My Music Bank

music and politics whats the connection

2010-06-04T03:19:00.001-07:00

Music and Politics: What's the Connection?Writen by Dr. Alice Cash

Good evening! Are you watching the election returns? I am and I can't help thinking about all the music that has accompanied election campaigns and political campaigns of all kinds in the last few centuries. The first song that comes to mind for me is Happy Days Are Here Again. This well-known song became the theme song for President Franklin Delano Roosevelt's 1932 inauguration - and was synonymous (with its upbeat tempo and cheerful lyrics) with the promised emergence from the Depression and Roosevelt's New Deal. There have been hundreds of other songs before and after this one, but on this important election night, I can't help but consider how important music is in setting the tone and the mood of a particular candidate, a particular race, or even a particular political party. A friend in another state is running for Secretary of Education. Imagine how much better her campaign is for using School Days behind television ads rather than I Can't Get No Satisfaction.

What is it that creates the strong feelings? The lyrics, obviously but also the tempo and the rhythms; a strong march-like rhythm with strong lyrics gets most people involved and makes the words more memorable. Think of The Battle Hymn of the Republic. That song has been sung for generations and will last for many, many more.

Music enhances and reinforces every human experience. Notice and be selective about what you include in your sonic environment. Music can heal and it can also wound. Give yourself the healthiest and most beautiful, uplifting music you can get.

Dr. Alice H. Cash is a clinical musicologist and a media expert on the healing power of music and the effects on music on all aspects of society. She is also a nationally known speaker and presenter. For more information on Dr. Cash and her work, visit http://www.HealingMusicEnterprises.com

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so you want to be president learn to play a musical instrument

2010-06-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

So You Want to be President? Learn to Play a Musical Instrument!Writen by Duane Shinn

President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House when the United States intervened on behalf of the millions of innocent people who were being displaced and massacred by Hitlers Nazi Germany, claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours every morning during his childhood. Likewise, President Warren Harding was said to be able to play every instrument except the trombone and the clarinet. Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR) played the organ. Of course we all remember President Clinton and his saxophone, but did you know that President Nixon was an accomplished pianist?

And more recently a girl who was a musician long before she became an academic and then a world-famous diplomat, our own globetrotting Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice is a very accomplished classical pianist. As she was growing up in the Rice home music was a family affair, and as early as age 3 Condi played piano at family gatherings. Her Dad was a minister and she often accompanied her organist Mother in church. The name Condoleezza is from the Italian phrase con dolcezza, which refers to playing music with sweetness. While other kids in her neighorhood were playing outdoors, she was more likely to be found practicing the piano or reading a book.

The list goes on, but the real question is why do people with musical training tend to achieve more in life? There are differing theories about that, but studies have shown a direct correlation between music and the brains ability to adapt to the world around it. One such test showed that people that had listened to just ten minutes of Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos in D Major and then took a spatio-temporal reasoning test (which is a part of a standardized intelligence test) scored 48% higher than the control group while a second study done at the University of California, Irvine on what has been called the Mozart Effect shows a increased IQ score of nine points.

In another study the Bulgarian psychologist George Lozanov discovered that playing Baroque instrumental music in the background had a profound effect on students ability to learn and retain a foreign language. The key is that highly structured, highly organized music seems to help the human brain to function in a more organized and efficient manner while further studies have shown that discordant music actually has a negative effect on the brain.

Studying music is the perfect way to derive its benefits. At least one study has shown that young children can gain the spatio-temporal reasoning effects mentioned above just by learning to play the piano or organ. Likewise, through the study of music we have the discipline of practice to expose us to great music regardless of our age. Besides for the effect of the music, studying music teaches discipline and the relationship between hard work and reward and there is little in life more rewarding than to hear beautiful music coming forth as a result of ones own effort.

Music education opens doors that help children pass from school into the world around them a world of work, culture, intellectual activity, and human involvement. The future of our nation depends on providing our children with a complete education that includes music. Gerald Ford, former President, United States of America

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. He holds advanced degrees from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He can be reached at http://www.chordpiano.com. He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions with over 56,650 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free subscription by going to http://www.playpiano.com

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write songs the music industry wants to hear

2010-05-18T22:01:00.001-07:00

Write Songs the Music Industry Wants to Hear!Writen by Alex Forbes

Sure, art for art's sake is cool... but what if you're pursuing a career as a songwriter? This article is full of suggestions for how you can tailor your songs to suit the requirements of music business professionals.

Many of us bemoan the state of commercial music today, but what are you doing to improve things in your own microcosmic corner of the universe? Are you working to create the next wave of great material songs that have a lifespan of more than a few weeks or months? How can you use your talents to actually make a powerful contribution... and make a living while you're at it?

The first step is to take a good look inside and explore what you as a unique individual have to say, lyrically and musically. What do you think about, believe in, stand for? What makes you tick? These precious truths that bubble up from the soul provide the driving force behind great songwriting. These sparks of inspiration, these aha! moments, are what listeners crave when they play a song. They're also what People Behind Desks are desparate to find. Do you have the courage to lay bare your personal truth in public? I firmly believe that's what it takes to achieve success with your songs.

The cynical among us will say, o, you just need the right equipment, a catchy hook and a whole lot of money behind you. Sure, those things help, but if you're trying to break into the business, your song has to simultaneously grab people by the guts, tickle their ears, and slam them over the head like a 2-by-4. Strive to write songs that take risks, tap into the universal via the personal, and motivate people to laugh, cry, feel, dance or take action. Make an effort to innovate, not imitate what's already out there. In other words, write your passion. Songs miraculously translate to listeners the exact emotion you felt while you were writing them. Do your best to work that magic!

Another quality that professionals look for in a song is strong dynamic flow. Skillful use of the many conventions of songwriting can manipulate listeners in the most enjoyable way. Don't be afraid to push those emotional buttons! Here are some ways to go about it:

Suck listeners in with lyrical, melodic and chordal tension.
Create a question in their minds: how will this turn out in the end?
Throw their bodies off balance with chords or melodies that are unexpected or quirky.
Take a strong point of view that's boldly provocative, unique or intensely felt.
Paint a vivid picture in the mind's eye.
Set a palpable mood.
Construct an entire sonic and/or lyrical environment.

Once you have piqued people's interest, crank up their involvement using all the techniques in your lyrical toolbox, i.e. rhyme, meter, imagery, metaphor, alliteration... you name it. Avoid clichs like the plague, or turn them on their heads somehow. Experiment until you find the melody lines that best show off your lyrics, and vice versa. Salt your song with enough repetition to make it memorable, but not so much that it becomes predictable. Use chord progressions that are fresh, stimulating the ear rather than lulling it into complacency.

When it comes time for the ultimate payoff, your Hook, don't settle! This is your Money Shot, and most music biz pros will hit the eject button if they don't hear a strong hook in one listen. One listen! Here are a few ways to enhance your hook:

Construct your song so that all roads, lyrically and melodically, lead to your hook.
Remember that famous music business adage: Don't bore us, get to the chorus.
More hooks is merrier! Instrumental riffs, backups, rhythmical chord movement, and verse melodies can provide secondary hooks.
Fear not repetition (up to a point, of course).
Throw in memorable monkey wrench words that stand out.
Make sure the world can sing along.
Play with the language: use slang, twists of phrase, even invent a new word!

Finally, People Behind Desks really appreciate it if you know your marketplace. Don't submit a country ballad when their artist is a heavy metal guitar-shredder. And if you're the performer, have at least 3 crowd-pleasing, radio-ready songs in hand before you shop a deal. Make a detailed study of the hits in your chosen genres, and incorporate those lessons into your work. The Internet has made it incredibly easy to educate yourself about what's selling these days, so there's no excuse for ignorance.

Look at the world for a moment from the perspective of a music industry pro: They'll respond positively if they think your song will save their job. By bringing them dynamic, single-worthy, heartfelt material you'll be well on your way to doing just that, and creating a career for yourself as well.

Happy songwriting!

2006 by Alex Forbes

Award-winning hit songwriter Alex Forbes has seen over 65 of her songs released, many of them landing on the Billboard charts, on TV and in feature films. Her hits in the U.S. include Dont Rush Me, (Taylor Dayne), Too Turned On, (Alisha) and Nothin My Love Cant Fix. Her song, You Are Water is featured on the hit Classical/Pop album by Hayley Westenra. Alex has taught songwriting since 1990 and has appeared on many music industry panels. She offers one-on-one coaching, song critiques and interactive teleclasses for up-and-coming songwriters on her site, http://www.CreativeSongwriter.com.

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music in mesopotamia

2010-05-18T09:48:00.001-07:00

Music in MesopotamiaWriten by Gabriel Rise

If we view the movement of history in the light of the conditions which increase men's knowledge, it seems that the most potent results are to be found where the greatest number of culture-contacts meet. For this reason, it is of Mesopotamian civilization that we speak, rather than of Sumerian or Akkadian. Thus we are compelled to look beyond strictly geographical limits in our survey of Mesopotamian music of the distant past, for indeed all peoples on what Breasted calls 'the fertile crescent' and its periphery must come within this purview, because it was by reason of admixture of stock, contrasts in habits, diversities in religion, and even friction of interests, that crossfertilizations of ideas were produced, which made the supreme greatness and vitality of Mesopotamian civilization possible. Nowadays, when scarcely a month passes without some fresh archaeological discovery, or a new philological deduction being registered, it is difficult to speak with any chronological certainty.

That being so, many of the early dates that will be posited in what follows must be considered simply as helpful stepping-stones, placed temporarily to accommodate the eye and mind in their stride across the stream of history, until a more durable bridge has been erected. The readjustments so ably determined and summarized by Albright have persuaded us, with some latitude, to draw up the following table which enables the reader to appreciate why certain dates do not synchronize with those of Dr. Curt Sachs and the late Canon F. W. Galpin who have contributed so much to our knowledge of the music of the peoples of the Mesopotamian past. Of the instruments of music in ancient Mesopotamia we possess a fair store of knowledge through the existence of actual specimens and a multitude of delineations, although much perplexity lies in their names, of which both the Sumerian and Akkadian languages offer quite an assemblage. Among idiophones we possess actual specimens of clappers from Ur ( twenty-fifth century B.C.). These consist of a pair of copper blades. Other specimens were found at Kish. We also have them depicted in the art remains, although we do not know their names. Sistra were also discovered at Ur, but all that remains are the jingling plates. Yet we know the complete form from art sources. At a late period we have a bell from Assyria, and sonnettes from the same place and period. Cymbals occur in two kinds: the plate type, pictured on a Babylonian plaque and a cup type of late Assyrian times.

Gabriel Rise has been experiencing in custom research papers and dissertation writing for several years. Now she is consulting writers and customers on term paper writing.

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rock sheet music

2010-05-14T23:53:00.001-07:00

Rock Sheet MusicWriten by Marcus Peterson

Sheet music is defined as a musical document that describes arrangements, melodies, and chord changes. With the exception of solo performances, where memorization is the norm, rock musicians generally have a sheet music at hand when performing on stage. In fact, professional musicians are expected to develop the art of sight-reading i.e. the ability to perform an unfamiliar work of music upon viewing the sheet music for the first time.

Although all kinds of sheet music is readily at hand, many of the rock singers nowadays prefer to memorize the piece and perform impromptu, either in the practice space or in front of the audience. Music of other cultures, both folk and classical, is often conveyed verbally; though some have sheet music as an aid, a few performers even go the extent of using hand signals or a similar device as a learning aid.

Sheet music may come in several different forms. If a sheet is written for just one instrument, the music will be written on a single piece of sheet music. If it is to be played by more than one person, each person will usually have his or her own piece of sheet music, termed as a part. If there are a large number of performers required for a piece, there may also be a score, which is a piece of sheet music that shows all or most of the instruments' music in one place.

Rock sheet music can be downloaded from a number of websites; the more popular sites include 8notes.com, streetmusicplus.com, freesheetmusicguide.com, www.musicnotes.com, and www.capitolmusiccentre.com.

Rock Music provides detailed information on Rock Music, Rock Sheet Music, Rock Music Code, Download Rock Music and more. Rock Music is affiliated with Musical Instrument Stores.

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canadian urban legend wes maestro williams still bringing the music to us after all these years

2010-05-11T09:46:00.001-07:00

Canadian Urban Legend Wes 'MAESTRO' Williams - Still Bringing the Music to Us After All These YearsWriten by Orlena Cain

MAESTRO has evolved past his Let Your Backbone Slide days, but people still associate him with his first hit 15 years ago. Does that bother him? No way! For MAESTRO it is through his accomplishments as an artist that he has evolved and looks fondly back on his early years with pride.

To date no one has exceeded the levels of accomplishments that MAESTRO has achieved. To date, 7 music awards, 7 albums, 11 JUNO nominations, Gold and Platinum albums, Gold singles and a mixture of other awards in film/T.V and personal achievements. All of this, plus a film and television career? No wonder his latest album is called Urban Landmark 1989-2005 - its obvious he has made his mark, now lets see where he goes from here!

One of my very first interviews on radio was with MAESTRO, back when I was working at York University radio, he was a special guest on a show called, The Cutting Edge. I realized back then after our brief hour together on the show, that this is one hell of a passionate man! He is passionate about what he does, whom he speaks to, what he involves himself with and most of all passionate about MUSIC. It is the same passion I saw and felt when we (Liesa Norman and I) sat down with him the day before his CD release party. He truly is conductin thangs now more than ever, his life a full blown Symphony in Effect - just goes to show you he is Built to Last

HAVIN WORDS WITH WES

You seem to have a love affair with Canadian contemporary and rock artists? This is not the average approach to hip hop is it?

WES- Janet Jackson sampled Joni Mitchell, that is a lot farther apart than me, a Canadian artists, sampling another Canadian artist. See?

Yes, but you are the only one that has been acknowledged for doing it.

WES- No, Swollen Members did it too, but not a lot of people know they did a track with Sarah MacLachlan that was HOT. This was off their last album..I dont know WHY those guys did not make it the single, it was so hot!

To date you have worked with HAYWIRE, GUESS WHO and now Gowan!

WES- It is just something I like to do. Take Canadian rock records and just revamp them. I have these albums, I like them- I collect them.

So, within the song that you are listening to, you hear another song?

Orlena, Hip Hop up n'comer Subliminal, Liesa WES- yeah, yeah. Like when I heard Stick to Your Vision (track off his last album, that sampled The Guess Whos - These Eyes)- I was like.Whooooo! That was a nice reflective song to talk about what you been through and inspirational at the same time.

So that was a favourite?

WES- Hell, yeah! (chuckles)

Lyrically do you find that the words come first or does the music?

WES- There is no specific formula. A concept may come first and then the music after. You know I never try to assimilate - I try to innovate.

So your latest track, Criminal Mind with Larry Gowan- was that something that you heard within the song, or was that something you conceptualized on your own?

(l-r) Orlena, Actor-Richard Leacock, Liesa WES- Nah. It was more like the original version was talking about being a criminal and having a criminal mind. I had the take on it of the justice system being more criminal. But, at the same time, we as a community not being in a position where we are more followers, rather than being the leaders that we should be. In life you have to be a leader and STOP MAKING EXCUSES for whatever! With the song I just put my own little spin on it. What I love is that Randy Bachman and Larry Gowan, both like what I did with the song.

Were you in the studio with Larry Gowan?

WES- Nah. I was in his living room when I played him the track when it was done and I saw the hair stand up on his arms. Then we went downstairs to watch his video from Criminal Mind and then my new one, that he is in. The video is full rotation now - its just BANANAS!

Do you find the violence is accurate to what the media portrays? Or do you really feel that there is a surge of violence within minorities?

The Showstoppers(ctre) Maestro

and Kardinal Offishall WES- Yeah, Yeah (as he sighs). It is a bit of both. A bit of sensationalism still occurs though. But, to me it is embarrassing for all people that we carry on like that with each other. We dont have to be like that. We have lost our ability to talk to one another. My question is how did the guns get here in the first place? Who is bringing them into the country? That is the last line in my song Criminal Mind. I come from a good place and I hope that people gravitate toward what it is that I am doing.

The album, which came out August 23, has 5 new hits?

WES- The album does not really have five NEW hits, but 5 previously unreleased songs. These tracks have been out before, but just on radio and more as singles that were unavailable for purchase.

Well, your greatest hits album, is going cover the span of your career - are you prepared to do any of those moves you used to spin for Let your Backbone Slide.

R&B Sweetie Melanie DurrantWES- Oh yeah. I am going to have a full-blown show! Choreography, the works..it is going to be hot to death!

You are still hot to death after all these years. You still have the same fever and flavour that you had when you were younger. It is good to see! What are you listening to in your car right now? Do you have any music influences?

WES- Right now I am listening to myself (outbreak of laughter from us all). I have my show CD in and I am practicing that over and over again.

Laughter aside, you have a reputation to upkeep, if you dont come correct you know people are going to be writing about it! Watching and waiting for you to fall..or just all off the stage!

What a night!WES- Thats finewatchjust keep watching!

We will!

FYI- The next day MAESTRO came with it and blew the roof off the MOD CLUB! The place was packed, people were bumpin to his hits and when he let us have the final trackit was all over. Hey! When MAESTRO left the stage - everyone else left.

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2010-05-04T13:59:00.001-07:00

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gerald albright new beginnings smooth jazz cd review

2010-05-04T09:33:00.001-07:00

Gerald Albright New Beginnings Smooth Jazz CD ReviewWriten by Clyde Dennis

New Beginnings is the latest smooth jazz CD released by Gerald Albright. The title most likely coming as a result of a lot of new things in Albrights life including a new recording label and a new Colorado home.

The CD made it's debut at number one and there is very clearly a reason for that. It's simply an excellent collection and vintage Albright.

Contributors on the project includes an amazing line up of smooth jazz and music industry heavy hitters. Names like Jeff Lorber on guitar and keyboards, Paul Jackson Jr. on guitar, Patrice Rushen on piano and vocals, and the incomparable Chris Botti on trumpet. Plus a few other notables as well.

The CD launches with a great track, We Got The Groove, that will definitely be heard on smooth jazz radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. From there Albright proceeds to display why he is considered one the greatest smooth jazz artists of our time as he mixes his signature assertive, funky style throughout the CD. At points playing the flute, as well as alto, baritone and tenor sax.

Special notice should be given taken Gerald's High School friend Patrice Rushen's vocal contributions on track 7, New Beginnings.

It's also very easy to appreciate Chris Botti's input on track 11, Big Shoes.

Smooth jazz fans will want to keep an eye on the Albright, Lorber combination here. They really seem to have great musical chemistry.

Albright's rendition of Georgia On My Mind, track 5 has award winning capability. Remember you heard it here first.

I found track 9, Last But Not Least, to be one of those catchy tunes to which your toes just want to tap.

Overall New Beginnings is very good listening and is certainly a CD that smooth jazz fans, and fans of Gerald Albright in particular, will definitely want to add to their collection of smooth jazz CDs.

While this entire CD is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Deep Into My Soul [track 3, And The Beat Goes On [track 4, and Big Shoes [track 11. My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in Stuck On REpeat is track 1, We Got The Groove. Very nice!

Release Notes:

This CD was originally released March 28, 2006 on the Peak Records label.

CD track list follows:

1. We Got The Groove
2. New Beginnings
3. Deep Into My Soul
4. And The Beat Goes On
5. Georgia On My Mind
6. Take Your Time
7. I Want Somebody
8. You Are My Love
9. Last But Not Least
10. I Need You
11. Big Shoes
12. Georgia On My Mind (Reprise)

To hear samples of each song on this CD go to Gerald Albright - New Beginnings [ www.smoothlee.com/music-samples/gerald-albright-new-beginnings.htm

Clyde Lee Dennis, a.k.a. SmoothLee has been bumping around on the web since 1999 and is a self described Web Head, and Life long AVID music fan. Smooth Jazz Music in particular. In addition to writing CD Reviews for I Love Smooth Jazz.com he is also the Program Director, and can be heard during his daily radio show which airs on one of the internets most listened to smooth jazz radio stations, Smooth Jazz 24/7

is the ipod ruining music

2010-04-28T23:05:00.001-07:00

Is The Ipod Ruining Music?Writen by Brandon Drury

Effects of The Ipod

Just a week ago, I was headed up to a concert about two hours away from home. We sort of consider these concerts to be miniature road trips. In the past, we'd pop in a cd, crank it up for a while, and then we hop into a discussion about chicks, politics, potatoes, etc. The music being played kind of took a back seat until we ran out of things to talk about.

Well, this trip was a little different. The difference was no one brought any cds. Instead two of the group brought Ipods which played through the radio with an FM modulator. In the past, we'd flip through cd case after cd case looking for that one certain cd, but once we had found that one cd we were committed to it. On long trips, it was rare to take a cd out without listening all the way through it.

Well, enter the age of the Ipod. The Ipod has done to music what cable has done to television. You now have the magical curse called choice. Of course, all choice does is lead to indecision. I'm not sure if watching another person flip through 200 satellite channels on TV drives you crazy, but it certainly does me. For two hours, I watched two people do nothing but flip through song after song. It was VERY rare if we made it through one minute of a song. In fact, I doubt if we made it through an entire song at all.

While it does seem great being able to carry 41 days of constant music in your pocket, I have to say that the average Ipod user may be missing out. There was something to listening to an entire cd on a trip that helped define the great albums. We all have those 5 or so records that we'll never get bored with that we can always listen to all the way through. How would you know what a great record was if you had never had to listen to it all the way through? Sure, sometimes it seamed like a curse having to listen through a crappy song, but cds took care of that pretty easily. You just hit the skip button.

The real tragedy is there really wasn't that much music listening going on. It seams that a device that is designed to make it easier to listen to more music has a drastic downside. If people do little more than flip through song after song with their Ipod, then the Ipod is taking away from people's musical experience.

Yet, people still try to buy bigger and bigger Ipods. I remember thinking that 10GB of Mp3s was an enormous amount of music. Now 60GB versions are very common. I couldn't imagine who really needs 41 continuous days of music without repeating a single song. If you turn the Ipod off for sleeping, you are sitting at right at 60 days of music without repeating a single song.

Where Are All Of These Songs Coming From?

So how are people filling up their Ipods? Are they buying songs at $1 per song from Itunes? I've got a gut feeling that most of them are not. Assuming a one minute MP3 uses 1 MB and the average song is 4 minutes long, it would cost $15,000 to fill up a 60GB Ipod. Ouch! I don't know too many people who have spent $15,000 on purchasing music. I DON'T KNOW ANYONE WHO HAS SPENT $15,000 ON MUSIC!!

It seams pretty clear that if the average college kid were paying $1 per song, they would probably wouldn't need an Ipod much larger than 1 or 2GB. Yes, I'm aware that you can store other data on an Ipod, but I don't know too many people who plan to haul around RAW video data on their Ipods.

So Who Is Getting Paid?

The labels still seam to be afloat even if they are signing a smaller quantity of artists. They certainly don't seam to be as excited about their profits as they may have been ten years ago. It's no secret that if the labels aren't getting paid, the artists definitely aren't getting paid either.

Music Is Expendable!

I remember just a little over 10 years ago. My family was low on cash. I decided that I wanted a rare Nirvana import called Outcesticide 3. The cd cost $30 and had to be ordered from Japan. I decided that the only way to buy the cd was to not each lunch at school for a month. (I was too young to get a job). So, I did without a meal each day for an entire month so that I could save $1 per day and order my Nirvana import. You could imagine how I felt the day the cd finally came in. I had put myself through torture for an entire month to get that cd.

I was at an uncle's house recently. My cousin was on his computer. He decided he wanted to listen to some rare Nirvana songs. He opened up his favorite peer to peer download software and typed in Nirvana or whatever. In about 10 minutes, he had almost the entire cd that I had starved for a month for.

While it is exciting that technology exists that makes it faster to download a song than it is to take the cd out of it's case and place it in the player, it seams that this somehow makes the music worth less to the individual. When a listener has to sacrifice for an album, the album is a little more memorable.

I mean I can remember the exact day I purchased many of my favorite cds. For example, I remember being 16 and buying Goo Goo Dolls, A Boy Named Goo. Me and my buddy were driving 90 mph on the way home like a bunch of immature idiots. It turned out that we had passed my mom without realizing it. When I got home, I was doomed. (That one didn't end on a happy note).

Uhh, good luck having any stories about how fast you downloaded an mp3. Good luck even remembering the day you downloaded a given mp3.

So who is winning with the Ipod?

Is the music listener winning? They now have a portable music machine that can hold 2 million zillion songs. Of course, the mp3 player costs about 3 times as much as a portable cd player did 10 years ago. With the luxury of having so many musical options, some people spend a lot more time flipping through songs than they used to. Ipods can hold an enormous amount of data, but this just leads to people blindly downloading every song under the planet. It's cool being able to hear a song, but having a free library of every song under the sun can make music expendable. Of course, the labels and artists don't seam to be winning.

In fact, I can only think of one guy who has really won from the Ipod...Steve Jobs, founder of Macintosh.

Brandon Drury runs an active music forum on his site at http://www.recordingreview.com which covers everything from songwriting to recording to cd replication to music marketing.

music the wave of the future

2010-04-23T07:20:00.001-07:00

Music: The Wave of the FutureWriten by Hiteshk Patel

The 1990s have seen the largest increase in the music industry. With the invention of the compact disc, or CD, music is much more portable. The CD is a lot smaller and lighter than a vinyl record or cassette. CDs are also much more durable than their counterparts. Unlike vinyl records and cassettes, the sound quality will not fade over time. The price of CD players has dropped over the years and can now be found just about everywhere.

Now people are able to convert their music into a file on their computer. This breakthrough has made it possible to download music quickly. Computer users are also able to distribute and share their music files. By sharing music files, consumers are able to learn about new bands and meet others who share their love of music.

With todays technology, the opportunities seem endless. Fans, record producers and artists can all benefit from the endless possibilities of the technology. However, it is very important that the music producers are not taken advantage of. By taking advantage to the artists and producers, it could limit the future of creativity.

Independent musicians have felt the largest impact of music through the internet. Distribution and production of music has been solely dominated by the recording industry for many years. Now, the largest record companies are trying to integrate the Internet with the distribution process. The one thing holding them back is security.

No matter how secure music files are, they are vulnerable on the Internet. Therefore, there is a need to move away from selling music on the Internet in MP3 form or compact disc to creating communities with like interest to give their audience music for free.

Author is a web master & offers Free Mp3s, Movies, E-books, TV shows, Games, Antivirus, & Videos for downloads for a small lifetime fee & no per download charge. That too Legally. For more information on Free & Unlimited downloads please click here

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

demo singers always get the reel musician

2010-04-11T18:05:00.001-07:00

Demo Singers Always Get the Reel MusicianWriten by Tom Gauger

As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency, Ive had the unusual opportunity to listen and critique many a demo reel from up and coming artists. One thing is for sure, the vast majority of reels are in the fair to pretty good, but not the Knock your socks off, category. There are a multiple of reasons for this, but for the sake of time, I will highlight what makes up for an incredible singing reel, whether youre singing jingles, general session work or working towards an artist deal.

Singer reels encompass somewhat of a large category in general, but I believe the following concepts can cross over multitudes of styles and hopefully bridge the gap in your attempt to have a demo that not only sounds great, but turns the ears of your listeners as well. Did you ever wonder beyond the actual music what makes for a great session or recording in general? Have you ever noticed how some individuals just naturally crank out demo reels that might as well be the master tracks for a major artist recording and how some just continually struggle to cut the grade?

To begin with, nothing short changes your demo reel more then a lack of focus. Lots of energy has been expended over a failure to provide the end goal. If you are going for an artist record deal, then dont be playing around with demos. Your artist record demo has to sound like youve already got the record deal. Unfortunately many individuals out there feel like they can piece together their artist demos on their friends computer Probably not going to happen. Your demo has to sound top 40 no questions asked, and on top of that, has to incorporate more unique musical elements not found with popular current recording artists - Why should the label add another act that sounds just like another act currently on the charts?

If you are a jingle singer, you will want to focus on a smorgasbord of sounds. Its funny that most of the commercials airing tend to be fairly moderate, but to break in to the market; youll probably want to include some off the wall sounding jingles to grab the attention of your listeners. You might want to visit ReelMusician.com for further ideas on jingles and what makes up for a good jingle reel. If you want to get into general session work then try figuring out who you are as a singer, what your particular role will be in the session and then develop your reel based upon those findings. Youd be surprised at how many singers dont sit down over a cup of coffee and figure out their singing goals starting with today, this week, this month, year and five year goals and then elaborate on a career game plan based upon that information.

Once youve established your goals and game plan to get there, you can start to look at your demo reel. Some time ago a prominent artist manager told me that he felt that if money was an issue when recording a demo, then it was better to keep the demo simple while using the best players possible. In other words, its better to record a guitar/vocal or piano/vocal with the best guitar or piano player around and have the reel musician play on your demo then to have all of the rhythm section elements in play, but not the quality to back it up. I found that statement interesting and find it as truth even today. It is far better to keep your artwork, music, bio, press kits, etc simple but utilizing the best possible writers, designers, musicians, then to have a run of the mill artist package that looks and sounds like the rest of them. Youll feel good about thinking youre in the in crowd saying all of the buzz words, but you will most likely go no where. Youre not in the game to sound like the rest of them, youre in the game to get a record deal, obtain jingle singing work or general session work. Utilize this principle and it will go along ways in your career.

Weve touched on developing your focus, creating a game plan with goals, obtaining the best musicians or the reel musician, and now lets look at some ancillary ideas to wrap up this topic and will hopefully give you an edge in your career path. Attitude is king as everyone knows. Great attitudes often make up for pretty good demos and helps pave the way to real success People like working with down to earth, nice individuals and not the artsy fartsy. Maintaining and setting your goals is key. Always be looking at and creating new goals and ways to get there. Always be authentic in your personal dealings. Music professionals may not always be transparent, but believe me, with all of the insecurity out there in the halls of the music industry and outside, its always refreshing to work with singers and acts that are real and transparent and not in a put on way.

Learn to develop creative ways to develop relationships with individuals already in your field. For session singers and jingle singers, you will want to form authentic relationships with singers already in the field involved in session work. Your relationship might entail vocal coaching or just a plain friendship keeping in mind, that while you want to succeed in becoming a mainstream session singer, that the individual you have developed a friendship with is worth more than your goal. In other words, its not what you can do for me, but I want to be your friend with or without the session work help. Inclosing, develop a general game plan, set your goals, make all creative material including your demo center around those goals, utilize the best possible players, with only one or two players where budget is slim and develop authentic relationships with individuals already in the field.

Mr Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and founder of http://www.ReelMusician.com You may contact the author at tgauger@reelmusician.com. Free e-books The Jingle Singers Guide, and Secrets To Great Song Demos, may be downloaded at http://www.ReelMusician.com

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

rhapsody music part iii rhapsody for free

2010-04-01T01:51:00.001-07:00

Rhapsody Music Part III: Rhapsody For FreeWriten by Patrick C. Martinez

In this article you will discover how to get Rhapsody for free. As I have mentioned in two prior articles, I gave you an insight as to how Rhapsody works and what it consists of. I promised in my most recent article that there were certain benefits that Rhapsody had, one of them being the cost of subscribing to their program. In fact the cost is so low that you can even get access to Rhapsody indefinitely for free. However, even of you decide to get a paid subscription, the cost is still considerably lower than that of iTunes and even Walmart downloads.

Rhapsody, currently owned by RealNetworks, is currently the world's leader in legal subscription music services with about 550,000 listeners, a young company but steadily growing. You will find that it is streets ahead of the free peer to peer music downloads services that were existent in the early 2000's. With that please note Rhapsody is NOT a peer-to-peer music service. Even though potentially you can get Rhapsody for free, it is a legal music downloads service that has acquired rights from the four major record labels and thousands of independent labels to provide music for you, the music fan.

How has it become number one? I covered some of the benefits of Rhapsody in two prior articles, but one big reason why there are more members for Rhapsody than any other music downloads service is due to, without a doubt, the low cost of the service.

Rhapsody is a paid subscription service, allowing access to over 120 radio stations and 1.3 million music tracks for only $9.99 per month.

You can download free rhapsody music, however. The focus of this article will be regarding how to get Rhapsody for free, indefinitely. There is more detail on how to download free rhapsody that you can read here.

When you initially obtain a subscription to Rhapsody you are given unlimited access to 1.3 million tracks and 120 radio stations for a 14-day trial.

Now after the trial you may do one of three things:

1) Keep the Unlimited Rhapsody service and pay a low fee of $9.99 per month - this value can be lower if you pay let's say for an entire quarter or year in advance, such as what I have with my Rhapsody subscription.

2) You can upgrade to Rhapsody To Go. This is a portable version of Rhapsody that allows you to listen or download songs to a compatible mp3 player (sorry, no iPods). This subscription is $14.99 per month.

3) You can keep getting Rhapsody for free indefinitely, provided you downgrade to Rhapsody 25. This unique service allows you to access 25 song plays per month and 25 premium radio stations per month. The 25 song plays can be split into let's say 25 different songs of one play each, or 1 song with 25 plays, or any combination in between.

For example, if you want to check out the biggest 25 songs of the month, all you have to do is click on the songs you want to listen to and boom, they will start playing with streaming quality that no other music service can compare to (trust me, I know Ive tested this versus other services). Anyhow, this latter version is the ONLY way in the world that you can get access to free LEGAL music downloads. iTunes does not offer this - they force you to pay $0.99 per track.

Even if you went with the unlimited version and pay $9.99 per month, and listen to 1000 songs per month, you would have to pay $990 to do the same thing with iTunes, and $880 for Walmart! Now where's the fun in that?

I found it rather easy to join, and found it very easy to implement changes in the service in regards to the plan I wish to use. I am pretty sure that you will find it just as easy if you want to cancel your subscription, downgrade and get Rhapsody for free using Rhapsody 25, or, like me, keep paying for a great unlimited service.

The choice is up to you to get Rhapsody for free or not, but as Napoleon Hill once said, Life is a checkerboard, playing against time. If you neglect to move promptly, your men will be wiped off the board by time. You are playing against a partner who will not tolerate indecision.

So make your decision and start saving money now! You can read more for additional information on getting Rhapsody for free.

Until then (or after then) happy music downloading!

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

music theory a look at chromatics and key changes

2010-03-31T06:08:00.000-07:00

Music Theory: A Look at Chromatics and Key ChangesWriten by Richard Mould

When playing in a major scale, only seven notes are used, out of a total of twelve. The five notes that remain are said to be out of key, and should be avoided in standard playing unless following a structural change in the accompanying rhythm or chord progression(s). To understand how you can use the excluded five tones, you must first change your perspective on the nature of keys.

