how to make 30000 with your music before years end

How to Make $30,000 with Your Music Before Year's EndWriten by Kenny Love

As an independent musician and/or recording artist, if you did *NOT* earn $30,000 (or more) with your music alone last year, let's jump right in and get you started with doing so this year.

Again, bear in mind that the main necessary ingredient is consistency of every aspect, and on a weekly basis.

Remember! This is a worst case scenario, in regard to what you should be able to easily earn within each aspect, and you are very likely to earn much more.

The lead generator(s) in each aspect reflects the various resources that you will use to obtain results in these areas.

So, here is the financial mathematical layout.

[---GIG EARNINGS---

Practically any band should be able to market and promote itself well enough to obtain, at least, one gig per week, whether the band is based in a metropolitan or rural setting, and whether it performs on a fulltime or part-time basis.

So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at getting one gig per week:

1 Gig X 1 Week @ $300 X 4 weeks = $1,200 per month

Lead Generators:

* Contacting venue managers and bookers directly
* Signing on with an area booking agent
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Contacting area performance theaters
* Host your own gig at an area hall or theater
* Contacting high schools for performances
* Contacting college student activities offices for performances
* Low-cost college newspaper ads for possible gigs
* Low-cost college radio ads for possible gigs
* Your website calendar gig notices/tours

Note: Provide your media kit and business card to prospective clients.

[---GIG CD SALES---

As you are already aware, most gig employers will allow you to sell your music during performances.

So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at getting sales during gigs, with a minimum of 100 people at each gig, and with 10% (10 sales) of the crowd who, after witnessing your mind-blowing spectacular performance, suddenly realize that life is not worth living, and they simply cannot go on unless they own a copy of your CD:

10 sales X $10.00 (per CD) X 4 weeks = $400 per month

Our monthly sub-total is now $1,600

Lead Generator:

* Your incredible stage performance that left them mesmerized.
* Your website for additional sales

[---TEACHING---

Right now, in your own area, there are innumerable people who would like to learn to play your instrument, or be able to sing as half as well as you. So, why not teach them how to do so while earning a bit of income doing it as well?

So, in our worst case scenario, let's say you teach only one day each week, with only two students, at one hour each, while charging $10 per student, per lesson:

1 day X 2 students X $10.00 (per student) X 4 weeks = $80 per month

Our monthly sub-total is now $1,680

Note: If you decide to devote an entire day of the week to teaching, say 8 students/8 hours, your income increases to $80 per day/$320 per month.

You can also consider contacting area community colleges that will likely be receptive to your classes within their Continuing Education program, which can even pay a bit more money. And, if time allows, why not get the best of both worlds, so to speak, by teaching both independently, as well as within the college system?

Lead Generators:

* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Contacting high schools to post notices/fliers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* News releases to area radio and print papers
* Feature interviews on area radio and in newspapers
* Your website with your class notices

Note: Provide your credentials to student prospects in the forms of a resume and/or portfolio.

[---ONLINE SALES---

Just a few noted sites include:

CD Baby ( http://www.cdbaby.com )
The Orchard ( http://www.theorchard.com )
Amazon.com ( http://www.amazon.com )
New Artist Direct ( http://www.newartistdirect.com )

With fairly decent online promotion, at the least, you ought to be able to realize an average of 3 sales per week from each of these sites. While all may not produce those 3 sales individually each week, some of them are likely to produce more than 3 sales, dependent upon your promotional efforts, of which should still average out to 3 sales each.

However and again, let's review a worst case scenario:

4 sites X 3 sales each X $7.00 = $84 X 4 weeks = $336

Our monthly sub-total is now $2,016

Lead Generators:

* Peripheral online sales from gig audiences
* Low-cost ads in area weekly newspapers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* Internet marketing and promotion on music message boards, music forums, and within discussion list signature files
* News releases to area radio and print papers
* Feature interviews on area radio and newspapers
* Your website sales

[---WEDDINGS---

Though weddings occur within every month of the year, the biggest and most traditional month for weddings is June. And, right now, in your own area, there are quite a few being planned for this summer. Weddings are one of the most lucrative income generators for musicians, because families generally are very liberal in spending on them, and go all out, so to speak, for this special day for their daughters.

So, in our worst case scenario, let's say you can get, at least, one wedding gig per month, at $1,000 per gig (more wedding gig opportunities are likely during summer months especially):

$1,000 X 9 months = $9,000

Our monthly sub-total is now $3,016

Lead Generators:

* Caterers & Catering Services
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Your website notices of your availability for weddings
* Providing your business card to area upscale restaurants
that cater wedding receptions and banquets
* Your business card left with flower shops
* Your business card left with jewelry stores
* Your business card left with bridal shops
* Your business card left with tuxedo shops
* Your business card left with bridal services

Note: You should also provide your business card to wedding attendants who inquire about your services for upcoming functions that they may be hosting in the future.

[---WEDDING CD SALES---

You may also be able to sell your CD at weddings, however, ASK FIRST when coordinating your performance arrangements. Attendants usually interact with the band, as it is a happy occasion.

If you are allowed to sell your recordings at weddings, you should do so passively by having your CDs placed near the performance area in a conspicuous position.

However, I would not hard sell (repeatedly mention) the CD from the stage, unless of course, a wedding coordinator decides to do so, or states that you may do so.

So, in our worst case scenario, let's say, at least, 100 people attend each wedding (more are likely to attend many weddings), with 10% of them purchasing your CD:

10 sales X $10.00 (per CD) X 1 month = $100

Our monthly sub-total is now $3,116

Lead Generator:

* Your performance
* Your website notice

[---RETAIL STORE CONSIGNMENT SALES---

Since stores won't be laying out cash in advance for your music, you should have very little problem consigning your music to retailers.

A word of advice is for you to not consign more than five copies per per store, per 30-day period, at any time. Limiting copies to stores will allow for sufficient time in your product moving off retailer shelves.

Consider getting your product consigned with, at least, five area retailers. However, if there are not enough music stores in your area, consider consigning it with other retailers such as; bookstores, flower shops, jewelry stores, and any other such retailer that gets quite a bit of traffic and might be interested in carrying your music.

You will, generally, be required to present retailers with your own consignment form, and I have created one that you can freely download and customize for your own use at: http://www.MuBiz.com/CnsnmtFrm.html

Just be sure to duplicate it so that both you and the retailer have copies.

So, in our worst case scenario, let's look at your area retail possibilities:

5 Stores X 5 copies X $8 (your take) = $200 per month

Our monthly sub-total is now $3,316

Lead Generators:

* Low-cost classified or display ads in area newspapers
* Low-cost radio ads
* Low-cost cable television ads
* News releases to all forms of media
* Feature interviews at local television, radio stations and print media
* Music reviews in your area print media
* Your website listing area stores carrying your music

Note: Provide your media kit and business card to retailers in order to further influence their decision in consigning your product.

[---PRODUCTION---

Did you produce your own CD? If you did, and if people are raving about how great it is, why not consider producing other area bands as well for some extra cash?

Between now and the end of this year, you should be able to produce, at least, two acts for, at least, a $1,000 fee each.

Lead Generators:

* Word of mouth and fellow musicians you know
* Placing low-cost ads in your area weekly newspapers
* Low-cost college newspaper ads
* Low-cost college radio ads
* Your website notice of your production skills
* Fliers in music instrument stores

Note: Provide your media kit and business card to contacts.

As our monthly sub-total is $3,316, providing a grand sub-total of $29,844, when you add on your $2,000 production fees for both bands that you produce, your minimum grand year-end total comes to $31,844.

As I stated at the beginning of this article, each of these aspects contain 'bare bones' minimum figures in respect to what your earning potential is within them.

* Special Note: In each of these areas, it is very likely that you will experience repeat business, as well as word of mouth promotion, which will further add to your annual income this year, thus, creating the potential for doubling or even tripling your income.

Kenny Love is president of http://www.MuBiz.com, a radio promotion and media publicity firm that also provides business and career services to musicians.

legal music download sites vs p2p file sharing

Legal Music Download Sites vs. P2P File SharingWriten by Annette Rowe

This article compares the differences between legal music download sites VS file sharing networks.

1) Music files available for download:

The p2p file sharing networks heavily out number the legal music sites when it comes to the amount of files available for download. A p2p application provides millions of unlimited mp3 music files, while a legal music download site provides legitimately licensed music files in the hundreds of thousands.

2) The cost of downloading music:

You can download p2p file sharing networks for free, or for a very cheap one-time fee. A legal music download site is usually either subscription-based or pay-per-download. A legal site will also usually charge extra for the ability to rip or burn music.

3) Variety of files available for download:

A legal music site mainly provides ONLY music files for downloading. A p2p application gives you, besides music files, full movie, game, video, software, TV show and ring-tone files to download as well.

4) Legal Issues & Controversy:

Legitimate legal music download sites are completely free of controversy and 100% legal to use. P2p file sharing networks, while legal, are not without lawsuit concerns and controversy due to how the file sharing technology can be used.

If you choose to use a p2p file sharing program, there are potential risks you need to be aware of, including:

Lawsuit Risks - Peer to peer file sharing networks have been ruled legal in a court of law. However, if you download and share copyrighted material you could risk becoming targeted, and possibly sued, by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America).

