied eight public school first grade classes. Half of the classes became “test arts” groups, receiving ongoing music and visual arts training. In kindergarten, this group had lagged behind in scholastic performance. After seven months, the students were given a standardized test. The “test arts” group had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22 percent. In the second year of the project, the arts students widened this margin even further. Students were also evaluated on attitude and behavior. Classroom teachers noted improvement in these areas also.
In 2005, it appears the pace of scientific research into music making has never been greater. The most recent evidence from the University of Toronto confirms what many other researchers have already detected - that music boosts brainpower, academic achievement,socialization skills, and emotional health.
It’s logical, when you think about it. People who learn to play an instruments are in groups — bands, choirs, orchestras, combos, worship teams, etc. And working and making music with others is bound to help relateabilty with people and foster close bonds with fellow musicians.
So it appears that learning to play music, whether guitar, piano, or some other instrument, actually does contribute to your ability to “win friends and influence people.”
Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products such as DVD’s, CD’s, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. He holds an advanced degree from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He can be reached at http://www.pianolessonsbyvideo.com He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled “Amazing Secrets Of Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions” with over 55,000 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free two-year subscription by going to http://www.playpiano.com/
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February 10th, 2009
Made Her Cry
I played at a Katrina Benefit this weekend. It was a huge weekend. More stuff happened in two days that normally happens in a month. I had a special guest on stage with me, Frank Oxley, renown New Orleans Jazz drummer who is temporarily moored to a shelter bunk in Elgin until he is given the OK to return back home. I had been communicating all week with Frank–wonderful man; outstanding drummer, classy, humble. (Frank doesn’t beat on the skins like the kids do nowadays, but plays with the compassion of a tail-gunner.)
We ended out our set with “Shiver Me Timbers” by Tom Waits. I asked him to do a breaking wave kind of thing with the mallets on the cymbals. The effect was beautifully powerful. I swear that I never heard anything like that in my life.
A few minutes later I was in the crowd. I spoke to a woman (”Gramma”) who like Frank was up in Elgin until they gave her the all clear to return to New Orleans. You made her cryshe told me, speaking about another woman she was with. “What was that last song?” the other woman asked. “It made me cry”. This song connected the dots on all the emotions that she was feeling, leaving her home and family. Franks symphonic waves were a stirring reminder of the water that had claimed her home. The emotions all came together at that moment in a heartfelt response to the music. I thank God for the opportunity and ability to make that moment happen.
I don’t take this lightly, in fact it is the most powerfully humbling thing that I’ve experienced performing so far. It tells me that I truly am on a path of heart.
Well, you know me, I’ve got to end this road report on a cheerful note, so I’ve got to tell you about another New Orleans Drummer that joined me on the big stage that day. Nine year old Joshua Tailor. Frank met Joshua in Elgin and asked if he could do a song with me. I asked Joshua how long he had been playing. “Since I was two!” he beamed at me. And you could tell that he had been playing drums since before he could ride a bikehe was really good. I brought Rosie up to play harp, and Andrew on tambourine; I almost felt weird being so old up there. The child’uns were rocking the house uh-huh. Some down home baby! I looked out and everyone was beaming.
That’s why we play. To stir up feelings in our listeners, whether it’s to get up and move their feet, scream and shout, or feel something deep down in their very being. That’s what it’s all about.
Gary “g-man” Wesselhoff is an acoustic blues writer/performer woking the Chicago Metro area. You can contact him at: gman@gmanblues.com
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February 8th, 2009
Frustrated in a gridlocked?
Job got you stressed out?
The children have you going crazy?
You pop in your favorite tune and you take a deep breath
and as if by magic for a few minutes nothing matters anymore!
No it’s no magic! It’s music and it’s power!
Truly amazing isn’t it?
Even plants responds to music as was proven by some researcher
at a well known university in the USA.
Why? Many reasons, I am sure some scientist would quote something
about physiological responses to stimuli within the progressions of notes.
A psychologist on the other hand would no doubt say it’s psychosomatic.
Myself I simply think that while we are focusing on the music we ignore
whatever is troubling us a kind of bio feedback effect so to speak.
The important fact of the matter is that it works!!!
That in itself is ample reason for me, I really dont care about any other
reason there might be, it’s not important except to that particular researcher
or scientist with a thesis to prove.
I believe it’s high time we move away from the television! I read somewhere
there are more televisions being sold than tubs and showers combined which
goes to show more brain being washed than bodies.
It’s time for parents and children to get together and listen and talk about each
others music. ask each other:
“Why do you like it?”