A key can be approached in two different ways; the first way is to view a key as seven tones in a successive pattern of intervals, and the second way to view a key is to see it as a set of notes that remain, after omitting five excess notes. The excess notes are not to be brushed aside, but rather, used carefully at the players discretion as powerful exclamations and emphasis points. They lie beyond the strict key parameters and should emerge, temporarily, as members of the key. When these notes emerge, they create a chromatic series.

Chromatic notes lie within one-half step of one another, and they can often be found in blues, metal and jazz. For example, you are said to be playing chromatics if you play from a G to F# to F. In the key of F Major, the following notes are used; F, G, A, Bb, C, D, E, F and the notes that are not being used are; F#, G#, B, C# and D#. If any of these unused notes are played, a chromatic series will occur, i.e. F-F#-G, or Bb-B, C, etc.

It is my argument that some chromatics should treated as passing tones, while others should be approached as temporary members of the key, or more colorful variations that lie behind the faade of a major key. What determines the nature of the note would be the context in which it is used. An example in the key of F Major is the use of C#. It is cacophonic when used with a C major chord, but when harmonizing a D minor, the C# gives a smooth, Spanish guitar vibe. In my opinion, every note, in some context, is a member, or temporary member of all keys!

Consider playing in the Locrian mode of F Major, or playing from the E. The primary chord is an E diminished chord, consisting of E, G and Bb. The chromatic points are between the E-F and A-Bb. Now, add a B, creating a chromatic series between the A, Bb and B. Whereas the B is pretty much useless in every other application in the key of F Major, it all of a sudden becomes a very powerful note.

Some would argue that the coming and going of these notes signifies a key change. I disagree, and would argue that as long as the musical piece centers on the same root note, the key remains the same. However, if notes change in the order of the circle of fifths and do not change back, then the key has in fact changed, i.e. play in C Major; sharpen the 4th to F#. If the F# note remains in play, and the F natural does not, then the key has changed to G Major. The original key notes must continue to be used in order for the key to remain intact. When these notes are substituted, the key has officially changed! But, it has not changed when additional notes are temporarily utilized.

Richard Mould grew up in Seattle, Washington and Norman, Oklahoma. He has played the guitar for a very long time.

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

keyboard lessons at home teach your children to read music

2010-03-27T09:10:00.000-07:00

Keyboard Lessons at Home - Teach Your Children to Read MusicWriten by Cynthia VanLandingham

Parents, you can prepare your young child to read music with piano or keyboard lessons that you can teach at home. It isnt difficult to teach young children keyboard basics that will not only prepare them to read music but prepare them for piano lessons as well.

Many parents who dont play the piano or read music believe they are unqualified to give their young children a musical foundation at home. Not true. Everyone who learns to play the piano or keyboard learns the same thing. It doesnt matter if you are 4years old, or 40 years old, or 64 years old. Children, however, benefit more from keyboard lessons because their brains are wired for absorbing language, and that includes the language of music.

By teaching music pre-skills to your young children at home they will get even more out of piano lessons when they are ready for formal musical training. Piano or keyboard lessons have many benefits for children such as improved math and reading skills, improved language skills, and improved overall education achievement. So dont leave out music when you are preparing your young child for school. Get a keyboard or a piano and begin giving your child a musical foundation at home today.

Just as parents teach their children to read, you can give your young child a head start with foundational music language skills. Start today and youll be amazed at how much you and your young child can learn about the piano.

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

how to download all cool music legally

2010-03-15T21:42:00.001-07:00

How to Download All Cool Music LegallyWriten by Richard Jason Rockefeller

How to Download All Cool Music Legally

Purchasing a membership in any of the MP3 Download Websites does not give you license to download or upload copyrighted material.

Sharing is not illegal as long as you obey all relevant copyright laws. Sharing copyrighted material, without permission to do so, is illegal.

Today, there are 240 million users trading MP3s on legal file-sharing networks.

There are many mp3 music download websites on the Internet that you can download abd share MP3 Music long as you obey all relevant copyright laws.

Just be careful in selecting MP3 Music download websites because 99% of them are scams.

You should consider checking out the Review Sites for MP3 Music Download Websites.

You should carefully consider those Legitimate and Best Music Download Websites that has Good Users' Satisfaction and Product Sales Performance.

Good Users' Satisfaction and Good Sales Performance mean good quality products and user's satisfation.

You should also consider the following features when checking the Review Sites on MP3 Music Download:

- Burn Unlimited CD's

- Works With All MP3 Players

- Compatible with iPod

- Lifetime One-time Membership Fee

- Live Customer Support

- Use on Unlimited Computers

- Software & Other Tools

- Movie Downloads

- Video Game Downloads

You can Start Downloading Today Unlimited MP3, Music, DVD Movies, TV Shows, Games, & Much More from Legitimate MP3 & Music Websites.

For more information on Review Sites Where to Download Unlimited MP3, Music, DVD Movies, TV Shows, Games, & Much More -- All In One Place Legally. Just Visit New Review All Cool Music

building your digital music collection

2010-02-11T23:00:00.001-08:00

Building Your Digital Music CollectionWriten by Jason Kohrs

The previous two Tech Tips took a look at eight basic features of portable MP3 players worth considering before laying down some serious money on one of these devices. Once you have a nice new MP3 player with plenty of space for music, you need to fill it up! There are several ways to go about building your digital music collection, and well take a look at a few ways to do so.

The first thing to address may be the term MP3 player. Many of these devices play MP3 files, in addition to a variety of other formats. Many of the files available for download are actually in a format other than MP3, but the term has been applied to cover this whole class of devices, whether it is 100% accurate or not.

Create Your Own

There are numerous software titles available that make creating MP3 files from CDs (or other sources) a simple process. Most involve minimal input from the user once they have configured their preferences, and will take the audio and convert it into the digital format of their choice. During the ripping process, most applications will query an online database, such as Gracenote (www.cddb.com), and take care of the file naming and ID tagging needed to make storing, sorting, and accessing the files a snap with most players.

Some of these applications may already be on your computer. Microsofts Windows Media Player (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/mp10/default.aspx) is one program that any Windows user already has that is more than ready for basic WMA and MP3 file creation. Just drop in your CD and click Rip. Many other titles may have come bundled with hardware included with your system. For example, many optical drives ship with a copy of Aheads Nero (http://ww2.nero.com/us/index.html) or a suite of software from Roxio (http://www.roxio.com/en/index.jhtml). Either will handle the DVD or CD burning they were intended for, but also have decent MP3 creation modules, as well.

There are a multitude of free, or at least free-to-try, MP3 encoding software titles, and a trip to your favorite search engine may provide a list longer than you care to investigate. Some names worth checking out include EZ CD-DA (Digital Audio) Extractor (http://www.poikosoft.com/), EZ MP3 Creator (http://www.linasoft.com/ezmp3c.html), and Virtuosa (http://www.virtuosa.com/index.php).

The great thing about digital audio files acquired this way is that they are yours to use on whatever device you choose. The same can not be said about files obtained from either of the next two methods to be discussed. The files obtained from legitimate download services are protected by DRM (Digital Rights Management), which restricts the use of the downloaded files to a limited number of computers and compatible portable devices, as well as protecting the songs from redistribution by the end user. The files are yours to use, but not as freely as you may want, and perhaps for only as long as you maintain your account with the download service.

Pay Per Download

There are two main types of legitimate online sources of digital music those that charge you for each download, and those that require you to subscribe to a service on a monthly basis. They offer the same types of files, but take different approaches to suit your budget and music needs.

Apples iTunes (http://www.apple.com/itunes/) may be the best known source for individual file downloads, thanks in no small part to the incredible popularity of the iPod MP3 player. What some may not know is that iTunes is not just for iPod owners, or Macintosh computer owners for that matter, but any PC compatible system can access the 99 cent downloads for use on their computer or compatible portable player.

Many other outlets offer digital music files for download, and even some mainstream brick-and-mortar stores have found their way onto the scene. Just as they have done with retail sales, Wal-Mart (http://www.walmart.com/musicdownloads/introToServices.do) has managed to undercut the competition with their 88 cent music downloads.

Subscribe to a Service

Everyone is familiar with Napster (http://www.napster.com/) as one of the pioneers of file sharing, but they are back with a legitimate approach to music downloads. Although they do offer a program where you can download individual songs for 99 cents each, they offer monthly subscriptions for $14.95. This monthly fee allows for unlimited downloads, and could be the ticket for someone looking to keep their play list fresh on a regular basis. One caveat to this otherwise good solution is that the number of MP3 players supported is currently very limited. Also, once your subscription lapses, so does the ability to access your music. Basically, you are renting the songs.

Other subscription-based services are available, such as the one from eMusic (http://www.emusic.com/) that charges a monthly fee, but restricts the number of downloads permitted every month.

Choosing between a service that charges for every download or one that charges a flat monthly fee will most likely be determined by the volume of downloads one intends. If you only want a handful of songs every few months, it may be worth it to pay per song. But, if you intend to amass the ultimate collection of music ever known to man, subscribing to a service on a monthly basis is obviously more practical.

Go Underground

Whether through first-hand experience, or from the massive media attention, most people are well aware of other file sharing resources available on the Internet that can be used for acquiring MP3 files. Although the files are free, and users may feel they are operating anonymously, it may not be a safe means of acquiring media.

There are the obvious legal implications, as the RIAA has prosecuted file sharers for copyright violation (http://www.internetnews.com/bus-news/article.php/3497246), but there are other issues, as well. The integrity of the files being downloaded is not guaranteed, and people may wait patiently for a song to download only to find it is of poor quality, incomplete, or even worse carrying a virus or trojan.

So, there are other pools of digital music, but swim at your own risk!

Final Words

Filling your new MP3 player doesnt have to cost anything except the time it takes to encode the songs from your favorite CDs. But, paying for a download service is a sure way to have the songs you want as they become available and at a fairly reasonable price. These arent your only options for acquiring digital music, but when taking other routes, proceed with caution.

Jason Kohrs
MP3Tips
How to buy a MP3 player
and MP3 Tips.

are ipods changing the way we listen to music

2010-02-08T06:20:00.001-08:00

Are iPods Changing the Way We Listen to MusicWriten by Spencer Anderson

Theyre everywhere, and not only are they everywhere, they look cool too. Since its launch in 2001, 10 million have sold and 8 million of those were in 2004. So welcome to the next generation. 8 tracks, records, cassettes, CDs, and now the iPod.

I dont have one, yet. My first taste of it came when my girlfriend got one, and asked if I would set it up for her using my computer. Wearing those now immediately recognizable hip cream coloured headphones, I could feel the eyes of every have-not-an-iPod on me with curiosity and maybe a little jealousy. I even started walking differently. Listening to Led Zeppelin, then Radiohead, and then some Bob Marley on my way to school, there was definitely more spring in my step, and I sat through class in a much better mood than usual. For a mere two days it was in my possession and immediately I could feel myself being sucked into its cult.

And why wouldnt you? An iPod lets you put 10,000 songs inside something the size of a pack of cigarettes. Gone are the heavy, fragile CD cases and the Discman that skips after each step.

Is the iPod changing the way we listen to music? Undeniably. With an iPod, we can take our music anywhere, and not just one album like we could with the walkman. Now we can carry our entire collections everywhere we go. It can play mixes at parties. You can bring it on the commute to work or for a jog. You can save Microsoft Word documents on it and photos for that matter. Dont like a particular song on an album? Delete it. Thanks to the iPod, music has become an even bigger part of our lives because now its just a click away, and its exactly how we want it.

Apart from the possibility of our entire collections being with us at all times, the iPods capabilities have done something even better. By being able to store over 700 albums, the iPod is encouraging us to try types of music we might not have listened to before. When burning a CD to an iPod takes a short few minutes, whats there to lose?

But is it all just a trend? Doubtful, especially with people spending on average 100 pounds on iPod accessories. Its difficult to picture something people now say they cant live without vanishing, unless Apple CEO Steve Jobs finds another way to outdo himself yet again. And on that note now Apple has come out with the smaller, cheaper version of the iPod called the iPod shuffle. Will it have the same impact as its predecessor? Only time will tell.

Spencer Anderson

This article, written by Spencer Anderson, was first published at MusicShopper.info - a great resource for music lovers. Providing information and resources about music shopping, it also has an extensive range of music reviews, music competitions and giveaways, and a popular discussion forum. It is also an important music reference source with a music website directory of more then 1,000 hand-picked sites listed. MusicShopper forum and newsletters subscribers are entered into monthly draws for Amazon voucher.

popular music

2010-02-01T06:11:00.001-08:00

Popular MusicWriten by Sharon White

Music occupies an important place in our life. We cant live without it. Actually people have different musical tastes depending on their age, education and even mood. Some people like classical music, others prefer rock, pop or jazz, but nobody is indifferent to it.

Popular Music refers to the kind of music that appeals to the general public, unlike Highbrow or Classical. It places a premium on accessibility, employs various means to boost both instant appeal and memorability - distinctive syncopation, novel instrumental flourishes, danceable rhythms, repeated riffs - but its signal feature is melodic emphasis. It has now since diversified to such an extent that it is now most easily defined in terms of its market.

Popular Music 1950 1998 At the end of World War II in the U.S., White middle class fears of communism and a new independent - minded Black society emerged simultaneously. Since they both threatened the status quo, any cross-cultural performance took on the appearance of being subversive.

The songs of the early fifties reflected this and generally had light melodies, sweet lyrics and wholesome singers. Innocent and inoffensive feel-good tunes, performed by artists like Pat Boone, Rosemary Clooney and Perry Como dominated the pop charts. Major Record Companies (Capitol, Decca, Columbia, Mercury, and RCA Victor) decided to abandon the majority of black artists race records and their black audience, creating an opportunity for Independents such as Sam Phillips' Sun Label or Chess Records to sign them up.

Artists like Bill Haley and the Comets adapted the work of the Black artists to come up with their own sound. The music's solid rhythm and heavy back beat inspired new forms of dancing. Soon there were stars - Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Carl Perkins. Due to the prejudices of the times, Disc Jockey Alan Freed coined the name ock and roll, ironically using a term that was slang for sex in the Black community at that time. Its initial appeal was to middle class white teenagers who soon came to feel it was their own. In this era, so called 'race music' was largely censured by America's white establishment as being too rebellious, sexual and anti-social to be acceptable.

If Rock and Roll was formed from a fusion between Black music and White entrepreneurship, then the foremost of the fair-skinned founding fathers must be Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller. Their writing genius, combined with the kinetic energy of Elvis made Rock and Roll history by recording Hound Dog, and Elvis Presley became a household name. (Leiber & Stoller also penned hits for Ben E King, The Searchers, the Drifters, and The Coasters).

There were also scandals (i.e. The Payola Scandal which would lead to the demise of the career of Alan Freed) in the early days' which did nothing to foster either parental or governmental confidence in the new music. Near the end of the decade, a plane crash killed Buddy Holly and also took the lives of Richie Valens and The Big Bopper. Since all three were so prominent at the time, February 3, 1959, became known as 'The Day The Music Died.'

Female vocal groups began to produce songs that mixed Doo-wop harmonies with Rhythm and Blues music. The groups were usually trios or quartets in which one vocalist sang a lead part while the others contributed a background vocal. Most notable were The Shirelles, The Marvelettes, and The Crystals who flourished during the early 1960's.

By 1962 'The Brill Building' in Broadway, New York had housed over 165 music businesses and more significantly hosted Don Kirshner and his star collection of songwriters, (Carole King / Gerry Goffin, Neil Sedaka / Howard Greenfield, and Barry Mann / Cynthia Weil) that were responsible for hundreds of charted hits. Record Producer Phil Spector (A prodigy of songwriters Leiber and Stoller) was churning out unique classics by artists like The Ronettes, The Righteous Brothers and finally Ike and Tina Turner with his legendary 'Wall of Sound'.

In the 1950's Britain had not recovered from the effects of World War Two; economic hardship and shortages of goods and services were common. In 'provincial' cities (fiercely independent of London) such as Liverpool and Manchester, the latest imports were less scarce, (i.e. American Rhythm & Blues and Rock and Roll records) and as a result, an independent musical culture developed.

Liverpool produced the Merseybeat sound led by The Beatles, taking the British charts by storm in 1963, while in London the Rolling Stones heralded a boom in the British Rhythm and Blues that included the Animals from Newcastle, Spencer Davis from Birmingham and scores more. The conquest of America followed. Between 1964 and 1966, dozens of British groups made fortunes in the States, doing much better there than at home.

Folk inspired artists, like The Byrds, and even America's most influential contemporary performer Bob Dylan also turned to sound of the Beatles for new direction. The quintessential Californian group, The Beach Boys, helped fly the flag for Surf Music, although chief member Brian Wilson was pressured into illness in his efforts to progress, both commercially and artistically.

Black Soul Music (containing the beat of Rhythm and Blues combined with the exuberance of Gospel), may have been overshadowed in the media but it still made as indelible an impression as British Beat via Atlantic and Motown, the best known and most successful soul labels ever.

Between them, they had all the early soul stars of note, including The Drifters, Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.

'The Godfather of Soul', James Brown, through the rest of the '60s dispensed with melodies in favour of chunky rhythms, horn interplay and scratching guitar giving a whole new sound which would become essential ingredients of what is known as Funk. With 'The Summer of Love' in 1967, focus shifted to San Francisco Bay. The Flower Power era embraced extravagant clothes, weird lyrics and music that seemed to have few rules and less form: names like The Grateful Dead, Jefferson Airplane, and the The Doors became synonymous with meditation, levitation and drugs.

By then America began to worship the posturing and volume of what became known as Heavy Metal. Pioneered by Cream, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck and culminated by Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Deep Purple, the term 'Heavy Metal', was coined by critic Lester Bangs from certain passages in author William Burroughs 'Naked Lunch'. The music itself was characterised by heavy guitar riffs/ostinato, a high register male vocal and more punch particularly in the lower frequencies of the bass drum and bass guitar.

Britain started the 1970's pointing towards a hybrid known as 'Glam-rock', which produced Marc Bolan, David Bowie, and groups such as Slade and The Sweet. Their theatrical style of dress (which consisted of heavy make-up and women's clothes) further emphasised the sartorial overkill of Psychedelia.

The advance in technology would give birth to a genre of Progressive rock groups such as Genesis and Yes, followed by E.L.O., Supertramp, Queen, and 10cc - The recording process itself had become much more sophisticated and the expansion of multitracking enabled artists to isolate each instrument and use a myriad of multi-layered harmony vocals creating an orchestral sound which would give these bands their trademark.

Bob Marley and the Wailers introduced Reggae and Ska to the international community after being signed to London's Island Records. (Reggae is a Jamaican form of Rhythm and Blues with accents on the half beats.)

Another popular style of reggae was known as 'Dub'. In Jamaica whenever a song was put out on a 45 single, the'B'side was called the Dub. It was the same song (often times with a different mix) that did not include the lead vocal. Jamaican MC's started talking, chatting and singing over the Dub version of a song for a particular sound. When this music reached their Jamaican counterparts, then residing within New York's inner-city neighbourhoods in the Bronx and Brooklyn, it gave birth to what is now known as Rap, or Hip Hop.

Another scene to emerge from its underground existence in New York was the dance 70's phenomenon known as Disco. Disco began as far back in the sixties with the Motown sound, but it came in a rapid in the early and mid-seventies when extended versions of the popular songs were played in the city's gay clubs. When the 12 single was commercially available in 1976 the public became more aware of Disco. The soundtrack album from the movie 'Saturday Night Fever' featuring The Bee Gees when it came out sold more than 30 million copies worldwide.

During the last three years of the 1970's, British youth, many of whom in the cities had become the unemployed victims, of an economic slump, could find little relevance in the sun kissed utopia in which country-rockers The Eagles seemed to live. They didn't have much time for the biggest stars of the era - Elton John, Fleetwood Mac, Pink Floyd and all the rest-who spent much more time in America, where they were better appreciated and could earn infinitely more than in economically divided Britain. Neither were they greatly moved by the seamless efficiency and catchy songs of Abba, the Swedish quartet who sold more records than anyone internationally during the decade, and topped the UK charts nine times in all.

Rock music has always been the rallying call of rebellious youth, and in 1977 the Anarchic Punk generation produced disenchanted Britons like The Sex Pistols and The Clash. Ironically by the end of the decade, New York had spawned Punk's godparents Lou Reed, The New York Dolls and Patti Smith, as well as producing stars like The Ramones and Blondie.

The Eighties in the UK began where the 70's left off with the Ska hybrid '2 Tone', performed by racially integrated groups like The Specials and Madness. It also witnessed the commercial finale of Punk with the Jam, and polished Post-Punk as purveyed by The Police and XTC.

In 1981 the music scene underwent a significant change. Technological developments in the form of Music Television, and the compact disc, changed the music world in a way that a different approach was necessary. In fact, major record labels would view music videos as essential as TV-commercials.

The Boom of Synth-Pop and New Romanticism spawned Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet and Culture Club. They all came from Britain, and for several months during the second quarter of the decade, these acts and others like The Human League and Wham! helped Britain rule the waves of the Atlantic, although with less domination than 20 years earlier.

Michael Jackson dominated the music world with his 1982 release 'Thriller'. It became the biggest selling album in history with over 40 million copies sold. During a time when MTV made headway, Jackson adapted to this and accompanied his single-releases with videos of high quality. Another artist to achieve Megastardom in a similar way was Madonna. Her popularity was also achieved by the way she challenged the mainstream on issues as race, gender, sexuality, and power.

Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five brought a new lyrical intensity to Rap with the song 'The Message'. Def Jam label artists Run DMC and the Beastie Boys mixed heavy metal guitars rather than the usual funk and disco samples for an aggressive impact that helped the first Rap album to reach a number one chart position.

Bob Geldof will forever be admired for his charitable work in organising Band Aid, which consisted of dozens of British stars who recorded a charity single in an attempt to save lives in drought-stricken Africa. Later he organised Live Aid - a concert on both sides of the Atlantic, which also involved numerous stars such as Phil Collins, Bruce Springsteen, U2, and Queen.

In the UK Producers Stock, Aitken, & Waterman clocked up 31 number one hits and 35 million records sold around the world. (And that was just 1987.) For theirs was the sound that dominated the charts, dance floors and airwaves of Britain with its instantly recognisable bouncy, chattering dance rhythms and chirpy, catchy pop tunes, no matter who the chosen vocalist - Mel & Kim, Rick Astley, Kylie Minogue, Bananarama, etc

Another dance phenomenon was to emerge, this time from the holiday resort of Ibiza. It would enter the UK as Acid House (The Culture associated with the drug Ecstasy.) and transmogrify into the 90's genres, Trance and Rave. (Music that was dominated by what machines were good at - repeating monotonous rhythmic patterns that could go on and on.)

The 90's followed the avaricious 80's with a softer sound - Country Music. Garth Brooks and Shania Twain carried the sound of Nashville into the mainstream, effectively making it the music capital of the world. At the other end of the musical spectrum, Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden took the raw sound of American Grunge music and slapped it screaming onto radios everywhere. By the mid 90s, a new crop of young British bands influenced by the Manchester Indie scene (The Stone Roses, and the Happy Mondays) rediscovered the Beatles, giving birth to Britpop. Blur and Oasis fought, fell out and made up. Take that paved the way for legions of Boy Bands such as Boyzone and Westlife. However the biggest-selling British export of the 90's was the Spice Girls, who kick-started a resurgence in Teen Pop music.

The article was produced by the member of masterpapers.com. Sharon White has many years of a vast experience in Essay Writing and custom essays writing consulting. Get free samples of essays and courseworks and buy essays .

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song writing to find yourself in the music you compose

2010-01-23T20:38:00.001-08:00

Song Writing: To Find Yourself In The Music You ComposeWriten by Peter Edvinsson

What is songwriting? What is composing? Do you really compose when you write songs or are you just copying?

If song writers make a living on their writing it will put a lot of pressure on them. Some song writers are constantly listening for what's popular and are trying to imitate hooks in songs.

I can see two ways to go as a song writer:

1. Listening to a lot of hit songs and trying to write similar songs. By listening to songs and reading a lot on what's up trying to feel what type of songs will be popular in the near future.

2. Trying to be yourself and just work on creating songs you like yourself in the hope that others will feel the same.

The last method is for me the most rewarding way to go as far as personal growth is concerned. I feel good and happy when I am creative as a song writer and feel that the process involves something about knowing myself better.

In the long run it might also create the best hit songs too. The song Yesterday is just one example of a different hit song.

Writing songs can be a very rewarding activity and the level of originality depends on how you write your music. You can help the creative parts of your brain to be activated or use the more calculating parts or a combination of both.

May I share a few tips from my own song writing experience:

1. Sit down with your guitar or at your piano singing or humming without expecting to create something brilliant. When you allow yourself to wander away a bit from your calculating parts of the brain and into the exciting forests of imagination and creativity you can come up with fantastic things.

2. Limitations can help your creativity. Give yourself some limitations by for example using a chord progression like G Em Am D7. Many songs use this progression but there will be room for more. You can of course use a more odd one like E C C#m G#m.

3. Record yourself playing around humming with your guitar or piano. Listening to what you have come up with a few days later can help you find interesting melodies or hooks to use in your songs.

Sometimes you can feel that you are not able to write songs like the song writers you like but they can't write songs that is you. A comforting thought, isn,t it!

Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and learn to play resources at http://www.capotastomusic.com

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http://6auto-car.blogspot.com/ - ACTION REQUIRED

2010-01-13T17:38:00.001-08:00

Hello,

Your blog at: http://6auto-car.blogspot.com/ has been identified as a potential spam blog. To correct this, please request a review by filling out the form at http://www.blogger.com/unlock-blog.g?lockedBlogID=915898695454495593

Your blog will be deleted in 20 days if it isn't reviewed, and your readers will see a warning page during this time. After we receive your request, we'll review your blog and unlock it within two business days. Once we have reviewed and determined your blog is not spam, the blog will be unlocked and the message in your Blogger dashboard will no longer be displayed. If this blog doesn't belong to you, you don't have to do anything, and any other blogs you may have won't be affected.

We find spam by using an automated classifier. Automatic spam detection is inherently fuzzy, and occasionally a blog like yours is flagged incorrectly. We sincerely apologize for this error. By using this kind of system, however, we can dedicate more storage, bandwidth, and engineering resources to bloggers like you instead of to spammers. For more information, please see Blogger Help: http://help.blogger.com/bin/answer.py?answer=42577

Thank you for your understanding and for your help with our spam-fighting efforts.

Sincerely,

The Blogger Team

P.S. Just one more reminder: Unless you request a review, your blog will be deleted in 20 days. Click this link to request the review: http://www.blogger.com/unlock-blog.g?lockedBlogID=915898695454495593

music licensing the basics part 1 license agreements

2010-01-02T05:42:00.001-08:00

Music Licensing - The Basics - Part 1 License AgreementsWriten by Lee Pritchard

In this digital age using music in web-based presentations, business applications, products or services has a number of legal implications for you and your business. Minimising copyright issues can be relatively simple and a little knowledge about music licensing can set you off in the right direction and keep you safe for the future.

This two-part article will provide a basic understanding of music licensing and the royalties included in a license agreement. It will serve you well when licensing music and is a starting point for more in-depth research.

What Is A License And Why Is It Needed?

Put simply, you need a license in order to use music legally. Whether you are using music at home or in a commercial project it will require a license. In the example of home use, the CD you buy from a music store is a license to listen for your own personal pleasure. You are not able to reproduce it or broadcast it in any way.

If you wish to use music as part of your business or in a commercial project you will need to get the relevant licenses depending on your usage. The fee you will have to pay will vary depending on the scope of your project and whether the music is mainstream.

Arranging clearance to use mainstream music can be a complicated process and can require a large budget. In comparison, using original music from an independent composer is less complicated to license and can easily fit into your budget.

Basic Parts Of A Music License The Agreement

When you purchase a license you are paying a fee to have certain rights assigned to you for a defined period. This is subject to the terms and conditions of the agreement. Your agreement will detail where and how you can use the music and will also point out the limits or restrictions of the license. The copyright does not become yours, it remains with the composer you have only been assigned some of the rights.

Exclusivity

Music can be licensed on an exclusive or non-exclusive arrangement.

An exclusive agreement means that you are the sole user during the life of the agreement and nobody else can use it for the same purpose.

Non-exclusive usage means that anyone can license the music at anytime.

Territory

Music is traditionally licensed within certain territories of the world. This is because the royalty collection societies tend to operate within their own country rather than globally.

Recently, there has been an increase in digital delivery of music with agreements covering worldwide use that bypass the royalty collection societies.

Strange but true, some license agreements even make provision for intergalactic use!

Term

The term is the period of time that you are able to license the music for. This can be from as little as one day or as much as 100 years.

Synchronisation Rights In order to include music in a product or production you have to pay what is known as the synchronisation or sync fee. There are no standard prices set by the industry for a sync fee and the fee can be open to negotiation.

Mechanical Royalty

The mechanical royalty covers the number of duplications you wish to make of your product. The mechanical royalty collecting societies have set rates for these, however, some composers / companies are now starting to use digital delivery and will license music directly without using the collecting societies. This can get you a better deal and give you the rights to produce a specified number of reproductions within the license agreement.

Performance

Performance royalties are due anytime music is broadcast on websites, TV, radio, podcasts, etc, or played at public exhibitions, events, public houses etc.

Quite often a license agreement will exclude coverage of these, making it the responsibility of the person or company broadcasting the music. This involves paying an additional fee to the performance royalty collecting societies. Many Royalty Free licenses operate in this manner.

There are occasions where a company or composer will cover the performance element in the license fee you pay, but you have to be clear about this, either by negotiating with the composer or checking the small print before purchasing.

Conclusion

Music licensing is a lot simpler to understand once you know the basic components of an agreement and what they actually cover.

Part one of this article should have given you a good basic knowledge of licensing agreements. Part two explores the options available to you as a music licensee.

Lee Pritchard is a composer and sound engineer who has had a life long passion for music; composing it, playing it, producing it and being around others who are involved in it.

He is the founder of http://www.mediamusicnow.co.uk/, a website providing 100% Royalty Free music, custom music services, audio editing, sound design, music consultancy, a telephone voice-over and music service and Podcast Production.

He can also be contacted through his blog https://leepritchard.wordpress.com/

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jazz as a language what the improviser does

2009-12-24T18:05:00.001-08:00

Jazz as a Language: What the Improviser DoesWriten by Ed Byrne

Jazz is a language. Its practitioners are public speakers. Think of what happens when one learns to speak English, Korean or Japanese, for example. The process is the same as when learning jazz. You learn by listening and picking up figures of speech, then you learn to use them in your own personal manner to make statements by putting them together in paragraphs and sentences to tell your story.

If you were to speak publicly, you would want to know the story well (in this case the tune or composition), and you would want to know the vocabulary. You would practice telling the story, work out the rough parts, and then learn how to vary the story in a variety of ways, for example, short vs. long versions, different introductions, and endings, substitute words and phrases, rhythms, moods and pacing, and so on.

As with public speakers such as politicians, you get all kinds of jazz performer: those who are insincere, those who are slick, those who are brilliant and have their own voices and styles, those who are spontaneous, those who use easy to understand vocabulary (soft jazz), those who use complex language (Miles Davis, John Coltrane), those who are mediocre, and those who deliver a memorized or prompted (written) statement.

You get the comparison, so contemplate it in every aspect and you'll understand. The only difference between an extemporaneous art form such as jazz and the spoken language is the fact that you can't use it for such practical purposes as ordering a cup of coffee.

The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Learn Improvisation:

ByrneJazz Improvisation Books

ByrneJazz Online Lessons

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musical guide review of the producers

2009-12-20T12:08:00.001-08:00

Musical Guide - Review Of The ProducersWriten by Michael Russell

In this article we're going to review a musical that has had more revivals and renditions than any musical in history.

For those who were not around in the 1960s it is really hard to know which came first, the chicken or the egg. Or, in the case of the musical The Producers, which version came first.

The original version of The Producers was actually a movie from back in the 60s that starred Zero Mostel as Max Bialystock and Gene Wilder as Leo Bloom. It wasn't until the movie was turned into a Broadway musical play by creator Mel Brooks years later that its popularity really soared. To confuse things even more, the play was turned back into a movie just recently, with the latest version looking more like the play than the original movie. As a matter of fact, the movie starred the two people most identified with the popular play, Nathan Lane as Bialystock and Matthew Broderick as Bloom. This cast has been said to have performed the definitive version of this critically acclaimed play.

For those not familiar with the story, it is a simple one. Bialystock tries to think of a way to make a lot of money on Broadway. He figures out, with the help of Bloom, that the best way would be to create a play that was so bad that it would close after one performance. Then they could take all the money that backers gave to them for a long run and make their way to Rio with it. Well, things didn't quite work out the way they planned. The horrible play, Springtime For Hitler became an instant smash and the two crooks were eventually sent to jail for their diabolical plan.

Mel Brooks is no less than a genius, not only because he wrote such a clever and insane plot but because he knew to get two of the most talented people in the business, Lane and Broderick, to play the lead roles.

Musically, the show is full of memorable pieces. None, however, became more popular than the timeless Springtime For Hitler. Most pieces of music are great because of the music. This was one song that was a lyrical masterpiece. Done totally tongue in cheek, this song shows off Brooks' genius like nothing he has ever done before or has done since. Just to see this done live on stage is worth the price of admission.

The rest of the music is simply meant to fill out the story, and this is done well. The Producers may be one of the few musicals in history that was really greater than the sum of its parts. The music itself was okay outside of Springtime. The actors were okay outside of Lane and Broderick. And the story was, in all honesty, kind of ridiculous. But everything put together as a whole created something that is just beyond description and has to be seen. It's too bad Land and Broderick are no longer on Broadway but if you can see the movie remake, do so. It's something you won't soon forget.