Virus And Privacy Risks - In using a file sharing application, you risk the possibility of installing harmful spyware, viruses, worms and malware on your computer. And if that's not bad enough, many p2p applications also leave you exposed to online hackers and identity thieves that can steal you personal information.

Legal Music Download Sites VS P2P File Sharing - Summary:

At first glance the p2p file sharing networks may seem to offer an easy way to get unlimited free file downloads. But remember, nothing is really free and this is especially true with the p2p file sharing applications. The file sharing programs come with a price of increased privacy and security threats, and potential RIAA lawsuit risks.

The legitimately licensed music sites, that provides downloads of music legally licensed from the record labels and artists themselves, are the only way to get safe and legal music downloads online.

Article by Anna Rowe, webmaster of 1st Free Music Download.com that provides music download site reviews and quality online music download solutions. Sign-up for a Free Mp3 mini-course that details critical facts about downloading music online.

See Online Music Lessons at > http://www.entertainbox.com/

music to echo your mood

Music to Echo Your MoodWriten by Devon Rynders

In what way do the kinds of music (rock, rap, classical, instrumental, etc.) change or alter our mood and in what way do our moods effect what music we listen to?

Music has been present throughout the history of man. Of course musical styles change but the power and popularity of music never changes. But why is music so popular? What is it that music offers us and is it just a sound to drown out others?

Our emotions and thoughts are altered and influenced by music. Music can influence our emotions and our behaviour to a great degree, it relaxes us, it energises us, it can make us sad, or happy. Of course music isn't some type of mind control but it studies have consistently shown the link between music and our moods.

Slow music calms down. Ballads, some forms of classical music and New Age, as well as meditation music create a peaceful atmosphere that is good for relaxing after a busy day or for a romantic dinner. For most people slow music is de-stressing. It allows them to sit down and relax.

If the music is slowed below approximately 50 beats per minute it can create an atmosphere of sadness, even depression. The slow rhythm of certain music can make induce feelings of powerlessness and desperation.

This kinds of slow music is often found in jazz and classical music, many people listen to it when alone, at night usually, when it seems to suit their mood.

In general, instrumental music (excluding military marches with their fast tempo) is also a way to isolate oneself from the people around. The rhythm is calm and steady, the tune is clearer, since there are no voices interfering.

Faster music (such as rock, heavy metal, and dance music) tends to uplift us. It energises us, and awakens us in a very real way, making us feel full of life.

Dance music is light and yet fast, it fills us with energy and relaxes us but it is not complicated by intellectual overtones. So it allows us to liven up and unwind without having to think or listen very seriously. For this reason it is very popular at parties.

Rock and pop music and rap are also often played at parties, when large groups of people gather together. This is music for socializing and being together. Most rock, pop, and rap songs also do not involve special efforts for listening to and are also suitable for parties.

Rock music is often used to accompany physical labour, its heavy fast tempo speeds up the heart and one almost works in time to the music making the work more enjoyable.

Some people think that rock music can cause road accidents, it is not difficult to see why, it is easy to become 'caught up in' rock music, drivers could become excited by the speed of the music and drive too fast. But on balance there are so many sources of driver distraction that it does not make sense to blame rock music. Nevertheless studies have shown a definitive link between music and mood.

Some kinds of music, like techno, are produced using computers and almost constitute an escape into an alternate virtual world, the music is reminiscent of sci-fi, technology and the futuristic world we imagine.

World music allows a different type of escape - into another country. Often people bring home CDs from holiday and when listening to the music it evokes the spirit of a nation or area and seems to take them back there.

The best music information can be found online at FBX Music. Devon Rynders is a senior writer and you will find articles, resources and a free newsletter at: FBX Music.

See Piano Learning Info Here > http://www.learntomasterpiano.com/

5 reasons to learn music theory

5 Reasons to Learn Music TheoryWriten by K Quinn

If you thought music theory was a waste of time and not necessary to further your musical goals, then read these following 5 reasons why this is not true.

1.Read sheet music: Being able to play from any piece of sheet music. Well it may be hard to play BUT you can read it!

2.Be able to transpose: Say you are playing a piece from the sheet music you can now read but you think it sounds too high or too low, or just not right. Well now you can move it into a new key and play at a better singing.

3.Be able to modulate: You will be able to, with a few quick moves of the fingers, move your music into a new key with a succession of notes so pleasing to the ear it will bring a smile to your listeners faces.

4.It will increase your skill in improvising: Enough said.

5.Knowing music theory will help you recreate the sounds you enjoy in your favorite songs. Those fabulous chord progressions. The parts that give a song that certain sound. Gospel, Contemporary etc.

To learn music theory you dont have to become a scholar on the subject. Just at least learn the basics. Getting a good music theory book and spending a few minutes a day reading from it and doing any included exercises can jump start your music playing.

K Quinn is a church pianist and guitarist for her church. Having picked up music late in life she is the site proprieter at http://www.strugglingchurchmusician.us Tips, tools, and recommendations for a church musician.

walmart music downloads

Wal-Mart Music DownloadsWriten by John Rivers

Wal-Mart music downloads site is one of the easiest services available. Every song on the Wal-mart music downloads site has the same Always Low Price of .88 cents.

This easy to use site offers new releases, top songs, and classic favorites all priced the same. Album pricing varies depending on the number of songs available for download. In almost all cases, buying an album will be less expensive than buying the individual songs that make up an album.

Before I go on any further, sorry Mac users this program is only available for PCs and Windows operating systems.

OK, back to the good stuff.. Each title has a 30 second clip so that you can preview the song (just to make sure its the right one). It also comes with a free song storage program that helps you list your new songs in playlists ready for listening or burning to CD.

Bottom line.just as their ad says .88 cents Every Song. Every Day.

There is no monthly subscription fee with Wal-mart music downloads or any other additional charges. You pay for only the price of the songs or albums you want and (of course) any applicable sales tax, with no other fees. And its all legal, licensed, and free of viruses. A great program especially if you are a diehard Wal-mart fan.

Oh, I almost forgot they also offer a Wal-mart Music Downloads Gift Card. Perfect for those special people who love music, but you really dont know what they like. You can purchase any amount between $10 and $2,500.(guaranteed they wont return this gift).

John Rivers has been involved with music for over 30 years as a student, performer and teacher. His site The-NetGuide-for-MusicDownloads.com helps individuals to find safe and legal Music and Movie download sites. Subscribe to NetMusic News and receive Free music downloads each month.

More Music Related Sites : http://www.learntoplaydrum.com/

create produce and sell your music 10 reasons you can do this from the comfort of your home

Create, Produce, and Sell Your Music - 10 Reasons You Can do this from the Comfort of Your HomeWriten by Traci Crowley

1. You don't have to be an expert.

Create music the best you can, just get it recorded and polish it up later. Rough tracks are not always a bad thing. They can be an excellent starting point for a great song. Many people can appreciate raw music and may even want to collaborate with you to make your music even better. Putting together music that isn't perfect is better than keeping the music inside of you and not sharing your creativity and talents with others.

2. You can create quality recordings without going to a professional recording studio.

There is excellent home recording software and recording devices available. Reading a manual, contacting customer support, and visiting chat rooms can go a long ways in helping you improve your recording skills. Don't be intimidated. Play around with your recording device, or recording software. If you are patient with yourself, you can have a lot of fun, learn a lot, and your recordings can really start to come together.

Also consider hanging out in a music store occasionally to learn some great tips from other musicians. Sales reps are normally more than happy to help you out and even share their personal experiences they have had with a product. If they don't have experience with the product you are looking for, chances are they can find someone in the store who has experience, or can direct you to the right place.

3. Home is your sanctuary, when you relax get your inspiration from your environment then capture your creativity in your recording. When you create music from the comfort of your home your creativity can be limitless.

You can create, record, and sell music from home while you're in your pajamas. Nothing wrong with that! A lot of good creativity can happen at homechannel that into a cool new song, and record it so you'll remember it for years to come. You can mess up a thousand times, and no one has to know. Practice to your hearts content, then record your tunes as many times as you need to until you get the sound that makes you happy.

You may also be able to tune out negative influences at home, so that's a good place to foster your creativity. Your home is a great place to kick back and relax, and when you're relaxed and feeling good, or bad, this is a great time to go play some music and/or lay down a couple of tracks of music. You are free to work at your own pace with no one looking over your shoulder, so that can be great time to be creative and come up with some music ideas. Work in the comfort of your home, be comfortable and relaxed, be creative and show how unique you can be through your music.

4. You can create music as fast or slow as you wantgo at your own pace.

There doesn't have to be anyone pressuring you to lay down your tracks at warp speed. You can record a track, go eat some lunch, workout, then record another track if you choose. You can lock yourself in your music room for as long as you want if that works for you, and really make some great progress on working out some licks, writing some tunes, or even recording music. You don't have to pay for an expensive recording studio, so you can take your time creating your music.

5. Home recording trends are growing, and you can easily take advantage of new technologies developed for musicians just like you who want to record their music at home.

Resources are available to easily record music at home at a very reasonable price, so no more excuses. Thousands of people are recording their own music from home. They have all different skill levels. There is a place for you out there toogo get yours!

