September 7th, 2009 at 10:34pm
Under General
It is a fact that at some point in all of our lives we strongly consider learning to play the piano. Do you have an idol that you admire because of their piano-playing talent? Do you have a passion for listening to well-played piano music?
Before you actually begin, you need to be aware that there are two real ways to learn the piano. You are not alone – many of us have considered playing the piano in the past, but never really taken that urge up. It may well be that all you need is a bit of a push in the right direction.
1) Chords
2) Note reading
Before you rush headlong into either of these methods, you need first of all to understand what you want to achieve. If you are quite content to read other people’s music, then all you really need to learn is how to read the notes. On the other hand, if you are feeling more creative and want to go down the route of composing your own music, then you will also need to have a good understanding of the chords.
Another dependant is the time-frame you are looking for. If you want to learn more quickly, then you should seriously look at the chord-based approach to learning the piano. Note reading can always come at a later stage, should you wish. Once you have mastered the chords, you will have a much better understanding of the sounds that they make (both individually and when played together).
Finding a qualified and experienced piano teacher is a relatively easy task, and there are a lot of benefits, like learning either at your own home or the instructor’s studio. There are number of ways to learn properly, and all people starting out to learn the piano should consider the pros and cons of getting a good piano teacher.
Remember the two approaches to learning – before you begin looking for an instructor, then it’s a good idea to have a goal in mind. If you want to play for a bit of fun (and it is good fun!), then you should be looking for a piano teacher who will teach you the note side of things. Conversely, if you are looking to expose your more creative side and want to compose yourself, then a chord-based teacher is going to be more productive.
It is vital to get this right, as otherwise you will find that you are wasting quite a bit of money on something that will not give you the benefits of achieving your goals. Piano teachers are often not too expensive, but if you are only learning something that you could learn from a book, it is still an unnecessary expense.
There are a lot of benefits of learning online – not least of which is that you can learn at your own pace – you might want to consider one of the many online programs that are available. There are a lot of benefits of learning online – not least of which is that you can learn at your own pace – there is no-one standing over you and breathing down your neck as you practice!
If you do indeed learn at your own pace, sometimes NOT having that person behind you can mean you get a drop in motivation – If it seems like learning online is the only way to go, then consider that there are also a few drawbacks to this method. If you are only doing it for yourself then the desire to continue can dwindle. Also consider his: if you learning to play the piano online, then there is no-one there to ask for help if you come across something you don’t understand.
The end of the lesson is quite simple: the piano should be something you enjoy playing, and enjoy learning to play. When you get frustrated and fed up with it, then you need to look at the approach you are taking to it. That’s not what playing the piano is all about!!
Copyright 2009 Lauren Paltrow (Stage Pianist)
By writer
September 6th, 2009 at 05:06pm
Under General
A lot of piano players like to compose their own music, and if you are an experienced player there really is no reason not to. It can seem a little daunting, and no doubt you have an array of questions that you would like to ask before you get started. Here we have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to composing your own music.
How easy is it to compose piano music?
The short answer is that it is as easy or difficult as you make it. If you are just starting out composing your own music, then a great way to begin is at the very beginning! By this we mean that you should start writing music for beginners (whatever your current level of expertise) and slowly make your way up. By doing this, you will develop accordingly with the music that you write – the more complicated they become for the player then the more complicated they will become for you to write.
How beneficial is composing for my own playing?
Thinking and feeling like a composer can only be good for your own playing. The more you learn about writing, and as your skills develop, then the more aware you will become of the intrinsic workings of the music, and what the original composer intended. When you understand the inner workings of the music, then your understanding of playing it will also improve.
If I compose my own music, will my music reading improve?
As you progress, and begin to notate your own music, then you will be amazed at how much easier you find it when it comes to reading complicated music. Once again, as you are thinking like a composer rather than just a player, then you will find it more and more easier to understand music that you may have balked at before.
Is it worth buying manuscript paper?
It is always worth bearing in mind that manuscript paper is as expensive or as cheap as you want to make it. You can simply make your own by drawing five lines on a piece of blank paper – indeed, this is often what composers do to get ideas out quickly. You can buy expensive notation paper or you can use normal paper – it really comes down to what you find easier to use and also what you want to spend. If you are just starting out, then laying out good money for manuscript paper seems unnecessary when you can achieve the same effect by yourself.
If you practice for thirty minutes each day, then setting aside ten or fifteen minutes of that practice to making your own music can really help your general standard improve. Another great benefit of making your own music comes through the fact that it can be a wonderful addition to your practice routine.