-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Music
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More Guitar Learning Site : http://www.guitarready.com/

can music heal old wounds

2009-12-16T23:25:00.001-08:00

Can Music Heal Old Wounds?Writen by Bob Ollman

New York, New York: May 20, 2006

Is music the answer to creating a peaceful society? We've all heard it said that music soothes the savage beast, but what about the civilized animal? NYC native Jerald Wolf, a singer and songwriter, may have stumbled upon a solution of sorts for bringing people together. It seems that a young pianist named Marina Vesic from Serbia, heard Mr. Wolfs' music and fell in love with it. So much so, that she asked Mr Wolf for permission to perform his songs at an upcoming concert that she was putting on at The Hall of Culture Center in Krusevac on Friday, May 5th. Hesitant at first, Jerald was more than willing after hearing her classical interpretations of his acoustic rock songs and recieving an overwhelmingly positive feedback from many new fans in Serbia. The two came to the conclusion that perhaps this is a good way to bridge the ever-widening gap between our countries. Mr Wolf and Miss Vesic agreed to giving ten percent of the proceeds from the concert and subsequent CD and video sales to the charity WHY (World Hunger Year/ Artists Against Hunger and Poverty). Miss Vesic has also appeared on Serbian TV on several occasions to help bring attention to and plug the upcoming concert, as well as the new-found ties with the USA and her home country of Serbia.

In her concert, Miss Vesic, who studies at the Faculty of Music Arts in Belgrade and was a first place winner at the International Competition of Young Composers, also in Belgrade, featured her original pieces, as well as two songs by Jerald Wolf from his new CD Winter's Emptiness. She was accompanied by the talented vocalist Jovana Jovanovich. The two performers are known in Serbia as the duo Hedija, meaning present. As a grand finale and a fitting rousing tribute to New York (and new friendships), Miss Vesic and company performed the standard hit New York, New York, with the audience singing out at the end of the song in one loud joyful voice...NEW YORK!

Although the concert recieved little publicity or attention in the USA, there was an outpouring of genuine enthusiasm from the Serbian music lovers. Miss Vesic has been approached by several music and peace affecionados and asked if she will perform future concerts at different venues in and around her country. The answer was a resounding yes! There has also been a steady stream of new visitors to Mr Wolfs' website leaving messages of love, peace and hope, as well as invitations to come to Serbia to perform.

Is this the beginning to the end of hate and misunderstanding between people of the world? A small step perhaps, but certainly in the right direction.

Bob Ollman

Bob Ollamn is a well-respected indie music critic from NYC and is currently following the careers of several promising musicians including Jerald Wolf.

independent music promotion on the web 3 steps to success

2009-11-21T10:04:00.001-08:00

Independent Music Promotion on the Web: 3 Steps to SuccessWriten by Nicholas Hooper

Let's face it, the wildfire spread of web-based portals designed to introduce independent music to the world has created a bewildering array of opportunities and costs. So where do they all balance out? When does the cost of signing up to yet another music promotion service yield results? What results are we looking for anyway?

The key is to make your web promotion targeted, systematic and rich.

What is the main drive for independent artists promote their music on the web? The fundamental incentive for web promotion is the opportunity to get your music heard by people who might otherwise never know that you exist! If people know you exist they can become fans and repeat-listeners. Which of those fans buy CD's and downloads? Targeted listeners.

The most important goal of web promotion is to attract targeted listeners.

Any independent artist who says they use the web to sell their music has missed the primary target - attracting targeted listeners. Attracting targeted listeners should be every independent artist's first priority. Remember, you don't sell your music - listeners BUY your music. It's a buyers market. The more targeted listeners you have, the more sales you make - provided you are systematic in getting your targeted listeners.

The best way to get targeted listeners is to be systematic.

Many artists tend to approach their web promotion thinking that since they have a website and have signed up to a couple of artist showcase sites, that the listeners will just come pouring in. Yes you have managed to target some potential listeners, but you still have to shout, Hey, over here...you'll like the sound of this! A systematic approach to getting listeners to hear your music will attract and maintain their interest. But remember to make sure you have the content ready for the listener to enjoy.

Sites rich in content will retain your targeted listener.

In the independent artist's case, the rich content is the music. This may seem like old news, but look at the amount of independent artist websites that give the visitor loads of info about the band but very little (or hidden) ear candy. Music should be the first thing a visitor gets. At the very least they need an obvious link to where they can listen to your music. And not just one or two tracks but a variety of your music. Independent artists have to remember they have not had the radio exposure to model the presentation of their music after more well established acts. Listeners need to be convinced they like your independent music before they will buy it.

So the question is how to make your web promotion targeted, systematic and rich?

Tips for Targeting.

The best targeted listeners on the web will be those that make it to your website. Find a way to know who they are. Setup a newsletter and make it easy to sign up to it. People interested enough to want to receive news about you are your hardcore web fans, keep them happy.

The next best group of targeted listeners are those that hear your music on other sites. Try to pick sites that allow listeners to link to your site. If they like your music they might click on that link to visit your site. You can then find out where these visitors are coming from. Find a good web statistics package that lets you know which sites your visitors are being referred from. Take note of those sites and focus your efforts with them accordingly.

When choosing sites on which to promote your music, check to see if they offer any individual stats relating to your music. Like how many track plays or page views you and your music receive on their site. This way you can check in periodically and monitor your performance with these sites.

Systematic Steps.

The key to being systematic is organization. Keep a note of all the sites you use to promote your music, a brief description of what they do and how much it costs. Try to get into the practice of monitoring all of them regularly. Take note of which sites are getting better results than others and focus your efforts accordingly. You might pay for minimal promotion on one website, while another gets you loads of listeners for free. Naturally you'll want to put more effort into updating the sites that are getting better results.

Provide a link on your website and newsletters to all of the sites you use to promote your music. Remember your website visitors are your hardcore web fans and are the most likely to check out and spread the word about your spot on other websites. So encourage them to visit your profile on other websites. At the very least it raises your stats on those websites - making your music look more popular!

Try to create a ring of sites that link to each other though the content you supply. For example, you might have your music on your own website and two other showcase sites - Site A and Site B. Your site should without a doubt link with Site A and Site B. Site A should link with your site and Site B, Site B should link with your site and Site A and so on. What if these sites don't allow you to setup links to other sites? Put a web address in the areas where they do allow you to supply content. Like biogs or descriptions.

The ultimate aim of linking all your sites is to provide your listeners with a variety of access points to your music, as well as access to the different ways various sites may deliver your music. Remember to link to your specific page on the site and not just the site itself. Your site linked with a site that play your tracks on Internet radio, linked with a site that sells your downloads, linked with a site that sells your CD's provides for a powerful combination of exposure.

Be Rich

Without money! That is the challenge that most independent artists face. The conventional approach to selling music is that it should not be too readily available to listen to, should the incentive for listeners to actually buy albums be undermined. This has persuaded independent artists that they should limit web listeners to low-quality snippets of streaming audio.

Independent artists have to remember they don't have the resources and finances to support the shotgun approach of spraying their music across radio and music television. Big artists have big companies behind them that need to recoup the costs of mass media exposure, and therefore try to limit the extent to which listeners can sample their music on the web. Listeners have already heard the music and are trying to find a copy of their own.

Conversely, listeners haven't had a chance to listen to independent artist through conventional media. Therefore independent artists can't assume that people will buy their music off of a website if they don't get a chance to really listen to it. If people have already heard an artist's music, and like it, the value they pay for is in owning a copy they can play whenever they like. If people have not already heard an artist's music, the value is in being able to sample as much of the music as possible.

So being rich is providing your listeners with as much of your music as they want to listen to before they buy it. Now you don't have to make all your tracks available for free download, but you can provide good quality, full-length streams that impress the listener and enhance your sound. Not tight-fisted snippets that lose the listener because they are lo-fi and over before they attract the listener's interest.

Being rich is also making your music available in a variety of formats for different audiences. Telling fans that your music can be heard via Internet radio, on-demand streams, mp3 downloads and mail order CD means you can appeal to listeners who prefer more than one type of media. You can also use your web promotion to go beyond simply plays and sales - consider licensing.

Licensing your music for use with television, film, advertising, websites, video games and other multimedia will open up your listening audience, provide revenue and introduce a degree of professionalism to your career that attracts the notice of industry reps and A&R. Adding this depth to your web promotion helps to enrich the presentation of your music and retain targeted listeners.

So remember: a) maximise your targeted listeners, b) be systematic in obtaining them, and c) retain them by making sure your own site and other sites are rich in content.

Nick Hooper has helped to create Tunetrader, an online platform for the promotion of independent music at http://www.tunetrader.com

music mixtapes the other side

2009-11-15T14:24:00.001-08:00

Music Mixtapes: The Other Side!Writen by Lisa Gonzalez

There have been a lot of bad things happening in the mainstream music industry leaving major recording artists and fans bitter. On the flip side of things, mixtapes are booming better than ever. Its the rave and everybody and their Mama wants mixtapes now. Websites are dedicated to finding out who the big bang is on the streets, chat rooms filled with chatters throwing out some amateur gangsta rhymes and even new talent out there mixing up some cool new sounds, right now.

So the big question is, why are mixtapes becoming more popular?

The answer is pure music and a generation who is sick of big recording companies pushing artists and fans around. The music that comes from mixtapes is real and some of the stuff out there is from big artists like 50 Cent, Biggie and a more! Stuff that nobody hears, great stuff that should be heard but its not, youll hear it on mixtapes.

An article featured on the MTV website quoted successful artist and producer P. Diddy, Labels dont even have the heart to put out a new artist right now.

Other artists who are choosing to make their names big using mixtapes instead of the corporate music world usually agree that one of the advantages to the mixtape industry is that they are not limited in what they can produce. The mixtapes are like me speaking directly to my neighborhood, says famed rapper 50 Cent who also released many mixtapes before being backed up by a major recording contract.

Even mixtape producers claim that record companies use their services, often swapping unreleased goods for favors rather than paying with cold hard cash. If you wanna get your hands on some real jams, get a mixtape! There are thousands of ways to get or listen to one and one of them is the Internet. Sites do sell mixtapes but the only way to get the real answers to whos hot and whos not is mixtape chat rooms and forums where users converse about their mixtapes.

Either way, the industry is getting better and better. The next big wave of the future could be mixtapes sold at a national retail level, could basement producers be pushing the big dogs out of cushy recording company offices? The future is bright for mixtapes and well have to wait and see.

This article was written by the GND trio from http://www.PLaYaCRiB.com where new artists are featured all the time playing newly released mixtapes and promoting the booming mixtape industry in a virtual setting where bling bling rules. If you have any mixtapes that need to be promoted contact us via the PLaYaCRiB site.

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

christian sheet music

2009-10-25T06:27:00.001-07:00

Christian Sheet MusicWriten by Elizabeth Morgan

You dont have to pay for Christian sheet music. It is available on the web for free. People can download Christian sheet music in gif format. Christian sheet music sites offer various types of sheet music, such as keyboard music, piano music and guitar music.

Lets check out the piano music first. Online Christian sheet music stores offer piano music. You can download Christian sheet music from those sites. Thanks to those sites, you can enhance your Christian sheet music collection. Some sites offer rare Christian sheet music samples that you wont find anywhere else. Christian sheet music sites have an extensive database of some great Christian sheet music.

Another vital aspect of Christian sheet music is guitar music. People taking an interest in this type of Christian sheet music can download guitar music notations from the web. Thanks to Christian sheet music sites, popular Christian Music titles such as Worship Together or Integrity Hosanna have become extremely popular. But, while downloading your favorite Christian sheet music, you have to be careful. Its always advisable to download Christian sheet music from renowned sites in order to prevent downloading viruses along with the music titles. Christian sheet music sites add new music titles all the time. So, you will get all the new Christian sheet music albums from them. The demand for Christian sheet music is always going up. The Internet has become the best place to buy Christian sheet music titles.

Add to that previews and customer reviews. You can check out the latest Christian sheet music albums before purchasing them. Some of the best-selling Christian sheet music titles are Run the EarthWatch the Sky, Songs for Praise & Worship, and Only Hope. Christian sheet music has opened up a new vista for Christian Music lovers. Christian sheet music is in vogue.

Christian Music provides detailed information on Christian Music, Christian Music Lyrics, Download Christian Music, Christian Sheet Music and more. Christian Music is affiliated with Southern Gospel Music.

musical scales why we have scales and how they were made

2009-10-16T05:23:00.001-07:00

Musical Scales - Why We Have Scales and How They Were MadeWriten by Brian Farley

Most students of a musical instrument hate playing scales, but too many of them only think they learn scales as some sort of finger exercise. How wrong! Instead, all music students should be informed that scales are the Building Blocks from which all music is created and that they can use these vital Blocks to create music for themselves. To do this we first have to understand what scales are and how they came about.

Musical instruments played a large part in the development of scales. The earliest musical instruments were devised having a limited number of playable notes. Maybe a pipe instrument was fashioned using a hollow tube and holes were made in it which could be covered or uncovered when blowing through it to produce a certain number of pitch variations. If music was to be written down for this instrument it follows that only the exact notes playable should be written. Thus, the scale of notes would be only these, say 5, notes rising or falling in order of pitch.

As instruments developed further more notes could be achieved and in the Western world we gradually created instruments that could all play a minimum of 12 different pitches between notes an octave apart.

Hang on! I hear you say, What is an octave? An octave is the gap between two note pitches that are 12 semitones apart. If you listen to these two notes it almost seems as though they are the same note pitch. These notes are named with the same letter name such as C and C. If you pluck a string of a given length, it will vibrate at so many cycles per second (or Hertz) producing a sound at a given pitch, say 220Hz (an A). This note is called the fundamental. The string does funny things however, and it also vibrates at twice the number of Hz but at half the volume of the fundamental. This means that another note is also produced that is an octave above the first (in this case the A at 440Hz), but only half as loud. This explains the close relationship between notes an octave apart. Basically, double the frequency (Hz) and you will get a note that is one octave above.

There are, of course, instruments in the west that can produce note pitches between semitones, such as a stringed instrument like the violin or violoncello, but as they most often have to perform with other instruments of the 12 semitones variety, any note that they produce between these pitches is usually considered as just out of tune! In the East, scales are still used which make use of the instruments that can achieve the pitches that are less than a semitone apart, and vocalists are also more adept in singing pitch variations of so-called quarter-tones.

In the West the limitation of most of our scales to seven different pitches within the octave came about mainly as a result of singers needing an easy chain of notes to pitch. So it was with our Major scale.

So that's how we got our scales. Now, at least, the make-up of our most common modern-day scales should not seem so much of a mystery. We know that they are an easy-to-sing chain of 8 note-pitches over an octave, the 1st and 8th being two notes of the same letter-name. The distance between each of these note-pitches can be one, two or sometimes even three semitones. In future articles I will discuss why we have Major and Minor Scales and how you can use these Building Blocks of Music to form melodies and chords.

Brian Farley has been a worldwide professional Musical Director and pianist since 1974. His duet sheet music website Easy Duets, Sheet Music for Schools, Musical Instrument Students provides original musical duets and trios for early level students and some good free eading musical notation information.

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

how to get your music professionally recorded for free

2009-10-03T21:34:00.001-07:00

How to Get Your Music Professionally Recorded for FreeWriten by Lynn Monk

Generally, the first thing that springs to mind when you need to record a song, is to make enquiries with local recording studios. However, studio charges are generally based on an hourly rate that is often more than your day job pays you.

Once you've saved enough money for this excursion, there are then further worries. Unless you are a regular visitor to recording studios, you may not quite know what to expect. You may not be able to communicate your ideas for your sound clearly to the engineer, who really only understands technical jargon.

As the hours tick by, you will be under the stress of wondering if you'll be able to complete your project before your money runs out. Artists under stress don't generally perform well, but you won't hear this because you'll be out there performing, instead of listening to the performance.

If you have also hired musicians in for the session, you'd also better be a good personnel manager. The longer they have to sit around waiting to be told what to play and how to play it, the more it is going to cost you!

It is in your best interest to use a studio that is the best you can afford. But have you taken the above problems into consideration? Have you planned out your time in the studio in the fullest detail? Do you know enough about the multitrack recording process to know exactly what tracks your song needs? Are you, or your band rehearsed enough to play every track on its own, and in perfect time with all the others in the arrangement? Can your drummer play to a click track? Or do you have detailed drum parts already programmed for your songs? Have you written detailed score sheets for all the session musicians? Do you know what kind of sound they need, and what style to play in? Have you already tried out various mix ideas and sound effects at home, and know how to explain these ideas to the engineer?

If not, you will most likely end up with a recording that isn't quite what you expected. And it will have cost you a small fortune! At best, you will get a good recording that sounds something like you thought it would. But does it sound original to you? Has it captured your unique sound, and conveyed the essence of what you are as an original artist? Does it convey the emotion of the song correctly to the listener?

There is another way to approach the recording process that will solve all the above problems, and could even get you a professional recording made for FREE!

All the above jobs are part of the work that is generally done by a PRODUCER.

A producer is someone who has the experience to hear, not just the music, but the essence of what you are as an original artist.

A producer will know instinctively when you have made the perfect take, and will get you onto the next stage of the process without having to waste studio time playing back every take first.

A producer will have your whole sound in glorious 3D in their head before a single note is played.

A producer will have the technical knowledge to know how to translate every part of the process to something the engineer can understand.

A producer has a long list of business contacts who he can call upon at short notice to add whatever is necessary to make the sound you need ... Session musicians, arrangers, writers, synth programmers, track editors, equipment rental companies, etc.

Sounds expensive, doesn't it?

Not necessarily!

Although some producers will charge a flat rate for the job of perhaps several thousand pounds (or dollars). Many work from their own studios, with their own in-house session musicians for a royalty plus expenses. Therefore, they become somewhat like a ecord company. They will produce a recording for any artist they see potential in, in the hope that their recording will eventually be signed to a major label and make money. Of course, in these instances, you will still have to pay for the studio and session musician costs.

Sometimes they will even do the whole job for FREE, or for a minimal flat rate to cover expenses. How can they do this? Well instead of taking a royalty from your advance or sales, they take ownership of the copyright in the sound recording they make. This is fair, because, after all, they put a lot of their own money and special skills into the making of it. So what do you get in return? Of course, you get full use of the recording for your promotional needs!

Furthermore, many producers with their own studios, now also have their own record label. Wobbly Music is one such producer. Whilst you are looking for a recording or publishing deal elsewhere, or whilst promoting your record as an independent artist, your producer will have the right to sell the recording (from which you, as the artist or composer, will be paid royalties) in order to try and recoup their losses and profit from this mutual deal.

There are now a great number of producers doing deals similar to this. It means you can have a demo made, or release your own recordings for little or no money up front, whilst still retaining the freedom to sign with whoever you wish, or remain as an independent artist. So in effect, you will have a record deal working for you to earn extra royalties in the background, whilst you concentrate on doing what you do best, which is writing and/or performing great songs!

Since this kind of arrangement may not be costing you anything, it is worthwhile trying a few different producers to see whose ideas and style of production gel best with your own view of yourself and your sound.

All producers have their own unique style, just as you, as an original artist, have yours. This sound can be heard throughout all their productions with various artists. Look for a style that seems complimentary to your own. In other words, don't use a Hip-hop producer to make your records if you are a Country artist!

Many good producers have a wide range of musical skills, and may also be able to write lyrics, compose melodies, write arrangements, or even play various instruments, such as guitar, piano or drums. All of these skills can be utilised to give your recordings an extra edge at minimal, or no extra cost.

Finally, now that you are off to find your own producer, here are some things to avoid...

Don't rely on pictures of their studio, and lists of top quality recording equipment to tell you how good they are as a producer. Any piece of specialist equipment can be hired if necessary. A good producer can produce radio-ready recordings on even the most basic equipment, whereas a poor producer, will not achieve such good results on even the best and most expensive equipment.

Don't sign with a producer who doesn't make samples of their previous work available to you. You need to know what experience they have, and get an idea of the audio quality and styles that they can produce.

Don't sign with a producer who comes solely from a DJ background. These producers specialise in remixes of existing records, or eats, not in the creation of a new artist's unique sound, or a recording from scratch.

Don't sign with a producer who specialises in a genre of music that is totally different to yours ... Unless you want to change your style to that new genre!

Don't sign with a producer who has no creativity or commercial flair of their own. You don't want a producer who is just going to record everything exactly as you already have it, just to please you. A good producer will see things that you have missed, and will add hooks and sounds to your songs that will attract new listeners, and interest from music industry professionals.

Don't sign with a producer who is asking you to assign publishing rights to your songs. You want to be free to sign your songs to record companies or publishers who may be able to do more for you in the marketing or promotion of them. Once you assign the copyright of your songs to someone, they have exclusive rights to them for the duration of your contract, or even for perpetuity! All a producer needs from you, is your written permission to record your songs, and perhaps sell their recordings or release them on their own label. If so, make sure you get at least the statutory mechanical royalties (currently 6.5%) from these sales!

Don't sign with a producer who only works with one set of musicians. Although many have their own preferred set of in-house session musicians, there will be times when your music wont be suited to the way these musicians play. Make sure that your producer has a wide range of musical contacts to draw from.

Don't sign to a producer who promises to make your song into a hit record. Even if the producer has already produced several hits, there is no guarantee that your song will be a hit. Marketing gurus and sales teams make hit records, not artists and producers!

Finally, some producers may ask you to sign an exclusive contract for a certain time period (perhaps 1-5 years). These producers must also be song-pluggers or promoters who need to protect their interest in you whilst they are working to get you a deal with a major label, using the recordings they have produced. Before signing any exclusive deal, always have the contracts looked over by a lawyer specialising in the music business. Make sure, by examining the production company's track record, that their promise of a major deal looks likely to happen within that time period. You don't want to be wasting five years of your life whilst your best songs are sitting on someone else's shelf, doing nothing!

If you are a country music writer, you can go to a Nashville demo studio and get amazing sounding recordings using top country music session musicians. If you are only pitching songs to that specific market, that is great, but every recording they produce sounds like the last.

If, on the other hand, you think your music has wider appeal, or you are a performing artist yourself, you will want to be noticed in the crowd across a wider marketplace. You need to accentuate the part of your sound that is unique to YOU. A good producer will be able to recognise that which is unique to you, and will make sure that your recordings take advantage of that.

Lynn Monk has experienced over 30 years in the music business as a musician, concert sound & lighting engineer, DJ and record producer; and is now the proprietor of Wobbly Music. An indie record company dedicated to supporting the Mature Independent Artist. http://www.wobblymusic.net/

shooting your own music video

2009-10-03T21:24:00.001-07:00

Shooting Your Own Music VideoWriten by Robert Brooks

Music videos can be expensive items. It hurts spending thirty, fifty or even a hundred grand of your hard-earned money on something you - basically - give away for free!

So, it can be very tempting to save some money by shooting your own music video. I mean, video cameras come on cell phones nowadays, and HDTV is becoming less expensive. Cameras are everywhere. They're ubiquitous. And, deep down, everyone really fancies themselves a director - sorry, an auteur, don't they?...

So, should you consider going it alone and shooting your own music video?

The short answer: NO.

Directors, producers, cinematographers and production designers are all artisans. It takes years of study and work experience to become a decent film-maker. You wouldn't leave your cd layout to some guy you passed on the street, would you? So why even consider doing something as important as your first music video all by yourself? It may look like simple work, but believe me, producing and directing ain't easy!

Can you tell the difference between a lower budget independent movie and a Hollywood summer blockbuster? Of course you can! That's exactly the difference between shooting the video yourself and hiring a professional. You don't know how to make the movie look that glossy and perfect - but the professionals do! The best you could hope for is a decent indie flick. Sure, every once in a while a home-made music video comes along and does well. But, can you even think of one (and, no, Fatboy Slim's Praise You was NOT an indie video, the budget was actually massive). So, stick with the professionals. Let them do it all for you.

However, the single biggest reason I would dissuade you from shooting your own music video is probably not one you would have guessed:

Insurance!

Film crews often contain twenty, thirty, or even hundreds of people. There's typically massive amounts of power being run through thick cables (often submerged in puddles) up to precariously hung lights with a virtual windmill of large, exposed, sharp metal edges (and all this at about 600 degrees celcius). A film set is literally an accident waiting to happen.

Plus, adding to the inherent dangers of a film set, music video shoots tend to be even more dangerous (music video productions don't tend to have very much money for things like saftey experts and safety harnesses). Maverick directors love to put their subjects into harm's way. And, on low-budget shoots, you can often hear things like: We don't need an expensive car-mount - let's just throw the cameraman on the hood! Don't worry, we'll tie him down...

So, if you do decide to shoot your video yourself, just make sure no one trips over a light stand! It could cost you your life savings.

Legitimate production companies will have production insurance that covers the workplace (this insurance would cost you around one or two thousand dollars - just for the one music video).

Professional producers and production managers will have access to much better crew members than you will. If you only have a thousand dollars to hire a director of photography (cinematographer), I guarantee you I'll be able to hire a MUCH better DoP than you will! So, unless you have contacts in the industry, you should probably consider hiring a production company to do all the producing for you. You'll get a much higher quality crew that way.

And, one final note...

If you're shooting on 35mm film (which I strongly recommend - unless there's a VERY good reason not to), you'll need to rent a camera that's worth around half a million bucks! And, that camera doesn't come with any lenses (or tripods, or dollies, or film magazines, etc...). You'll have to rent all that separately. So, unless you have a VERY high limit on your credit card, the camera house might not even be willing to rent to you. You might even have to mortgage your house to cover the deposit!

Established production companies rent camera packages all the time (a decent music video package will be at least one or two thousand dollars a day), and often receive significant discounts from the rental house that you wouldn't be able to get. So, by going with an established production company, you'll actually be getting a considerably better equipment package than if you had done it yourself (producers also know how to get film at about a quarter the price you'd be able to).

So, overall, you'll get a much better bang-for-your-buck by hiring a professional producer or production company to shoot your music video for you. It will also save you an unbelievable amount of time and effort. And, in the end, isn't that what you want for your first video: The abolute best music video possible?

Robert D. Brooks

About the author: Robert D. Brooks is a professional music video director from Vancouver, BC, Canada. He is webmaster of http://www.damnthe.com and is represented by music video production company Triton Films Inc.

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

acid mothers temple and the occasion music review

2009-10-01T18:59:00.001-07:00

Acid Mothers Temple and the Occasion - Music ReviewWriten by Eric Nielsen

Ah, the ecstasy of a live Acid Mothers Temple show. I don't get excited about seeing bands much anymore. That's not true for this band. If you've never seen them, you must seek them out!

OK, this was maybe the loudest show I have ever seen at the Casbah. Maybe one of the loudest shows I've ever seen. My ears rang for 2 days. Often the drums would disappear even though you could see Koji Shimura hitting rolls with abandon.

Tabata from Zeni Geva plays bass on this tour and he was loud as sh*t. Also, he was excellent as can be! Playing mean riffs at a steady clip. Short mean, powerful licks.

There is nothing like seeing the brothers of Kawabata and Higashi onstage together. They have been playing in AMT together for 10 years. All the lineup changes in AMT never affect these 2 folk. They are the heart of the collective. These Japanese men have been doing this underground thing for years. Multiple albums and labels and lineups and sattelite projects later they arrive at the Casbah to sear the perfect ears of the chosen on Sunday night.

The magic spirit that Kawabata claims is the cosmos speaking through him fired through the set. It started with Kawabata playing a guitar on a stand to strum and the one around his neck. He hung his guitat from wire on the ceiling and played a wah pedal. Higashi played the synth and guitar.

Pink Lady Lemonade is their live backbreaker. You need to find an mp3 of it. It's maybe their most accesible song. They played for more than 90 minutes though their rider included 120 - 180 minutes available for them. Maybe that's why there were only 2 bands on the bill.

They shared the bill with The Occassion from New York. These guys just put out their second album on Say Yeah. You can check out a review of it at http://www.pitchforkmedia.com. It was an interesting set up with a girl playing tape loops through effect pedals, wurlitzer, bass, guitar and drums. Hearing three different singers was nice. I would have liked to hear them sing together some though. The main singer sounds a lot like Pall Jenkins from Black Heart.

Blog San Diego is an online resource for live music reviews, cd reviews, music news & features.

soothing music the native american flute

2009-09-27T11:46:00.001-07:00

Soothing Music: The Native American FluteWriten by Kenneth Snodin

Native Americans are eager to share their ancestry with their families and friends. One of the ways they do this is through their music, particularly through the music of the Native American flute. They want to ensure that their children have a strong link with their ancient culture, and music is an excellent way to teach non-Native Americans about this culture as well.

Mothers of small children often find that Native American flute music is very soothing for their babies. It seems to have a tranquil and calming effect on children. Songs played on the Native American flute can be introduced during naptime and before bedtime to calm children down. The music often puts children to sleep within just a few minutes. Experts have also recommended Native American flute music to families with small babies that have a hard time getting to sleep.

This music also represents an excellent tool for calming down a baby in situations where there may be difficult transitions for such young children, such as when many visitors come to the home. It is often difficult for small babies to adjust to the confusion and noise created by a large number of people at special occasions, and playing Native American flute music can help to calm a baby down in these circumstances.

The music of the Native American flute is very soft, and it creates a wonderful, soothing background for many situations. It is just the sound for keeping babies calm when there are a lot of people in the environment. Babies seem to focus on the flute sounds instead of on the loud noises generated by crowds. Having flute music playing in a room makes it easier for them to adjust to visitors.

Of course, adults will also enjoy the music of the Native American flute. It is easy to find interesting and unique Native American flute music on the Internet, since many online stores offer selections of alternative music. It is also possible to purchase Native American flutes and sheet music. Several vendors offer musical compositions for the flute, and they sell Native American flutes as well.

Native American flute music is an excellent way to learn about and enjoy the special features of Native American culture. And since songs are often linked to memories, this music offers a good way to preserve the memory of special times.

To discover more about music, musicians and playing music go to http://music-advice.com

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music inside us

2009-09-20T21:58:00.001-07:00

Music Inside UsWriten by Jim Brown

Everyone of us has music inside. And it is not an abstract statement, but scientifically proved fact. Molecules of DNA sound inside us and it is very important if music from outside is in keeping with music inside us.

Scientists pay great attention to researches concerning musics influence on human beings. Attention to such researches has increased recently and their results are interesting and convincing. For example, after listening classical music cows have increased their yield of milk and mimosa and petunias have grown faster and burst into bloom 2 weeks earlier. 120 breast-feed mothers took part in experiment in Japan. Some women listened classical music, other women listened pop and rock music. In first group the amount of milk increased in 20 per cent, and in second group - reduced twice.

Such researches are the attempt to synthesise science and art (music). But in ancient India science and art were considered to be the parts of single creative power. All knowledge of ancient India one can find in the Vedas (Holy Indian Scripture) and one of four main Vedas Sama-Veda is entirely dedicated to music. According to the Vedas the creating of the world started from the primordial sound OM, which appeared while division of the Almighty (Sadashiva) and his creative energy (Adi Shakti). OM was the foundation of the universe and the first musical sound.

Human subtle system consists of 7 main chakras (energetic centres) and 3 channels, which rule mental, emotional and physical life activity of person. 7 chakras of our subtle body revolve with certain frequency and form an octave, which consists of 7 tones of proper altitude. Intervals between them should reflect intervals between chakras. These tones were called musical sounds - notes (svars in Indian music). They sound - sa, re, ga, ma, pa, da, ni and they are in keeping with chakras - from first till seventh. 5 notes can change (fall and rise), creating 5 additional sounds (left and right aspects of chakras). Thus, these notes are built-in subtle body and represent the ideal epository of information, the repository of those feelings, emotions, wishes and thoughts, which composer or performer has.

While listening music a person receives some influence on subtle level, which later appears on physical body. Same notes can bring destruction or good, it depends on the inner condition of person. For example, anger, aggression, drug intoxication and so on, which have power over the mind of composer or musician, will find the reflection in his music. There are some styles and forms in music which reflect only such bad qualities. Such music may do harm not only the musician, but also a person who listen to it. Clear, inspired people, who have lucid mind will never create such music. They created only folk music with great variety and classical music which has its roots in folk music.

Lets listen to music, which is in keeping with music inside us.

Article source: Music Inside Us. All The Lyrics is a site which gives you access to huge database of music lyrics, lively music forum and some articles about different aspects of single Music. Go and look here: AllTheLyrics.com.

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the sixties black american music and the british mods

2009-09-10T21:29:00.001-07:00

The Sixties Black American Music And the British ModsWriten by Sharon White

During the early sixties there were great changes in America, particularly, in the civil rights movements. This meant black popular music became a lot more accepted. Soul and Motown were the main musical styles providing good fast music with a catchy beat which people could easily dance to. These artists who sang for these labels such as Marvin Gaye and Smokey Robinson performed in good suits and always appeared very stylish carrying on the tradition of the jazz musicians of the decade before. Clubs in London picked up on the popularity of this music and started to provide venues where young working class people could go to and dance. The youngsters who were attracted to by this style of music would naturally imitate their idols kicking off a trend of always dressing very stylish. Fashion was of most importance to these working class people who were known as the Mods.

Music and fashion were an obsession for the Mods; they were recurring topics for many Mod discussion and debate. They were very much attracted by the obscurity of certain soul songs or the individuality that wearing original items of clothing brought with them. This was the symbol of the change.

Style and fashion was essential to the Mods, looking smart at all times became the signature of this subculture. Many shops and boutiques opened in London providing the look. Black Music played a huge part in developing the Mod as it was at the all-night clubs in London where they would play this early form of dance music. At the clubs the Mods would meet in their new designer outfits. The boys wouldnt be checking out the girls but rather the other boys.

Looking good was crucial so they would be comparing themselves with everyone and the lad who was dressed the sharpest would instantly gain the admiration and respect of the others. Mods would fund their lifestyle by using the profits from their often unremarkable day jobs. Unlike other sub-cultures the Mods didnt dress in opposition to society. Most people in Britain in the Sixties dressed in suits and so did the Mods. They separated themselves from the masses by wearing higher quality suits. The Mods didnt dress to stand out from society but rather to infiltrate it. A lot of Mods would have good jobs just like the rest of the people but the rest wouldnt spend their whole weekends dancing at night parties and clubs.

The scooter was the preferred mode of transport for the mod but they could rarely afford a good one so they chose to add mirrors or remove them in order to set themselves apart from the rest. Infact the modernists were the firs sub-culture to customise their clothes. This would involve anything from widening or narrowing pockets or adding fury linings to the hood of their parka jackets. The parka jacket was also a symbol of the mod but not because its style value but its effectiveness of keeping the elements from their expensive clothes underneath.

Social change was relevant to this topic because modernists signalled an era of consumerism. They were obsessed with what was new and trendy, things would be in fashion and out of fashion in a matter of weeks. The youngsters in this particular early sixties sub-culture had wardrobes of designer suits they only used a few times and possibly no more. An image that was unattainable in past times of rationing and poor economic performance was this form of consumerism. It was revolutionary, as those with the greatest proportion of spending were working class teenagers.