6. What you don't know you can learn from home using your computer and some great online resources.

You can instantly download music lessons and work at your own pace. You can join forums full of people just like you, who are working on making their own music from home, and you can share tips with each other. There are resources where you get video demonstrations that walk you through different processes e.g. playing a guitarstep by step.

7. The internet has endless possibilities and reaches millions of peopleget your good music in front of more people on the internet and you can have more music sales.

You can sell your music right off of your website. You can sell your music from an online music store. There are free advertising resources available where you can get your music in front of other musicians and prospective customers. There are online communities for musicians who want to get their music heard by othersyou can offer support for other musicians, and they can do the same for you. This can lead to more CD and MP3 sales too. You can get your own online radio station to play your music, or get your music played on other online radio stations to increase your exposure. The possibilities for getting your music heard are endless if you take advantage of the power of the internet.

8. You have full control over how your music turns out.

You are creating, producing, and selling your own music. No one should stand in your way. You can keep 100% of your hard earned profits if you choose.

9. You can have a huge sense of accomplishments by creating your music from scratch, producing it, and selling your own music.

You are responsible for the music you create. A lot of satisfaction can come with thattaking action will show you that you can do it, like you always knew you could!

10. Don't underestimate your abilities. You may be a better musician than you think. You can get your music out to the public to let others experience your unique creativity.

You may not think your good enough to sell your own music, but how do you know if you don't even try? Get your music in front of others and let them appreciate all of your creativity and efforts. For every person you think won't like your music, there may be 10 others that do. Fear is natural, but don't let it stand in the way of you achieving greatness that may be within you.

There are some great recordings, and a lot of rough recordings out there that may get some great buzz because they are getting their music out there. Why can't you do the same? Taking action is the first step. You may be a better musician than you think.

Your music may sound pretty good to you, but get your music in front of others, and they may be amazed on what you can do. That interest, and/or amazement with your music can be a great tool for fostering your motivation and creativity too! Remember, you never know what you can do until you try. No more excusesyou CAN Create, Produce, and Sell your music from home. You have nothing to lose, so get started today!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Traci Crowley provides resources that help you Create, Produce, and Sell your music from home. Visit her website at: http://www.indie-musicnetwork.com

More Guitar Learning Site : http://www.guitarready.com/

music business contacts music business registry connects artists managers publishers producers amp

Music Business Contacts: Music Business Registry connects artists, managers, publishers, producers &Writen by Scott G

The difference between success and failure is information, notes Ritch Esra, and he should know. Along with his partner, Stephen Trumbull, Esra is a leading part of the number one most-reliable source of information on who's who and who does what in the music business. Best of all, they can tell you where everybody is located.

FIVE VOLUMES OF DATA.

The Music Business Registry (http://www.musicregistry.com) publishes five directories: the A&R Registry, the Music Publisher Registry, the Music Business Attorney Registry the Film and Television Music Guide, and the Record Producer and Recording Engineer Directory. For many in the business, these are indispensable reference works.

The directories give everyone vital, accurate and the most up-to-date information they need to contact the entire A&R, music publishing, legal and film/TV music communities, Esra states. From comparing notes with dozens of professionals in all of these areas of expertise, I can tell you that no one disputes his claim.

More than one music industry executive has told me that the Music Business Registry publications are worth their weight in platinum. Tess Taylor, president of NARIP (National Association of Record Industry Professionals), says I couldn't get through one day without the directories from the Music Business Registry. These publications are the finest in the business.

Each directory tells you how to reach industry professionals by regular mail, e-mail, direct dial telephone and fax. The books provide each person's exact title, street address, the name of their assistant and the styles of music in which each executive specializes. Web sites are also included.

UPDATES? YOU WANT UPDATES?

The world of the A&R executive is exciting but ever-changing. Which is to say, there's a lot of turnover in this part of the industry. So much turnover, in fact, that the A&R Registry is completely updated and reprinted every eight weeks, whereas the publisher volume is biannual and the other books come out yearly.

NEED A PRODUCER? HERE ARE 1,700 OF THEM!

Created in partnership with RPM Direct, the Record Producer & Recording Engineer Directory presents 1,700 of today's leading Record Producers, Recording Engineers & Remixers throughout the US, Canada and Europe in every genre of music. Included in the book are:

(1) Complete contact information for every Producer, Remixer & Recording Engineer along with a list of their credits.

(2) Producer/Engineer/Remixer Management Companies including a complete staff listing as well as full client rosters.

(3) A Complete Index to easily locate any producer.

(4) Several Interviews and articles with today's leading Producers & Engineers.

No wonder you can find the Music Business Registry's publications in the offices of top record company executives, music publishers, artist managers, agents, music attorneys, recording artists, studios and other music business professionals everywhere from Los Angeles to London, New York to Nashville, Chicago to Copenhagen, Toronto to Tokyo, Stockholm to Sydney and Minneapolis to Munich.

YOUR SEARCH BEGINS HERE.

The Music Business Registry is located at 7510 Sunset Blvd #1041, Los Angeles, CA 90046-3400. Phone: 800-377-7411 or 818-995-7458. Fax: 800-228-9411 or 818-995-7459. E-mail: ritch@musicregistry.com.

Scott G (The G-Man) writes and produces radio commercials from G-Man Music & Radical Radio. With albums on Delvian Records, iTunes, Amazon, and many other online stores, he also composes music that is played in clubs, on college radio stations, and on commercials. A member of NARAS (the Grammy organization) and NARIP (National Association of Record Industry Professionals), he writes about music, advertising, marketing, communications, advertainment, and digital distribution for the Immedia Wire Service and MusicDish.com. Samples of his songs and commercials are on his site at: http://www.gmanmusic.com

More Guitar Learning Site : http://www.guitarready.com/

american indian music keeping the tradition alive

American Indian Music: Keeping the Tradition AliveWriten by Edward Charkow

American Indians are well-known for their sense of tradition. It is hard to keep American Indian traditions alive, especially in todays society. Despite being difficult to do, a large number of American Indians have done just that. One of the ways that they are able to keep the traditions that their ancestors started alive is through music.

American Indian music is famous for its simple, yet amazing music. Unlike most modern music, American Indian music does not typically comprise of a wide variety of instruments. Many times, music is only performed with a flute and singing. Additional instruments can be used, but the flute is the most common instrument used in American Indian history. If an additional instrument is used it is likely a drum or a whistle.

As previously mentioned, it is difficult for many American Indian families to keep traditions alive and strong today. A large number of Indian tribes have created private schools on their reservations; however, not all American Indian children are able to attend them. Placing children in a private or public school puts them at risk for becoming interested in non-traditional activities that are not approved by American Indians.

To prevent traditions from dying, many American Indians have taken extra steps to ensure that American Indian music continues to live on in the heart and soul of newer generations. One of those steps includes teaching children how to play American Indian music and educating them on the history that surrounds the music they are playing. Many parents are working to teach their young to play and others have urged their children to take American Indian music lessons.

American Indian music lessons are usually offered for free or for a small fee on most Indian reservations. The individual teaching the lessons is usually an older tribal member who is experienced and considered educated in the subject of music. In addition to teaching students to play the flute, drums, or whistle, they teach the history and importance of American Indian music.

In todays society, a large number of children are more focused on the present than they are the past. This has caused many children to not even know their decent or the history behind their existence. This thinking has many American Indian leaders fearful for their future. That is why American Indian music and other traditions are important to all American Indians.

American Indian music, like most other American Indian traditions, has significance to those who believe in it. American Indian tradition states that Indian chiefs used music as a way to communicate with spiritual leaders. In addition to communicating with supernatural spirits, American Indian music was also believed to heal the ill or bring luck to those that need it. Medicine songs were often sung to tribal members who fell ill.

The purpose behind American Indian music is important in understanding the role that it played in the past and will continue to play in the future. While transitions have been difficult, a large number of American Indians were able keep their beliefs while making the transition into todays society. With the ability to do so, it is likely that American Indian music and other traditions will continue to shine for years to come.

Edward Charkow is the administrator for American Indian History. For more information please visit: http://www.americanindian-history.com

does reading make music

Does Reading Make Music?Writen by Ron Worthy

When you read music you are deciphering the printed page and transferring the information to the keyboard. You might say that you are decoding what the composer or arranger put on the page . The symbols put on the paper by the composer are the only means he or she has to convey his/her musical ideas to the performer, hence to the listener.

But! Is decoding a page of printed music and transferring those symbols to sound really making music?

Not necessarily. That is only one step. We might say that reading the notes with our eyes and playing them with our fingers is putting the mechanics to work. If we stop studying the piece as soon as we are fairly fluent in playing the notes we have read, we may be good keyboard mechanics, but we may not be considered musicians.

No doubt you have listened to a pianist and come away saying, That performance really carried me away. On the other hand you have also probably heard much so-called music that left you coldthat did nothing for you. Perhaps one reason we enjoy listening to ear players is the fact that they are listening to what they play and are not distracted by the printed page.

Ear players MUST listen to themselves or they would have no idea of what comes next. The music is really speaking to them. Always remember that until music speaks to the player it cannot communicate anything to the listener.

What has all this got to do with reading music? You ask:Is it wrong to try to learn to read? Since I can't play by ear, should I just forget about learning to play?