Copyright 2009 Lauren Paltrow (Stage Pianist)
By writer
September 6th, 2009 at 05:06pm
Under General
There are a whole bunch of ways of playing the guitar in a jazz ensemble- lead guitar and rhythm guitar. Rhythm guitar establishes the beat, for the singer and the other parts of the band. Rhythm guitar, excluding inventing the main melody, is used to support the other instruments in setting the pace. Learn and Master Guitar by Legacy Learning Systems shows example after example of this. Nearly all the time acoustic guitars are used for rhythm, most often in country and folk styles. Rhythm guitar is often considered the most crucial part of a song because it fixes the chief tempo for the band members to pursue and for the lead guitarist to launch creative riffs from.
Contrastingly, lead guitar relates to applying a guitar to play the melodies, instrumental fill-in passages, and also gives the green light to soloing in a song chiefly in blues, jazz and rock music. It provides continuos high-pitched melodies, antagonistic-melodies and solos to the song, which makes it protrude from the adjoining instruments. Top lead guitarists know their scales and arpeggios backwards and forwards and work perpetually composing distinct guitar licks and riffs. The new comer additionally requires memorizing varied latest techniques in guitar playing for instance hammer-ons, pull-offs, tapping, bending, vibrato, slides, and many other guitar playing techniques which are repeatedly put forward in lead guitar.
It is helpful for a person to be adept with the two ways of guitar playing – lead guitar as well as rhythm guitar for the purpose of evolving into an accomplished guitarist. With the DVD set, Learn and Master Guitar, a fledgling guitarist can perform both lead guitar as well as and rhythm guitar consummately. Getting the hang of the guitar can be a tough grind but this DVD program makes it mind blowing and rewarding. It teaches you a lot of approachesstarting from fingering, picking, tremolo-picking, strumming, soloing, ear training, chord recognition, tapping, etc, as well as assorted alternatel guitar playing methods such as bending, hammer-ons, pull-offs, sliding, vibrato, natural harmonic, pinch harmonic, palm-muting, etc. all of which are extremely advantageous in picking up both lead as well as rhythm guitar.
Pouring over arrays of strains of acoustic and electric guitar is festive when you employ the Learn and Master Guitar program. There are many guitar styles taught, beginning with rock and roll, blues, jazz, classical and country. Once you’ve achieved one of the guitar genres, you can start building a collection of songs and guitar licks with the Jam Along DVD. You can choose any one of the 100 plus songs and practice along for as many occasions as you require until you feel unflappable with that unique type of guitar playing.
By writer
September 2nd, 2009 at 08:41pm
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“Practice makes perfect”, or so the old adage goes, and when it comes to playing the guitar (not an easy instrument to learn well) this is never more the case. When we are learning a new skill, the fact that we should practice as much as possible seems like common sense.
If you are not practicing correctly, however, you can hinder your progression more than you can help it. If you are getting it wrong at the beginning, then the more you practice, the more you practice the wrong way of doing things. By doing things incorrectly at the beginning, you will continue to do so.
To give an example, look at the way that you hold your hands – if your hands are in a poor or incorrect position to begin with, then the more you continue in that vein then the more reinforced and powerful that position becomes. The poor hand position is a good example to use, because when it comes to playing the guitar, it is a very common problem. After a while, you will find it very difficult to change. In some cases it can even lead to injury.
It doesn’t really matter whether you read music or not, but the ability to count the beats within any given piece of music is integral to your learning to play properly. As you can imagine, the overall importance of rhythm in music is never to be underestimated, and if you get it wrong from the beginning, it can affect all other aspects of your progression. The way that you practice rhythm is also important, and is another common problem amongst students.
In order to play with other musicians, you need to be able to keep time with the music. Obvious you would have thought, but I am constantly amazed at how few people can do this properly. It really comes to the fore when they play with other musicians in a jam session, for example.
Take a look at your practice schedule now, and the way that you practice. Ask yourself whether your hands are in the right position, and if you are able to count the beats within the music. If the answer is no, then you really need to examine the way that you practice before the ‘bad habits’ become so ingrained that they are almost impossible to change.
Another aspect you might want to consider is the speed at which you play. Make sure that you are not doing this yourself: for the musician who plays slowly, I often find that it is common to sacrifice the rhythm in order to play at that speed.
Using a simple device such as a drum machine or a metronome to help you keep tempo is a great tip. If you are practicing too slowly, then you can slowly build up the speed until you are keeping pace with the tempo. Whatever you do, don’t sacrifice your good hand position in order to make the time – remember what we spoke about earlier.
When it comes to practicing the guitar – you now know a little more about where your priorities should lie – hand position, rhythm, and speed or tempo. Master these, and you will immediately find that your standard of playing has not only considerably improved, but it’s much easier as well!