All things must come to an end and so did this sub-culture. Mods obsessed with originality and coolness were severely affected by the media taking notice of their movement. Once they became mainstream a lot of original Mods started to stop seeing the attractiveness of their lifestyles and gradually they went out of fashion. Throughout the next few decades the tradition was continued with Casuals, Skinheads and Northern Soulers. Like the original Mods they all were obsessed with American black music and style.

The article was produced by the member of masterpapers.com. Sharon White has many years of a vast experience in Essay Writing writing and custom essays writing consulting. Get free samples of essays, Dissertation and courseworks.

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digital music home studio music recording

2009-08-22T18:31:00.001-07:00

Digital Music; Home Studio Music RecordingWriten by Brian Beshore

Home recording has come a long way in the last few decades. Many people do not realize that much of what they hear on T.V. and in commercials is electric.

Many people still have a negative connotation about how electric music sounds. They think that it must always have a cheesy sound.

Part of this stigma is the confusion over midi. and wav. sound files. Simply put, midi is a signal that is sent to a sound card and triggers a note on a preset instrument sound. Therefore, the sound you get from a midi. sound file will only be as good as the sound card you are using.

Even if you record a midi file with a good sound card, if someone else plays it back using an inferior sound card, the result will be inferior sounds.

Now there are very excellent sound cards available and also software synthesizers. The thing to do is to convert your midi. file to wav. The way to do this is to play your midi file through the desired sound card and record it at the same time, using the recording application that comes with your sound card.

For windows PC, I like the SoundBlaster cards, such as the Sound Blaster 16 PCI 4.1

There are many excellent software programs for recording on windows PCs. One I like in particular is Cakewalks Plasma recording program. You can record multiple tracks, just like a professional studio. Plasma has software synthesizers and will also mix down your midi tracks to wav.

Once you have converted your midi to wav., it is a simple matter to burn it to CD. You will want to use the 44100hz setting in the audio tools for this.

To create midi tracks, you can put the musical notes on a staff with the mouse, if you know music theory, or you can connect an electric keyboard to your PC and play the tracks, setting each track with the sound of the desired instrument.

Of course, these programs also allow you to record a wav. track(s) directly, singing or playing an instrument into a microphone. Recording wav. Requires a lot of memory and a fast PC, but most new PCs are more than up to the task.

If youve ever had a song you wished you could record, you might want to check-out these reasonably priced software programs. Its a whole lot of fun!

If you have any questions about this topic, drop me an Email at dizzyobrian@excite.com

Brian is a graduate of the Peabody conservatory of music in Baltimore Md. He spent many years playing in groups, including his own; The Jabberwocky. They played at many venues including the CoachHouse in San Juan Capistrano. Drop by his website at http://www.dizzyobrian.com

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

music an enjoyable necessity

2009-07-31T09:14:00.001-07:00

Music; An Enjoyable NecessityWriten by Jackie Gee

It's a safe bet that, since the arrival of cognitive human beings on this earth, music has, in some form had a significant effect on their lives. The first sounds, other than speech, were probably produced by hitting something; wood, stone or hide; and ancient peoples must have appreciated the sounds of the world around them; of water, weather and animals; and were the sounds of a rippling stream or a gushing waterfall music to their ears? And when they stood at the seashore did the crashing waves and the suck of the tides move them in some way?

There is something deep within our psyche, which reacts and 'remembers' music. It is more than probable that sounds relating to music and rhythm came long before sounds relating to communication and speech. Today, this theory can be tested by noting a baby's reaction to a lullaby as compared to speech. If you're lucky, humming can soothe the most fractious child and even send them to sleep! Music, in the form of rhythm was used by many peoples as a way of sending messages to out of sight recipients; consider the jungle drums of Africa or the Alpine horn, the Aboriginal didgeridoo or the use of bells as a warning of attack.

The days of learning our lessons by rote have, mostly, disappeared. This is because it has, rightly, been recognised that we don't necessarily absorb the content of what we repeat over and over again. But, as an aid to memory, music still has its uses. Songs we have learnt in childhood can be recalled far later in life than mere words. Music is a well known and much used therapy in illnesses that involve memory loss; Stroke, Alzheimers etc; and not only as a recall aid but also as a re-learning tool. Speech therapists use music extensively when trying to teach stroke victims how to speak again. The rhythm and melody of a familiar tune will often 'trigger' a positive response, when no amount of visual stimuli has an effect.

And then there is the cohesive quality of music; from the singing of a country's National Anthem to a football crowds chant; from carol singers to brass bands. Musical participation has been used in every walk of life. The chain gangs of America's Deep South would use music to get through the day and establish a rhythm to mundane physical labour. Sailors would pull a hawser or 'sheet' in unison while singing a familiar 'hornpipe' or reel; The wonderful gospel sounds that poured from the wooden churches of the Southern states black population were a potent community tool to promote and celebrate their culture; a lucky offshoot was the inspiration of much of our modern rhythm and blues. Nowadays factories all over the world use 'piped' music to soothe the workers; if you're doing a humdrum task music can make the time go faster.

When we think about it music is not just a pleasant pastime that is either passively listened to or actively produced. It has a much deeper, more fundamental purpose. Our reactions to outside events can be completely altered by music. It can make us happy, sad, frightened, elated, thoughtful . . . the list of emotions it engenders are as long as their number. And words are not necessary to create this ambience; for instance, how would silent movies have worked without the music? Those Keystone Cops without the frenetic piano plinkity plonk; the doe eyed heroines without the sobbing strings; the huge sweeping epics without full orchestral back up? They just wouldn't have worked. Nowadays, with the proliferation of world music, we listen to and enjoy music in many different languages, without necessarily understanding a word the singers say; much as opera was once listened to as the fashionable 'world' music of its day; just another example of the emotive power of music.

So, it's fair to say that music has an innate basis in our evolutionary makeup. We have probably used it since homo sapiens first walked the earth. Other animals do use sounds in their day to day living (frogs croak, dogs howl, sheep bleat etc.) but, with the possible exception of birds, we are the only species to enjoy making melody out of sound. We've utilised every viable tool, from the human voice to electronic tones, to create ever more varied compositions. Wouldn't it be intriguing to discover how soon into our evolution the power and beauty of the human voice was appreciated? As the centuries have passed musicians have been, rightly, feted for their skill to move us with song, melody and rhythm. Once musicians were revered as priests, interpreting the sounds of the gods. Nowadays we are more pragmatic; but we still need that harmony in our lives; even if it's only our mobile phone ringtone!

Jackie Gee is a professional freelance writer with many varied works published on and offline. She is currently sponsoring the Music Imports Direct site. If you like the content of this article then you may like to know that (at the time of writing) Jackie is currently accepting article jobs for consideration. Her rates are by no means the cheapest but you get top quality article content. She can be reached by contacting Fabio Marcell's offices here: Internet Traffic and Brand Building

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

a musical web

2009-07-31T04:27:00.001-07:00

A Musical WebWriten by Rhiannon Schmitt

A 31-year-old musician conceptualized an innovative concept that would change the music world forever. He said, There ought to be but one large art warehouse in the world, to which the artist could carry his art-works and from which he could carry away whatever he needed.

The year was 1801, the man was Ludwig van Beethoven and his concept was finally realized in 1995 with the public acceptance of the Internet.

As a violinist and violin teacher I know exactly how frustrated dear Ludwig felt. Before the Internet I too was frustrated with the limited learning resources available to my students and me. Sheet music and books were expensive, any obscure information was near impossible to unearth and researching meant hours probing through dusty outdated library books. Most difficult, however, was living in rural Canada with no connection to other violinists, big city music groups or current ideas floating around the global music scene.

Apparently other musicians felt the same way and used the Internet as a tool to overcome these and many other obstacles. Web sites, file transfer systems, message boards and music forums, software and other technologies improved communication between musicians, thus creating an advanced global music community.

To start I used online encyclopedias for research projects and concert program notes, but soon learned to use other tools. I learned to use the web to locate song lyrics and quotations, such as the one by Beethoven. If the words or lyrics aren't in English I use an online tool that automatically translates them for me!

The availability of music on the internet is stunning! You can download any song your heart desires in MP3 format within seconds. This area of the internet has become controversial as the record companies want us to pay for the music and peer to peer protocol violates copyright laws. Don't want to ripp off the artists and break the law? For only $1 per tune you can legally download all the music you like from sites like puretracks.

As for sheet music, thousands of sites offer a similar pay-and-use system where you can download a wide range of titles. Can't find the sheet music you're looking for? Search for MIDI files (music reproduced digitally) then input them into a music notation application (computer program for writing music) that automatically turns it into sheet music.

Using the one of many sheet music writing programs available on the Internet I can create a song, edit it to suit the player's skill level, add a harmony, include the lyrics and have it printed within 10 minutes. The best part, other than the cost, is the editability. I can make any changes to the music I want, such as changing the key, with ease. No more writing the music out by hand either. Beethoven would have appreciated that.

One of my favourite things to do online is to download professional quality images of violins, musicians and composers for my newsletters and publications. Using such photos improves the projects I work on and is far cheaper than hiring a graphic artist. The search for good photos has been made easier with the invention of image searches, which scour millions of web pages and catalogue the images. During a recent image search I was completely stunned to find photos of myself playing violin! Small world.

As a teacher I am always furthering my education and training. I use the Internet as a source for enhancing my violin technique and knowledge and for sharing ideas with other musicians. If I can't find what I'm looking for I can post the query on a ulletin board for another musician to answer. Recently I saw comments on such a site by a former symphony conductor of mine regarding Saint Saens' 3rd Symphony. I was surprised to ump into someone I know on a worldwide system with millions of users. Small world.

The 'net has become the world's largest shopping centre with millions of dollars working through the system each day. I enjoy using the internet to research instruments, accessories and music books and keep up on what products are available for myself and my business. Gone are the days of being convinced by a sales rep that his product is the best.

I check musician's forums and read feedback on any of the products I am considering before I buy. I also shop and sell online using tools such as Ebay and a mutitude of E-commerce solutions. My business attracts buyers from around the world: a huge improvement on being limited to my local market.

Beethoven once said, Music is the soil in that the spirit lives, thinks and invents. It's been over 200 years since dear Ludwig invented his art warehouse and musicians are finally reaping the benefits of such a music exchange.

For me the creation of the Internet has enhanced and improved the way I enjoy music. More importantly it has helped me feel like a part of a wonderfully vast music community: a community visualized by Beethoven himself.

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and music teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years.

Rhiannon, age 29, has worn the hats of events promoter, classical music radio host and school orchestra music arranger in rural British Columbia, Canada.

Her business, Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop, has won several distinguished young entrepreneur business awards for her comittment to excellence. Her shop offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies. http://www.fiddleheads.ca provides a rich resource of information on her school, violin, products for sale and her many writings.

Rhiannon is Founding President of the Shuswap Violin Society http://www.violinsociety.ca She dedicates much of her time to community music projects and helping young musicians in financial need.

Rhiannon currently writes columns for two Canadian publications and has been featured in Australia's Music Teacher Magazine. Writing allows her to be a creative smart-ass and to teach people that the world of music is as fun as you spin it to be!

music amp emotions can music really make you a happier person

2009-07-30T14:33:00.001-07:00

Music & Emotions: Can Music Really Make You a Happier Person?Writen by Duane Shinn

How many times have you turned to music to uplift you even further in happy times, or sought the comfort of music when melancholy strikes?

Music affects us all. But only in recent times have scientists sought to explain and quantify the way music impacts us at an emotional level. Researching the links between melody and the mind indicates that listening to and playing music actually can alter how our brains, and therefore our bodies, function.

It seems that the healing power of music, over body and spirit, is only just starting to be understood, even though music therapy is not new. For many years therapists have been advocating the use of music - both listening and study - for the reduction of anxiety and stress, the relief of pain. And music has also been recommended as an aid for positive change in mood and emotional states.

Michael DeBakey, who in 1966 became the first surgeon to successfully implant an artificial heart, is on record saying: Creating and performing music promotes self-expression and provides self-gratification while giving pleasure to others. In medicine, increasing published reports demonstrate that music has a healing effect on patients.

Doctors now believe using music therapy in hospitals and nursing homes not only makes people feel better, but also makes them heal faster. And across the nation, medical experts are beginning to apply the new revelations about musics impact on the brain to treating patients.

In one study, researcher Michael Thaut and his team detailed how victims of stroke, cerebral palsy and Parkinson's disease who worked to music took bigger, more balanced strides than those whose therapy had no accompaniment.

Other researchers have found the sound of drums may influence how bodies work. Quoted in a 2001 article in USA Today, Suzanne Hasner, chairwoman of the music therapy department at Berklee College of Music in Boston, says even those with dementia or head injuries retain musical ability.

The article reported results of an experiment in which researchers from the Mind-Body Wellness Center in Meadville, Pa., tracked 111 cancer patients who played drums for 30 minutes a day. They found strengthened immune systems and increased levels of cancer-fighting cells in many of the patients.

Deep in our long-term memory is this rehearsed music, Hasner says. It is processed in the emotional part of the brain, the amygdala. Heres where you remember the music played at your wedding, the music of your first love, that first dance. Such things can still be remembered even in people with progressive diseases. It can be a window, a way to reach them

The American Music Therapy Organization claims music therapy may allow for emotional intimacy with families and caregivers, relaxation for the entire family, and meaningful time spent together in a positive, creative way.

Scientists have been making progress in its exploration into why music should have this effect. In 2001 Dr. Anne Blood and Robert Zatorre of McGill University in Montreal, used positron emission tomography, or PET scans, to find out if particular brain structures were stimulated by music.

In their study, Blood and Zatorre asked 10 musicians, five men and five women, to choose stirring music. The subjects were then given PET scans as they listened to four types of audio stimuli - the selected music, other music, general noise or silence. Each sequence was repeated three times in random order.

Blood said when the subjects heard the music that gave them chills, the PET scans detected activity in the portions of the brain that are also stimulated by food and sex.

Just why humans developed such a biologically based appreciation of music is still not clear. The appreciation of food and the drive for sex evolved to help the survival of the species, but music did not develop strictly for survival purposes, Blood told Associated Press at the time.

She also believes that because music activates the parts of the brain that make us happy, this suggests it can benefit our physical and mental well being.

This is good news for patients undergoing surgical operations who experience anxiety in anticipation of those procedures.

Polish researcher, Zbigniew Kucharski, at the Medical Academy of Warsaw, studied the effect of acoustic therapy for fear management in dental patients. During the period from October 2001 to May 2002, 38 dental patients aged between 16 and 60 years were observed. The patients received variations of acoustic therapy, a practice where music is received via headphones and also vibrators.

Dr Kucharski discovered the negative feelings decreased five-fold for patients who received 30 minutes of acoustic therapy both before and after their dental procedure. For the group that heard and felt music only prior to the operation, the fearful feelings reduced by a factor of 1.6 only.

For the last group (the control), which received acoustic therapy only during the operation, there was no change in the degree of fear felt.

A 1992 study identified music listening and relaxation instruction as an effective way to reduce pain and anxiety in women undergoing painful gynecological procedures. And other studies have proved music can reduce other 'negative' human emotions like fear, distress and depression.

Sheri Robb and a team of researchers published a report in the Journal of Music Therapy in 1992, outlining their findings that music assisted relaxation procedures (music listening, deep breathing and other exercises) effectively reduced anxiety in pediatric surgical patients on a burn unit.

Music, says Esther Mok in the AORN Journal in February 2003, is an easily administered, non-threatening, non-invasive, and inexpensive tool to calm preoperative anxiety.

So far, according to the same report, researchers cannot be certain why music has a calming affect on many medical patients. One school of thought believes music may reduce stress because it can help patients to relax and also lower blood pressure. Another researcher claims music allows the body's vibrations to synchronize with the rhythms of those around it. For instance, if an anxious patient with a racing heartbeat listens to slow music, his heart rate will slow down and synchronize with the music's rhythm.

Such results are still something of a mystery. The incredible ability that music has to affect and manipulate emotions and the brain is undeniable, and yet still largely inexplicable.

Aside from brain activity, the affect of music on hormone levels in the human body can also be quantified, and there is definite evidence that music can lower levels of cortisol in the body (associated with arousal and stress), and raise levels of melatonin (which can induce sleep). It can also precipitate the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkiller.

But how does music succeed in prompting emotions within us? And why are these emotions often so powerful? The simple answer is that no one knows yet. So far we can quantify some of the emotional responses caused by music, but we cannot yet explain them. But that's OK. I don't have to understand electricity to benefit from light when I switch on a lamp when I come into a room, and I don't have to understand why music can make me feel better emotionally. It just does - our Creator made us that way.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. He holds an advanced degree from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. Previous to that he worked as an assistant music therapist at DeWitt State Hospital in Auburn, California. He can be reached at http://www.pianolessonsbyvideo.com He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled Amazing Secrets Of Exciting Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions with over 55,000 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free subscription by going to http://www.playpiano.com/

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

christmas volunteer musician syndrome

2009-07-28T21:14:00.001-07:00

Christmas Volunteer Musician Syndrome!Writen by Rhiannon Schmitt

Left fingers twitching sickly to the proverbial pulse of Jingle Bells, eyes watering from the fog of pine scent and lips stained from countless coats of cherry red lipstick, I demonstrate flawlessly the symptoms of carolitis, commonly known as Christmas Volunteer Musician Syndrome, CVMS.

This ailment, widespread among music teachers and performers late each western calendar year, first attacks the nervous system (enter twitching hands) then progresses into a brief state of anxiety and consistent lateness to all gigs and lessons (double-booking is common).

Once this passes, the afflicted enters the denial phase, (No, I didnt take on too much this year!) but then finally accepts this condition as his/her destiny as a musician and finds ways to cope, such as playing Silent Night in all twelve keys, one after another, for a bit of variety.

Extreme cases cause even the bitterest musicians to become giddy and frivolous, gleefully depositing Decembers hard-earned rent money into the little red kettle because the bells just sounded so pretty.

We see these people wandering through malls playing guitar until their arms are stiff and fingers raw, or strolling on icy streets singing until their voices are frozen, but the puzzling thing is that they are wearing a smile of true contentment. Why do these people sacrifice their time and sanity to play us the same music again and again? They play their carols because they know it will touch someone and make a difference in the world.

These people exhibit the true meaning of Christmas giving through their music. Though they may just be strumming out the silly little tune of All I want for Christmas is my Two Front Teeth, their listener can be magically transported back to the 1949 when dad bought a new radio for the family. The musician is rewarded with approving smiles and nods and knows he has done a good job.

Several years ago a mall in Nelson, BC had inadvertently booked me to play violin when the mall was closed, excepting the grocery store and a Walmart. Playing for nobody isnt gratifying in the first place and I had just gone through a breakup, so I was quite depressed playing jolly carols in the empty space.

I was scraping though my set halfheartedly when a middle-aged woman with a worn face and tired eyes timidly handed me a single red rose. She had been listening to me from behind a cart at the far end of the mall and said my music affected her tremendously and said, you have no idea what this has done for me.

She held back tears as she thanked me several times for changing her life, and then scooted off. I have never had a better audience than I did that quiet December night and am reminded of her each year when I play for the shoppers.

With a three-year-old son and over forty students I cannot volunteer as much of my time as I did in years past. I volunteer when I can and have my student groups perform, but I hope to help by encouraging other musicians and their families to give their music to the community.

Play your flute for your grandmother in the retirement home, but make sure to leave her door open so other residents can hear. Bring your accordion to work on Christmas Eve and serenade your customers and fellow employees with Christmas songs from your home country.

Not a musician? Pick up a kazoo and hum your own unique arrangement of O Come, O Come Emmanuel for the lady down the hall who needs a laugh to cheer her spirits.

Once you have done this, you will also know what its like to have played for the best audience in the world. Be warned that you may love playing so much that you could come down with a merry little strain of hobby musician carolitis. Just keep playing and let it run its course. The world could always use more music!

Merry Christmas!

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is an award-winning classical violinist/fiddler and music teacher who operates Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop. Fiddleheads has won several distinguished business awards and offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies with exceptional personal service: http://www.fiddleheads.ca

chris young country music cd review

2009-07-21T04:04:00.001-07:00

Chris Young Country Music CD ReviewWriten by Clyde Dennis

It has been a long time since I have been so excited about a CD. This CD is a great mix of music. From the emotionally drenched message song Flowers to a couple of tunes that make you laugh out loud like White Lightening Hit The Family and I'm Headed Your Way, Jose.

Ballad or up tempo, bottomline is this guy has a great country voice and can flat out sing like a mother!

It's a rare day that I get a CD, much less a debut CD, from an artist that I can honestly say there's not a bad track in the bunch. I'm more than happy to say thats exactly what I must say about this one. There simply is NOT a bad one in the bunch. No fillers here at all, with each song standing tall on it's own.

The song choices are excellent, the production is outstanding and the only thing that can be said about Young's Tennesee baritone voice is that it's excellent.

This CD grabs your attention right out of the gate with Beer Or Gasoline and doesn't let go until the very last note of the very last song Who's Gonna Take Me Home, which by the way is another great track.

If you're even mildly into country music you'll enjoy this CD and newcomer Chris Young.

This is a first rate CD, delivering a little something for everyone. I give it my highest recommendation. Great listening. A must buy.

Let's hope this is only the beginning for the supremely talented, and swiftly rising Chris Young.

Track List

1. Beer Or Gasoline
2. You're Gonna Love Me
3. Drinkin' Me Lonely
4. White Lightning Hit The Family
5. Lay It On Me
6. Burn
7. Small Town Big Time
8. Flowers
9. Center Of The World
10. I'm Headed Your Way, Jose
11. Who's Gonna Take Me Home

Record Label - RCA Nashville

Trade CDs you dont want for those you do at http://www.CDLOOP.com . Its safe, its legal, and there are thousands of titles to choose from. And since every trade is backed by the CDLOOP 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you can be sure you will receive an original CD in perfect working condition, or your money back. Take advantage of free membership and start trading for the music you want today at http://www.CDLOOP.com

rap music and brain washing issues

2009-07-19T01:48:00.000-07:00

RAP Music and Brain Washing IssuesWriten by Lance Winslow

I am not sure if anyone has been watching out there, about the types of music that we are listening to. Let us look at them for a minute. Our grandparents listen to music like; Happy Days are Here Again, the Skies Above Are Clear Again. Kids today listen to RAP, which actually starts with a 'C' except the 'C' is silent in this new spelling and pronunciation. Its really, CRAP. A radio station in TX is actually called K-RAP. Perfect.

It is not that the music is so bad; actually it is good, because its rhythm and cadence puts people in a convergence state of mind. In other words it puts them into theta state of mind and that is where it is easier to suggest a new thought or to brainwash in sleep state. The initiation of such brainwaves is powerful indeed. These tactics are also used in certain churches and Sales and motivational seminars. Also during commercials and government uses them to some degree for important endeavors, for instance cadence in military marching. The gangster rap is not good in that it suggests killing, drugs, other gang activities while putting its listener into the convergence state of mind. This is a negative thing, and may cause these individuals to dwell on certain thoughts and give them ideas that they may with proper gang mentality attempt one or more of the activities talked about in the songs. It would be much better to have songs with that type of cadence, which promoted good deeds and love. Perhaps there are many of these types of songs yet they do not sell very well and I do not here positive rap songs as much as I should. Mostly the Gangster Rap.

Many Techno type songs are also negative in nature. But these songs do not have the proper beats per minute to put a person into a trance like state, where suggestive behavior is introduced that is a throw back to before the human change in society. Is it possible to disallow this type of music? Music is an escape for many people to the fast paced life, and being in a trace state is probably a good state to be in, if one wanted to escape from the world for a while. A strong Bass in a song and certain beats per minute introduce this convergence state, then the subject is 100 percent ready for fresh new input. Theta States of mind are induced and a waken dream state provides for easy subconscious input.

But what are we allowing to be put into these minds of altered state? Songs of this nature are better than drugs, yet the drugs would effect the singular and not the victims of the deed that are done once the behavior of an individual are altered through this convergence. There is freedom of expression in this country yet the listeners are not realizing the effect of the changes as they occur. They are being brain washed while listening to their favorite music. Which become more favored because it puts them in a trace state allowing them to escape from problems of life. Hey no one said life was easy, right? I believe Rappers should be thrown in the trash cans, not littering the minds of our youth. It costs businesses money for graffiti cleaning and tax payers money in police. The cost to society is too great to calculate as a whole, but it is real. Rather than eliminate a cultural phenomena.

Let us instead make each record label and artist (I use this loosely as I do not approve of the RAP, but without passing judgment) produce 10 songs with positive lyrics for every one song of negative lyrics. That solves that problem. People can still escape in their trance state, record companies still make money, the constitution is still upheld, but there will be less negative and more positive thought going on when trance like state is producing more of one chemical in the brain than another. A person in this state is easy to recognize, their eyes are glossy and remain so for while afterwards.

Lance Winslow

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

sheet music violin and other string instruments

2009-07-15T04:18:00.001-07:00

Sheet Music - Violin and Other String InstrumentsWriten by Helen Baxter

The violin is a bowed stringed instrument and is the highest pitched member of the violin family. It sits along side its cousins the other members of the violin family - the viola, cello, and double bass. The bow of the violin is a narrow, slightly incurved stick of Pernambuco about 75 cm long, with a band of horsehair stretched from end to end of the bowstick. The violin has four strings tuned a fifth apart, to the notes g, d, a, e: On early violins the strings were of pure gut. Today they may be of gut, gut wound with aluminum or silver, steel, or perlon.

Sheet music - violin is often provided to students by the conductors of their orchestras or their private teachers who wish to learn to play this fine instrument. For players who aren't officially students anywhere, however, there are a wide variety of sources from which to obtain sheet music. Very recently, the Internet may actually have surpassed music stores as the best place to find new pieces to play.

An enormous variety of violin sheet music is available for free download from the Internet. Violin players of any skill level should be able to locate the sheet music they want online, and in some cases, even for free. Sheet music can be free to share online if two qualifications are met. First, it must be seventy years or more since the piece was composed; after this amount of time, creative works enter the public domain. Specific editions of a work can still be protected by copyright, however, as editors and arrangers maintain their own copyrights over versions they have created.

Digital sheet music is available for a wide variety of genres, so if you're playing on your own, you won't have any restrictions on the type of music you work on. There is certainly a great deal of classical sheet music - violin and other stringed instruments similarly, available online, and you might want to try some of the pieces that are considered great classics. If they are really not your preferred style, however, you can find anything from pop to jazz to bluegrass fiddle parts.

Some of the most popular selections of sheet music - violin are, in fact, for pop and rock songs. Take, for example, the Dave Matthews Band, who gave a global fan base for their unique sound which prominently features the violin. If you want to learn Boyd Tinsley's parts, you can search the Internet for legitimate copies of the sheet music to purchase.

Another time when it can be great to have the option to find sheet music violin online is if you are listening to a piece and you want to be able to refer to the score. Even someone who can't play the Sibelius violin concerto himself may be able to read or understand a musical score well enough to benefit from looking at the music while listening to the piece. This can enrich the listening experience of anyone with a musical background, as well as helping you build your own reading ability in ways that ultimately benefit your playing.

Looking for information about the violin? Go to: http://www.mrviolin.com 'Mr Violin' is published by Helen Baxter - The Complete A to Z Of Violin Resources! Check out more violin articles at: http://www.mrviolin.com/archive

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

earthling society plastic jesus and the third eye blind nasoni records music review

2009-07-08T01:15:00.001-07:00

Earthling Society - Plastic Jesus and the Third Eye Blind - Nasoni Records - Music ReviewWriten by Kiva Boyd

Prog is not a four-letter word. OK, I guess it is a four-letter word, but its not a dirty one. I think the average music fan's aversion to progressive rock comes from the perception that it means endless wanking guitar solos, half-hour drum performance pieces, and high-pitched operatic vocals dealing in science fiction or vaguely New Age issues. Let's face it, some of the biggest practitioners of the form didn't help matters. Think of Emerson, Lake and Palmer. Think of Yes with their "Tales from the Topographical Ocean". Even think of Rush with some of their concept pieces.

It does get to be a bit much. I mean, after side-long songs, you reach a certain point where you just want the clarity of, say, Under the Boardwalk, or, heaven forbid, Rockin' Robin.

Anyway, putting those notions aside, and taking a look at some of the modern purveyors of progressive rock, we find something truly remarkable. They've imbibed the lessons of their Prog progenitors, but have filtered through twenty-five years of underground music and they've come up with something wonderful.

One of the best bands mining these fields is England's own Earthling Society. They've left behind the lighter side of Prog and instead take inspiration from such complex noise-mongers as Magma, Van Der Graff Generator, and King Crimson. Their previous album, "Albion", was heralded by rock outsider, Julian Cope, on his Head Heritage website. The album was a true powerhouse. On their new album, "Plastic Jesus and the Third Eye Blind", they've dug in even deeper and have come up with a winner. Musically, they are dead on. This is not your father's Prog.

Noisy, dense, and at times a bit "dubby", this is head music, meant to be played loud and long. The two extended pieces, Kosmik Suite No. 1, and No. 2 have a bit of something for everyone, both musically and lyrically.

Speaking of lyrics, this album is packed with them. Appropriately though, vocalist Fred Laird, uses his voice more musically than didactically, and the messages are lost in a very interesting, but blurry, tonality. The album does, however, come with a lyric booklet and it seems that the lads of Earthling Society have a fair bit to say. From an outright rejection of organized religion (Plastic Jesus) to blistering condemnation of the governmental/corporate destruction of nature (Kosmik Suite No. 2), Earthling Society aren't afraid of drawing lines in the sand and taking sides. One of the more powerful elements of these declarations is how they seem to come from a mystical or mythological zone. Earthling Society has drunk deeply from the pagan heritage of their native Britain, and by doing so, their complaints take on added authority and visionary truth.

"Plastic Jesus and the Third Eye Blind" is an unusual and challenging listen. The depth of the themes and lyrical content are a welcome departure from the typical and everyday. The excellent musicianship and creative song structures reveal a layered and complex work that rewards repeated listenings. A truly unique band and an incendiary piece of art.

Blog San Diego is an online resource for live music reviews, cd reviews, music news & features.

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

hip hop music

2009-07-03T00:12:00.001-07:00

Hip Hop MusicWriten by Kevin Stith

Hip-hop music is the vehicle of hip-hop culture and contains apping (superimposed with vocals) by emcees. Owing to this, hip-hop music is sometimes referred to as ap music, However, those who dismiss hip-hop as rap music do not comprehend its rich history and the influence this genre of music has on youth culture.

Hip-hop music is a vehicle used by the singers to address racism, oppression, and poverty issues. It narrates tales of inner city African-Americans living the American dream (through hard work, courage and determination one can achieve prosperity) from the bottom up, and bitterly touches upon racial discrimination, broken homes, and overcoming adversity.

Invented by Jamaican migrant DJ Kool Herc in the early 70s in New York City, it has since then spread its tentacles across the world. Herc shifted from reggae records to funk, rock and disco. Owing to the short percussive breaks, he began extending them using an audio mixer and two records. As the unique style of music became a hit, performers (emcees) began superimposing the music with vocals; initially, they introduced themselves and others in the audience. Later, the rapping became more diverse, incorporating brief rhymes, often with a sexual or violent theme, in an attempt to entertain the audience.

In the mid-1970s, hip-hop split into two groups. One focused on getting the crowd dancing, another highlighted rapid-fire rhymes. The 1980s witnessed further diversification in hip-hop; highly metaphoric lyrics rapping over multi-layered beats replaced simple vocals. In the 90s, gangsta rap (glorified outlaw lifestyle) became mainstream. Hip-hop was soon an integral part of mainstream music, and nearly all the pop songs featured an underlying element of hip-hop.

In the 90s and into the following decade, elements of hip-hop were integrated into diverse genres of music: hip-hop soul combined hip-hop and soul music; in the Dominican Republic, a recording by Santi Y Sus Duendes and Lisa M was coined Meren-rap, a fusion of hip-hop and meringue. In Europe, Africa, and Asia, hip-hop has undergone a transition from an underground occurrence to the mainstream market.

Hip Hop provides detailed information on Hip Hop, Hip Hop And Rap, Hip Hop Music, R&B Hip Hop and more. Hip Hop is affiliated with Karaoke Music.

music career success 5 ways to thrive as a musician today

2009-06-24T21:44:00.001-07:00

Music Career Success: 5 Ways to Thrive as a Musician TodayWriten by Peter Spellman

Music is too big a world for a one-size-fits-all model of music career success. Musicians career paths are as unique as their individual finger prints. Nevertheless, there are a few guidelines that I believe apply to anyone trying to make a living career out of their love of music. Here are five:

1. Hone your talent and realize there is a place for you. Not everyone is a Quincy Jones, a Beatles, or a Bruce Springsteen, but if an artist like Tom Waits is a vocalist, then there is definitely room for you too. Do the work necessary to excel in your niche, whether its writing a chart, engineering a session, providing backup vocals, or teaching kids the basics of music.

Your goal, to use marketing lingo, is to position yourself in your market as the go-to person for that particular skill or talent. Dont worry too much about industry rejection. Every record label in Britain initially passed on the Beatles and The Rolling Stones. The key is believing in yourself and persevering beyond others opinions (even those of the industry).

2. Connect with as many people as you can because relationships drive music careers more that anything else, even talent. Music is a who-you-know/who-knows-you kind of business. The quality and quantity of your relationships will be the primary engines of your progress. Try developing creative projects with fellow-musicians. Perhaps you can combine your live show with two other acts and present the package to a local promoter. There is strength in numbers. Finding the right combinations takes experimentation.

If youre interested in working in the business side of music, then interning at a music company is the best way to both learn how the biz works and connect with those who can help move your career along.

3. Accept the new powers in your corner and take responsibility for creating your own success.The last twenty years has given you the means to both produce and distribute your own music on a global scale. New models of business are emerging in the world of music. A record deal is not necessarily the goal any longer. The Internet has clearly become your open mic to the world, and desktop technologies provide you with ways to have the look, reach and efficiency of larger companies. Dare to be different.

Remember, new power also means new responsibilities. Global reach means a potentially far-flung audience. You need to be ready for the incoming messages and questions from this new market. Have you created the best business structures to hold and express your work? Are you setting up effective systems to communicate with your audience? Its up to you to create your own success and not merely rely on a record company or agent to do the work of making you visible in the marketplace.