The first question will take a bit of detail to take us from the printed page to good listening. Don't forget that the performer must be a good listener, if not the most critical of all listeners. If, as you perform, you become so engrossed in the printed notes, their pitch, their time, the touch, the dynamicsthat you forget that all those things must fit together as a whole to make a good tone story, then you are a note reader, not a musician. But you must learn to read fluently if you can't play by ear.

There are comparatively few people who can play from memory or by ear everything that is on the page, fully and accurately. But, you don't hear them falter and fumble over the spots that are rough because they have learned how to fake, how to cover their mistakes so the average listener is not aware of their bloopers.

So go aheadlearn to be a good reader. Not just a good letter reader, be a phrase-wise reader. Be aware of everything printed on the page, but read between the lines. Like a good actor, put yourself in the role and project your feelings to your listeners . Don't let your development stop with just reading pitch and time. Include those little nuances: the delicate shadings of volume, the elasticity of tempo�the phrases that punctuate your musical story. Those are the things that make music from the printed page.

Now you know your answer. It is not wrong to learn to read fluently. Reading, as well as good technique, is a vital part of a musician's craft. And the more automatic your reading and technique become, the easier it will be to learn new music. That, of course, is the one big advantage the fluent reader has over the ear playerthe player who reads can learn new music he or she has never heard.

Perhaps your second question is also answered. Of course, you can enjoy music even if you have to dig out every note phrase by phrase. A few hints may help you decide how to choose your music and how to go about learning it. First:

Choose music that is well within your present level of playing so you won't have to work forever on once piece.

Don't worry about challenging yourself.

Don't dub yourself lazy just because you play easy pieces. Who cares what grade level your music is? Just play the melody so beautifully that everyone wants to hum along.

Keep the beat moving smoothly and with the proper accent so everyone will want to tap their toes.

Put in enough subtle changes of volume to make the phrases speak.

Deviate from the established beat just enough to enhance the natural flow of rhythm to make the music come alive.

Copyright 2005 RAW Productions

Ron Worthy is a Music Educator, Songwriter and Performer. His Web Site, Play Piano Like a PRO, offers Proven Tips, Tool, and Strategies (that anyone can learn) to Play Rock, Pop, Blues and Smooth Jazz Piano. http://www.mrronsmusic.com/playpiano.htm

See Online Music Lessons at > http://www.entertainbox.com/

history of dance music

History of Dance MusicWriten by Tracey Lee

DANCE MUSIC

What is Dance Music? The definition of dance music is quite simply- Music composed/ played specifically for dancing to. Dance music includes a whole variety of music from waltz to tango, disco to rock.From the dawn of mankind humans possessed the desire to danceIn accient times, the first purpose of dance was ritual to the gods of nature. Dancing is proven to make us feel good. Dancing is used in celebrations. In ancient Greece,after harvesting grapes, the occasion was celebrated in honour of the God of wine, Dionysus, where people danced all night long. Although dance and music can be traced back to prehistoric times, it is unclear which came first. As rhythm and sound go hand in hand and inspire movement.The relationship between the two has always been symbiotic.

Our ears have the fewest sensory cells of any sensory organ--3,500 inner hair cells occupy our ears versus 100 million photoreceptors in our eyes. Yet our mental response to music is amazingly adaptable; even a little study can etune the way the brain handles musical inputs. Its a well known fact that music is good for you, as it builds neuropathways and stimulates the mind. Recently scientists discovered what makes a tune catchy, after locating the brain area where a song's hook gets caught. Its in the auditory cortex,which handles information from ears. Dance Music in particular stimulates our brains, as studies found, thus the popular demand for night clubs. An uplifting melody with an uptembo rhythm increases our stimulation in the auditory complex.

In recent times the term dance music is more familiarly known as club music, electronic musictechno, trance, house, eurodance, breakbeat and trance,drum and bass,hip hop,raga. Electronic dance music evolved in the 1970s. Kraftwerk, Georgio Moroder, Donna Summer and Sylvester are just a few of the artists who started the dance music phenomenon. From 1988, many terms of dance music evolved From Acid House to Techno to ambient wave to trance.

Nowadays we have all sorts of dance music from all over the world. We hear it on our radios, Tvs, in our night clubs. A recent survey found dance music is the most popular genre among music tastes, and is growing in popularity even more each day. I found this interesting web station last week with a nice mix of dance music.

http://www.energywebradio.com

By Tracey Lee

gospel music tracing back its roots

Gospel Music: Tracing Back Its RootsWriten by Robert Langdon

Ever since some cognitive human beings have set foot on Earth, music has greatly taken part of their lives. The folks belonging to the days of yore created their own musical arrangements by plucking strings and hitting things like wood, hide, or stone. The sounds of nature have also served as one pleasant musical sound for them. They undoubtedly took pleasure listening to the sound of the waterfalls, the animals, and even the weather-related reverberations.

Music has then taken a further course. Throughout the passing of time, people have invented creative means of creating music. From the schools to the churches, there is music. The music industry has also created varied genres of music for all occasions.

You will often see or hear people preaching about the word of God. The gospel of the Lord is being delivered through the means of other people who serve as His own instruments. Simply listening to His words enlightens your spirit, right? God has often reminded His people to love one another as he loves everyone. He places every creation he has made under His care. Although every person has been created in His image and likeness, still no one leads a perfect life. To put it in a much simpler term, no one is as perfect as God is.

Ones spirituality and faith can thus be manifested by several means. Reading the bible, following the ten commandments of God, praying, singing gospel music, and attending mass are among the typical ways by which ones spirituality is nourished. They often say that those who sing praise twice. Thus, by singing the gospel music, you are praising twice!

What is gospel music?

Gospel music is a religious music that contains the word of God. Gospel music is at all times used as one medium to praise God Almighty. In varying tunes and arrangements, gospel music can always be heard during the celebration of the mass, praise and worship activities, and healing mass.

There is no limit as to the use of gospel music. You can even make it as your morning praise habit. You can listen to it while driving your car. Or you can let it resound in your house. Some gospel music singers perform the genre in nightclubs and secular settings. These days, more and more gospel music are hence becoming danceable therefore making the enlightening of the spirit more effective.

The Roots of Gospel Music

The gospel music was first popularized by the African-American churches way back in the 1930s. Two styles of the gospel music emerged in those daysthat of the black people and that of the white southerners. Despite the two separate styles, gospel music still traces its roots from the Methodist hymnal. There came a time when the artists from the two separate categories sang the gospel music of each other.

The onset of gospel music has marked a phenomenon in America regardless of the distinction between the while and black churches. Indeed, gospel music has reached Australia that gave birth to the gospel choirs of Jonah and The Whalers and The Elementals plus the beginning of the Australian Gospel Music Festival. Norway also gave rise to both the Oslo Gospel Choir and the Ansgar Gospel Choir.

The Influences of Gospel

The trendy pop music had greatly influenced the gospel artists. In turn, gospel music has also influenced the rhythm and blues singers of the 1940s up to the 1950s.

Gospel music has reached the peek of its popularity. Until now, several other gospel musical artists are gaining their own fame for the genre and a lot other patrons are getting drawn on them.

freenetpublishing.com is a free information site that offers articles and resources. If you want to read or share information on Arts-and-Entertainment, you're always welcome!

nurture musical talent as you would care for a new garden

Nurture Musical Talent as You Would Care for a New GardenWriten by Cynthia VanLandingham

The modern world of high speed internet, microwave ovens, fast cars, and Television creates expectations of instant results that are neither realistic nor sustainable when it comes to learning a difficult instrument such as the piano. Children and sometimes parents expect overnight results. This perception of learning is based on what C. Wright Mills calls a Sociological Imagination, or what I call a shared illusion about reality, learned mainly from TV and the movies.

Heres an example. Ever watch the show Friends. This show glorifies people in their 30s who still act like adolescents. Wait a minute, thats not really fair my apologies. I know plenty of adolescents who are more responsible than the cast of characters in Friends. Sure. Its a cute show but think about its content? What message does it send to young people? Certainly not the message that hard work and sacrifice pays off.

Learning to play the piano is more like the sustained effort of planning and growing your own garden, and then sharing your harvest with your family and friends. We have some blueberry plants growing in our back yard. They were very small when we first planted them, producing only a few berries. Now 15 years later, we harvest a freezer full of blueberries every summer! Many times we could have dug them up and planted some more attractive shrubs, but we always believed that one day they would grow into big blueberry trees and give us lots of yummy fruit. And now after years of care, they do.

Nurturing your childs or your own musical talent is a lot like growing a garden. It takes time and patience. As well as attention to the simple things, like coming to lessons each week, attending recitals, developing a practice routine, staying focused on your goals, and believing that one day your dream will come true.