To play the guitar to a high standard takes a number of things – it takes commitment, determination and a lot of practice. If someone tells you that you will be able to play the guitar like an expert after a few lessons, then be wary. But if you do practice, and practice correctly, you will get more out of this wonderful instrument.
Copyright 2009 Liam Gibson (Stage Guitarist)
By writer
August 27th, 2009 at 04:35pm
Under General
If music interests you, an important first step is to find what it is that will fit your talents and desires. This will help to bring about the most enjoyment from your music. One of the alternatives that is available for those who are interested in music is the ability to learn guitar. One of the top musical instruments, as far as popularity is concerned, is the guitar. It can benefit you in many ways by allowing you to play a specific genre, while also giving you the means to increase your talent.
If you are considering options to learn guitar, you want to make sure you begin by understanding the different ways of learning. First and foremost you have to choose which type of guitar you are going to learn on, electric or acoustic. The main distinction between the two guitars comprises of various methods which concerns picking up on a particular genre. Most that understand this difference suggest learning guitar on an acoustic first to make sure that the sounds are right, then to progress to the electric guitar after the basics are understood.
After you consider this aspect of learning guitar, you want to continue with looking at the different concepts you will need to learn as you progress. Proper technique is of the utmost importance when learning guitar. Some techniques include picking the strings with a pick, learning how to strum the strings to produce quality sound or just holding the guitar properly. After you have learned the basics of holding a guitar, then it progresses to learning the notes and scales. These techniques will help you to begin learning guitar at a basic level, then to progress to more advanced ideals related to this instrument.
Combined with this specific set of techniques are different chords that are used when you begin to learn guitar. Typically, the chords begin with learning basic open chords that are located toward the bottom of the guitar. As soon as you pick up these basic patterns, you can then move up in your progress and learn bar chords. These are the chords located near the middle of the guitar neck and are mainly used in rhythms and also the jazz and rock genres. There are various approaches for chords, which are subject to the chosen genre.Depending on your genre, you can find various methods for chords. Chords are divided by different notes and you will place your fingers on the neck of the guitar in different ways to produce the sound you are looking for.
While you are learning guitar with these different ideals in mind, you will be able to progress more quickly by considering a method that helps you to progress from the basic to advanced concepts. A very easy way to learn guitar is to find the method that will allow you to quickly progress through the concepts. You can also consider theory that is used with music, which is then applied to patterns that are on the guitar, which helps you to understand the instruments more thoroughly so you can move into playing your favorite songs. Most guitarists will begin by learning patterns, combined with rhythm, then will relate this to guitar theory for the fastest progression of learning guitar.
No matter what your interest, you can make sure that you begin to enjoy even more of music by learning guitar. The key to a new start in experiencing all the different venues in music is most evident in the variety of principles that will assist you in making progress with the guitar. The first step in learning guitar, which is committing to learn, is always the hardest, but once you get the basics down, you will have hours of entertainment literally at your fingertips.
By writer
August 25th, 2009 at 01:50pm
Under General
It is true to say that nearly everyone loves a bit of a sing song every now and again. Singing is good for boosting a bad mood so whether you can sing or not it is good for you.
Singing has been raised through the roof over the past five years or so through television shows such as Britain/America’s got talent as well as American Idol and the X-Factor. These shows to actually help to make stars, it is always worth giving it a go as it has proven to work. The most successful of all of these seems to have been Kelly Clarkson but it is also true to say that without these shows these singers would almost certainly still be unheard of today.
Of course many people will enjoy having a sing along with just themselves but many also love to sing with their friends too. So if you think you are actually half decent at singing why not buy one of those microphones, start singing and get ready to do something about it! There are many brands out there like Shure and AKG that are perfect for experienced or inexperienced singers and with the right sound system you could really get started.
If you try out for one of these shows it could actually help put you to where you want to be? It’s tough to get a break if you can actually sing but if you really can chances are you will at least get through to the first round which is very useful as record companies will have front row seats to your performance. It never hurts to actually try and if you really thing you have the skills to become a professional singer then there is no reason why you shouldn’t do something about it.
Of course the alternative is simply buying Lips for the Xbox 360 or Sony’s equivalent of Singstar if you would rather simply enjoy a sing along to your favourite songs.
By writer
August 25th, 2009 at 01:50pm
Under General
For a guitar player of any level, meeting the challenge to compose your own music is a very intriguing one. It can be incredibly rewarding if you get it right, and it’s a great buzz being able to write music on the instrument that you love.