4. Understand that every business is becoming a music business and so musical opportunities are multiplying. It took a coffee company and a computer manufacturer to teach the music industry how to sell music in the digital age! Non-music businesses everywhere are seeking creative ways to add music-related services to their mix. This means that you neednt be dependent on the traditional music industrial complex for music career success.

Think of companies you already resonate with and try brainstorming ways you can link up. Start on a local scale. It might be a gift shop, bookstore or arts organization. It may even evolve into a full-fledged sponsorship for a tour or recording project. Finds ways to add value to what these businesses are doing with what you have to offer. Forging creative alliances is key to building a multi-dimensional music career.

5. Prepare to be versatile and to wear several hats initially, until your brand is established. Most musicians I know have had to cobble together several revenue streams in the early stages of their careers in order to make enough money to support themselves. Many have also had to take on a non-music lifeline careers just to make ends meet, pay down debt, or supplement what they earn from music.

I tell musicians to not so much look for a job, but to seek out the work that needs to be done. It might be arranging a song, playing a wedding gig, helping organize a concert series, doing a jingle session, offering private music instruction, or writing a review of your favorite bands new CD. Eventually, all the different experiences merge together into the roaring river that will be your music career. At that point youll be visible, in demand and able to name your price. And thats career success.

Peter Spellman is Director of Career Development at Berklee College of Music, Boston, and author of the new book, Indie Marketing Power: The Guide for Maximizing Your Music Marketing

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

music for the cageddead

2009-06-19T11:25:00.001-07:00

Music for the, Caged-deadWriten by Dennis Siluk

Music for the, Caged-dead

(Dead)

When worms have eaten from thy flesh

And no longer will songs help thee rest

On thy tomb crawls: vipers, toads, pests;

So shall your liars tongue beheld, sealed

From ashes burnt deep in hells tumult.

You have hours to consume, from thy tomb

Glories all solvent, now of oblivion.

Browless! Speak loud, so I can hear thee

Deep down within your dreadful cage

I hear the music for the deadwith rage;

Their heart is full of stillness, as they gaze;

Murmur their music of the caged-dead,

With a haunting battle-cry, dethroning.

Mute harps play shrewdly the banquet:

Silent gazes from the scattered skulls

Muffled light, spurn hearts, lizard-fear

Its all wrinkled here in the grotto!...

(Witness)

I see in my dream-vision, silent clouds

Silent clouds, over head, with no sky

Only eyes, eyes, so many eyes

They turn to see me on their sides,

What stirs them so, I cannot say,

They fade and fade (away) in their cage.

(They Speak)

Said they to me: Long weve been weary

They claim there is no rest from strife and pain

Nor peace from the redly gapenights

They speak of roots winding round their cage

And dead flowers on some grassy tomb

Innocent in their death, so they seem

I notice the winds cover up their weeping.

Eternally: they wish they were sleeping.

(Dream)

Shadows now filled my dream, the dead fading The in-descript formlessness of the dead My mind free from them, and they from me Ah yes! So many vaults in the mind Filled with rainbows and darkness Undiscovered mysteries, seas deep Vines that stretch to eternity Roots that storm Olympus Throne.

(Heaven)

When I woke up, the harps of heaven played Twilight had a hundred shades of green Souls gazed down from above the clouds Tears had turned to sapphires and gold And hearts renewed, their need for God; Everything, even me, was comforting The night had flutes and graceful tenderness, And this was the end of my vision quest.

#933 11/26/05

See Dennis' web site: http://dennissiluk.tripod.com

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

musical scales why change the minor scale

2009-06-19T04:45:00.001-07:00

Musical Scales - Why change the Minor Scale?Writen by Brian Farley

Surely one minor scale is enough! It would certainly make things easier, but in a lot of cases it would not sound as easy on the ear. OK, so we need to use the notes of the major scale in a way that makes the whole thing sound sad or haunting.

Playing the major scale pitches downwards starting on the 6th degree for an octave (the natural or relative minor) does produce a sad sound but has two serious drawbacks. Firstly, the same scale doesnt sound quite right when going upwards. The reason for this is our second drawback the scale does not have a leading-note. This is the note that makes all the difference to the chords at the end of a section or piece (the cadence), when the harmonies move pleasantly to the home or tonic chord by using the familiar sounding 7th note going up a semitone to the 8th note. Since all harmonies (chords) are built using the notes of the scale, without the leading note the cadences just dont seem to do their job, sounding more like just two unrelated chords. It was decided that this just wasnt good enough, and the scale must be given a leading note by raising its 7th degree by a semitone, and because we could use this scale going up or down and we built all the harmonies from it, it became known as the Harmonic Minor scale.

So far, so good, but now it was the turn of the vocalists to complain! Singers found it difficult to pitch the gap between the 6th note and the now raised 7th note of the Harmonic Minor scale, this gap now being 3 semitones or a tone and a half. It was decided therefore to adjust the Minor scale so that it was easier to sing but still pleasing to the ear whilst retaining its sad quality. It was also decided that in order to best achieve this, the scale would be made slightly different according to whether the notes were rising or falling. This was the birth of our Melodic Minor scale, named because it was derived from the melody sung, which, compared to the Major scale starting on its 6th degree, had a raised 6th and 7th when ascending but lowered these notes again when falling to revert back to the natural minor scale.

So now we can please everyone. Singers have the Melodic Minor scale that is easy to sing upwards and downwards, and instrumentalists have the Harmonic Minor scale with which to form all our harmonies and chords. As a plus, everyone can also borrow from the other just to be different!

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

how to download music on psp

2009-06-04T04:53:00.001-07:00

How To Download Music On PSPWriten by Dylan Graves

The first thing that one must understand when they are asking how to download music on psp is that the process is one that will take music from the computer and load it onto the handheld. This is a simple process, but must be done or the music files will be no good on the psp.

The first and foremost thing to understand is that the psp will only play mp3 formats. This means that when you want to play your favorite cd off of the psp, you will have to rip to audio files from the cd to the hard drive of the computer. These will then need to be converted to an MP3 format. This may sound easy, but this will require the use of custom programs. Many of these can be downloaded from the internet so that the tracks can be ripped and the conversion can be done properly. Once these two things have been done the person can then hook the psp to the pc as a portable media device and copy the must to the psp.

Some people have tried to use Windows media player to rip the music, but there is one problem with this. The settings on the media player have to be set to not encode the music files or they will be garbage no matter what you do with them for the psp. This one option in Windows Media Player encodes the music so that it is only usable on the PC that they were copied onto. This may seem like a jip, but it is a security method that Microsoft had set up so that people couldnt put music from CDs to other media.

PSP has been making itself more functional and is in many ways a portable PC that needs the foundation that the traditional pc can offer. This means that they can use the PC to set up many of the options that are housed in the psp. The music process is just one example where this is proven.

Another option that people can consider is if they have the psp configured to access the internet they can go to websites that support MP3 audio files. These can then be downloaded and the music can be pulled directly to the psp. This can make it possible to bypass the PC entirely, but only if the internet is properly set up and if the web sites are found on the internet. This can require some research, but will make it possible for someone to get the music they like any where they are at.

The next thing that the person should remember is that it would be ideal to have a large memory stick for this purpose. The sound files, even in mp3, will be large and should have a place to be stored. A good sized memory stick can hold multiple songs and will not bog down the psp with the space that they will require this way.

Some people have found that they psp can be a good alternate to an ipod or a cd player in a car or on long trips using this method. That can make the psp that much more of a tool as there is only one item that needs to be taken instead of a batch. Many people have found this useful when they are having to carry luggage or are in a long trip where space and keeping track of items is required.

Dylan Graves is an intense PSP fanatic. You can find out more about PSP Downgrading at PSP Blender

myspace musictunes for every music taste

2009-05-31T11:26:00.001-07:00

Myspace Music-Tunes for Every Music TasteWriten by Eriani Doyel

If you havent been on myspace or myspace music you are quickly becoming the minority. Myspace.com is one of the fastest growing social networking sites online-with 50 million members and growing. One of the more prominent features of the site is myspace music. This feature is part of a growing internet trend to introduce new bands and artists in a way that is unbiased and open to everyone. In the music industry, the labels are very concerned about promoting their artists and excluding others. That is just good business sense. But, in the highly competitive music industry there are hundreds and thousands of musicians just waiting to be noticed. This is where a site like myspace music comes in. Myspace music and sites like it are a great forum for a band or solo artist to get their sound out there and noticed.

What types of music will you find on a site like myspace music? You will find everything from Christian to Heavy Metal and all the sounds in between. This is because any artist can upload their songs to the site.

How do you get your music on a site like myspace music? First, you need to sign up for a free membership to myspace.com. It is easy to do and gives you access to a number of features such as blogs and chat rooms. Then, you will also need to register yourself as an artist or a band. When you are on myspace music, you will not be able to upload music unless you are a registered artist. Then, you will get directions on how to upload your song (speeds, format, etc.) so make sure that you have the proper specs on your equipment to do that. You will also be able to create a profile page with pictures and information about your band and upcoming concert dates and releases. You cannot upload any song that you do not own the rights to. This is illegal.

Can you still enjoy these sites if you are not a musician-of course! You can find your favorite new band or artist and where they will be playing on any given day and listen to exclusive new releases and old favorites.

Eriani Doyel writes articles about Music. For more information about myspace music visit fimmusic.com.

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

aerobic music download

2009-05-22T12:33:00.001-07:00

Aerobic Music DownloadWriten by Al Villa

Those of us who like to do aerobics would be bored if it were not for Aerobic Music. Fortunately today there are many sites on the internet that allow us to do an Aerobic Music Download.

There are the free download sites and of course there are many Membership sites. You can download tapes you can burn Music on a CD or you can order Videos. Music is very popular and you soon learn very competitive. For a while with Napster it was very controversial.

What kind of aerobic music download should you do? Well that really depends on what you do with tempo and pace. But there on one thing most everyone agrees on it must be a 32 beat format. You have to be careful because sometimes you may be sold a different beat that will not work as well.

The other thing is what will be your use of the Aerobic Music Download. Remember that Aerobic covers a wide range of aerobic exercise, from class aerobics in a gym, to swimming, water aerobics, pumping iron or jogging or walking to name a few. I like to walk and you probably see a bunch of us jogging or walking with headphones on. Music makes the workout enjoyable and also it does not seem so long.

What that tells you about aerobic music is that it is most of the time enjoyable and motivating. You want it to be that. Some say they like their aerobic music download must to be hot. If you go to a gym you will notice that the instructor usually start with a slow tempo and then builds it up so that by the end it is hot.

So what this means is when you do an aerobic music download first make it what ever you like, choose your tempo, and enjoy your workout. It can be any style of music, Jazz, Country, Latino, etc..

On this site we provide you with internet links where you can get aerobic information and where to do an aerobic music download.

Al Villa is a retired Judge and internet entrepreneur. He loves to write articles and you can use them as free content provded you include the whole article and this resource box with this hot link: Lose Weight Fast

my daughterinlaw hates musical recitals me too

2009-04-28T04:01:00.000-07:00

My Daughter-in-Law Hates Musical Recitals- Me Too!Writen by John T Jones, Ph.D.

Theres something tedious about musical recitals. Last night my daughter-in-law said that she hates them. I think that anyone with or without a good ear can learn to hate them. My daughter-in-law has a very good musical ear so she hates them Double Dutch.Besides, her family of 15 performs around Southern Idaho. All the kids but the three youngest take music. That leaves her with 10 kids who are taking music lessons on one or more instruments. You can see why she is tired of recitals.

I took my thirteen Idaho grandkids and five adults to the Golden Coral Restaurant last night. Tuesday night is Family Night and you can feed a child for $1.99! My total bill was about $100 plus a $30 tip for the poor soul who had to service us.

Cheap!

After we slopped the kids we went to a musical recital.

Watching for migrating polar bears looking for warmer weather, we slid into the parking lot of the musical store that was hosting the recital.

Authors note: Despite what the Coke ads say, Polar Bears and Penguins dont live together. Polar bears=Arctic, Penguins=Antarctic. Coke is messing with your childrens brains.

No polar bears have been sited in Idaho this winter. If this cold spell continues, it is only a matter of time.

Recitals never start on time. Ours not only didnt start on time, extra numbers were inserted. Since extra Christmas music was added, the students were allowed to use sheet music for those numbers.

Unfortunately, the students are not able to sight read at this early stage of development. Only the teachers can sight read music. Thats because all of those blasted little black marks are too small to read, there are too many of them, and you have to know what they mean.

Ive always though there is a God because some people can read sheet music. First the brain has to say, What is that? Oh! Its a note! What does the note mean? Oh! Its a C. Lets see, Every good boy does fine. Now to find that on the keyboard, flute hole, fiddle string, etc. Oh! Here it is. Now Ill give it a stroke, a tap, a flick and out will come a C. All this thinking has to be done ahead of time.

Its the reverse of Morse code. In Morse code coming in at 20 words-per-minute you listen to the code, decide what letter it is, and write or type the letter down. By the time you get to recording the letter, five other letters have come in and are being interpreted. Only the gifted can read more than 10 words-per-minute. Thats why they removed the code from Amateur Radio Operator exams.

See! There is a God!

You can say, God, here in Idaho. You also can still say, Christmas, except at the atheistic Wal-Mart stores. Anyway, I have a boycott there. They make really old people work.

Oh, yes! Music!

A recital is a torture chamber for the students and their relatives. Nobody else ever comes unless its another music teacher who has nothing to do.

The teachers claim that the purpose of a recital is to give the students experience in playing in public.

Well, most of the students dont want to play in public, will never ever be asked to play in public, or will be shot if they actually play in public (but not by their families who seldom shoot their own kids).

The rule of the recital is the worst first, the best last. Sometimes you can actually tell the difference. The last performers tend to be older teens that have had more than three lessons.

I might mention here that a dance recital is to be avoided at all cost.

In the Revolutionary War you could pay someone to serve for you. Give a few bucks to a vagrant on the street and have him attend the dance recital for you. He will want to get out of the cold to take a snooze. Of course he wont be able to sleep, but dont tell him that. Its all that tapping, tapping, tapping that will not only keep him awake but drive him bonkers.

The vagrant will be able to do something that you can't do. He can flee!

Dont try to hire a panhandler to be your substitute. They go to school to learn how to make their 500 bucks per day. They will just shrug you off. Some will say, Are you kidding? A dance recital!

When a music student makes a mistake in the first stanza you know that things will get worse. One trick is to claim that you have an ear infection (common here in Idaho with the polar bears and all). Stuff your ears with cotton.

It does help.

My wife uses those ear plugs she wears while swimming her 70 laps everyday.

A bad pianist, horn blower, violinist, guitar player, and especially a drummer, will make you say to yourself, Will this blasted piece ever end? Thats the time to brace your self for more horror.

Recitals just never end!

Eventually the recital will reach the point where your little darling is playing.

If she does poorly, you can slide under your chair by slowly sliding forward on your seat until your butt drops to the floor. Then grab your knees and pull them up to your chin, keeping your head down. Slide back up and clap and clap and clap when your little darling had played the last sour note.

Dont forget to tell your little darling how well she did on her solo.

If things go well for your little darling, you can sit up straight in your chair and point to your chest. Mimic the words Shes mine! Shes mine!

The kids usually get a snack at the end of a recital. The kids got a cookie last night.

Adults sometimes (but not last night) get a drink of punch and a cookie. You always want to be first in line for that.

That is the only good thing that can happen to you at a recital.

John T. Jones, Ph.D. (tjbooks@hotmail.com, a retired VP of R&D for Lenox China, is author of detective & western novels, nonfiction (business, scientific, engineering, humor), poetry, etc. Former editor of Ceramic Industry Magazine, Jones is Executive Representative of International Wealth Success. He calls himself Taylor Jones, the hack writer.

More info: http://www.tjbooks.com

Business web site: http://www.bookfindhelp.com (IWS wealth-success books and kits and business newsletters / TopFlight flagpoles)

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

music so whats the big deal

2009-04-09T23:46:00.000-07:00

Music: So What's the Big Deal?Writen by Jason D. Barrett

What is the big deal with music? Do you know that over 50 million people searched Overture for the term music during the month of November, 2005? Whats all the fuss about? Is it true that music moves the soul? Is it true that a song can take us back to a specific time or memory in our lives?

Music is something that has been interwoven in all of our lives from the time we were first born to now. We even know songs that were released before we were born. This probably reveals information about my age, but I was not around when the Beatles were popular, when Elvis was making all the women hot, and when Patsy Cline was belting out her tunes. That is the great thing about music; a great song will be around for a long time. If you are anything like me, you cant wait to hear all the great songs and artists that have yet to come. I have to tip my hat to the songwriters because I dont know how they do it. Kudos to you all.

I mentioned something a second ago about tunes and that gets me thinking; now we go to iTunes to buy music for our iPods. Go figure. We have made the transition from records to 8-tracks to tapes to CDs and now everything is purely digital. Have you ever heard of a MP3? We can fit thousands of songs on one tiny little memory chip. We can even listen to satellite radio anywhere on the globe so we are never away from our favorite music. Whats next? It will sure be interesting to watch and find out.

Thanks for playing along with my pondering of music and its popularity. Have fun with your iPods, keep your radios on, and enjoy the tunes.

Jason D. Barrett is currently focused on writing informative articles for InfoBriefs.com, child insurance articles for ChildInsure.com, and technology articles for ScoutTechnology.com. This is part of his highly successful internet property development approach. Please feel free to contact Jason through one of his sites to see how he can help you develop your own internet property!

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

ccm music recording company case study part 3

2009-03-17T22:51:00.000-07:00

CCM Music Recording Company Case Study Part 3Writen by Anastasia Kurdina

Value chain analysis

The value chain analysis consists of the following components arranged in sequence: artists and repertoire development, recording, manufacturing, marketing, distribution and finally retail. Such chains as manufacture, recording and retail are very often outsourced, even by the Great Five (Warner Music group, EMI Recorded Music, Universal, BMG Entertainment and Sony Music Group).

A thorough analysis and review of CCM's operations has been completed by reviewing the current and long-term problems in both the internal and external environments.

Artists and Repertoire Development: Recording companies put as much available money as possible into developing their groups and music, the musical repertoire and quality, to promote concerts and organize tours, to prepare the merchandising. CCM plans to expand its product line to include more musicians and albums and to expand the musical genre the company operates into.

Recording: Usually major labels have their own recording studios, though still outsourcing this link of the value chain is possible even by such premier companies as Columbia and EMI. Primary costs come from the equipment and mixing, which in the case of Colorado Creative Music were the cheapest quality equipment from all possible.

Manufacturing: Manufacturing a CD usually takes 10% of its cost. There are not too much CD manufacturers in the world, since the costs of the process make the market very limited with serious entry barriers. CCM's manufacturing is not very costly process due to the technology employed, though the company didn't manufacture actually CDs, it bought them from the relevant producers, and then just duplicated them.

Marketing: activities connected with marketing and advertisement traditionally account for 30% of total CD production costs. Marketing costs combine radio and television advertisement, printed catalogues and press releases, promotional tours and other events. Also, marketing costs include preparation of PR tours and music videos. CCM's marketing events include: live performance, comprising malls, art festivals and concerts; Website, specifically website promotion and new programs to acquire and to learn; publicity consisting of airplay radio, TV, internet radio, live interviews on radio and TV, print press releases and reviews featuring listings of events; promotion - in store, contests, sponsoring, giveaway; and email marketing methods comprising monthly newsletters.

Distribution: The distribution phase accounts for about 40% of the total cost of the product. This process involves physical transportation and packaging of a CD from manufacturing place to distributors or direct retailers. Since there are few manufacturing facilities, delivery from these places to any corner of the world may be very costly. Moreover, as delivery is often needed within short terms, the distribution costs grow even higher. For CCM, the distribution may include direct sales on live performances, through 800 number order, through website or mail order catalogue. Indirect distribution channels applicable for the company can be traditional and untraditional. Traditional channels comprise chain music stores, chain book stores and independent music stores. Nontraditional methods include catalogs, retail chains, gift stores, independent bookstores, Christian chains and independents. Inclusion of indirect distribution methods into CCM's distributional tactics is wise since it distincts the company from its competitors and aims at winning still untouched potential markets.

Retailing: the retailing operations are generally carried out by major labels and internet superstores like Amazon.com and CDnow. Until products of CCM become popular with particular public segment, the company cannot enjoy such retail service.

Strategic cost analysis

Strategic cost analysis aims at comparing the cost position of the firm relative to the key competitors activity by activity from purchase of raw materials until the price paid by the final customer.( Hill & Jones , 1995) In this case, the analysis will be carried out in regards to CCM and the representatives of premier market segment such as Sony Music of EMI. In 2000, with the total income making up $216, 614.05, the primary source thereof was direct gig sales, accounting for $181, 451.92, that is more than 80 percent. Major companies derive their main income from traditional indirect distribution channels, such as retail music stores. Other major sources of CCM income comprise wholesale ($12,238.83), mail and phone orders ($11, 442.24), and website sales ($6,419.35).

Traditional distribution channels, along with other sales, make up only $1,758.79. This number is relevant for the microlabels but absolutely not characteristic to independents and major labels. The cost of goods sold makes up $22,034,33, therefore gross profit of the company in 2000 made up $194,579.72. This number is the higher of 1997-2000 period and such relatively low cost of production of goods (10%) is typical for the whole industry. As for expenses, 2000 was the first year when the company spent some amount (up to $500) for equipment rental. Until that moment, the company used its own equipment. Equipment rental and production outsourcing is a typical practice for major recording companies and though they posses a large amount of costly equipment, sometimes they pay considerable sums of money for rental of unique, exclusive and particular equipment for the needs of individual recording.

It should be noticed that professional fees of the company, that is the money paid to the staff, increase on a yearly basis, that means that the company each year conducts growingly active human resources policy, hiring more professionals, technicians, musicians and performers. This is a good index and such expenses (in 2000 they made up $29,719.26) should increase each year if the company wishes to grow in size and in prestige. Major labels employ tens or even hundreds of first-class technicians, sound producers and producers and pay them tens thousand dollars yearly. Besides, the major companies conclude contracts with famous artists with costs often exceeding several hundred thousand dollars. Another feature which should be mentioned in the analysis is low cost of advertising expenditures. In case of CCM it makes up $10,423, that is only 5% of total income. This figure shows unsatisfactory advertising and promotion campaign, since typically music recording labels account for larger percentage, at least 8-10%.

In a whole, the revenues and income structure is typical for microlabel companies with low expenses assigned for advertisement, distribution of their products and particularly professional fees. In major companies and independents, structure of expenses is different. The main accent is drawn to upgrade and maintenance of the equipment (major companies have very expensive equipment working on analogue basis which needs to be constantly maintained); professional fees, which are incredibly high due to popularity and prestige of performers and high professional level of the staff; advertising and promotion campaign and distribution channels. CCM approximates these proportions only with professional fees, which along with payroll make up about $45,000, the largest expense segment of the whole income statement.

Key competitive success factors

Key success factors are tangible measurements of the vision, mission and values of the organization on a yearly basis with the aim of attaining improvements for reaching ideal future vision (Gerry, Kevan, 1997).

The key success factors for Colorado Creative Music are values assessment, member satisfaction, financial viability, effective performance management system, customer satisfaction and recognition, development of technologies and enhancing the array of brand names. The music industry has a number of driving forces which are the determinants of success for such company as CCM. These forces, directly impacting CCM, include:

* Tangible reduction of the cost of recording and duplicating music on the digital basis. Without this fact, the existence of CCM is very dubious.

* Distribution and downloading music via virtual internet means. The affordability for people to comply and burn their own CD has the revolutionizing impact on the structure of distribution channels in the music industry and decreases the retail price of a single CD. Internet has become very effective, novel, affordable and today critically important tool for informal direct and indirect (through virtual bookstores) channel of distribution.

* The relative easiness of making website, posting it on the web and conducting online sales of one's music. Internet makes easier not only distribution of the music, but promotion thereof as well. Internet promotions of the website of some musical products, taking into consideration growing number of internet users, is by far one of the most effective advertising means.

* Small-scale informal distribution of music is possible. Thus, the company possesses certain distribution channels even if it is deprived of the opportunity of access to traditional indirect channels.

All these factors altogether provided CCM with the opportunity to make music recording industry affordable and attractive for small studios.

At the present moment, to succeed, the company has to focus on developing these directions of activity such as production, distribution, and marketing, but to grow further and reach another level, to turn into independent label, the company has also to expand its repertoire, the number of musicians recorded, and work on the popularity of the artists whose works it records, promotes and distributes.

Competitive advantage over the rivals may be achieved through cost leadership policy, when the company lowers the price for its products and makes them cheaper than those of competitors, and differentiation strategy, which implies offering different from the rivals array of products or services. Also, there is focus strategy, but if the company strives to grow from microlabel to independent, it needs to expand its customer base and acquire new segment of market besides the one it already has.

Therefore, differentiation strategy is by far the most effective in gaining competitive advantage for CCM, though some elements of cost leadership, including lowering the price for music purchase in the Internet, or elaborating saturated pricing structure, is also possible. These two strategies are elements of competitive advantage based on the position of the firm, also called positional advantage. There is also another approach for gaining competitive success, called resource-based view, which stands for utilizing by the firm its resources and capabilities for gaining competitive advantage over the company's rivals. In this viewpoint, CCM has to focus on such success factors as installed customer base, reputation of the firm and brand equity, which altogether form distinctive competencies enabling innovation, quality, efficiency and customer responsiveness.

BCG matrix

BCG growth-share matrix deals with allocation of resources among the company's business units. The business units which may be identified within CCM are recording department, promotion department, distribution department, finance and accounting, management and human resources department. Currently the company doesn't have such functional units, since its staff is not numerous and Darren Skanson, top manager, performer and producer, simultaneously works as accountant, desktop publisher, database manager, newsletter editor, website designer, copywriter, leading artist and manager. But the company aims at growing from microlabel into independent recording studio and for that it will certainly need more staff and division of working directions among functional units. According to BCG matrix, almost all units of the company are dogs and question marks, since the market share the company occupies are rather small relative to its rivals, the company has acquired a distinct niche which has limited customer base. Such units as recording, finance and accounting and management may be defined as dog sectors, while promotion, distribution and human resources are question marks.

For other parts of this series, please check Music Recording Company Case Study

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a unique interview on how to repair music boxes and other mechanical collectibles part 2

2009-02-25T03:25:00.000-08:00

A Unique Interview on How to Repair Music Boxes and Other Mechanical Collectibles, Part 2Writen by Monique Hawkins

Ballerina Music Boxes, inlaid music boxes, musical jewelry boxes, cylinder music boxes, and antique music boxes are delicate and beautiful. As most music box and antique collectors know, in order to preserve them, sometimes repair and restoration is needed. For this special work, it is important to choose a company that is reputable and an expert in this area. This is the second part of an interview with music box and mechaical insturment repair and restoration expert, Mr. Jim Weir

Jim does all kinds of antique musical box repairs and restoration. His work includes comb repairs, releading and tuning, dampering, cylinder repairing, and organ bridge work. Jim also offers all manner of musical box work on disc and cylinder music boxes..Let's listen as he continues to give us an inside peek of this unique business.

6. What if your least favorite part of running your business? Your favorite part?

Paperwork. Dealing with taxes and Customs (although I've got quite good dealing with Customs and Carriers). My favorite part? There is a satisfaction in finally getting a job finished; there's also a fair amount of satisfaction in finally getting paid.

7. What are some of your favorite music box and collectible pieces and why?

A 26 consul model Stella. It belonged to the late Bruce Devine and literally arrived in pieces (it had been dropped from a crane while being loaded). Originally Bruce gave it to one of my trade customers, who passed it on to me. Then my trade customer ducked out of the deal, and I ended up working direct for Bruce. It was an `interesting' experience and quite a steep learning curve. At the end though, the box did sound good. Excellent tune arrangements.

8. Is there any interesting history associated with some of your pieces?

I don't collect musical boxes; without being funny I genuinely cannot afford to. Some of the pieces I've worked on have had `history'; as an example the Stella referred to above. Another would be a rare long and short pin Forte-Piano box (maker unknown) I overhauled for a customer in France. It had a silver presentation plaque in the lid; as far as I could gather it was presented to a Mayor in 1847 for some kind of `service to the townspeople'. I'm not up on French politics, but the middle of the 19th century were turbulent times. One of the nicest stories is a box I fully restored for an old lady in Edinburgh. She was in her 70's. The box had been in her family since new, and she had last heard it play when she was a child.

9. What important advice or tips would you give to someone who would like to start a business such as yours either online or offline?

I wouldn't. Things move faster now that we have the Internet. To get fully involved in this kind of work takes time, which the whole `I want it NOW' approach of the Internet doesn't favor. I was lucky in that I had a skill with clocks that I was able to sharpen and direct to music box work. If I had to give advice, I'd say by all means get involved with music boxes, or whatever else begins to drive you, but try to maintain a backup. The wisest thing? Learn that `quitting' is not necessarily a personal failure; it's recognizing that some choices can turn out to be wrong. There are maybe a few music box repairers who would be happier now if, 30 years ago, they'd sold their lathes, workshop tools etc. and taken up farming. Not me though, I hasten to add.

10. For those antique and music box collectors looking to find valuable and interesting pieces for their own collections, where would you suggest they go either online or offline? How about those who are just starting a collection?

Take advice from your friends. Don't necessarily follow it, but give it some thought. Subscribe to music box sale catalogues, it's a good way to check what things actually sell for; they often give the hammer price of items from previous sales. Go to music box auctions if you can; not necessarily to buy anything but to observe, to get a feel not just for how much pieces sell for, but for what sells and what doesn't. Try to figure out why what looked like a nice box didn't sell. If you're really interested in buying a specific musical box, either from a dealer, private seller or at auction it can save you a lot of heartache if you get someone who knows what they're looking at to check the box over and advise you of likely repair costs before you buy it.

A lot of repair costs can be itemized; if a potential customer emailed or wrote to me (even `phoned me) with a good description of a box needing repair, I would do my best to advise them as to how much the repairs could cost before they part up with maybe a lot of money to buy it. I don't charge for this and neither do most restorers; having given advice we all hope for the work if the customer goes on and buys the box. If the box is a particularly fine example, and likely to be expensive to buy, it's can be worth paying a restorers time for them to go and check it out at the sellers address. I've done this; a collector armed with an itemized potential repair cost of something he's interested in buying is in a very strong position when it comes to arguing the sale price with the seller.

Jim ends with saying this about his hopes for the future:

To bring in more work and pay off the mortgage. Ok, there's a lot more to life than that but one way or another, the bills still have to be paid. Most of my work to now has come from dealers; what I'm hoping is that by advertising in the MBSI Journal, I'll attract more work direct from the public. In theory I could put up my public prices, but in practice I cannot, at least not to customers in the USA. They already have to pay shipping costs, and the simple fact is that whether a musical box needs comb work, cylinder work or a full restoration, there's a top limit to how much most people will pay to have it worked on, irrespective of how long the work takes. People have to make choices; your car's broke, your washing machine leaks and the antique music box you inherited from your Grandmother squeaks. Which one do you spend your money on? That's about it really; the sun's shining and it's time to get back to the workshop.

I'd like to personally thank Jim for taking the time to share with us this valuable information about his business as well as letting us get a sneak peak into the world of music box repairs and restoration. Jim Weir can be reached at combwork@aol.com or by telephone/fax at 01144-1575-572647.

Established in May of 2005, http://www.My-Music-Box.com is a music box gift store specializing in products such as inlaid ballerina music boxes for ballerina rooms dcor, whimsical carousel music boxes, and musical jewelry boxes. The company provides interesting information for music lovers of all ages. Owner Monique Hawkins is also the author of the blog What You Never Knew About Music http://whatyouneverknewaboutmusic.blogspot.com, and owner of the eBay store Monique's Music Box at: http://stores.ebay.com/Moniques-Music-Box Monique can be contacted at (540) 858-2885.

do you like madonnas music

2009-02-20T03:27:00.000-08:00

Do You Like Madonna's MusicWriten by Douglas Bower

Madonna's music: I could care less about it. Madonna's stage and video acts: Nope! I do not like her music, although she is a talented singer and dancer. I loved her in Evita. But her popular stuff, I would never spend a dime on it.

Notice I don't say it's trash and YOU should not waste your money on it. I cannot say it because the reality is enough people like it to have made the woman a Gazillionaire many times over. For me to say it's a waste of money, or I want to prevent others from throwing their money away would not just be ridiculous but I would make myself look stupid. That I do not like Madonna's music does not constitute proof for my belief it is bad music and the consequent claim her music is a waste of your money. To come out publicly and say something like,

Don't waste your money.

What worthless amateurish drivel.

There is absolutely nothing worthwhile in her music.

and not offer proof for your claim is not just ridiculously silly but grossly irresponsible. It is not a well thought-out, and well-structured argument. It is, if you think about it, hurtful to the person you claim to be criticizing.

I happen to have been a music major at the University of Kansas. I also had enough hours to take a minor in music theory and composition. I have, therefore, a unique perspective in making a judgment call, evaluation, or review on the musicality of Madonna's music. If I wanted to review Madonna's music, I would do so as a musician. I would have the background and skills to make an informed, rational, and critical review. I would not be reviewing her music based on my personal tastes. That would be unfair. I would do so with insight and would say things related to the musicality of her music.

I would not say, Don't waste your money on her music because I didn't care for it.

That would not be a review.

I do not even know what to call it: screed?

And besides, it is unfair to the artist and maybe even unethical. Just because YOU spent money on a CD or a concert ticket and were disappointedit did not appeal to YOUR tastesdoes not give you license to trash it. Others who have a higher degree of musical training than you may see the situation differently. They may contradict you with an insightful review.

I guess some people do not care when they are made to look silly.

Much of the American public does not know how to give an insightful review of a book, concert, singer, opera, or whatever. They make their judgments based on whether or not it appealed to them and not whether it met the objective standards of its genre.

Your tastes are not the objective criteria by which to judge anything done by someone else. At best, all you can say to someone is, I didn't like it, but I may be wrong.

Many also review a play, concert, book, or movie based on what they thought it should be and not for what it was. They review a travelogue as though it was a piece of fiction and that is wrong. They complain over something that they believed (subjectivism) should have been in the book as though the author was supposed to know this to prevent their nasty disappointment and subsequent vicious screed.

And here is the kicker: They will trash something without a modicum of insight in the face of wonderful reviewers who bothered to do their homework and offer insightful reviews.

Lack of Insight Reviewer: There was absolutely nothing worthwhile in thisdo not waste you money.