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 Youll 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 free internet newsletter so you can download free 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

See Piano Learning Info Here > http://www.learntomasterpiano.com/

building a regional music market the texas model

Building a Regional Music Market - The Texas ModelWriten by Pat Watters

For those of you who have been living under a rock, theres something brewing down in Texas. Actually, it has been for quite some time. It started when Willie grew his hair, rolled his own, moved back to Austin, and brought Waylon with him. Its a revolution- its artists who turn their back on the establishment, and succeed not in spite of it, but because of it. Its a regional country music market where unsigned bands place a higher premium on their music and fans than they do on their money and the size of your heart matters more than the size of your home. And the coolest thing of all- these guys are making a living doing what they love, on their own terms. Fast forward a few decades and the legacy of the men who started it all is being carried on through guys like Pat Green, Jack Ingram, Cory Morrow, Jason Boland, Reckless Kelly, and Cross Canadian Ragweed (although from Oklahoma, its the Texas market theyre working).

When I look at Texas, and all thats happening there, only one question crosses my mind- why Texas? Not just why Texas, but why not Wisconsin, Missouri, Arizona, Maine, Delaware, Nebraska, and the list goes on? Country music is a whole lot bigger than the south. There are rednecks and hillbillies all over the place. So what does Texas have that we dont? I think it comes down to relationships- three very important relationships.

Artist/Artist Relationships
The first thing that makes the Texas music market successful is the good old fashioned principle of teamwork. What is good for one is good for all. Often times, in a regional market, there is 1-3 lead horses. And damn, dont they feel good? They are the band that the radio stations call when they need an opener. They are the band that headlines every county fair, rodeo, pig roast, corn broil, and keg party in the state. Then theres everybody else. They play shows here and there, and book what they can, wherever they can. If we as local musicians recognized our opportunities and learned to work together, we could do so much more together than we can as individuals. The artists in Texas look out for each other. Imagine the power that a union of 5-10 bands could hold. They could do so much. They could host their own independent musical festivals. They could pool their resources to bring national acts to the area, and they could all have an opening gig. They could fund an indy label and recording studio where they all have the opportunity to affordably produce and market their music. They could develop a referral network and help each other find jobs.

Theres really no limit to the possibilities. And arrogance is the only thing in the way. Look, you may be the most popular country band in the state, but what does that really mean? Wouldnt it mean more if your state was known for great country music? I think youll agree that it means a lot more to be even on the bottom rung in a place with Texas reputation than it does to be on the top rung in any other regional market.

Artist/Radio Relationship
Artists and radio need to meet in the middle somewhere. Heres a reality check for independent country artists: Radio is annoyed to shit by you and your relatives constant calls to play your song. And heres a reality check for radio: If you guys would throw us a god damn bone once in a while, we wouldnt always be on your ass. Were both in this industry, so why dont we work together? For a regional music market to work, the fans have to be exposed to the music. Its plain and simple. And the best way to expose them to the music is to mix it in with the regular radio play list. For the most part, indy artists dont want a freakin royalty check. They want a NAME check. They want their song to be sandwiched between Kenny Chesneys latest hit and a classic from Alabama. They just want to be heard. But as artists, we need to understand the stations position as well. They are responsible to their advertisers and listeners. And just because your grandma wants to hear your latest song, that dont make it good. HONESTLY assess your music. If what you are about to send does not stand head and shoulders with or above whats currently on the radio, dont send it. Dont waste their time. Why should they play a half-assed song by an artist nobody knows? You have to give them a reason to play your stuff. And it better be good. So focus on your VERY best material.

In Texas, not only do the regional artists get regular airplay, but they even have a Texas music chart where regional artists chart their latest singles. I realize that some stations are owned by the evil conglomerate drones like Clear Channel, and their hands are tied. But every station could all be doing something to help their local bands and expose their listeners to some great local music. Maybe it is a weekly 1 hr. program on the local scene, or maybe it is a daily featured song from a local artist. But damnit, do something! Were more than willing to work with you! Indy artists, focus your attention more on independently owned stations. They typically have more freedom with their play lists.

Artist/Fan Relationships
This is the single most important relationship in the equation. For a regional country music market to thrive, there has to be demand for it. And only the fans can create the demand. It cant be faked or manufactured. It has to be real. There has to be a commitment from the artists to stay true to themselves and their music. And there has to be a commitment from the fans to go to the shows, buy the music, and help promote the artist. See, thats what so many musicians forget. The only difference between an artist and his fans is which side of the microphone they are standing on. The sooner we all realize that, the better off well be. Fans dont want some phony ass wanna be up there. They want someone real. Someone who will be true to the music, true to himself, and true to them. If they want an arrogant jackass to feed them bullshit, they can get that from plenty of major label egomaniacs. They dont need us.

So I guess Van Zants got it right. If you want to build a regional music market, damnit, help somebody if you can. Oh, and a little sip now and then dont hurt either.

Pat Watters is a St. Louis-based singer/songwriter/honky tonker. He also runs The Man in the Middle, a blog that looks at the country music industry from the perspective of an independent artist.

More articles are available at http://www.patwatters.blogspot.com

Visit Pat's virtual Honky Tonk at http://www.patwatters.com

Check him out on MySpace at http://www.myspace.com/patwatters

free music downloads

Free Music DownloadsWriten by Sam Watkins

Free music downloads? Is there really such a thing?

I remember back in the 90s, this really existed. There was such a thing as completely free music. You could go online and get as much music as you wanted, any time, for absolutely nothing.

Nowadays, I think there's something new...

Computer adware and and viruses! And, well, basically...just a bunch of low quality files.

It's sad but true.

Back in the oaring Napster era, there were millions of people waiting online, at any given hour of the day, waiting to exchange files with you. Now, you'll be lucky if there are several thousand.

So what happened?

Basically, the major music labels decided they were sick and tired of losing billions of dollars to people who chose to rip off their artist's music. Musical piracy is just not cool, and people started to catch on to this new idea.

Lawsuits started, aimed at getting high profile news attention to hopefully discourage young people to stop using peer to peer services. And the efforts paid off.

Today, itunes and other legal places to download free music thrive and make a profit at selling high quality, relatively inexpensive downloads.

What about the rest? Have all the free music download sites really disappeared?

Check around the internet, and you will soon see the answer before you.

Sam Watkins goes to Free Music Downloads for great music and MP3's.

rhapsody music downloads part ii a pleasant experience

Rhapsody Music Downloads Part II - A Pleasant Experience?Writen by Patrick C. Martinez

Welcome back to Part II of Rhapsody Music Downloads! I hope you took an opportunity to enjoy the first week of your two-week trial. Must have been a joy to stream and download online music by the truckloads. Now...you did take the liberty to utilize the free trial, didn't you??

In my last article, I summarized the history surrounding the service which allows you to download and/or stream tens of 1000's of songs quickly with superior quality (at 160Kbps WMA, you can't go wrong...). Also covered were some of the elegant features in the new Rhapsody 3 version.

This article will be more practical in scope, covering the experience you may expect when encountering the fully-featured service. For more information, though, you may read the full Rhapsody music downloads review here.

If you compare the software to that of Napster or iTunes, you will find that for some reason the Rhapsody Music Downloads software takes a bit longer to download. The interface, as I've stated, is magnificent, although it looks less current than that of Napster or iTunes.

You will find that the songs are quite easy to find even though you will generally have an additional screen or two to click through compared with Napster and iTunes in order to get to your favorite song.

I.e., whereas Napster lists the most popular songs first, then conveniently lists the catalog underneath, the interface associated with the Rhapsody music downloads service will first list the five most popular songs on the first page. If, for example, your favorite hit doesn't show up there, you just click on more, and more tracks list, which will list more of the popular songs.

How about albums? The list of albums, not to mention single releases, will portray on a window to the left of the popular track list.

With Rhapsody music downloads, the track selection is not present immediately on the same page that the album list is on. You'll have to click on the album cover or name in order to check out the track selection before you stream or download online music.

iTunes and Napster on the other hand will not only list the albums but it immediately lists the songs available for downloading online music on each album. And... they both also maintain the option of clicking on the album in order to navigate its track content.

The Rhapsody music downloads service does make up for this though. Unlike Napster, where you'll have to click to an extra page if you don't find your favorite album, all album, singles and even compilation albums where your favorite artists' songs may abound, come all on one page - the first page you arrive when you type in the artist's name.

Also as for Napster, when you actually come to the next page (by clicking on more), the releases are arranged in a haphazard fashion that makes finding what you want a bit more difficult before you download online music.

The situation is even more of a challenge with iTunes which does not immediately spoon-feed you with all album releases in its list.

So in short, Rhapsody wins bigtime with album/single release navigation; Napster and iTunes win slightly with track navigation. Oh... with the Rhapsody music downloads service, you'll also find tracks on the album that aren't available for download.

Looking for artists similar to the one you typed in? Rhapsody provides this conveniently on the right of the screen. You'll also find influential artists to your searched artist, and also followers (artists that your searched artist influenced). Spin-offs and precursors to the artist, if any, are listed too. No other digital music downloads service entertains these options.

For example, Napster will only list similar artists, whereas iTunes won't even go that far (I suppose they can get away with it though - at least for now).

I discussed Rhapsody's My Library search tool in my last article. But how elegant is the music store search tool? Is it better than iTunes? Napster? Wal-mart (yes, they offer downloads as well)?

I'll cover these, as well as how the Rhapsody music downloads service can be the cheapest for you out of all the legitimate digital music services (spending pennies on the dollar), and other odds and ends in a future article.

So, stay tuned. While you're waiting, don't forget to read the full Rhapsody music downloads review here.