Writing your own music gives you more freedom and creativity when it comes to playing. Whatever you have in mind, whether it’s a gentle instrumental piece or even writing your own music, it’s a wonderfully creative process that will encourage your ability to understand the rhythms and sounds that you hear every day. Whatever you have in mind, whether it’s a gentle instrumental piece or even writing your own music, it’s a wonderfully creative process that will encourage your ability to understand the rhythms and sounds that you hear every day.
Music, by definition, is meant to be free-flowing and creative – not just in the notes themselves but in creating emotional responses from the listener. There is no magic formula for songwriting, and that is one of the reasons why it is such an exciting process.
Despite the absence of the magic formula, there are a number of tips and techniques that you can learn in order to create your own music on the guitar:
· Think of a word such as, for example, ‘snow’. Now think of how you would represent snow musically on your guitar. You may start out with just a few notes and mistimed chords, but keep at it. Think of all the things that the word ‘snow’ means to you, and play that.
· Try some other words – ‘rain’ or ‘sadness’, for example – and try to create something which best represents those words in your own way. You’ll find that you will fuss around with the notes a bit, but eventually you will find a finger-picking motion that you like. It doesn’t have to signify the same word to other people – music is best when it is objective.
· If you are writing lyrics to go with your music what works for one person may not work for another, so experiment. There are two ways you can approach this: you can start out with the words and apply the music, or do the opposite: start with the music and fit the lyrics around that.
If you’re still struggling, take a look at these more simplified steps:
· Find a chord that you are familiar playing (for example G or D) and experiment with it. Change some of the notes around and see what happens.
· Whilst you are doing this, leave one finger in the same place as you move others around to different strings.
· Now listen to the sound when you strum. Listen to the sound when you play individual notes.
· Now try the same again, but this time with a different chord, or even different notes.
· As soon as you hear something that you like, make sure you play it over and over again. This will commit it to memory.
· When you have this first series of notes in your head, you have the starting point for your song, and can build around it.
It’s all part of the creative process when you sing complete nonsense or the first things that come into your mind. Relaxing and enjoying it are probably the most important things to remember when it comes to songwriting on your guitar. Keep going – you’ll find that you will stumble upon a chord (or a variation) that you really like, or a lyric that fits perfectly. As soon as you do, make sure you write it down and build on it.
Some of the most beautiful and emotive songs in history were written as collaborations between two or more musicians – so another good tip is to get a friend to aid you. A friend who is particularly musically minded can give you some great impartial feedback on how you are doing.
Copyright 2009 Liam Gibson (Stage Guitarist)
By writer
August 22nd, 2009 at 09:53pm
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Aerosmith Dream On was the first single ever created by the group. It was featured on their 1973 debut album, Aerosmith. Steven Tyler wrote the song which was heavily influenced by the blues.
Aerosmith Dream On was the first major hit for the group. It only reached number 59 when it was originally released as a single. But in 1976 it made it all the way up to number six during its re-release. It was first played live at a Connecticut inn. Aerosmith Dream On was later released by the group in eight compilations, as well as on two boxed sets.
Aerosmith Dream On made it into the rock ‘n roll Hall of Fame as one of the 500 songs that shaped rock ‘n roll. Rolling Stone listed as number 172 in its 500 greatest songs of all time. Two other Aerosmith songs, Sweet Emotion and Walk This Way, are tied for this song in the minds of fans as Aerosmith’s signature song.
Many times songs, such as Aerosmith Dream On, are sampled for other music. That means short portions of the song appear in some way. Eminem sampled the song in his 2002 album the Eminem Show. Aerosmith’s guitaris played the guitar in the sample. Some less well-known artists sampled or covered Aerosmith Dream On. These include Andru Donalds, and a rapper named Slim Thug.
There is a myth that the band Led Zeppelin actually wrote the song. It’s just a hoax. Some Buick commercials use the song. Their slogan is Dream Up. It also appeared in a number of movies. These include Miracle from Walt Disney, and Last Action Hero.
Aerosmith Dream On has been featured in a number of video games. Dead or Alive Ultimate used it. There is also a video game called Guitar Hero Aerosmith. The song was re-recorded just for the game. People could also download Aerosmith Dream On for the game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock. Its appearance in that game was to promote the new game.
Not only has Aerosmith Dream On been featured in many live concerts, but it has also been performed with full orchestras. In the 1990s this was done for MTV’s 10th anniversary. The Boston Pops performed it in 2006. They have sometimes dedicated the song to deceased fans or fallen soldiers.
Aerosmith Dream On is a true classic.