Insightful Reviewer: This work has the ring of authenticity and one of the best I've seen on the market today.

So, who's right?

Some will say that the fact they spent THEIR money on the work entitles them to trash it.

Ahhhhthe joys of I am an Entitled American!

Well, I still wouldn't pay a dime for a Madonna's concert, CD, or video.

But, I could be wrong.

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jazz hiphop blues

2009-02-19T05:23:00.000-08:00

Jazz, Hip-Hop, BluesWriten by Sharon White

America, the big melting pot, has always been influencing the music of the whole world. It gave birth to many different styles and music traditions. Jazz, Hip-Hop and Blues are the three most known and most popular traditions that also originated in the US.

One of the most famous of musical traditions is that of the Blues. It has also been one of the most influential, paving the way for many other new styles of music. Blues, a distinct style of music, began to emerge around the 1860's. After the civil war, the newly freed Afro-American people were presented with a new difficulty. They had been removed from the lives that they had previously known and thrown into a new life, a life of segregation and contempt. The American culture could no longer condone the use of slavery, but it was not ready to accept the new free men and women into their society either. Many had to travel the country in search of work. These people were mostly men and those of whom music appealed to most took up instruments such as the guitar and harmonica because these instruments were cheap and easy to travel with. It was in this setting of a sense of deep segregation that the blues was born.

The distinction that made Blues so different from other music was it's clear roots from the work song of the olden days. The early blues artists and even the later Jazz musicians used their instruments as extensions of their voice. The rhythms that they made were in the same non-syncopated form as the work song had been and the sounds were meant to mimic the human voice. It was in this way that the blues became even more significant and even more successful in their effort to convey emotion.

Travelling Blues shows, Minstrelsies, began to tour the country. As a result, Blues began to be heard everywhere, and it began to influence more and more people. It was still primarily black music listened to by black people, but that soon began to change.

The first seeds in the roots of Jazz music were sewn in the early 1900's around 1914 when Afro-Americans began to migrate north. There were a number of reasons for this; many blacks were attracted by the opportunity of good jobs and a better and freer life in the North; while others simply sought to flee the poverty, slavery, and segregation of the South. The American dream was drawing these particular Americans forth much as it did with the early pioneers of the west. Up the river went the new Blues and a new kind of music went with it.

Around the time of Napoleon, military bands increased in popularity and were all very well received by the French. This led to an increased importation of brass band instruments to all the French settlements, including those in New Orleans and other parts of America. Creoles (mixed breeds- usually part black, part French and sometimes part Indian) who were usually well-educated freemen became infatuated with these instruments and the sounds that they could make. The migrating Southern Afro-Americans soon caught on to these new instruments as they socialised with the Creoles on their journey North. Incorporating the sounds of blues and the same non-western syncopated rhythms that had been brought from Africa, a new breed of music began to grow. It was simply a variation of traditional marching band music, but it began to change as blues became more and more prevalent. First Ragtime, and then Jass, or Jazz.

From New Orleans, jazz moved up river with the Black Americans travelling North, and in the house parties of the 20's and 30's it gained momentum. Where the Blues was the devil's music to many of the black middle class, Jazz was acceptable. Black music was extremely popular in the clubs and parties of the 20's. Jazz also made it possible for Afro-American music to be imitated for the first time by white musicians, which was a sign of things to come. The broad emotional meaning of the genre allowed such cross-cultural developments without being 'watered down'. Free Jazz and Hard Bop were all examples of the experimentation the musicians of the time were making to elevate the sound. It became more and more popular and as time went on more and more musicians began to try new ideas with Jazz, increasing its popularity along the way. Jazz is still popular today, and exists in many different forms and styles e.g. Be Bop, Hard Bop, Free Jazz, Modern Jazz, Avant Garde, Swing, Fusion and Latin Jazz.

The third and final American musical tradition is Hip-Hop/Rap music. Hip-Hop/Rap came into being around about 1978. Rock n' Roll music was extremely popular and was very much a part of American culture, but it had long lost its Afro-American association and the Blacks were eager for another style of music to call their own. Funk's sound and rhythms did not evolve into Hip Hop, but it did set the ball rolling. There are several elements to Hip Hop, which were defined in the streets during the late '70'srappin', DJing, break dancing and graffiti writing. Hip Hop was, and still is, its own subculture, and that culture had its own voice.

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live music the power of passion

2009-01-27T21:28:00.001-08:00

Live Music The Power of PassionWriten by Natalie Aranda

Music is said to be the food of the soul. There is nothing more persuasive and pleasing than good music. Soothing music heals the mind. No entertainment is complete without music. Playing of your favorite music and songs instantly changes your tension filled mind to a more relaxed and serene state of mind.

Though people can listen to songs and music on stereo systems and walkmans, however, they do not think twice before lining up for live music concerts the reason passion. It is the power of passion that attracts them to see the stars perform in person and live. Nothing beats it.

Live music is also preferred at parties and events. Live music entertainment consists of classical music, Jazz, Swing, World music, period music of 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and the 90s and performed by artists who havent made it big. Classical music consists of quintet, quartet, trio, duo and solo. Performances of live music can be given on any instrument as a piano, guitar, keyboard, cello, harpoon, flute, trumpet, saxophone and the jazz set.

Whether it is a birthday party, wedding reception, a private party or a corporate party, live music is a must if you are not hiring a DJ to mix songs for you. Even if there is a DJ, live music is not a bad idea. Almost every city and town in the US has bands that perform live music. The choice of songs and music may be limited with a live music performance, but it is the limited selected songs and music, which makes the band endearing to people. DJs would charge 25% 50% of what a live music performing band charges. However, the allure of live music is something that is irresistible if one can afford it. Some live music performing bands capture and reproduce the tone of music that were not recorded properly by the unsophisticated recording machines of the 50s and the 60s.

A DJ can mix songs to provide you the ultimate music entertainment. What needs to be done though is that you should give the DJ a list of your preferred song long before the event. That gives the DJ time to arrange the CDs for you. The variety of music becomes enhanced when a DJ plays CDs. A sudden request from the guest also may be honored by the DJ and the song may be played. Most DJs come prepared with a number of CDs to meet immediate requests.

The success of any event depends on the music entertainment. If the guests hear the music they enjoy your party will be a success.

You have permission to publish this article electronically free of charge, as long as the bylines and links in the body of the article and the bylines are included.

Natalie Aranda writes on on art and entertainment. Though people can listen to songs and music on stereo systems and walkmans, however, they do not think twice before lining up for live music concerts the reason passion. It is the power of passion that attracts them to see the stars perform in person and live. Nothing beats it.

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free music downloads are they cool

2009-01-27T21:21:00.000-08:00

Free Music Downloads - Are They Cool?Writen by Charles Cruz

The has been a lot of legal drama about this because after all, music is still a business. I'm sure we can relate to working hard for something and then expecting a profit from it. However, I think there can be some benefits to someone downloading your mp3 for free.

First of all, there can be a scenario where someone, who wasn't going to buy the artist's record, downloads an mp3 for free, he then really starts to like the song from the artist. He goes ahead and buys the album, he loves it. The next thing you know he is buying every album that this artist releases.

What's important about downloading music for free is that it can be viewed as samples. Personally I've bought albums from songs that I've downloaded in mp3 format. It's not that unusual.

Another benefit that can be found when you download a free mp3 file, is that you can discover about new artists and styles of music, music that you would have never have heard otherwise.

The internet is growing fast, and artists are starting to use it to get more exposure everyday. This is where you come in. It's all about what you do. I feel great when I discover a great artist, the stuff you don't get on mtv, and then I'm able to track their album and buy it. This wouln't be possible without free mp3 downloads.

What you need to do when you do download music online, is the following:

1) View it as sampling music, it's just a teaser for when you download mp3's online, you go ahead and purchase the albums of the artist you really enjoy.

2) Keep the music you download to yourself. Just don't sell it or be giving it away to everyone and you'll be safe from any legal issues.

3) Get a good software to download music online. Be warned that there are many people taking advantage of inocent visitors to their sites, that they give you a free mp3 download, but in return they plant a huge virus in your computer. Be sure to get a top download software to avoid these unnecesary troubles.

4) Get a fast connection. This, in the long run, will save you tons of time and make it a smoother process.

Be sure you're doing all the above stuff and you and the free music downloads will get just fine.

Learn how to Download Music with Charles Cruz CEO of Download Music Online (http://www.systemmastery.com/DownloadMusicOnline.html) Educating people on how to properly Download Mp3 Music

music and television programming good inexpensive production music

2009-01-27T21:19:00.003-08:00

Music and Television Programming: Good Inexpensive Production MusicWriten by Michael Sweeney

Television has taken on an entirely new look and feel, even in the past decade. What was once an industry based on three major networks with very limited programs in the 1950's has erupted into many major networks and thousands of cable channels available throughout the world in every imaginable language. Television has truly become a three-dimensional experience for producers, directors, project coordinators and other professionals in the industry, not to mention a multi-dimensional experience for viewers. With a variety of genres and styles of programming available, from news programs and specials to different types and lengths of commercials, sit-coms, dramas, reality programs, game shows and countless others, being someone involved in television production is both wrought with opportunity and teeming with challenges.

Finding inexpensive background music and production music for television programs can be much more difficult than finding it for other types of media projects because the medium is so diversified and so societally pervasive. As a director or producer of television programs looking for ear-catching television music for your show, you have to be very cognizant of not only your target audience, but also what you are up against in your allotted time slot. Sometimes whether a show succeeds or fails has nothing to do with its quality. Success in television programming has more to do with what you are up against and the time and day your program airs. If you are producing a talk show, for example, you might be on at the same time as more than five or ten other talk shows. Or your program might conversely be when no other talk shows are on television, but at a time when typically people are more likely to watch news programs, Sit-coms or other types of programming.

Still, choosing the right television music can certainly help you make the most out of your particular project. Again, because of the diverse nature of television, there are many different types of production music and background music to choose from. There is music for commercials, music for dramas, music for news programs and specials, music for sit-coms and many others. As a producer of a television show, you probably also will have to consider how your music will blend in with the music of commercials that might air during your broadcast. Because the line between commercials and programming has been blurred, starting in the 1960's commercials have become an integral part of all television shows, sometimes not only on network television but also on cable television. Before the mid-1960's, commercials used to have to be signaled in all television programs by an announcement that they would begin. Similarly, announcers were responsible for signaling the return of the regular program. Now, there is not always any clear sign where the show ends and the commercial begins or vice versa. It's all about the timing.

Because Copyright Law has become stricter to account for the proliferation of diverse recorded music, finding and affording production music and background music for television programming has been further complicated. Before the 1980s, music in commercials and even on many television programs was limited to jingles and transitional music, most of which was instrumental or with very brief and simple vocals. Occasionally lyrics to popular music would be changed to fit a particular product or the theme for a show, a phenomenon that would not work easily or cheaply under today's copyright standards, and didn't come inexpensively then either. Still, while some pop and rock songs were re-recorded for television programs and commercials, the cost of licensing original recordings was very daunting until the late 1980s when it became more doable.

Today commercials use many popular songs as background music and production music, and many programs, particularly those geared towards young people use popular music regularly in an effort to promote burgeoning music groups. Television has become such a cultural phenomenon and a showcase for music that many shows, including Dawson's Creek and The O.C. have even gone on to put out music compilations based on music heard in episodes of the show throughout specific seasons. Previously, songs were often used without artist consent, but thanks to stricter Copyright Law this is no longer a possibility. Still, most artists are willing to accept often high payment for use of their songs in popular television programs and enjoy the exposure they get as a result to very specific markets made up of people that will buy music they make in the future.

Using popular music in television programs and commercials can be incredibly expensive for the typical producer and director. Whether your show is a hit with a large budget, or a smaller show just starting out, you want to make an impact musically at minimal cost, as there are so many other elements to consider in the production of television projects. Fees for use of popular music can total thousands of dollars, and when you multiply that by how often you will probably use songs as themes, production music, background music and other incidental elements, the numbers can add up quickly. But, even though you want to save money on television music, you certainly don't want to skimp on quality.

What are your options when it comes to production music and background music for your television projects if you want to build a collection inexpensively and still honor the spirit of your project?

As a producer or director of television programs, you most likely travel in circles of artists and musicians. You might know some good composers or bands, or people you know might know some that would be happy to help with music for your project. Because of the almost culturally invasive nature of television, most struggling musicians or composers would not object to helping you out with your project in exchange for exposure and the chance to work on something beyond the norm. Many bands have been launched when their song was chosen as a theme song for a television series, and many composers have broken into the film, television and music industry after working on scores for television programs.

Finding under-appreciated talent in your network is a good option and often one that could help get you a deal on production music or background music, but it is by no means a simple solution, nor one that is long-term. If your show is a hit, or your theme song or the band that sings it is a hit, you will be morally, if not legally obligated to pay more for the music you are using. This either leads to the same problem you had before of expensive music or back to square one, looking for inexpensive television music.

Another option for inexpensive production music, and one that more producers and directors are choosing every day, is royalty free music provided by reputable music companies. Choosing royalty free music allows you access to a catalog of music in varying styles and can be downloaded directly from a centralized royalty free music company website online. Well-known companies such as Royalty Free Music.com give you music libraries with songs you can add permanently to a collection. This means you can build your own store of production music and use it in present and future projects. And because of the nature of the music, you just pay a very low upfront fee to satisfy all aspects of Copyright Law.

Television production gets more complex as time and technology progresses, but directors and producers will never lose the ability to control what production music and background music fits best with their projects. Television music is critical to keeping a program or a commercial at the top of its game, and helps communicate important themes to viewers. As a producer, director or project coordinator, the musical choices you make are some of the most important decisions.

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

so you want to be a music teacher

2009-01-27T21:19:00.002-08:00

So You Want To Be A Music Teacher?Writen by Rhiannon Schmitt

I've overheard teenage musicians mention casually they are considering teaching music to make extra money. I am compelled to butt in, “Do you enjoy teaching?” the answer I interrupt with “Are you patient?” Their response: “Like, I play wicked, teaching will be an easy gig.”

My response: maniacal laughter.

Teens, let us hear the wise old violin teacher preaching a holy sermon from atop a glorious mountain of experience: Teaching music isn't a luxurious life of sleeping in late, illuminating the unquestioning minds of flocking prodigies through 30-minute jam sessions and writing off all your music gear and fast food meals come tax time. Lord have mercy on our souls.

Simply put, teaching music is weekly customer service, with occasional late night support calls when the instrument falls out of tune or the player is struggling. A teacher is dealing with customers who are exploring new ground, hence requiring lessons in the first place, and is responsible for helping advance them into musicians who no longer require our services.

Sounds easy, except that the most trying aspect of customer service is, oddly enough, the customer. The human collective is a random grab-bag of mixed egos and inhibitions, fears and potential, attitudes and limitations. Even the ideal customer, who listens closely, asks exactly the right questions and retains everything they have ever been taught, cannot master music in an afternoon. (At least we teachers have a semblance of job security).

Music, a vast system of pitch, velocity and rhythm that can take a lifetime to understand, has been further complicated with pedagogy. There are more styles to teach violin than there are ways to cook an egg. Each method claims theirs is the most effective way to master the instrument, they have countless scientific studies to prove it and please enter your credit card number here.

A teacher has to weed through the dogmatic hype and come out with a cohesive teaching concept that jives with their own approach to playing and learning. They also have to understand their instrument inside and out, keeping in mind a clear idea how and when to introduce new concepts as to not overwhelm the student. After carefully formulating a perfect lesson plan, the teacher will then scrap it all and reinvent their method when it inevitably doesn't fit the student's learning style.

A good teacher is not locked into one method or way of explaining ideas. Instead they receive feedback from the player and interpret it into a lesson that will make an impact.

What makes the most impact, you ask? Repetition. Repetition. Then you do it again. Detach yourself from how many times you've played “Fur Elise” or corrected that particular eighth note. There are pin-sized holes in my eardrums from “Twinkle Twinkle” and I develop an itchy rash prior to our annual Christmas recital, but I've found a Zen peace in accepting my fate.

I see each lesson as a new chapter in the life of a musician I am helping along. With experience, lessons have developed their own rhythm and my teaching days swoop past me.

The repetition can get to some people, like the crusty old piano teacher, the one everyone seems to have had as a child, who wielded a nasty ruler for discipling unwanted notes. I knew a guy in high school who whacked his violin students on the head with his bow whenever he, the teacher, became frustrated.

A teacher cannot crack when the student plays the wrong note for the hundredth time, so impatient musicians must carefully consider their suitability as teachers. “Penny whistle teacher needed: Psychopaths with Intermittent Explosive Disorder need not apply.”

Instead of whopping students with a pernambuco stick with hair, my aforementioned colleague could have channeled his infinite aggression into another enjoyable branch in the music industry, such as fending off broken beer bottles at the country bar or smashing double-neck guitars for screaming mobs at GM Place. Last I heard he's still teaching at the music store, but has invested in a heavy carbon bow and a cocktail of barbiturates.

Once a player has established that teaching is a good direction to take and they have passed all the inkblot exams without incident, he or she needs to lay down a teaching foundation. Selecting a method book to use is one thing, but the teacher needs to develop a mission statement and their goals in teaching.

My mission focuses on two words: Inspiration and Encouragement. My goals include “music as a life experience” and sharing my love for violin among friends. The mission statement and goals serve as a guide whenever I am faced with a decision or problem in my work, it's sort of an operations manual for my business. And that's what teaching music really is: a business.

I urge all musicians who plan to make their music more than a hobby to take business classes on marketing and promotion, finances and taxes, and business plans. Learn to promote yourself because no one will know who you are if you just sit at home chatting on MSN. Keep good financial records so you are prepared for tax season. There are far too many exceptional musicians, performers and teachers who are stuck on the dole or playing for the coming and going liquor store clientèle due to poor business practices.

You don't have to be a marketing whiz or a lawyer, though your mother would prefer such a career change so she can have her basement back. Just learn enough to keep yourself out of trouble with the tax man and to maintain a full compliment of paying, regular students. For more guidance I suggest the book “Making Money Teaching Music” by David and Barbara Newsam, available for a free read through the Okanagan Library system.

It seems to be an oxymoron, but it is possible to make money teaching music! So teenage musicians, nod your head, say “yes Rhiannon,” and do exactly everything I have ordained in the article above, then watch the money pour into your bank account.

Hallelujah!

And try not to spend it all at the music store filling the blank slots in your gear rack.

Amen.

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and music teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years. She currently writes columns for two Canadian publications and has been featured in Australia's Music Teacher Magazine.

Rhiannon (age 29, she's not really old) has worn the hats of businesswoman, performer, events promoter, classical music radio host, school orchestra music arranger and music columnist in rural British Columbia, Canada.

Rhiannon is also Founding President of the Shuswap Violin Society. http://www.violinsociety.ca She dedicates much of her time to community music projects and helping young musicians.

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

the benefits of music for your child

2009-01-27T21:19:00.001-08:00

The Benefits of Music for Your ChildWriten by Susan Jarema

As I sit here writing, I can hear in the background my children humming and singing while they play. My four year old son is trying to make up his own rhyming lyrics to a melody hes made up on the piano and my six year old daughter is reading the lyrics for a song she is practicing for a concert.

Music has had such an impact on our lives. And I know it comes in most part from the simple task of playing childrens music during our day. Together we listen, sing along, dance and even read the lyrics.

For babies and young children music is a wonderful way to learn language and new vocabulary. And they love it. I have never met a young child that doesnt love music.

Listening to music with your children can create a stimulating atmosphere for your home. Different music can be used to evoke different moods and can be used to create different environments in your home.

When my children were babies, I used to play calm classical music before bedtime. Even now we play classical music when they do art (or when I need a some peace and quiet). At other times we use livelier music to encourage creative movement, development of rhythm, dancing and singing along with. I dont think we could survive a long car ride without one of our favorite cds.

I have also found music very beneficial for their education. Through music, children (and adults alike) are able to more easily memorize facts. Songs can be used to learn phonics rules, math facts, lifestyle skills and so much more. We now try to find music that teaches about topics the kids are interested in. And I find myself having the opportunity to relearn many subjects including Spanish.

Early exposure to a variety of musical styles can help develop a life long appreciation of music. When your children are young, you as the parent have the opportunity to influence positively the music that the family purchases. You can introduce many different styles and topics before their peers take over in later years.

The greatest benefit of music is that it allows us as a family to spend quality time together. Music is an entertaining alternative to television. With music playing in the background we can still have conversations, read or do other activities. For some strange reason my children seem to quarrel less when their music is playing. Well often sing along to lively songs while we fold the laundry and tidy up. Music can be played while we bake cookies or craft. Unlike excessive television which can sometimes distract from our time together, music is something that we can all share together, enhances our home life and promotes family time.

Nowadays there are so many exceptional childrens artists and variety of albums to choose from. It can almost be overwhelming. Fortunately, the internet now allows us the luxury of being able to easily search for music, learn about the artist, read reviews and listen to samples of their work. The following select websites listed below will give you a great start. Good luck, have fun together and allow your child to grow up loving music!

Susan Jarema is the founder of Googol Learning and the Crazy 4 Math Contest. Susan and her Googol Power characters are now visiting schools and libraries to promote family learning and ways to combine reading and math.

The Learning with Googol Power website has many FREE resources such as music downloads, online videos, printable games, worksheets and e-books to inspire mathematics in your home. http://www.googolpower.com

Crazy 4 Math Contest http://www.crazy4math.com

School Fundraisers http://www.googollearning.com

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

10 music download legal points

2009-01-27T21:17:00.002-08:00

10 Music Download Legal PointsWriten by Vicente Applegate

Everybody's doing it: downloading music and sharing files. People who share music files on the Internet argue that downloading is legal; today they can be sued by the record industry. Can one be sued without a great intrusion into personal lives of an individual?

1. Enjoy music downloads from safe and legal sources. Get the facts and not the scare tactics, about online music services.

2. The prosecution has to able to prove, with adequate evidence, that the IP address used for music downloads can be linked to the person accused of illegal content sharing. There is a growing concern for privacy. Legal experts worry about the intrusiveness of Internet monitoring in order to prove a court case.

3. These IP address--numbers--given to user by the ISPs are dynamic and change rapidly. The starting point is to establish that there is enough bona fide evidence to prosecute.

4. It is difficult to a pin an IP address on any one person. The IP numbers that some ISPs assign to their users can change from one session to the next. The music industry must be able to link file-sharers to specific IP addresses at the times those addresses were used for file sharing.

5. Since their are personal freedoms involved, the courts want to make sure that the individual is revealed to the public.

6. These copyright allegation lawsuits are a minefield, because they involve the personal information of the defendant.

7. In Canada, under its privacy laws, people are protected through court confidentiality orders. In the United States, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) must get a order to reveal the downloader's identity.

8. It is difficult to give a definitive decision on the interpretation copyright law itself.

9. The legal tactics of the U.S. recording industry, which have been suing individuals for sharing music on-line. The entire music industry has changed dramatically. Since file sharing began, there has been an increase in the popularity of DVDs and video games that have put recording sales revenue in a slump.

10. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) desires the industry be compensated for losses due to copying, but what decision would make it a flat-out victory. Can the recording industry prove that its bottom line was really affected by file-sharing. In the U.S. the RIAA can sue for statutory damages of $750 per song on a file-sharer's hard drive. But look dramatic price cuts by ig box retailers. Once selling music files for charging 99 cents a song was the norm, now look at Yahoo who now offers $60 a year for all you can eat program. How can the RIAA or CRIA claim such high damages?

Downloading music has been around only a few years and is still evolving. A good road map is needed for what we have to do in the future in the area of copyright on the Internet. It doesn't mean copyright law does not protect content. For sure, whatever rulings are arrived at, will have long-term effects for us all.

Vincente Applegate
Dedicated to offering news, articles, and instruction on online music downloads. You have a definite choice of music sources online. Visit http://www.anymusicdownload.com for more information.

playing the violin is for everyone who loves music

2009-01-27T21:17:00.001-08:00

Playing The Violin Is For Everyone Who Loves MusicWriten by Helen Baxter

Every day musical instruments enrich the lives of people around the world and continue to promote culture and art throughout every society and community, no matter what size or structure. Even those people of the world who live outside the realm of technology enjoy and use musical instruments to tell stories or entertain. Someone who has never played musical instruments but is interested in trying one has quite a selection to choose from

Playing the violin is a wonderful experience and relatively easy to learn if you take it step by step. Firstly however you need to understand the mechanics of the violin so you know where to put your fingers and why.

The main components of the violin are the front, also called the belly, top, or soundboard, usually made of well-seasoned spruce; the back, usually made of well-seasoned maple; and the ribs, neck, fingerboard, pegbox, scroll, bridge, tailpiece, and f-holes, or soundholes. The front, back, and ribs are joined together to form a hollow sound box. The sound box contains the sound post, a thin, dowel-like stick of wood wedged inside underneath the right side of the bridge and connecting the front and back of the violin; and the bass-bar, a long strip of wood glued to the inside of the front under the left side of the bridge. The sound post and bass-bar are important for the transmission of sound, and they also give additional support to the construction. The strings are fastened to the tailpiece, rest on the bridge, are suspended over the fingerboard, and run to the pegbox, where they are attached to tuning pegs that can be turned to change the pitch of the string.

A violinist makes different pitches by placing the left-hand fingers on the string and pressing against the fingerboard. The strings are set in vibration and produce sound when the player draws the bow across them at a right angle near the bridge.

Among the most decorated characteristics of the violin are its singing tone and its potential to play rapid, brilliant figurations as well as lyrical melodies. Violinists can easily create special effects by means of the following techniques: pizzicato, plucking the strings; tremolo, moving the bow rapidly back and forth on a string; sul ponticello, playing with the bow extremely close to the bridge to produce a thin, glassy sound; col legno, playing with the wooden part of the bow instead of with the hair; harmonics, placing the fingers of the left hand lightly on certain points of the string to obtain a light, flutelike sound; and glissando, steadily gliding the left-hand fingers up and down along the string to produce an upward- or downward-sliding pitch.

Among composers of major solo and chamber works for the violin are Bach, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, and Ludwig van Beethoven in the baroque and classical eras; the Austrian Franz Schubert, the Germans Johannes Brahms, Felix Mendelssohn, and Robert Schumann, and the Russian Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky in the romantic era; and the French Claude Debussy, the Austrian Arnold Schoenberg, the Hungarian Bla Bartk, and the Russian-born Igor Stravinsky in the 20th century.

You are certainly joining an elite group when you pick up a violin.

Looking for information about the violin? Go to: http://www.mrviolin.com

'Mr Violin' is published by Helen Baxter - The Complete A to Z Of Violin Resources! Check out more violin articles at: http://www.mrviolin.com/archive

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

now you can download your own personalized music collection over the internet

2009-01-26T07:48:00.001-08:00

Now You Can Download Your Own Personalized Music Collection Over The InternetWriten by Albert St. Raymond

First came the computer which allowed people, mostly computer geeks, to assimilate large amounts of information and crunch numbers in a fraction of the time that it used to in the past. Then came the internet which allowed people to communicate almost any topic instantaneously. Finally, the digital age arrived with computers, cell phones and PDAs (personal data assistants). Along with all the digital wonders emerged the MP3, a digital recording device used primarily for recording music.

Once the MP3s had established their popularity, the musical download services came into being. Some of these offered free downloads which touched off numerous legal battles pitting the music industry and recording artists on the one hand against the music download services and music recording public on the other. As you would expect the fight was over money. The music industry and artists were claiming they were losing money in the form of residuals. After much wrangling, a settlement was reached between the two sides. Now all one has to do is pay a small fee and you can download to your hearts content.

The offerings for downloading are as numerous and varied as there are individuals. All forms of music are available such as Classical, Country and Western, Jazz, R&B, and Rock. One only has to download their favorite song or music and then they can take it with them on their portable MP3 digital music player. Being digital, the MP3 player has the advantage of being smaller, lighter in weight and is able to record more musical tracks on the storage medium. In essence, the listener becomes his or her own DJ. You can not only pick the artist you like but also your favorite songs by that artist as well. Or you can customize your music to your own tastes and mix and match similar types of music from various artists. The possibilities are endless.

Predictably, with the success of the digital MP3 players has come a whole new diverse set of downloadable products and support gear. Now with the new hardware and software one is able to not only download to their computer but also burn their music onto CDs. Now you have the capability of making your own permanent music collection for your CD player. Being connected to the internet gives anyone instant access to millions of titles and artists from around the world.

This revolution in entertainment isnt limited to music. There are now downloads to your computer of things such as free public domain sheet music, movies, cartoons, TV shows, documentaries, and even movie trailers of coming attractions. Many of these downloadable audio-visual programs will be able to be enjoyed by your own cell phone in the near future. Some companies are trying to create the ultimate in portable communication/entertainment devices. The cell of the future will be a phone capable of seeing the person you are speaking with, MP3, PDA, and theater. The future is now.

Interested in this subject? Try this link for more of the same.

Albert was born in New Orleans, La. At the age of 22 he attended LSU where he attained his doctors degree. He then joined the U.S. Navy as a staff officer and was able to see much of the world. It was during his stint with the navy that he discovered his passion for travel. Upon retirement, he decided to settle down in the Orient and enjoy life and all the wonders that the Orient had to offer. He remains there still and indulges himself in his primary hobby: travel.

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

musical instrument

2009-01-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

Musical InstrumentWriten by Peter Emerson

Musical instruments are devices that are used to generate music. Musical instruments are generally controlled by the player or the musician to produce the desired sound effects.

Musical instruments are as old as music, and there are still some traditional instruments that date back to centuries before. Each musical instrument has its own melody, pitch, rhythm, timbre, loudness, and duration, as well as the notes and chords.

There are many kinds of musical instruments. The main categories are: chordophones (strings), aerophones (woodwinds and brasses), idiophones (percussion), and membranophones (drums). Stringed instruments produce a sound when a string is plucked or strummed. The sound depends on the mass of the string, length of the vibrating portion of the string, its tension, and the point at which the string is plucked or strummed. It also depends on the kind of resonating cavity in the instrument. Viola, violin, cello, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, harp, lute, banjo, etc, are some of the string instruments.

Woodwinds and brasses generate music when air is made to enter and vibrate within the instrument. The kind of music depends on the shape of the instrument, the length of the column of air, the method of tone production and the construction of the instrument. Flute, piccolo, clarinet, oboe, horn, mouth organ, saxophone, and bassoon are some of the winds instruments, while the French horn, tuba, trumpet, and trombone are brass instruments. Percussion instruments, on the other hand, are those that produce sounds when struck. The shape of the resonating cavity and the size of the instrument determine the sound created. Some percussion musical instruments include the cymbals, the snare drum, bells, gong chime, xylophone, and the timpani. Drums include the frame drum, the tambourine, the goblet drums, the barrel drum, and the friction drum.

Other kinds of musical instruments are the keyboards and electronic instruments. These include the piano, organ, harpsichord, and the Glockenspiel. Each of these musical instruments has sub-categories within them.

Musical instruments can also be categorized on the basis of their playing levels. Some are suitable for all kinds of players while some are for novices. Expert players have their own preferences for musical instruments.

There are many professional dealers of musical instruments who would be able to provide all types information about each instrument in particular. There are also online stores for musical instruments.

Musical Instruments provides detailed information on Musical Instrument, Musical Instrument Stores, Musical Instrument Dealers, Pictures Of Musical Instruments and more. Musical Instruments is affiliated with Rock Music Code.

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

jazz miles davis and modality

2009-01-26T04:13:00.001-08:00

Jazz: Miles Davis and ModalityWriten by Ed Byrne

To learn what Miles Davis thought of his music from his modal period (circa 1958-63), the best source is Davis' autobiography, Miles: The Autobiography, in which he states that he was prompted into this style of improvising on fewer chords by Gil Evans' arrangements of George Gershwins Porgy and Bess. He also states that George Russell recommended pianist Bill Evans (no relation) to Davis around the same time period (1958) for his LP Kind of Blue on the strength of Evans' knowledge of the music of French Impressionist composers Claude Debussy and Maurice Ravel. Davis subsequently became infatuated with Revels Concerto for the Left Hand, and spent roughly the next 13 years incorporating the latter composer's devices from that particular piece into a distinctive Davis style of what some historians (Winthrop Sargeant, for example) termed Impressionist Jazz: unresolved melodic tensions, quartal harmony, non-functional chord successions (as opposed to progressions), extended pedal points, bi-tonality, and other salient early Twentieth century characteristics.

Having said all of this, however, I must point out that jazz is not modal, including Davis' music of the period in question. Jazz scholar Barry Kernfeld, for example, calls this music Davis' Vamp Style, explaining that this style does not fulfill the musical characteristics which scholars attribute to modal music. Check out the New Groves Dictionary of Music and the New Groves Dictionary of Jazz. In brief, modality is a medieval style based on melody--not chords, unlike Mozart's music, whose melodies are guided by and outline chord progressions which move forward through the circle of fifths towards cadences in tonal keys. True modal music is a melodic rather than a harmonic concept. Even when harmony is introduced to modality, it does not guide its behavior. Moreover, the mere absence of chord progressions--or the presence of pedal points--does not constitute modality.

Since Davis' music was beautiful by most standards, it is beside the point that he misunderstood the term modal. While it has no impact upon the success of his musical statements that he thought of it as such, it nonetheless can be asserted that regardless of the fact that he thought of his music as modal, it doesn't make it so.

This misunderstanding of modality has had a profound effect on jazz improvisation pedagogy. The prevailing approach in modern times is to arbitrarily assign modes to each chord in a tonal progression that was designed to accompany a tonal melody. The larger problem with this approach, however, is that it fails to address the primary stuff of the composition on which one should improvise: melody, guide tone lines, root progression, and melodic rhythms. Moreover, to assign three different Greek mode names to a tonal ii7 V7 IMA7 (D Dorian, G Mixolydian, C Ionian) cadence, for example, is tedious and misleading. That progression is in the key of C Major, and if you combine the three modes, you come up with the obvious: a C Major scale; and in this context it is also less restricting to think globally through the key, rather than locally from chord to chord.

From 1958 on, Davis was searching for a way to play more motivically and to be less constricted to running chord changes while improvising. In the process, he became captivated by Ravel's various devices. While he thought that this constituted modality, he was in reality incorporating early Twentieth century Impressionist devices into jazz. Frankly, in all of my lifetime in African American music I have never heard a single modal jazz performance.