Copyright 2005. download-latest-online-music.com

Patrick Chris Martinez

Related Music Sites : http://www.entertainbox.com > http://www.guitarready.com > http://www.learntomasterpiano.com

music and movies download sites are they a scam

Music And Movies Download Sites - Are They A Scam?Writen by Henk Rekers

Surfing the Internet, looking for music and movies to download, you will find a lot of so called music and movie download sites. These sites do not provide you with music, or movies to download, no, they provide you with file sharing soft ware you can use to search for, and download music, movies and games. Most of them also provide you with cd burning soft ware and they have a helpdesk for those members who run in to problems with their downloading.

These site are under attack.

First of all there is the entertainment industry that want to shut them down. They claim that these file sharing programs are used to download copy right protected materials. This is true of course, but lots of people download and trade files legally on file-sharing networks.You can, for example, legally download music from hundreds of bands and thousands live concerts, as well as multiple software titles and games. File sharing has enabled music fans from around the world to build the largest library of recorded music in history. File sharing is not illegal as long as you obey and comply with all relevant copyright laws. Sharing copyrighted material without permission could be illegal in your country. In america the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) are leading the fight against the sharing of copyrighted music. Others, like hollywood's MPAA (Motion Picture Association of America) are also starting to get involved and are taking legal action against the music and movie download sites. It will not be easy to shut down these download sites. Especially since the Internet has no borders, it will be an almost impossible task, to get all the countries in the world to agree on how to legislate Internet downloading.

Another attack on music and movies download sites comes from, what I call, seasoned Internet users. They claim these download sites are a scam, because they charge for something you can get for free. Well, you could get it for free, that is true. These download sites provide you with soft ware to search for and download files from the Internet. They provide you with soft ware to burn these files on a cd should you wish to do so.

All this software is available for free on the Internet, but for an Internet novice it could be a daunting task to look for this kind of soft ware, to decide which soft ware to use, how to use it.On top of that they have to make sure that they do not download spy ware, ad ware or what ever. Joining a download site and have all the info in one place is not a bad option for most of them. Another advantage is the fact that these download sites provide a help desk for their members. Is it a scam if you provide info that people could get for free elsewhere?

Consider this.

You are looking for a telephone number, so you look it up in the phone book. Say you do not have the right phone book, you can go out looking for it. You probably can find this free info in the library.

You can also pick up the phone and ring an information service.

They will provide you with this free info and they will charge you for it.

So, is this information service a scam?

I do not think so, and I also do not think that the music and movies download sites are a scam.

Provided of course that they tell you what you can expect from them before you sign up with them, and that they deliver on this promise

If you want to join a download site, chose one that gives a guaranty that you can have your money back if not satisfied.

Once you have joined, test out everything, especially their helpdesk.

If you have no questions, ask them a few things you know already, just to test their response.

And last but not least, do not hesitate to charge back your money if you are not completely satisfied.

Happy downloading!

Henk Rekers is W.M of Download music, movies, and games.

More Guitar Learning Site : http://www.guitarready.com/

the power of music

The Power of MusicWriten by N Singh, PhD

Although Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart may have passed away mysteriously his legacy still lives on in his music and the buzzword Mozart Effect referring to an increase in brain development when listening to Mozarts music.

It has always been known that sound environment has a good outcome on the feeling of well being on people on various age groups. Unfortunately very little scientific work has been carried out to investigate behaviour changes in relative to use of music. However in recent years there has been growing interest in the therapeutic use of music for stress relief. Several properly conducted scientific experiments have concluded that good music can affect the neurochemical transmissions leading to positive outcome on the brain at all periods. Currently one experiment is being conducted to figure out if classical music such as of Mozart can affect stress levels, heart rate, motor activity, mood and vital signs in premature babies. This will be done by using a monitoring device and video camera to indicate the reactions of the infants to effect of music. Interestingly premature newborns that are being exposed to music have reduced symptoms of stress and gain weight faster.

Another study showed that when music is being played in the background it can relieve stress in a hospital setting; as music reduces anxiety and stress in patients undergoing surgery. Amazingly Mozart's K448 sonata has been found to decrease epileptic attacks in humans and rats listening to it are able to go through a maze faster than those that were left in silence. Concomitantly, playing classical music to children initiates positive physiological effects, low heart rate, low breathing rate, and lower levels of the cortisol, the stress hormone. In sports psychology, music has been used to aid runners and baseball players during their warm-ups, to enhance performance by increasing focus and reducing stress. Most probably all classical music in general could trigger the Mozart Effect.

Good soothing music has no side-effects and is highly good for people leading to reduced anxiety and stress levels. It also induces increased memory, reduces emotional stress, depression, anxiety, agitation and promotes good immune system, decreases cortisol levels and increase well-being. Above all it can be applied everyday and is virtually free. Health professionals can teach patients about the power of music so that it can lead to decrease in negative mood, stress and depression, and promote feelings of well being and relaxation. It is important we develop and investigate the power of such non traditional and non-pharmacological therapeutic modalities taking into consideration its ease and practicality in daily practice.

http://www.eStressHelp.com Please feel free to use this article with proper referencing and outgoing link.

More Music Related Sites : http://www.learntoplaydrum.com/

what to look for in royalty free music

What to Look for in Royalty Free MusicWriten by Scott Johnson

Purchasing music for use as production music for film, television and video projects, or as background music for different projects and companies as well as music on-hold for personal and professional telephone systems can be a time-consuming and very expensive endeavor. Because many businesses do not have the money to spend on on-going music royalties, many are turning to libraries of royalty free music to fulfill their many musical needs.

While royalty free music is certainly a convenient and inexpensive option for those in search of bulk music for their restaurants, not all royalty free music is created equal. Music from major providers such as Award Winning Music is an affordable and premium music choice for all types of professionals. The following are five characteristics to look for in high quality royalty background music, production music, and music on-hold to help insure it will enhance a business or projects mission and communicate its purpose and style without reducing its value:

1. Good make that excellent -- sound quality. The sound quality of the music you are listening to will be the first and most noticeable element. If the music has been recorded under optimal conditions, you will hear a perfect balance between bass and treble, as well as consistent sound and texture regardless of the volume at which you are listening to the music. Similarly, you will be able to pick out the individual sounds of different instruments as they blend to create the whole piece.

2. Instruments that sound true-to-life. Similar to excellent sound quality, the best royalty free music ideally uses real instruments and not those that are synthesized. And if they must be synthesized, they should sound just like their original instruments and not like hollow versions of themselves. Most people have at some point heard instrumental pieces in the grocery store, in an elevator or used as on-hold music for major companies that sound no more textured than a sub-par demo on a low-end keyboard. The best royalty free music will have depth to it, and will demonstrate the many capabilities of the violins, cellos, percussion, electric guitars or brass instruments it incorporates.

3. Original musical themes that still evoke familiar tunes. One of the many benefits of royalty free music is that is an inexpensive way for film producers and directors to use original-sounding production music in their films, television programs and video projects. But, not all providers of royalty free music enlist the best composers and musicians (or, if it is purely digital, any trained composers or musicians at all!) to create their repertoire. First-rate royalty free music will sound original, yet be reminiscent of favorite songs. Stylistically and technically, it will make sense and fit into the grand scheme of a project while still making it unique. It will have rhyme and reason to it, and will therefore sound as though someone composed it for the specific film or project and will resonate in the minds and hearts of each listener and create a true emotional response.

4. Well-composed music by musicians and artists with real credentials. Great royalty free music sites will provide credentials for the composers and performers they enlist, and their artistry will shine through in the finished product. A purveyor of beautifully and carefully crafted background music, on-hold music and production music will be able to give the history of the artists involved in the design and production of the music, and this history will include collaborations with major artists in the genre of the type of music being composed.

5. A diverse yet still versatile music library. The best royalty free music will offer diverse styles that run the gamut of musical tastes. Genres of music might involve classical, jazz, different types of rock and roll, New Age and some progressive styles such as Hip-Hop and techno/dance music. But even within the more traditional styles of music, such as classical, there will be selections that appeal to younger listeners with typically more modern musical tastes, just as within the more cutting-edge styles, there will be pieces that can be enjoyed by even those that would not normally listen to techno and Hip-Hop.

Looking for these basic characteristics when shopping for royalty free music will help discriminating professionals select the perfect production music, music on-hold or background music to suit their very specific projects.

Award Winning Music is an excellent source for royalty free music that far exceeds all standards. If you would like to take a look as what they have to offer, their website is at RoyaltyFreeMusic.com.

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where to download music on the internet

Where To Download Music On The InternetWriten by Chris Fox

Virtually all of you have probably heard of the RIAA's quest to crush online music piracy. The illegal sharing of copyrighted songs via the MP3 format on top the Internet costs the music industry billions of dollars. This is conventionally done applying illegal file sharing programs like KaZaa and iMesh. This article explores the legal ways to download and enjoy music from the Internet.

Method 1: Try out Free Music Sites

There are many free music websites which provide free music downloads. It is not the websites of your music pirates - it is completely legal. Do not expect to find full albums to download, particularly if the song is from a famous artist (only music pirate websites allow full album downloads). You'll only find a couple easers intended to produce you wish to purchase the artists' Compact disc. Independent, less well-known artists are an exception - many of them will let you down their complete song catalog to promote themselves.