By writer
August 19th, 2009 at 08:57pm
Under General
Are you ready to Learn and Master Guitar? Probably the highest versatile musical instrument made is the guitar. Used in different genres of music; from country music to alternative. So many lead singers in bands play the guitar as well.
Learning how to play the guitar is easy but, it will take some dedication, commitment and patience on your part. You will also have to get used to some physical effects from stumming the guitaras well.
For one, you will start to get calluses on your fingers, strumming. Your hands may also cramp a little bit when you start learning the chords, (your hands are not used to those postions). Your shoulders may get sore and tired too.
Remember, no matter whom your guitar idol is, they too had to start somewhere. They also experienced the same finger calluses hand and shoulder soreness that you do. The old saying “No Pain No Gain” is actually pretty relevant when you are first learning how to play the guitar.
Before learning how to play the guitar, you have to learn how to tune it. In order to make sounds that are actually good, your guitar needs to be tuned. First, you must tune the lower E string, which is at the bottom. Next is the A string (2nd from the bottom), D string (3rd from the bottom), G string (fourth from the bottom) and B string (5th from the bottom). The final string you must tune is the high E string. You may also use electronic tuners; these are available at most any music stores.
You can pay the music store to get your guitar in tune for you. However, it in actual fact is a skill that you should be sure you know. Otherwise, you’ll be putting out a lot of moneyon just having your guitar tuned. You can ask someone at a music store to demonstrate you how to tune a guitar. You may need to pay for it, or it may be free. It is certainly worth it to learn because this will ensurethat any time you’re ready to play, your guitar sounds it’s best.
Once your guitar has been tuned, now comes learning how to read guitar tabs. Many tutorialscan be found online. ( I higly recommend the Learn and Master Guitar Course. It has training for everything you must know- from tuning your guitar, to hand placement, to stumming. You can find information on this comprehensive course right here: Is Learn and Master Guitar worth it? -you can also receive a free guitar course sent to your email).
Then, you must properly place your fingers on each string. Doing this properly will lesson the pain you experience. After that, strum the guitar with your other hand. Lastly, practice playing songs that have the least complicated chords to play. Some simple chords are C, G, and A.
That’s it! Now you know the basics of how to play a guitar. Remember, the more practice, the more perfect. The more you practice, the sooner you will become a playing the guitar.
By writer
August 18th, 2009 at 05:48pm
Under General
I’m not kidding when I say that I don’t think I know anyone who deep inside wouldn’t want to be able to sing better. Singing is such a natural form of human expression. It’s not much different to asking a person if he’d like to expressing himself better. Pretty much everyone would answer yes to that.
The other great thing about being able to sing well is that not many people can, so it helps you to stand out. This means that you can inspire and influence people as a good singer. I can think of no better feeling than being loudly applauded after a live singing performance on stage. There’s just nothing like it! Ready to release your true singing voice, then check out these singing lessons online.
Let’s not forget that it’s different strokes for different folks. Some folks reach for the stars and dream of 50 000 adoring fans cheering them on. For some folks being the front singer of a band would be a dream come true in itself. A huge number of people would like to impress the judges at the next American Idol audition. Or how about impressing your friends with your singing skills at the next karaoke night? Of course even if you want to sing only for the sheer excitement of it, that’s reason enough to start learning to sing today.
Without a doubt, learning to sing has so many benefits. While there are so many clear benefits in learning to sing, I can’t for the life of me think of any disadvantages. Singing is not only medicine for the soul, it also has great health benefits. Singing will also do wonders for your confidence. It’s simply a fantastic form of expression and offers you a way to be you.
What’s keeping you from being a great singer? Fear and doubt hold so many people back from becoming a better singer. If you don’t feel comfortable with your voice, you wouldn’t be the first. Unfortunately people don’t realize just how fun and simple learning to sing can be. Please don’t believe the myth that learning to sing is a born talent that can’t be learned. This is so far from the truth, you wouldn’t believe.
Another common excuse for not singing is the cost of private singing lessons. This argument used to carry some weight, but not anymore. You see, nowadays there are so many excellent home study singing lessons available that there really is no financial excuse not be able to reach your singing dreams.
Here a some of the many great reasons why learning to sing at home is such a great idea. The clear advantage is the saving in cost when compared to private singing lessons. The other great thing is that online singing lessons give you the flexibility to schedule your singing when it’s convenient for you. Don’t forget that you can also access the singing lessons as often as you need to. How about the advantage of being able to add the audio to your mp3 player and improving your singing in the car? For me however, the greatest benefit of online and home study singing lessons is that I get to learn from the world’s best vocal teachers.
So hopefully you can see now just how easy it is to get started learning to sing and that there is really no good excuse not to do it. Click here to get started today.
By writer
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