Typically, in these modal (vampor pedal point) pieces, the piano part will specify a chord symbol such as Dm7, or Dm7/G, etc. and it will specify for how many measures: ----PLAY 8----. Or it may just specify the mode: D Dorian ----Play 8----. There also may or may not be a specific, written ostinato bass line supplied, as in Maiden Voyage or Equinox. Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea prefer such symbols as CMA7/D, which is how Herbie notated the D13sus4 for the first eight measures of Maiden Voyage. In this way they can specify a type of voicing as well as a chord.

While Berklee College does also teach guide tone line and root progression technique--and a great many other things (I taught there for over three years--full time), their primary focus is on modes and translating chords into scales as a primary means of improvisational technique. Now--even at Berklee itself--there is a gigantic philosophical battle raging over this very issue. The question is does this mindset serve your best interests?

The Fastest and Easiest Ways to Learn Improvisation:

ByrneJazz Improvisation Books

ByrneJazz Online Lessons

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

get your music heard in commercials and tv

2009-01-25T17:25:00.001-08:00

Get Your Music Heard in Commercials and TVWriten by Susan F

Can you Talk the Talk?

I've worked in film and video for the last several years and have always been the one to place most of the music in commercials and TV shows I work on. What's surprised me throughout my career is discovering some musicians who know how to talk the talk, and some who don't. In my line of work, I would never know if a musician was a college student or a seasoned professional, provided they packaged their work and presented themselves correctly. So how can I tell? What do I hear?

Consequences of Not Talking the Talk:

The talk isn't always verbal, sometimes it comes in non verbal cues. They may not have a label on their CD or it's crinkled or smudged or looks like it was run off from my Apple II C computer in 1985. Presentation is important in that I should look at a CD in my hands and not even notice it. I don't want to think twice about it. And if I do notice it, the artwork is either amazing or it looks like a five year old put it together.

Jewel cases are often cracked. Perhaps this happened in route, but it's easy enough to buy a few padded envelopes to take care of this. And actually I prefer cases with spines so I can group the CD's I like together. This makes it difficult to do with skinny cases. They get lost in the shuffle, I have to take them off the shelf to see what they're called and ultimately they fade away into a jumble of discarded music.

I like CD's that come in groups. A mini box set of tracks for commercials and TV. The variety is what matters. A rock, pop, hip-hop, acoustic, and mellow collection of CD's makes life easier. I'm not forced to listen to the same thing over and over again. The single CD's that come in from musicians give me pause. The music might be fantastic and I wonder when they're going to send more. I often work with the same clients over and over again and they don't want to hear the same selection of music for every spot or show we do. I need fresh variety and the musicians who keep sending me their work are the ones who succeed.

Another headache I frequently encounter is when the tracks aren't laid out to spec. A simple beat of tone two seconds before the song starts would suffice and without it, my job is twice as hard. Maybe the play list or the duration of the song is missing from the jacket and I'll have no idea if I'm working with :30 tracks or 2:00 tracks. If I'm in a rush, I'll just skip over it completely and go onto the next CD.

And when the talk does come in verbal cues, that's the ultimate telltale sign. I might call a musician to find out if they have other work that sounds similar to a track I like. Maybe I just need the tempo quickened or a little more percussion. The musician will often blurt out How much am I going to get paid? before my clients have even decided if they want to use the track at all. It's not uncommon for a track to be used on a commercial until right before it airs. We may nix it because the melody needs to be reworked or the client may change their mind at the last minute. A seasoned musician would know this. They would understand payment isn't even discussed by me at all, that the producer on a commercial sends out all the contracts and payment.

Or, in their excitement they'll gush on about how this is the first time they're music has ever been bought and you can practically hear the tears bubbling over. While this is all very special, for them, I don't really have time for it. Throw yourself a party instead.

The Professionals:

But when I come across a professional, I know it. They're calm, they know the drill, they're happy to accommodate a fast turn around. They don't gasp when I say I need it the next day, or even in a few hours. And if they can't accommodate, they're direct about it. They don't stammer. They tell me when they can get it to me if at all. And if they can't help me out at all, they offer to send more tracks over as soon as they can for future use and wish me luck on my project.

I can tell from these professionals that they didn't just end up trying to compose for TV and commercials by chance. They researched it, they set up shop to specifically cater to my industry. Sure, they may be in a band and looking at their work for hire as a day job until they get signed, but they never let me know that. They don't make me feel as though they're doing me a big favor by lowering their standards for my product and client. They exude experience, whether they have it or not.

Their CD's are laid out to industry expectation. I know how long their tracks are, they don't name them obscure names like A Farewell to John Lennon. Instead they're called what they sound like. Jazzy Nights and Acoustic Melodies. Although not the most creative names, I like knowing I can flip over the CD and immediately recognize if this track might work just based on its name.

But more importantly I feel their confidence and faith in themselves. There's nothing worse than working with a musician who is unsteady on their own feet. Selecting music is a small part of my day. I might spend a half an hour in my week looking through CD's and I want it to work. I want to hear your best, I want to know that when I press play I might find the perfect track. If a musician makes my life easier, that's when I know I'm working with a professional.

Susan is a freelance writer and film and video professional based in New York. She has written a book Trax: Get Your Music Heard available at http://yourmusicheard.com.

what is classical crossover music

2009-01-25T09:17:00.001-08:00

What is Classical Crossover music?Writen by Luis Diez

Il Divo, Josh Groban, classical crossover... Who are all these people that seem to be revolutionizing the classical music world?

Musicians have been crossing over almost from the moment music was invented. Mozart's famous Rondo Alla Turca was already using a popular style of Turkish music that was famous at the time. Later on Tchaikovsky would be inspired by gypsy violinists playing in cafs and Bach had already written music for the Zimmermann caf he used to play in.

Although name labels are very useful for categorizing what type of music we are talking about, as soon as you go in a little deeper, boundaries immediately start to blur. What do we call a gipsy flamenco singer singing a famous traditional bolero with latin jazz legend Bebo Valds? That is exactly what Diego el Cigala did in his Grammy-awarded CD Lagrimas Negras.

What does all this have to do with classical music? Well that is precisely the point, funnily enough classical music has somehow managed to grow apart from popular music in a way that had (almost) never happened before. What this genre tries to do is take elements from different types of music (popular music, indian music... you name it) and introduce elements of classical music to visit new, exciting places.

And that, simply put, is what is happening behind the scenes when you listen to any artist that sings or plays classical crossover music, whether it is Josh Groban, Bond, Yo-Yo Ma or the IberoAmerica Ensemble.

Luis Diez is a violist that lives in The Netherlands. He holds Music degrees (Madrid, Brussels) in violin and viola performance. He also followed some courses on his free time and ended up getting a Masters in Business Administration.

Right now he is studying viola at the Prins Claus Conservatorium in Groningen (Holland) and plays in the IberoAmerica Ensemble, a string ensemble that plays classical crossover.

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

the sound reggae music makes

2009-01-25T08:27:00.001-08:00

The Sound Reggae Music MakesWriten by Dino Meiyers

Its distinctive beat gives it away. There is nothing in the world that sounds like reggae music. The expected chops and the back beat by the rhythm guitar and the distinctive sound of the bass drum marks reggae as a genre by its own right. Reggae music originated from several other Jamaican music types just as great as it is like ska, rocksteady, RandB, Jazz, Calypso, and Mento.

Jamaican music is as rich as its history. The soul of each and every Jamaican song traces its roots to the black people herded onto ships, clinging to their most priceless possessionsclothing, food, and for many, their drums. These drums that traveled as far as their owners have are what brought the world priceless gifts and that are the gifts of music. The slaves used their music to fill-up their lives and sang about everything. They have songs of praise, songs of love, songs of loneliness, and songs of inspiration. It is not surprising therefore, that reggae music has been used by the likes of Bob Marley and The Wailers to promote certain political issues like poverty and injustice.

From the characteristic drumbeats, Jamaican folk music has embraced innovation and has added a whole range of flavor to their indigenous music. Combining the drumbeats to a lot of different musical instruments, like the rhythm guitar, and the trumpet, produced ska, rocksteady and eventually reggae.

Reggae music swooped Jamaica just when it was about to proclaim its independence and the masses were clamoring for a beat, a sound that could articulate their emotions. Reggae rose up to the challenge and succeeded. A few years later, when the assurance of an improved quality of life and the promise of a bright tomorrow for a liberated nation came up empty reggae was still being played. But it started to serve a much higher purpose than entertainment. For the first time in its history, roots reggae took on its rebellious and defiant form. Reggae music told of stories of suffering in the shanties of Trenchtown, it told of stories of violence and corruption but most of all it told the people of Jamaica to get up and stand up for their rights.

As the country grew from bad to worse, the people started to look for a moral guidance that would give sense to the life of wretchedness they were living in. Rastafarianism answered the call of a people desperately seeking an alternative leader with convincing values of love and peace. The Rastafarian movement boomed, gained a huge following in Jamaica and reggae was the movements music. Eventually, roots reggae would be identified with Rastafarianism and vice versa. Dreadlocks, khakis, and kaftans became the symbol of reggae attitude.

Just when it seems that the evolution of reggae has gone through so much, it began to take on another controversial form with the arrival of dancehall reggae. This new type of reggae music is so called because its raunchy lyrics only allowed it to be played in dancehalls. Dancehall reggae is a form of rebellion against roots reggae because many artists believe that reggae music has gone too mainstream that it catered more to the demands of the audience than to reggaes real spirit. Infused with a lot of techno beats and computer generated riffs, dancehall departed from old school reggae musics slow and lulling beat and enveloped a more upbeat and fast rhythm.

And then there was ragga. Ragga music could be gangsta raps ancestor as it boldly came out with songs on violence, guns, and gangs. Many ragga songs were evidently masochistic with harsh lyrics demeaning women and praising male supremacy.

Over the course of history, raggas forerunners saw reason and tamed down their music. A couple prominent ragga figures went back to embrace Rastafarianism and sought a live of uprightness and peace.

Reggae music has come and changed in so many ways over the years. Yet it still makes the same sound as it did several decades ago. Reggae still sings the songs that make hearts beat faster, songs that make the feet dance harder, and songs that reflect the rhythm of the soul.

Contibuted By RasBinghi.com Reggae Music

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

composing music inspiration and creativity

2009-01-25T06:40:00.000-08:00

Composing Music - Inspiration and CreativityWriten by Edward Droscher

Starting a composition is a difficult task. Getting your inspirations, thinking creatively, applying your creative thoughts to your music and supplementing your ideas with additional composition are all difficult tasks to accomplish.

For starters, your current state of mind will greatly affect the music you right whether you feel angry, joyful or sad chances are your musical composition will in some way reflect this mood.

Different times of day and different seasons affect your composing as well as current affairs and any stresss you might have.

The variety of factors that can influence your composition periods are immense and hopefully these few pointers will demonstrate some methods of breaking out of the psychological restraints placed on you.

Colours If you are looking to compose a piece of music based around a certain mood find a relevant colour that matches for instance orange gives the impression of energy and drive. Eventually you will learn to bias your mood to suit the composition you are aiming for.

Character it is well known for actors to really get inside the character they are portraying through their acting. Understanding key emotions and various behaviours help the actors 'live' as their proposed character. If you are creating a theme for a character (think darth vaders theme tune) you need to be demonstrating and describing that character through sound. If you follow the same process as an actor would you will eventually unravel hidden details that will help refine your composition, make it more realist and detailed and allow for it to be much more creative and expressive.

Nature a lot of creativity and inspiration can be got by observing nature. From birds communicating through a song like speech to the rustle of leaves in a summer breeze. Trying to emulate nature is an excellent way to begin a sound-scope or incorporating nature into a character theme for example to express an angelic quality, singing like the birds (fast trills on piccolo or glissandos on the violin).

Memories another great source to tap into is your memories. A lot of emotion will go into compositions that are personal in some way to yourself. Spend a few minutes reflecting on your past try to imagine the memory in great detail sounds, smells, colours the weather anything that will give you a good image and story to compose about.

These are just a few sources for inspiration use your imagination it has never ending possibilities!

With so many possibilities to compose about and now that your creativity is running, the next area to discuss is music theory. The last thing that you want to happen is to have all these wonderfully creative ideas for your composition but being held back by the lack of musical knowledge.

A rugby player could develop his passing techniques and his scrum techniques but if he doesnt know the rules of the game he wont be able to perform during a game.

Although music composition and as a whole is not bound by any rules you still need the knowledge of writing music in the same way as a poet needs a knowledge of his language to write a poem.

Some of the key areas you should know about and be constantly revising are:

The Staff, Bar Lines, Clefs, Time Signatures

Note Values, Rests, Phrasing, Rhythm

Articulation, Instrument Specific Techniques (pizz, con sord)

Key Signatures, Circle of Fifths, Accidentals, Cadences

Major, Minor, Diminished, Pentatonic, Diatonic Scales

Modes

Chords, Extensions, Inversions, Sequences, Arpeggios

Instrument Ranges, Timbres of Each Instrument, Difficult Areas of an Instrument (The break on clarinet for instance or seventh position for trombones)

Of course it is not absolutely essential you know about all of this but it will mean that your creativity is weakened due to lack of a means to fully communicate.

Use music theory books go through them and notate comments on the pages, take notes on to blank flash cards to memorize scales and extended chords, use past music theory exam papers to test and analyze your knowledge and then act on your weak areas, purchase a aural perception CD to recognize different cadences and the general sounds achieved from different combinations of notes and chords there are many ways to learn all of this but find the way that you are comfortable with and stick to it.

Finally the last piece of advice in this article is to keep your composing active.

Aim to compose a short piece of music each day, maybe before you go to bed you can reflect on your day through a composition. Mix it up compose for different orchestrations and different abilities.

Composing is challenging but by keeping active like this will greatly benefit you and your compositions and you never know you may accidentally stumble upon your masterpiece!

This article is free for reproduction providing it is left in its original form and an active link to http://www.realmusicproduction.com is present.

Edward Droscher is the founder of Real Music Production and works to develop music education systems privately and in schools. For more information or details on music instruction please visit http://www.realmusicproduction.com or email info@realmusicproduction.com

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

arif mardin a creative giant of music an appreciation

2009-01-25T01:11:00.002-08:00

Arif Mardin, a Creative Giant of Music - An AppreciationWriten by Ugur Akinci

Arif Mardin was a creative giant in an industry too competitive for lesser souls to succeed. He was the arranger and producer behind the successes of many top-hit artists who have become household names in the past Aretha Franklin, Bette Midler, Hall & Oates, Chaka Khan, Manhattan Transfer, Modern Jazz Quartet, Bee Gees, Barbra Streisand, Patti Labelle, Queen, Judy Collins, Phil Collins, Roberta Flack, Willie Nelson, Dusty Springfield, and Norah Jones.

Mardin, who had pancreatic cancer and passed away in New York on June 25, 2006, was born in Istanbul, Turkey.

His live turned around completely in 1956 when he met the jazz legend Dizzy Gillespie in Istanbul.

He was so fired up by love of jazz and American music that he ended up in Boston, as a student at the Berklee College of Music. He had the distinction of becoming the first recipient of the prestigious Quincy Jones Scholarship.

Later on joining Nasuhi Ertegun, the Turkish-born owner of the Atlantic Records, Mardin never looked back and soon became a regular subscriber to Grammy Awards.

Mardin won 12 Grammies including Album of the Year 1979, 2003; Best Album Notes 1993; Best Jazz Vocal Album 2004; Best Musical Show Album 1996; Best Pop Vocal Album 2003; Best Vocal Arrangement for Two or More Voices 1984 (with Chaka Khan); Producer of the Year, Non-Classical 1976, 2003; Record of the Year 1990, 2003; and Trustees Award 2002.

Mardin produced 40 gold and platinum albums.

Hell be missed by all music lovers around the world. May he rest in peace.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation.

He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years.

In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI).

You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs.

You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials.

While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited, PRIVATE TUTOR FOR SAT MATH SUCCESS 2006:

http://www.lulu.com/content/263630

sharing your music with others

2009-01-25T01:11:00.001-08:00

Sharing Your Music With OthersWriten by Edward Weiss

So you've got a few New Age piano pieces under your belt and you want to share your music with others. Can you do it? Yes! Here's a working plan for you.

Create 3 Pieces of Music

For those of you who are just beginning to improvise, don't worry about this. But for those who are beginning to compose, you'll need to have 3 complete pieces to play. Why? Because this will come to around 10-15 minutes of music - the perfect amount of time for a mini-concert! If you're in the process of creating your 3 pieces and haven't finished yet set an goal date. For example, it's a good idea to write something like this down:

By August 12, 2006, I will have 3 complete and polished pieces of music to play for others.

This is a time-based goal and will work wonders if you write it out and place it where you can read it everyday. Most likely, you will try and find excuses for why you can't finish something on time. This goal with time and date on it will continually remind you to stay on track.

Practice Your 3 Pieces

Practice is the only way you will build up your confidence level. Practice each piece slowly at first. Never back up if you make a mistake. I repeat NEVER back up if you make a mistake. Why? What are you going to do when you're playing for an audience and you mess up. You're not going to stop everything and go back. No! You go forward. Chances are very good that the audience won't even notice. I can testify to this from personal experience.

When you practice, be with the music. The audience isn't really concerned with you per se. They want an emotional experience through the music and the best way to give that to them is for you to be in the moment.

Overcome Performance Anxiety

To do this, you must first practice until you can play all 3 pieces straight through and you must first perform for a very small audience. Perhaps one or two people. You see you have to get used to the idea that eyes will be watching you. This makes most very self-conscious. By playing for very small groups of people, or even one person first, you get used to this and you can simply shrug it off. Playing for others should be a joyful experience. It can be if you follow these simple guidelines.

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/pianolessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!

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

toby keith white trash with money country music cd review

2009-01-25T01:05:00.003-08:00

Toby Keith White Trash With Money Country Music CD ReviewWriten by Clyde Dennis

White Trash With Money is the latest release from Country Music Superstar Toby Keith, and is another winner by this talented musician.

On this CD Keith, who has a knack for capturing familiar slices of life in song, scores another jewel with an appealing blend of rock and country. Showcasing what has become his trademark style, vocal imagery and strong melodies.

Over the years Ive always enjoyed the way Keith delivers each song he sings with so much passion, regardless if the song is light hearted like the hilarious Runnin Block, or the more passionate Crash Here Tonight.

Of course, he also includes some of his familiar beer drinking honkytonk tracks like Get Drunk and Be Somebody.

Overall I feel the songs on this CD provide Keith the opportunity to showcase his talents as singer and songwriter.

I highly recommend White Trash With Money as it falls under the category of having a little something for everybody.

While this entire CD collection is outstanding the truly standout tunes are Get Drunk And Be Somebody [track 1, Crash Here Tonight [track 4, and Note To Self [track 7. My Bonus Pick is track 5, Grain Of Salt. Very nice!

Toby Keith originally released White Trash With Money on April 11, 2006 on the Big Machine Record label.

Complete Track List

1. Get Drunk And Be Somebody
2. Little Too Late, A
3. Can't Buy You Money
4. Crash Here Tonight
5. Grain Of Salt
6. I Ain't Already There
7. Note To Self
8. Too Far This Time
9. Ain't No Right Way
10. Brand New Bow
11. Hell No
12. Runnin' Block

Trade CDs you dont want for those you do at www.CDLOOP.com . Its safe, its legal, and there are thousands of titles to choose from. And since every trade is backed by the CDLOOP 100% Satisfaction Guarantee, you can be sure you will receive an original CD in perfect working condition, or your money back. Take advantage of free membership and start trading for the music you want today at www.CDLOOP.com

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

how to use music legally in your work

2009-01-25T01:05:00.001-08:00

How to Use Music Legally in Your WorkWriten by John Bickerton

HOW TO USE MUSIC LEGALLY IN YOUR WORK: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: WHEN DO I NEED A LICENSE TO USE MUSIC IN MY WORK?

A: You need to acquire a license when you want to take music that you have not personally created and use it as a soundtrack in your production. Acquiring a license gives you the legal right to include someone elses copyrighted work as a part of your own work.

Q: WHAT IS A COPYRIGHT?

A: Copyright is a federal law that protects creators by giving them exclusive rights to their works. Once a work is under copyright, it is illegal to use the work without the permission of the copyright owner.

Q: HOW DOES COPYRIGHT EFFECT MY DECISION TO USE MUSIC?

A: Music that has been recorded and issued on CD is protected by 2 copyrights. To use a recording of a musical composition in your work, you need to get permission from both copyright holders.

The first permission you need is from the musics publisher. The music publisher holds the copyright for the actual written music the melody, the lyrics, the accompaniment, the actual music as it would appear in sheet music. This copyright is shown by using the familiar symbol.

The second permission is for the recording itself. To get this, you would approach the record company that released the recording. The record company holds the copyright for the actual performance of the song captured and mastered on tape and released on CD. The symbol for this copyright is the letter (P) inside a circle. (look on the back of your own Cds, you will see these symbols in use). (Author's Note: This is where we used the 2 small graphics in the html version showing the (C) and (P) copyrights)

Q: HOW DO I GET PERMISSION TO USE COPYRIGHTED MUSIC?

A: The fact that music is protected by copyright doesnt mean you cannot use it, it simply means you have to seek permission to use it. To receive that permission you will typically have to pay a licensing fee.

Q: WHAT LICENSE DO I NEED?

A: Here are the licenses you need for the right to use music in your media project:

Synchronization License This license is issued from the music publisher. The Synchronization License (often abbreviated as sync license) gives you the right to synchronize the copyrighted music with your images and dialogue

Note: Having a sync license means you have permission from the publisher to use the music but it doesnt give you the right to use a specific recording of the composition. For that you need the following

Master Use License This license is issued directly from the record company. Fees can range from several hundred dollars to millions of dollars depending on the popularity of the music.

Once you have paid the music publisher for a Sync License and the record company for a Master Use license, you have the legal right to use the music in your production.

*****Sidebar***** This article is about music that is under copyright and NOT in the public domain. Music written before 1933 is in the public domain and can be used without having to acquire a synchronization license (you still need a master use license if you use a recording of a piece in the public domain). Music written after 1933 is still under copyright according to US law. I hope to discuss the public domain in more detail in a future article. ******************

Q: WHAT ARE PRODUCTION MUSIC CDS?

A: As you can see from the process described above, licensing music can be a time- intensive, form-laden, and expensive process. Using Production Music CDs (also referred to as Royalty Free Music CDs), is the quickest and easiest way to license music. When you buy music from a production music library, you are immediately granted both synchronization and master use rights to use the music in your work.

Production Music fills a niche for producers who dont have a million dollar music budget and cant afford to license a major hit song. Production Music gives the smaller, independent producer the ability to use music soundtracks in his or her production.

Q: IS PRODUCTION MUSIC UNDER COPYRIGHT?

A: Production music is protected by both the (C) and (P) copyrights. When you buy a track from a production music library, youll receive a license agreement which gives you both synchronization and master use rights.

Production Music is not copyright-free as some have termed it. It is fully protected by copyright law. With production music you get ease of licensing. You dont have to contact several sources to seek sync and master use licenses.

Q: CAN I LICENSE A FAMOUS SONG FROM A PRODUCTION MUSIC LIBRARY?

A: There are no production music pop hits. You wont find an Eminem track in a production music library. To use an Eminem cut you would have to negotiate a license with Interscope Records. Thats not to say you cant find Hip Hop tracks in production music libraries but you wont find current or past pop hits.

Unlike a pop song, production music is composed to be used specifically as background music. It is usually instrumental, with no vocals or lyrics, and is similar to a film soundtrack.

Q: HOW OFTEN CAN I USE PRODUCTION MUSIC TRACKS?

A: The license agreement grants you very broad usage rights. For instance, with the license agreement from my company, UniqueTracks, you are not limited to one-time usage; you can use the music again in any other production you create. You dont have to inform us of your intent to use or report back once the production is complete. Once you have purchased the music, you are free and clear to use it as often as you like within the boundaries stated by the license (i.e. the music has to be used in synchronization with narration or visuals)

The simplicity of Production music licensing makes it a perfect choice for corporate videos, Flash animations, PowerPoint presentations, independent film, multimedia applications, - virtually anywhere where music is helpful but where the project budget doesnt included hundreds of thousands of dollars to license expensive songs.

John Bickerton is Creative Director for the UniqueTracks Production Music Library. He writes the monthly e-newsletter Underscore - Secrets of Successful Soundtracks, published by UnqiueTracks. Click to subscribe http:// http://www.uniquetracks.com/Newsletter.htm

musical guide a well rounded education

2009-01-24T18:47:00.001-08:00

Musical Guide - A Well Rounded EducationWriten by Michael Russell

In this article we're going to try to give an idea of what shows to go see if you want to get as broad a musical theater background as possible.

To just say you're going to see a musical is not only less than adequate but it's inaccurate at best. The truth is, a musical is not just a musical. Just like in television and movies there are different types of shows, dramas, comedies, mysteries, science fictions, and a number of other genres, so it is the same in musical theater. So if you're looking to get a well rounded education and see the best of the best in each genre, what follows is a list, if not totally comprehensive at least representative, of the kinds of musical plays that are a must see.

If you're looking for some serious entertainment that is tense and dramatic, your best bets are shows like Phantom Of The Opera and Jekyll and Hyde. These also fit well in with the thriller type theme. Phantom is still currently running as well as Hyde and both are very dramatic stage adaptations of a couple of very old and well worn movies. The original Phantom Of The Opera was actually a silent movie with Lon Chaney. The updated version is beautifully done with some of the most breathtaking music in recent musical theater history, including the ever popular Music Of The Night made famous by the performance of Michael Crawford back in the 80s. Jekyll and Hyde, while not quite as famous, is also an excellent dramatic play about a man who basically leads a double life, one good, one evil. The musical show stopper of this play is This Is The Moment sung like nobody else can by Robert Cuciolli.

If you want something a little more light hearted there is always The Producers or A Funny Thing Happened which are also both currently playing as of this writing. The Producers is probably one of the funniest and off the wall musical comedies ever written while Funny Thing is a wonderful parody of Roman times. It's worth going to see this farce just to hear the classic Comedy Tonight which has been sung by many great performers including Nathan Lane who was also in Producers. Of course, nothing needs to be said about Springtime For Hitler which is probably one of the funniest songs ever written.

If fantasy is your thing, there is always Wicked which is one of the more recent fantasy plays. Wicked is actually a prequel to The Wizard Of Oz that tells the story of how the Wicked Witch Of The West actually became evil. Ironically, at the beginning, she was the good witch and her sister was the conniving one. This is one musical that if you go see it you will never see the original the same way again. Musical highlights from Wicked include No One Mourns the Wicked, Popular, Defying Gravity, and I'm Not That Girl. The original cast of Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, who later went on to West Wing fame, may never be duplicated again. They were just brilliant.

The above shows don't even scratch a very broad surface. There have been a number of great musicals, dramas, comedies and fantasies that have come and gone over the years. Starting with the ones mentioned, however, will certainly get you started on what will hopefully be a long and enjoyable education.

-------------------------------------------------------
Michael Russell
Your Independent guide to Music
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More Guitar Learning Site : http://www.guitarready.com/

learning styles of music

2009-01-24T07:28:00.001-08:00

Learning Styles Of MusicWriten by Guy Ames

Learning styles of music can help you get work, dont get me wrong; but you need to consider the time and expense involved in knowing a lot of music genres, having the goods to do them, and if your locality really wants the specific genre.

DJs invariably enter the profession as a part time hobby because they love the music they play and love to see others enjoying it too.

Usually DJs have an already significant existing vinyl or CD/DVD collection of music that they enjoy and they use this to mix and play for DJ events for which they are hired.

Some DJs like to specialize in a particular genre of music in order to attract a certain type of clientele. This may be because they particularly liked learning styles of music; that genre; or because they know that this will secure regular work.

Dance, Indie, acid or house music is particularly popular with DJs who work the club circuit while 60s, 70s and 80s music is more popular with mobile DJs who host private parties and BBQs.

It depends on whats popular in your area, as to whether you should offer Country, HipHop, or the latest cutting edge music genre. To learn more about specific music styles, you may want to read up .

Every good DJ experiments with how they will get the crowd moving and different DJs enjoy learning styles of music to do exactly that.

In fact, you will probably find that most DJs have a set routine for how the night will play out according to music, sound, lighting and other effects such as bubbles, background buzz, DJ banter and audience participation.

This methodology works the world around and is irrespective of what genre the DJ specializes in.

Regardless of what music genre a DJ specializes in, the key to the event is not the actual songs themselves but the mix that the DJ puts together.

A good DJ will know how to link together a good mix of songs with both the event and the crowd in mind.

Good DJs now how to put together songs that ebb and flow according to the crowd response and the timing of the event the DJ cannot allow the crowd to peak too early or the event will then slowly fizzle out, long before it needs to.

When you specialize, its much easier to become known for a certain style of music, and a lot cheaper to get a good stock of vinyls or cds in that genre since you already have a head start in your favorite style.

DJ Equipment is expensive; so save money where you can and specialize in just a few musical genres instead of many!

Learn more about becoming a DJ with tips and tutorials from Guy Ames at http://www.DJ-Tips-and-Tricks.com

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

legally downloading mp3 music you just gotta know

2009-01-24T06:04:00.001-08:00

Legally Downloading MP3 Music You Just Gotta Know!Writen by Ruben Asensi

Music is the essence of communication. It connects us with worlds and emotions that are sometimes buried so deep within that we almost forget that they exist. Thanks to all the advancement of technology we can now explore all the interesting music genres right in our own homes. This convenience comes with great responsibility and most people lack the maturity to understanding that. To appreciate music you have to be willing to make a small investment for those that open up the portals of self-expression and communication.

The world of mp3 music is now an extended orchard, ripe and ready for the picking. The industry of downloading music illegally is now noticing that in order to get better quality with less guilt then legal download is the best way to go. The reasons are endless as to why you should opt for downloading mp3 music legally.

It is clear that society is not highly interested in paying much for anything, but often the asking price for legal music download is so little one can actually ridicule it. There are many sites that offer the download of mp3 music legally. These help provide an efficient service for people. The basic concept is that people can get their favorite music instantly by paying a very low fee. This type of fee can be per download or subscription. Besides being able to download the music legally you get the opportunity to read some of the reviews written about your favorite artists which can be quite interesting. Most start from as little as $1 per hit downloads. Sites like mp3.com, emusic.com, musicmatch.com and so forth help make this process as easy as taping a few keys.

With such convenience its no wonder more and more people are entering this music world. The best part is that one can carry their music with them whenever they go, with the little assistance from mobile phones and also mp3 players and such technological gadgets. So the world is all about exploration and the path is paved with legally downloaded mp3 music. Why bother with the hassle of illegal music when you can have your conscious free from the claws of the law.

The appeal with legal mp3 music download is that you know that you will be receiving the same quality as a store bought CD. But something that most music fans seem to understand and appreciate from the services provided by the legal mp3 music downloading sites is that it is a community. This means you are become part of a growing network of music fans. Legally downloading mp3 music is also mainly about appreciating the legal rights of artists. With people lacking so much in the respect for other peoples property it is good that most music downloading websites are doing their part in preserving a sense of honesty.

Rubn Asensi is the webmaster of Mp3 Software where visitors can find resources and information about mp3, multimedia and legal music downloads.

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

hurricanes and music pop charts

2009-01-24T06:03:00.001-08:00

Hurricanes and Music Pop ChartsWriten by Lance Winslow

Are you a songwriter and find a tough time writing new songs? It is not easy to write a good one and it is hard to get in the right emotional and creative state in order to make a good song. In addition if you do not put the right melody with the right lyrics it will not work, it will not sell and no one will like it and good luck trying to get a local radio station to play it without you paying them.

I submit to you that when people fall on hard times or are involved in adversity in life that they can draw on the raw emotions of that time to get into a creative state to help them write great songs. Adversity builds character and adversity spurs on creativity.

It is almost as if necessity is the Mother of invention and extreme hardship is the Father of creativity. Can you use the destruction and devastation of an Atlantic tropical hurricane season to help you write a song, which will help people get through life?

Such a song is needed and if you are a good songwriter and you can get in the proper mood you will be able to write that perfect song. Perhaps during the next mandatory evacuation of the next large category or catastrophic hurricane you can tap into that raw emotion.

Perhaps if you fail to evacuate and you stock up and then go without tap water and power for four to six weeks while authorities try to repair the damage, that you can use this time to write a perfect song about hurricanes and adversity. Consider this in 2006.

Lance Winslow

jingle hell suffering a musicians fate each december

2009-01-24T04:58:00.001-08:00

Jingle Hell: Suffering a Musician's Fate Each DecemberWriten by Rhiannon Schmitt

“If I hear Jingle Bells one more time I’m going to jump off a cliff!” -Rhiannon Schmitt, December, 1997.

I had just immigrated to Canada one month earlier as a self-employed musician. I made my living by playing hours of Christmas music at malls, craft fairs and parties. I was happy to have the work, but the long hours playing lively violin carols were physically and mentally exhausting.

I started to keep track of how many times I played Jingle Bells that season and lost count somewhere around 200. Every night as I tried to fall asleep, the annoying chorus rang deafeningly in my ears. My digits involuntarily twitched and repeated the irritating fingering patterns incessantly. Then I thought of the people passing by with their packages, singing along merrily. “Well, I can put up with it a bit longer” I said to myself.

Christmas 1998: With a few hundred hours of playing booked and several students in my weekly routine, I was developing an itchy allergy to the tune’s cadence, “one-horse open sleigh.” The mere mention of Jingle Bells caused my eyes start watering and nose running. Even my feline friend flinched whenever CBC Radio played Christmas music, as “sung” by the digitally edited “Jingle Cats” chorus. Our eyes widened with panic and we both hid under the couch until the song was over.

But any time I found myself about to bellow a scratchy “Bah Humbug,” a parent would tell me how playing Jingle Bells had made a positive difference in their child’s practice. I found myself saying, “It’s one of my favourites” and stifling a cough.

Christmas 1999-2001: Each year brought me increased performances and students, whom all requested the dreaded Jingle Bells. Each year I reluctantly played it for joyful audiences of shoppers. Oddly, each year I seemed to develop a bizarre appreciation for the song that struck fear in the hearts of musicians. I found myself embracing the chorus’ cute little quarter and half notes. “Do do doo, Do do doo” I sang in the shower gleefully. “I’m going mad,” I thought, laughing all the way, HA HA HA!

Christmas 2002: “Jingle Bells” blasts out in the still, winter air as I play the triumphant chorus with my violin students. We clap the charming little rhythm (tap tap taap!) then play the delightful melody on our instruments!