Just here are a couple of the free music websites which I personally recommend:

* AMPCAST.com

* Amazon.com Digital Music Downloads

* RollingStone.com

* ElectronicScene.com

* The Internet Underground Music Archive

Method 2: Purchase Music Online

An increasingly popular way to find and download music online is to head for legal online music services. The virtually all popular of these is the Apples iTune service. Now it will bring across 400,000 songs from all 5 major labels. Every song is available for a standard cost of ninety-nine cents every. Right here are the best online music services I have come across:

* EMusic.com

* iTunes

* MusicMatch Downloads

* Napster two.zero

* Rhapsody

* Weblisten.com

Conclusion

It's incredibly tempting to employ KaZaa and more file sharing programs to download music - however please do not. If you wrote a song and sold a Compact disc, would you be happy to see hundreds to thousands of people distributing that song for free? No. You do not have to break the law to find and download free MP3 music. There are many websites out there offering free music - you just want to find them.

For more information on music downloads visit: Psp Music Downloads

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music marketing how to rectify the two most common mistakes everyone makes

Music Marketing - How to Rectify The Two Most Common Mistakes Everyone MakesWriten by Dominic Hough

Music marketing is by and large difficult for most artists, that is something we need to realise. Marketing yourself, being confident to allow people to listen to your tracks and most importantly, handling criticism takes a bit of time to get used to. In the majority of cases though, marketing plans do fail. you may have a great sounding track, but if it is not marketed properly then it will just be white noise.

However all is not lost.

The main reasons why music marketing fails is that 1) there is always some money involved, and 2) we market our music.

They all sound a bit strange I know, but my plan is for you to get over these hurdles and to get your music out there without any hassle. I will take each of the above points in turn, but remember they are interlinked:

1) Money marketing. This is bad. The economics of this is so: you have to sell slot of tracks to get back the amount you spent on marketing, then you need to sell a few more to make any profit. The problems is, why are we spending so much money on music marketing, or, why are we spending any money on marketing at all?! The Internet has greatly reduced the cost of marketing by 100%. Yep, marketing should be free, then any tracks that you do sell is pure profit. There are so many music marketing strategies, some of which are simple ideas that are not being utilised.

Here are some fantastic free marketing strategies are not being used, at all. How about leaflet distribution, flyers, making a mailing list then advertising your new tracks on that (they already like your tracks because they have signed upto your mailing list). Applying to competitions will always bring in some much needed traffic as competitions generate 1) leads and interest from the host site, 2) your tracks will get viral marketed especially if it has become in the top 3. Viral marketing is just another way of spreading interest, all the people who voted for your tracks will recommend the great track that they heard, and you name spreads. 3) You can always advertise the fact that you got in first, second or third in X competition (always state how many other competitors were there as well- coming third out of four entries is nothing to promote really).

Surely the ultimate advertising strategy is...give away your MP3s for FREE! A simple technique that promotes your tracks. People then trust you, they love quality items, they assume then, hmm, if this is free, and it's good, what would his selling tracks be like? Free stuff sells pay goods, fact. Give away alot of free stuff...MP3s being the main one, and then be patient.

Once you have finished your free marketing, start again. Just keep on promoting yourself by free processes. It gets your name banded around, people will see your Webpage link and click on it increasing your traffic. It might not too successful in the first few months or maybe even a year, but stick with it, gaining visitor confidence will ultimately prevail.

2) The above is great, but why would anyone buy any track from you in the first place? To most surfers you are faceless, they don't see you on the music videos, so why should they buy anything from you?

Harsh words I know, I'm sorry, but it is true. That is the real reason why there are thousands of good groups and artists out there in Internet land marketing away, spending cash and showing nothing for it. They marketed first, wanting cash, and their visitors are literally saying I don't think so. You then become the banner ad- looks really good, but never gets the click.

What you need to do is create content within your site. Simple as that. Without content you are just another site that the visitor has no real reason to come back to. Content also increases the chances of you being picked up by the search engines. Please note:Google, and the other big search engines have stated that their thousands of calculations per site includes content search. This is a fundamental statement, even if you are a music site giving away your MP3s.

If you have ever looked for MP3s within the search engines, there are about 6 million sites dedicated to the term MP3. Now, your one site has to be found by a visitor, the chances are very low. However, if your site has content focused keywords, such as good guitar riffs, how to gig etc, then you will be picked up much easily than a simple MP3 search. Within the various pages that you have created you put, download free guitar MP3s or something that suits your music, and you then advertise your MP3s through the ack door. Content will also bring back the visitors, they love a site that they are interested in, they sign up to your news-letter, and then you email them with new updates, your new MP3s etc. Then you start to create your own little buzz, you create people willing to listen to your tracks.

A sideline to content is always relevant, up-to-date content. Offering tapes with your tracks on is music marketing suicide. I have seen these actually being offered on some websites. Offering a tape states that 1. You are not up-to-date hence your sounds won't be, 2. You are offering poor quality, hence your tracks won't shine, and 3. You have to pay out for the tape (postage and packaging etc). People on the Internet want things now, not tomorrow, offering MP3s, even short WAV files is giving the visitor what they want- immediate access to your tracks.

Relevant content is just as important as current content. If you have a rock website stick to rock related web pages. If I was into hip-hop I wouldn't go onto your rock site and look at hip-hop related articles. Obvious I know, but scarily this has been done. It also has another effect. The search engines see topic specific sites as just that, topic specific. If you stray away from your chosen topic it will not look good for you with the engines. They will see that your relevance has reduced and so to will your page ranking.

Content is not that easy to accomplish. It comes with time, you need to tweak, track whether that has done any good to your traffic or click throughs. You could also just be writing alot of drivel. Content needs to be Search Engine Focused, you need to honestly persuade people to buy from you, you need to have a one to one style (like you are talking to a friend), and definitely not be boring. Nearly forgot, you need to assess who your audience is. Are they young, middle aged, technophobic? You writing style should cater for your audience. For example, a younger audience will like more colour, more tech information, a friendly banter, and up-to-date chart acts. Generally if you write as you would talk to a friend then you will be on safe lines.

Dominic Hough has made music for over 18 years. On his site http://www.make-your-own-dance-and-techno-songs.com he has proved that you can make, and market your own techno songs for free. His site also covers sampling, MP3s, loops and much more.

See Piano Learning Info Here > http://www.learntomasterpiano.com/

music studios policies vs indiscipline students

Music Studios Policies vs. Indiscipline StudentsWriten by Sujanti Djuanda

Studio policies will make music studios run well. For example, the policy state that if students didnt pay tuition fee at first lesson of the month, they must pay late fee. Then students will generally pay on time. Another policy, if students miss lesson without any notification, lesson can't be made up. Then students will generally notify teachers if they can't take lesson.

Unfortunately, it's not always work well. The following examples show studio policies didnt work for certain families. They decided to quit or didnt mind to be penalized than followed the policies.

Parents decided to quit than pay late fee although they have signed the agreement of studio policy.

Parents didnt mind to pay late fee so each month, their children still late in tuition payment.

Parents asked their child to miss lessons without notifying teacher because they would go shopping and didnt mind lessons couldn't be made up.

Student missed lessons without notifying teacher because traveled with friends and didnt mind lessons couldn't be made up.

As teachers, we have only two choices to overcome this problem, dismiss the indiscipline students or continue to teach them. If we have many good students with good parents, there will no problem to dismiss some bad. However, if have many indiscipline ones and need tuition fee, should we dismiss them? It will make teachers in a bad mood and the decision is in teachers.

As students/parents, we should care to our music teachers as we did to our best friends/families. The solution is only love and take care our teachers then we will appreciate and respect them automatically. Just do it from our heart!

Yen Yen (Sujanti Djuanda) has been teaching piano about 14 years. Currently also learn and work on music composing. http://yen03.bizhat.com

See Piano Learning Info Here > http://www.learntomasterpiano.com/

country music is no mere genre

Country Music Is No Mere GenreWriten by Ben Franklin

Country Music originated in early 20th century among the whites in Rural areas of West and South. The roots of this music lie in Ballads, English songs and Folk Songs. The term Country Music replaces what is popularly called Hill Billy Music.

Country Music has been associated with cowboy hats and boots. The fact is that apparel has got nothing to do with it. One of the veterans, Travis Tritt does not wear a hat. Country Music is a genre that means different things to different people. If you look over at their interpretations, you will find for some it is Johnny Cash's weather beaten crooning or Shania Twain's prancing-pony burlesque. Right since the beginning of the 21st century, Music Industry is divided and quite fractured as to what really the Country Music is. Most people say that, when they hear it, they know its country or its not.

The relationship is one if hate and love, either fans love it and hate other genres intensely. If you have met some hardcore country fans, you will notice, they will always find a way to hear it, no matter what state country radio currently finds itself in. Even if an artist's presence on country radio represents a certain kind of success or acceptance, there's no doubt that eal country is always happening in the margins, in clubs and coffeehouses, and on smaller labels or self-produced records.