“What does it say?”
Why is it important to you?
If you ask me it’s a simple and easy way to make contact, to initiate communication
on a safe level and discover thing about each others you did not know…
Music as therapy? Why the heck not? It’s a lot cheaper and make more sense
than most self help gurus that try to sell you some high price drivel…
Remember that famous phase that said “Make your baby listen to Mozart and you
will have a baby genius?
The study, in fact, showed it was a very limited and tempory effect and all the tests
had been done on adults only!!!
That did not stop a whole slew of profit minded individuals and companies from
exploiting this to make a bundle on a false assertion.
Music is not the end all but merely one more mean to make us feel better!
No more! No less!
Listen to music because it makes you feel good, simple enough?
Claude Gagne is the owner of http://www.klodradio.com, an amateur music historian and multidisciplinary artist whose works can be found at:
http://www.lulu.com/claudegagne
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January 30th, 2009
Saxophones are musical instruments belonging to the woodwind category. Saxophones were generally used in the military and in big orchestras, but are now found in smaller bands as well. They are generally used for big band music, pop music and jazz. A saxophone is as complex as a classical instrument and as unconventional as a non-classical instrument. People who play saxophones are called saxophonists.
The saxophone was invented by Adolphe Sax, a Belgian, in the 1840s. Later, many people made their own alterations to the instrument. There are many kinds of saxophones but the most commonly used are: Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Baritone saxophones. The smaller alto saxophones are ideal for first-time players. The tenor saxophones are generally preferred by jazz musicians, especially soloists. The alto is the next preferred model. There are also vintage saxophones available.
Saxophones are generally associated with jazz music, but they are also suitable for classical music. The saxophone often complements the French horn since both of them have a similar range and timbre. Jazz saxophones use high-baffled mouthpieces. Their configuration allows the baffle, or ceiling, to be closer to the reed for a brighter sound. The sound should be bright enough to cut through the other big instruments in a band or an orchestra. The baffle and the tone depend on the shape of the mouthpiece. Those with larger tip openings allow for greater flexibility in the pitch for “bending” notes. This is very useful in jazz and pop music. Lower baffles and smaller tip openings make the pitch more stable and give a darker sound. This is more suitable to classical music.
The local music store, mail-order service, a private party or the Internet are popular sources for buying saxophones. The main aspects to be considered are the quality, service, price and the model. The Internet is a good place to find information about jazz saxophones, but it is wise to test a few of them before buying.
Saxophones provides detailed information about saxophones, jazz saxophones, soprano saxophones, alto saxophones and more. Saxophones is the sister site of Violins Web.
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January 30th, 2009
Are you a beginning songwriter who strives towards writing songs that become hits? Do you need to know how you can improve your songwriting skill?
It’s not too complicated. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. As far as I’m concerned the best way to improve your songwriting is to study what hit songwriters do. Forget about the mediocre stuff and learn from the leaders in the songwriting and music industry. Study what works.
As a songwriter who has written quite a few number one songs in my country, one thing that has helped me and continues to help me is the radio. I listen to the radio all the time so I know what type of song is happening. I know what people like, what they want to hear, and what is current. This gives me a good idea of what kind of song I should write to target a particular market.
When you listen to the radio, take notes on what hit songs have in common. Study the structure of these songs. What tempo seems to work? Are the chord progressions complicated or are the songs based mainly on riffs? What kind of chords are used? That way you can write songs that appeal to today’s audience. No matter how good your song is, if it sounds like something that would be better suited to ten or twenty years ago, you can forget it.
It is a shame how some songwriters treat the songwriting craft. I’m sorry, but if you do not spend time at developing your craft you are bound to fail. I don’t care if it’s baseball or dancing, those people who come out and top are the very same ones who practice everyday. Those who spend years at perfecting their craft. So learn form those who were there before you. Study and write songs everyday. Lay hold of songwriting books, get songwriting software, do anything to take you to the next level.
To improve, a songwriter needs to become more knowledgeable everyday. The more things you know about, and the more you can relate to different aspects of everyday life, the better for you. I never heard of a novelist who didn’t read constantly. The same applies to songwriting and great songwriters. You must put in a lot of work if you want to excel.
Nothing comes easy in life. Work, work, and work some more. Pattern your writing after what has been proven to work, but never copy. Do it everyday and reap the rewards.
Mantius Cazaubon offers lots of valuable songwriting tips, techniques, suggestions and advice on his site http://www.ultimatesongwriting.com Visit Ultimate Songwriting for the ultimate truth about lyric writing and songwriting.
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