Recently very good different country records have been released by women artists like, the Dixie Chicks' Home, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard chart, knocking Eminem down a bit. The other two, Kelly Willis' Easy and Allison Moorer's Miss Fortune, are also hailed as good country music. These two artists are not quite famous but they have a solid fan following. American Country Music is being popularized by various artists like Rhonda Vincent, Mandy Barnett, Brad Paisley, Hank Williams III and Danni Leigh.

Country Music has an association also, the Country Music Association (CMA), founded in 1958 in Nashville, Tennessee. It originally consisted of only 233 members. This was the first trade organization formed to promote a music genre. The objectives of the organization are to guide and enhance the development of Country Music throughout the world. They wish to show that it is a viable medium to advertisers, consumers and media. It provides a unity of purpose for the Country Music industry.

The association presents annual wards also. Annual awards are given in the following twelve categories: Entertainer, Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Horizon Award, Vocal Group, Vocal Duo, Single, Album, Song, Music Event, Music Video, and Musician.

Country Music is getting lot more world wide attention after the Country Music Annual Awards was shifted to New York.

An academy for this genre, the Academy of Country Music (ACM) was founded in 1964 in Los Angeles, California. It was originally called the Country & Western Music Academy; and was formed by people who wanted to share their love of Country music.

Country Music had a set following earlier but now it is gaining number of fans day by day. Loud tuned ,good lyrics, special effects mark the various concerts held in America by various country artists.

#1 Country Music Resource

http://www.countrymusicland.com

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let music influence art

Let Music Influence ArtWriten by Debbie Jensen

As a very young child, I began a long journey of piano playing which has followed me all the way through my adulthood. From childhood lessons to adult lessons and after decades of musical education which included reading notes, chords, scales, music theory, and composition, you would think I'd feel like I had achieved my musical goals. To the contrary, I still have so much more to learn!

Sadly, once any pianist reaches an expert level, it is difficult (and expensive) to find the musical instruction required to keep going. From this experience, coupled with other twist of events, I have drifted away from playing music. Today, I find myself interested in graphic arts and multimedia; albeit with music written upon my heart and soul.

Music has been one of the strongest influences to my artistic expressions and has helped me understand how to express beauty, rhythm, and movement. So you might wonder, how could music influence artistic expressions of a different medium? When I sit down to play the piano, many times I reach to fasten my seatbelt; but of course, it's not there. Perhaps this occurs, because I feel as if I am going to travel through space. From my mind's eye and at the point I am lost in my music, I envision colorful, geometric forms as I play. The geometric, morphing forms are beautiful. Other times, especially as a child, I saw imaginary birds flying and possibly those birds are manifesting themselves through my graphic designs today. My sketchbooks are filled creative birds. I often wonder where the imagery is coming from. In music, the rhythm can slow down and speed up, pause or sustain a tone, leap, or even freeze for an instant; but if the rhythm breaks--sadly, the moment is lost. Is art any different? Isn't this concept similar to Gestalts Law of Continuation in that everything has its own natural rhythm? All artistic expressions should have the same feeling of completeness just as expected in a song.

Next time you find yourself stuck, creatively speaking, listen to music which harmonizes with the piece you are working on. Amazingly, in the way songs are written and in the way words are expressed within them, musicians vary the way they choose to express themselves. Why wouldn't music influence how an artist's brush strikes the canvas? To experience what I'm trying to convey, close your eyes and draw with your imaginary pen or brush and strike the air as the music influences you; and let the music influence how you create your abstract designs. If brush strokes and lines are artists' signatures, then why not let your signatures be influenced by music? (Revised 2/16/2006)

Debbie Jensen, Graphic Designer and Photographer http://www.debjensendesigns.com [Revised Bringing Music to Art January 2006

See Online Music Lessons at > http://www.entertainbox.com/

how to avoid phony music management agencies

How to Avoid Phony Music Management AgenciesWriten by Joe Taylor

As a professional writer and occasional music manager, I often encounter bands and solo musicians that work very hard to attract attention from music management agencies. Unfortunately, a legion of grifters uses the raw desire for success against many smart, talented music professionals. If a representative from a music management agency contacts you, use these three guidelines to determine whether they're on the level:

1. Real music management agencies will never, ever ask you for money up front. Managers make commission on their clients' earnings, and experienced managers understand that an unknown artist doesn't have much money. By taking on developmental clients, music management agencies cultivate both business and goodwill that they hope will pay off when an artist enjoys a modest breakthrough.

On the other hand, fly-by-night music management agencies run by rip-off artists know that there are plenty of talented people who are willing to believe that a fee of a few hundred dollars will get them attention from record labels and from radio stations. While it's legitimate for a very small music management agency to ask for a small retainer to cover overhead expenses, this fee should be negotiated in advance and should be billed after the agency has done some work on a client's behalf.

2. Real music management agencies can point you in the direction of successful clients, or can admit that they're still so new that they haven't had any breakout stars on their roster. Believe it or not, some of the most influential music managers of the last five decades had little or no experience in the music business. They just had the drive and the stamina to do great work for equally talented clients.

Meanwhile, you can tell most rip-off music management agencies by looking at their web sites or at their offices. If your potential managers seem to have collected hundreds of grip and grin photographs of themselves with some major stars, ask whether the manager did any actual work with that artist, or whether the just love to snap photos at industry meet and greet events. Many Nashville con artists stuff their offices full of artist photos to deliberately overwhelm the senses and the judgment of potential victims.

3. Real music management agencies handle business at the office, not at the gig. Professional music managers understand that live shows are the best possible marketing opportunities for bands to grow their audience and sell their merchandise. After all, the more money a band makes, the more money a music manager makes. Professional managers will, most often, grab some contact information from a band member or from the merchandise table, so they can make contact during business hours.

Unfortunately, many bands get taken in by the rip-off music manager that trades on the adrenaline rush after a live set. These scam artists often slide up to the stage right after a set, buying drinks (or even supplying drugs) to their targets. They play off the notion that many musicians love to party, and that signing with their (bogus) music management agency can lead to plenty more party nights. Before long, the so-called manager has snagged a hefty retainer, which they usually use to fund parties with their new marks.

Remember, professional music management agencies recruit new clients based on measurable results, not just based on a band's performance at one club night or at one music conference. Just as sporting talent scouts keep an eye on potential pro athletes throughout their high school and college careers, real music management agencies may be watching your band grow from a distance. In the meantime, rely on your friends, your family, and your street team to provide the foundation you need to attract the right professional manager for your career.

Joe Taylor Jr. has written four books about the music business for aspiring musicians, including Music Management for the Rest of Us. You can learn more about finding professional music management agencies at: http://www.musicmanagementfortherestofus.com/agencies/

make your own music

Make Your Own MusicWriten by Scott Ginsberg

I gave a speech last night at a club called Love. Coolest place I've ever seen in my life.

The bartender, Preston, told me that on Friday of this week, Ludacris will be performing on the same stage I took last night.

Wow! I can see it now: halfway through his show, Ludacris will say, Yo, I just wanna thank Club Love for allowing me to perform on the same stage as my hommie Scotty G. Big ups to the Nametag Guy.

Hey, no problem Ludacris. Whatever I can do dog.

Anyway, that got me thinking about college. During my stint at Miami, I spent a number of nights playing music in coffee shops. Nothing too elaborate, just me, my guitar and a microphone. Sharing songs Id written about stuff that was going on in my life.

It was a singer/songwriters dream: unplugged, intimate and authentic. Like an episode of VH1 Storytellers. The perfect venue to share my art with the world.

The only problem was, people didnt want art. They wanted to hear songs they knew:

Play some Dave Matthews!
Freebird!
American Pie!

Right. Im going to stand up here all night and play covers like some typical, unoriginal, crowd-pleasing, sell out copycat so you and your friends can get drunk and sing along to jams youve heard a thousand times before. If you want that, stay home and listen to your stereo!

Unfortunately, some of them actually did. (Or they went to another bar. One of the two.)

However, despite smaller crowds, I stayed committed to playing my own stuff. Not because I was the next campus rock star. Not because I was the next Dylan. But because its just not in my nature to do other peoples material.

Thats just not how I roll. Not in art, not in business and not in life.

I make my own music. Period.

Interestingly enough, after a few years of playing shows, audiences started to listen between the notes. People finally embraced the originality of the music. Songs touched them in a new way, even if they didnt know all the words. And ultimately, the music was that much more beautiful. It was sustained by its creativity and uniqueness.

But we're not talking about music here.

The point is: you can always play someone elses material, but that wont sustain you. It wont challenge you. It wont expand you. And it certainly wont guarantee you success. After all, how many tribute bands have ever been inducted into the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame?

Thats right. Zip-o.

Look. I know sometimes its just easier to play other peoples stuff: its quick, its safe and its guaranteed to get you some applause.

But you know what? Receiving a nice round of inner applause feels a hell of a lot better.

If you truly want to make a name for yourself, make your own music.

LET ME ASK YA THIS...
In what way do you make your own music?

2006 All Rights Reserved.

Scott Ginsberg, aka The Nametag Guy, is the author of three books and a professional speaker who helps people maximize approachability, become unforgettable and make a name for themselves. To book Scott for your next association meeting, conference or corporate event, contact Front Porch Productions at 314/256-1800 or email scott@hellomynameisscott.com

See Online Music Lessons at > http://www.entertainbox.com/