I am raising a relentless arsenal of “Junior Jingle Bells Radicals” (JJBRs) with a mission to gain support and appreciation for this much misunderstood song. Our upcoming Christmas recital will be a glorious display of over fifteen variations of the tune. I’m having the time of my life.

My doctor has an explanation for this unexpected turn of events. According to elaborate medical research, I have apparently built up an immunity to Jingle Bells’ harmful effects. Doc tells me I’m one of the lucky few; an advanced case which has shown miraculous recovery from the plague that strikes so many victims. But I know it’s simpler than that: I just had a change of heart.

I, like many others, felt burdened and overwhelmed by the barrage of Christmas music, decorations and commercials that strained my enjoyment of the holiday season. At times, it seemed like the meaning of Christmas was lost in all the commercialism and hype.

The change came when I played Jingle Bells for the 2,798th time. I then realized that each time I had ever played that silly little song, someone experienced joy.

I learned that all one has to do to find the true meaning of Christmas is to watch people. See the child giggling on Santa’s knee, the newlyweds holding mitten hands as they shop for the in-laws, a great-grandmother kneading her special cookie dough for her 80th Christmas celebration. Watch them and you will learn the true meaning of Christmas is “joy.”

I am thankful to have musical skill so I can witness joy manifest itself in teary smiles and beaming grins every year. This brings me Christmas joy.

Happy Holidays.

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

is the mainstream ready once again for dance music

2009-01-24T04:57:00.001-08:00

Is the Mainstream Ready Once Again for Dance Music?Writen by Kevin Snook

Not since the heyday of Dance/Pop Artists like Taylor Dayne and Paula Abdul has Dance Music been a mainstream category. Today, Dance Music as defined by Billboard's Dance Club Chart represents only a very small segment of the music market. But thanks to the recent CD Release Sleeping in the Nothing from Kelly Osbourne and another upcoming CD release from Entertainment Media magnet Paris Hilton, that could very well change.

Osbourne is a Reality TV Star and Mainstream Solo Artist who has embraced the Dance Music Genre on her latest CD. And because of her Star Status, she's bringing a lot of mainstream attention back to Dance Music. It is ironic that Osbourne, a newcomer to the genre, might yet turn a Dance CD into a multi-platinum Mainstream hit.

After the country's musical tastes moved towards Hip Hop, Urban, and R&B/Pop, the Major Labels redirected their focus away from the Dance/Pop genre and it fell into decline. The dance music landscape attracted more than it's fair share of sub-standard Producers, Vocalists, and Songwriters. It got so bad that even legit Artists who could hold their own in any genre, like Grammy Nominees Amber and Deborah Cox were affected by it. Cox has even suggested publicly that being labeled a Dance Artist hurt her mainstream career.

Though these Artists have continued to release Remix Singles (Amber's latest Voodoo is out June 21), many of them have embraced other musical genres. Amber has gotten great notices for her multi-genre (Alt Rock infused Electronica, Pop/Rock, Dance, Jazz) CD My Kind of World and Cox has said that she is recording a CD of Broadway and Jazz standards. Even Kristine W told the Toronto Press after an appearance at last year's Fashion Cares that she'll do a Jazz CD next.

If Osbourne has a mainstream hit with Sleeping in the Nothing though, Dance Music's fortunes may turn once again. And the announcement from the Internet's most searched for celebrity Paris Hilton that she too will release a Dance CD shortly (which will reportedly include a remake of Blondie's Disco Classic Heart of Glass) virtually guarantees that Dance Music will get a huge Mainstream Media boost. If these Artists are successful in turning younger CD Buyers onto Dance Music, the genre might once again become a Commercial force.

Kevin Snook is the editor of Dance Music, a site focusing on dance/pop music artists, articles and reviews.

music industry or music business which one are you in

2009-01-24T01:56:00.000-08:00

Music Industry Or Music Business: Which One Are You In?Writen by Jerome Ford

There is a big difference between being in the Music Industry and being in the Music Biz. Knowing the difference will help you make better decisions as you Step Into the Music Biz.

The Music Industry is mainly made up of Musicians and DJ's- people who love to sing, play and perform.

Some Musicians, in the music industry, will play for little or no money. You'll find people in the Music Industry singing in your Church Choir, on a street corner for tips, or playing the local College Bar. For a Musician, a paid gig is usually icing on the cake.

There is nothing wrong with playing music for the love of playing. There is noting wrong with wanting to play your favorite records in front of crowds for little or no payment. But don't get it confused with being in the Music Biz. The Music Biz is all about business.

Being in the Music Biz means developing marketable assets and preventing them from becoming liabilities.

An asset is anything that can generate money for your business (CD's, videos, mechandise, concerts etc.) and marketing those assets to prevent them from becoming liabilities.

A liability is anything that loses money. To effectively market your assets and limit liabilities, you'll need to have some sort of business structure or music company established.

A Record Label is a business created by companies that specialize in recording, producing, manufacturing, distributing and promoting audio and video recordings on various formats including CD's, LP's, DVD's. The Record Label name derives from the paper label at the center of a phonograph record.

If you plan on being in the music biz, you are planning on making money. If you plan on making money, I suggest that you have your administrative game on point. There will be lots of paperwork (Incorporation, Taxes etc.) and details that you'll need to have in order to succeed in the Music Biz.

Jerome Ford is a 20 year radio, record, promotion and new media expert and Vice President of Succeed In the Music Biz @ http://www.simbiz.info. Jerome has worked directly with national, local, indie and major label artists successfully. For free advice for succeeding in the music business log onto http://www.simbiz.info.

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

rock music code

2009-01-23T21:53:00.000-08:00

Rock Music CodeWriten by Marcus Peterson

Music code is the stuff that computer software writers write. It is all the letters, numbers, symbols, and so on that ultimately add up to calculations and finally becoming images and sounds on the computer. HTML is one type of code. HTML is the basic code for most websites. The content of the HTML code of a website determines what will be shown and where, what will move and how, and what will make noise and when.

Rock music code, therefore, is an HTML code that can be pasted into the existing HTML code that makes up the website. The code will direct the website to play pre-determined rock music when the user accesses the website. Rock music code is available for any type of website. It can also be used for the free template websites such as Blogger, Livejournal, Friendster, and so on. Anything that accepts HTML can allow for rock music code.

First, choose what song you would like. Would you like some Aerosmith? How about some Elvis Presley? Or how about something more modern, like 311, Madonna, Nine Inch Nails, or Rasputina? These codes are available. You can find them online for free or by paying for them a reasonable amount of money. Private individuals often offer these rock music codes to the general public, although copyright infringement can come into play if youre not careful about what you put up on your website or blog.

Whatever rock music code you choose, you can always change it later. So in the meantime, rock and roll, baby.

Rock Music provides detailed information on Rock Music, Rock Sheet Music, Rock Music Code, Download Rock Music and more. Rock Music is affiliated with Musical Instrument Stores.

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

subliminal music the healing messages of sound

2009-01-23T19:09:00.001-08:00

Subliminal Music: The Healing Messages of SoundWriten by David P Killian

Subliminal music is a special genre of music, quite different for conventional kinds of music, such as pop, rap or rock music. In essence, subliminal music is special because it can only be heard by a subconscious mind. It has a salient effect on the human brain. One can appreciate the fact that the more one tried to perfect some kind of task, the better one gets at doing that task, Well same goes for subliminal music as the more on listens to it the more its effects become obvious.

Subliminal music essentially has the power of making a person better in various aspects of their life. For instance, subliminal music can have a positive effect on ones health in the sense that it can make changes to ones health. Among these positive changes include helping a listener to relieve stress, to improve self confidence, to motivate oneself and even help a person to quit smoking. Subliminal music targets an individuals psyche. What this means is that such music functions to rid ones mind of negative thinking and replacing it with more soothing and pleasant thinking. What this does is to motivate an individual to improve his thinking capabilities. This in turn will increase ones confidence and improve a persons character. This is very essential in the smooth running of day to day life. It will not be an error to say that subliminal music can change a persons negative perception of society and act for the betterment of body and soul.

There is really no medical prescription for subliminal music or a routine that has to be followed in order for a person to be said to have been indulging in subliminal music therapy. A person can listen to subliminal music as he goes on his everyday life such as while driving, exercising at the gym, commuting from one place to another or while relaxing in the evening and having a glass of wine or even when sharing a moment with a loved one.

Subliminal music benefits the young and old alike. A special category of people that benefit from subliminal music are mental patients with a likely chance of getting back their sanity. What better way of gaining ones normal mind than soothing it with beautiful subliminal music. In essesence, subliminal music can be said to have the effect of a placebo which gives a patient the impression that he is taking medicine that will improve his health. Even if a placebo does not contain any medicinal value, a patient will be under the impression that it is of great medicinal value and this belief itself can send a patient on the road the better health. This principle applies equally to subliminal music as a listener will be treated to soothing sounds of subliminal music that will free his mind of negative elements and indeed improve his psyche and chain of thinking.

It can be said that the positive effect of subliminal music on a persons mental health and well being is unlimited. It all depends on the person that is listening to such music and the way in which a person perceives such music. The more responsive a persons brain is towards subliminal music, the more positive the effects will be on such a person.

David P Killian is the proud owner of the huge hit music production site and forums http://www.audioracle.com and other great sites like http://www.homostrology.com and http://www.djdemand.com. He is a full time web developer and music producer.

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

win friends amp influence people through music is it possible

2009-01-23T19:07:00.001-08:00

Win Friends & Influence People Through Music -- Is It Possible?Writen by Duane Shinn

The idea that studying music improves the social development of a child is not a new one, but at last there is incontrovertible evidence from a study conducted out of the University of Toronto.

The study, published in the August issue of Psychological Science was led by Dr. E. Glenn Schellenberg, and examined the effect of extra-curricular activities on the intellectual and social development of six-year-old children. A group of 144 children were recruited through an ad in a local newspaper and assigned randomly to one of four activities: piano lessons, voice lessons, drama lessons, or no lessons.

Two types of music lessons were offered in order to be able to generalize the results, while the groups receiving drama lessons or no lessons were considered control groups in order to test the effect of music lessons over other art lessons requiring similar skill sets and nothing at all. The activities were provided for one year.

The participating children were given IQ tests before and after the lessons. The results of this study revealed that increases in IQ from pre- to post-test were larger in the music groups than in the two others. Generally these increases occurred across IQ subtests, index scores, and academic achievement.

While music teachers across the country greeted the new research enthusiastically, in fact, many other studies have previously shown a correlation between music study and academic achievement.

In 1997, well known music researchers Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw and their team at the University of California (Irvine) reported that music training is far superior to computer instruction in dramatically enhancing children's abstract reasoning skills, the skills necessary for learning math and science. A group led by the same two scientists had earlier showed that after eight months of piano lessons, preschoolers showed a 46 percent boost in their spatial reasoning IQ.

The March 1999 issue of Neurological Research published a report by another group of researchers, also at the University of California (Irvine), who found that second-grade students given four months of piano keyboard training, as well as time playing newly designed computer software, scored 27% higher on proportional math and fractions tests than other children.

Students with coursework and experience in music performance and music appreciation scored higher on the SAT, according to a Profile of Program Test Takers released by the Princeton, NJ, College Entrance Examination Board in 2001. This report stated that students in music performance scored 57 points higher on the verbal and 41 points higher on the math, and students in music appreciation scored 63 points higher on verbal and 44 points higher on the math, than did students with no arts participation.

Another part of this same study shows that longer music study means higher SAT scores. For example, students participating in the arts for two years averaged 29 points higher on the verbal portion and 18 points higher on the math portion of the SAT than students with no coursework or experience in the arts. Students with four or more years in the arts scored 57 points higher and 39 points higher on the verbal and math portions respectively than students with no arts coursework.

Another study also found support for a relationship between math achievement and participation in instrumental music instruction. The researchers found that students who participated in instrumental music instruction in high school took on the average 2.9 more advanced math courses then did students who did not participate.

In fact, various studies over the last 10 years suggest teaching kids music can heighten their aptitude for math, reading, and engineering. (One explanation for improved ability in mathematics is that music theory is based on mathematical truths. Rhythms are divided into fractions - half notes, quarter notes and eighth notes. Scales have eight tones, and the steps between them follow an equation.)

A McGill University study in 1998 found that pattern recognition and mental representation scores improved significantly for students given piano instruction over a three-year period. The researchers also found that self-esteem and musical skills measures improved for the students given piano instruction.

And data from the National Education Longitudinal Study of 1988 revealed music participants received more academic honors and awards than non-music students, and that the percentage of music participants receiving As, As/Bs, and Bs was higher than the percentage of non- participants receiving those grades.

In 1994, a report entitled The Case For Music Study In Schools was printed in Phi Delta Kappan, the professional print journal for education. It included details of research conducted by physician and biologist Lewis Thomas, who studied the undergraduate majors of medical school applicants. Thomas found that 66 percent of music majors who applied to medical school were admitted, the highest percentage of any group.

The same report asserted that the very best engineers and technical designers in the Silicon Valley industry were, almost without exception, practicing musicians.

The world's top academic countries also place a high value on music education. In a study of the ability of fourteen year-old science students in seventeen countries, the top three countries were Hungary, the Netherlands, and Japan. All three include music throughout the curriculum from kindergarten through high school.

St. Augustine Bronx elementary school, about to fail in 1984, implemented an intensive music program, and today 90 percent of the school's students are reading at or above grade level. And a ten-year study at UCLA tracked more than 25,000 students, and showed that music making improves test scores. Regardless of socio-economic background, music-making students get higher marks in standardized tests than those who had no music involvement. The test scores studied were not only standardized tests, such as the SAT, but also in reading proficiency exams.

Music training helps under-achievers as well, according to research published in Nature magazine in May 1996. In Rhode Island, researchers studied eight public school first grade classes. Half of the classes became est arts groups, receiving ongoing music and visual arts training. In kindergarten, this group had lagged behind in scholastic performance. After seven months, the students were given a standardized test. The est arts group had caught up to their fellow students in reading and surpassed their classmates in math by 22 percent. In the second year of the project, the arts students widened this margin even further. Students were also evaluated on attitude and behavior. Classroom teachers noted improvement in these areas also.

In 2005, it appears the pace of scientific research into music making has never been greater. The most recent evidence from the University of Toronto confirms what many other researchers have already detected - that music boosts brainpower, academic achievement,socialization skills, and emotional health.

It's logical, when you think about it. People who learn to play an instruments are in groups -- bands, choirs, orchestras, combos, worship teams, etc. And working and making music with others is bound to help relateabilty with people and foster close bonds with fellow musicians.

So it appears that learning to play music, whether guitar, piano, or some other instrument, actually does contribute to your ability to win friends and influence people.

Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and products such as DVD's, CD's, musical games for kids, chord charts, musical software, and piano lesson instructional courses for adults. He holds an advanced degree from Southern Oregon University and was the founder of Piano University in Southern Oregon. He can be reached at http://www.pianolessonsbyvideo.com He is the author of the popular free 101-week e-mail newsletter titled Amazing Secrets Of Piano Chords & Sizzling Chord Progressions with over 55,000 current subscribers. Those interested may obtain a free two-year subscription by going to http://www.playpiano.com/

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

free music downloads is it still a big deal

2009-01-23T19:06:00.001-08:00

Free Music Downloads: Is it Still a Big Deal?Writen by Nathan T. Lynch

Weve heard about the controversy surrounding Napster and the artists in the music industry who do not want their music downloaded for free. With all of the debates over downloading music for free off of the internet, it might interest you to know exactly what is going on in this arena.

On the original Napster site, people could upload whatever music they had and it share with each other for free, or download whatever music they wanted to add to their library for free. The musicians argued that not only was this process a copyright violation, but also that one of the reasons they are out there working so hard to make music for us, is to in turn, reap some monetary benefits from their efforts. The free music downloads that Napster was supplying in the past, were hindering the public from going out and purchasing CDs because they could get all of the music they wanted, for free, from the website.

Napster.com now offers a free seven-day trial if you register with them on their website. You can listen to as much music as you want during that time, for free, however you can no longer download the songs you want unless you pay for them. After the seven-day trial period is up, it costs between $9.95 and $14.95 per month to be able to utilize their download service. There is no contract to sign, its all on a month-to-month basis, and they also offer discounts for multiple downloads. That price seems pretty reasonable if you think about how much it costs to buy one CD.

Of course, many people are still actively downloading music for free off of the internet. There are quite a few free music download services out there, but you have to be careful. The music downloads might be free, but they are not always legal. Additionally, if you install the downloading software onto your computer, you are running the risk of letting in a ton of spyware, adware and even viruses, which can be harmful to your operating system and in some situations, cause irreversible damage to your computer.

Downloading music, free or otherwise, off of the internet is a convenient and easy way to build your song library. But even though we all want to enjoy our favorite music, whatever genre it may be, its better to be informed and know of the facts before you download in order protect yourself and your computer.

Discover the best free music downloads sites. Multiple download and article resources on the free music download industry.

why are so many music sites making these mistakes

2009-01-23T18:49:00.000-08:00

Why Are so Many Music Sites Making These Mistakes?Writen by Dominic Hough

The fundamentals of any site, especially music sites (where the competition is harsh) is to 1) keep the visitors and 2) for the visitors to find you. Most of the methods listed have the other advantage of being search engine friendly.

When your site loads up, it must load up quickly. Any pictures must be quick, and small. This has an advantage. Within 15 seconds your visitors will either be saying I like this site, or only half loaded, I will go to the other site listed on the search engine. The visitor will leave your site and that is one down. If you have other pages listed, would they go back onto your site? Probably not. What the visitor should know is:

1. What your site is about
2. Where to get what they want
3. What other things do you offer.

So with that in mind, any load up animations or any Flash intros should be replaced (I personnally can't stand these, some even have a skip intro button, what is the point of that?! Don't use it!). Any visitor wants information fast, now. Not in 1 minute's time. You can save the anims to another page, direct people to it if they want to download or see it- they can judge it for themselves. The main problem with too slow or no-info main pages is that the search engines know the time people spend on the pages referred from them. In other words, once a surfer has clicked through to a page from a search engine, the engines then see how long the surfer is on there for. If the surfer goes off the page quickly (due to slow loading and frustration) then the engine will deem that page poor, and rate it lower.

MIDI sounds are cool, great on mobile phones, but please leave them off the web-site. It gives a tacky feel to the site. If you are using your own tunes then why use a MIDI file? MP3s are the way to go, use a 1 minute sample of an MP3 if your really have to- sounds better, better quality, and shows off your tunes much better.

Slipknot artists, thats great. But if you link to pages talking about drum n' bass then this is bad. The search engines will rate you much lower if your neighbouring pages are unrelated. Related pages Slipknot sounding, best Slipknot tunes, Slipknot related artists etc is fine and can then open up and can expand your site.

The Alt tag for pictures- always name them. If your page title is called best rock acts, and you include pictures of them, the Alt tag would be called estrockactmetallica. Again this tells the search engine that everything is related to the main topic of the page.

Speak with passion about your subject, include little anecdotes about the topic I went to their concert and they did this. Say how you came about liking the group. Virgin Music is a competitor, they can only go off what the PR people tell them, what the back of the CDs say. They have realised now that the personal touch is much better at selling to customers and attracting them, so they have set up forums. Amazon does the same, but they have your view under the CD that you clicked on. A personalised chat is better than any amount of advertising revenue being thrown at a product.

Make sure you have an RSS feed. If you have a newsletter then you have to wait a while until someone submits their email address (very sacred) and subscribes to you. With an RSS feed they subscribe to your site, but telling their RSS software to pick up the chosen sites feeds. No email addresses given out! If interesting article links catch their fancy they can click through to your site. Becasue you have only asked the software to keep in contact with know sites to you there is no junk. A sort of screened email. It is still in relative infancy, but it is wise to start one now rather than wait. If it catches on you will be at the forefront (most companies don't really know what RSS is or its potential, at the moment). For musicians it is a must. You can put MP3s into links for people to download, increasing your marketing spread. The search engines seem to like RSS, they either list more of your pages or rank your pages slightly higher with a RSS feed attached.

Watch out for your spelling. A search engine will place your site pages much higher than a site that has poor spelling. Even street words could have a negative effect (unless it is a specific searched for keyword)- MP3z, gr8, and tunez to name a few.

Never assume. If you use words like accapella, Vibrato etc how do you know that your readers know the words? If you did your research, then you should know who your visitors are. But always put a glossary, or brackets with an explanation. It can become frustrating for someone who is just starting out to look up another web site to find out what words mean from the first web site. This disregard for new, rookie visitors (you will get quite a few, no question) will have a negative effect on your traffic. People will leave or just get fed-up with a members only site, they could email you with the same question what does this mean, why are you saying that. After a while you then see FAQs appearing.

Never assume, part two. Yeah sure, you know how to work the software, you know how to set your kit up, but it is a really good idea to show how you did so. Pictures help a great deal. With general text screens, after a while your eyes start to see just a blurr of text. Hence that is why most sites use colour, bold, or paragraphs to split text up. Write a guide, write a how to, include pictures, little tales of what happened to you, and write in a logical step-wise manner. Brief and to the point. This demonstrates that you know your subject and are not lying. It also demonstrates commitment, understanding and builds up a great web site term- trust.

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.

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

music downloads where can i find music to download

2009-01-23T18:17:00.001-08:00

Music Downloads: Where Can I Find Music To Download?Writen by Jason D. Barrett

Music downloads are very popular right now and rightfully so. Just image having access to thousands of songs with the ability to get your own digital copy. The proliferation of iPods, iTunes, Napster, MP3 players, high speed internet connections, and CD burners has made the world ripe for digital music. How do you get digital music? You download music to your PC. Thats how.

Where can you find music downloads? There are several services online that provide music download to their customer. You can download music from Walmart for $.88 per song. That is a pretty good deal and they have a nice selection of songs. For the iPod owners out there, you can download music from iTunes. They also have a real nice selection of music and they charge $.99 per song.

If you dont want to use either of those services then you may want to try Napster. Napster actually popularized music downloads back when they gave users access to songs for free. The free music swapping was, of course, shut down and now they charge $9.95 per month for unlimited access to their music library. They currently advertise a selection of 1,500,000+ songs.

Todays version of Napster is called Kazaa. It allows users to share music files amongst themselves. Music downloads through Kazaa are free for now, but expect Kazaa to eventually go the way of Napster. Music companies do not like people to download music for free so the free music downloads will not last forever.

MP3.com also provides visitors music downloads. They actually sell songs through other sites, but they allow you to find and listen to songs before you make a purchase. They have a good selection of songs and even off some music downloads for free.

One last place to look for music downloads is in music user groups. It is common for users in those groups to share music, so you should be able to find music to download if you look hard enough.

For more information on cell phones and the companies that provide cell phone service simply run a search for music download or download music on Google and you will get plenty of addtional information.

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social networking and music myspace puts it all together in a virtual community

2009-01-23T12:29:00.002-08:00

Social Networking and Music: MySpace Puts It All Together in a Virtual CommunityWriten by Scott G

Today's music fan interacts with a community that is far larger than anyone ever dreamed possible before the widespread personal use of the Internet. This social networking is changing the way people market and sell music and it's doing so on a global scale.

Here's How:

One fan hears a song and ells a dozen others online. Each, in turn, sends the information (and sometimes the entire song file) to another dozen people, and so on. If the song's hook is catchy and universal enough, the artist can reach thousands of fans in a matter of seconds. It's fast, it's easy, it's free, and it's global.

Does this viral communication bring any income for that artist (or songwriter, or publisher, or manager, or agent, or distributor, or record label)? No. But does it provide vital publicity that has the potential of selling singles, albums, concert tickets and merchandise? Absolutely.

The New Means of Marketing:

This is a quantum shift in marketing. It holds out the possibility of bypassing brick-and-mortar distribution, while severely curtailing the barely-legal forms of radio promotion that many in the industry openly refer to as payola or commercial station extortion.

All this is possible thanks to an ever-growing variety of online forms of communication, including music sites, web portals, blogs (weblogs), music forums, and more. A new site called MySpace.com has put all of these elements together in one place. And because of their vision, MySpace is becoming an information destination for bands, fans, filmmakers, writers, artists, record industry professionals, and more.

The MySpace Nation: Where do you live? used to be a question that was spoken out loud; it's now typed. The answer to that question used to simply signify which part of a city you were from, with an accompanying suggestion of your socio-economic status, and a hint about which mall might be your usual hangout; it now refers not only to your city, but also your state, region or country.

Your virtual scene may involve people anywhere on the globe. My virtual community begins in Los Angeles and extends to Moscow, Big Bear, Amsterdam, San Francisco, London, New York, Miami, and several places I have not yet learned to spell correctly. In fact, thanks to social networks like MySpace, one can interact with several scenes. The people who like my goth songs overlap slightly with the rave-trance songs on my remix album, but they are not interested in the music I create for radio and television commercials (they can be quite disdainful of it, in fact). But each social network welcomes news of new music in their own favorite styles.

MySpace: The Future is Now

With two million members (and growing), MySpace.com offers a multi-level entertainment opportunity involving blogs, instant messaging, classifieds, peer voting, special interest groups, user forums and user-created content. Is it popular? You bet: they have statistics that show the site receiving 35 million impressions per day at an average of one hour online per visit. So far, all MySpace services are free, with the site supported entirely by advertisers who are eager to reach exactly the young, web-savvy and web-social music fan that MySpace.com attracts.

Created by Chris DeWolfe and Tom Anderson, MySpace is already successful on a level that caught many industry onlookers by surprise. While the main MySpace site leads to pure social networking, the section of the site called MySpace Music is a revolutionary way to reach their built-in web audience of two million networked users, and has the potential of rapidly expanding beyond that already impressive figure. As a means of launching unsigned and emerging recording artists, MySpace Music is a formidible tool.

Inside the Minds of the MySpace Creators:

MySpace Music is what MP3.com should have been, but never was, Anderson said. Very few people go to a website looking for bands they've never heard of. MySpace Music lets people find music online in the same way they find out about music in person: through their friends. Millions of friends come to MySpace to socialize, and through that process -- word of mouth and recommendations of friends -- bands get exposure to new fans and fans to new music. DeWolfe continues, The most exciting use of MySpace Music is the way it's changing the band-to-fan dynamic. A band can go on MySpace and find potential fans all over the country just by sending an e-mail and saying 'Hello.' Bands are developing followings and finding street teams online. Offering downloads, band web pages, and the ability to connect directly with artists is just part of the attraction of MySpace Music. Each visitor to the site also can participate via user testimonials and ratings. The artists are also able to access a wide variety of music business contacts.

Details from DeWolfe:

G-Man: What's the history of MySpace?

Chris DeWolfe: We launched the general MySpace site in September of 2003. Our vision was to create a portal where our users could mobilize and connect around shared interests -- whether those interests be music, television, dating, nightlife, politics, religion or anything else.

G-Man: How does music fit into the MySpace network?

Chris DeWolfe: Almost from the day we launched, music became one of the primary interests of MySpace users. We believe that most people hear and sample new music based on recommendations from friends. The network affect of our site (friends telling friends), allows new trends and music to spread very quickly. At the same time, bands began flocking to MySpace as a mechanism to promote themselves, find new fans, book shows, and even secure label deals.

G-Man: What are the revenue streams for MySpace?

Chris DeWolfe: MySpace is currently supported by online advertising and sponsorship. We may add premium services later, but any service we currently offer for free will stay that way. We've been lucky to secure top tier advertisers such as Sony Music, Interscope, Warner Music, Dreamworks, Napster and others. The promotion works for these types of advertisers because most of our users are hip 18-34 year-old influencers who love music and frequently go to movies during the opening weekend.

G-Man: What are the advantages for artists using MySpace?

Chris DeWolfe: Artists may sell their CDs on our site. The primary use so far has been for bands to mobilize new fans who they ordinarily wouldn't have met. A band from Iowa can quickly develop a following in New York or Los Angeles. Additionally, bands use the site to book tours and fill venues. The MySpace social network is international. Because MySpace is an online network, it makes geographical boundaries less relevant.

G-Man: Can you compare the MySpace entity with other networking sites?

Chris DeWolfe: Most sites are narrowly focused on business networking, classifieds, or dating. MySpace is a portal that uses a social networking infrastructure. MySpace includes, games, blogs, music, classifieds, forums, mail, instant messaging, and user rankings. Our model has lead to an incredibly sticky site where the average user spends over an hour per session on the site. We have also served more page views than our largest competitor in each of the last three months.

MySpace is just extending functionality around existing mass behavior. Most if not all of those other sites didn't or don't have that luxury -- they were counting on behavior to develop around functionality. To put it another way, we're not building it, hoping people will come. People are already on the site sharing information about bands; bands are already recruiting fans and local help; users are already clamoring to download music; they're already ranking and rating music; they're already showing up at our parties to hear music they learned about on MySpace. MySpace music works because two million people are already doing what we're now making it easier for them to do.

G-Man: What marketing arenas are involved (or planned to be involved) with MySpace?

Chris DeWolfe: Two of our bigger marketing partners are the Warped Tour and Rock The Vote. The Warped Tour, in particular, is a great fit for us. We are sponsoring the Uproar Stage and bands from MySpace will be playing at Warped Tour venues. This partnership offers great exposure for MySpace Music and participating MySpace Music bands.

Rock the Vote is also a great partner as it fits in with our mission of allowing our users to mobilize around shared interests. MySpace users can register to vote directly from our home page. We will also be participating in several of their music shows.

MySpace Phenomenon On-the-Grow: Strategic partnerships are developing almost as fast as bands are meeting fans on the site. The Los Angeles Music Network (www.lamn.com) will bring its membership base and marketing strength into a partnership arrangement with MySpace.

Linking listeners, reaching behind borders, and uniting musicians with fans and industry professionals, the MySpace nation is a phenomenon. Since a passport is free, everyone in music marketing had better pay a visit. It's at http://www.myspace.com. See you there.

# # #

Scott G is president of G-Man Music & Radical Radio. His music is on commercials for Verizon Wireless, Goodrich, Monaco Motor Coaches, BAE Systems and more. A creative director of the National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP) and a member of The Recording Academy (NARAS), he writes about music for MusicDish.com and the Immedia Wire Service. The G-Man's albums are released by Delvian Records and are on Apple's iTunes. He can be reached via http://www.gmanmusic.com and http://www.myspace.com/thegman.

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

succeed in the music biz with crazy keywords

2009-01-23T12:29:00.001-08:00

Succeed In the Music Biz with Crazy KeywordsWriten by Jerome Ford

What is more important in today's music business?

A.) Having a great sound?

B.) Executing a great marketing strategy?

If you chose B, you may be on your way to stardom. In today's music business, having an effective web marketing strategy can make the difference between you being a local, national or international music star.

A key element in your web marketing strategy should be the selection of your bands name. Why? Because your bands name will also become your bands keyword on the Internet.

I'm sure you've heard of references to AOL Keywords, but AOL isn't the only place where people use keywords for search. Google, Yahoo, MSN, ASK and many other search engines use keywords to help millions of people find what they are looking for on-line.

If someone is looking for information about your band on the Internet, they are most likely, going to type your bands name into a search engine. When the search engine returns the results, you'll want your website, or your myspace page to be in the top of the listings.

My suggestion is to choose a crazy (or very creative) keyword. A crazy band name, when used as a keyword, will help your listings in search engines beyond your wildest imagination.

For example, let's examine two keywords for two music acts - Panic At the Disco, a rock band and Algebra a soul and r&b group.

When I Googled Panic at the Disico, Google returned 10,300,000 results. On the first page of Googles search results, every listing led me to information about the rock band, Panic At the Disco.

The very first Google listing, for Panic at the Disco, was for the bands video It's Better If You Do.

The second listing for Panic at the Disco was their bands website, panicatthedisco.com.

The third result was Panic At the Disco at purevolume.com.

The fourth result was Panic at the Discos' myspace page.

Fith was Panic at the Disco lyrics.

Get the picture? The first page in Googles' search results was all Panic at the Disco. Panic at the Disco is on an Indie Label.

Now let's briefly look a Algebra, a R&B Group on a Major Label.

I Googled Algebra, and you can guess my results. The term Algebra returned 86,000,000 results in Google. Algebra, the R&B Group wasn't listed anywhere in the first 10 pages of results. Most people doing searches will not dig past page two - in any search engine. The likelihood of the R&B Group Algebra, having any success on the Internet (from a marketing stand-point) is very slim.

So the lesson to be learned here is: choose a crazy or creative keyword and band name. With a crazy keyword people can find you easily on the Internet and that can improve your on-line marketing efforts by over 100%

Jerome C. Ford works directly with national, local, Indie and Major Label aritsts. Jerome is a 20 year Radio and Records veteran, Music Marketing expert, Music Business Consultant and Vice President of http://www.simbiz.info, a music business consultancy. Find out more about succeeding in today's music business by logging onto http://www.simbiz.info.

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how the internet helps musicians

2009-01-23T12:27:00.001-08:00

How the Internet Helps MusiciansWriten by Scott Richards

Everyone talks about the negative impact of the Internet on the music business. Illegal file sharing and copyright violations have decimated the profits in the industry. Record labels are less willing to take risks with new artists because the profits have dried up. Sales have steadily declined over the past several years due in large part to the proliferation of illegal downloads. All of that is true, but there are two sides to this coin. Sure, things are tougher today for the new musician than ever before, but there are also new opportunities thanks to the Internet.

The Internet has reduced the barriers to entry into the music business. Today thanks to the rapid evolution in technology, a musician can record a song and share it with listeners around the world. In the past, distribution was controlled by the record labels. Unless you had a record deal it was almost impossible to reach listeners outside of your immediate area.

Distribution was not only controlled, but there was no way around the high costs of physical distribution. Manufacturing a batch of CDs or tapes could be prohibitively expensive for the starving artist. However, with free MP3 distribution via the internet, an artists music can reach across the world. An up and coming Latin diva can share her tunes with someone in Europe. The next rock star in Africa can share his music with someone in Japan. The Internet has opened a door that allows artists to share their art with anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Now with online retailers like Amazon, artists can even market and sell their music themselves. Sure its tough and dont expect to make much money. But singers and bands can share and sell their music without depending on a record label in ways today that were impossible a decade ago.

The Internet helps people connect. Music is a deeply personal experience and people have their own preferences in what they listen to. The Internet lets people who prefer a particular style to group together easier and allows them to talk about new artists that they never would have had the chance to hear otherwise.

Now, dont get me wrong. Music is a tough business. With declining sales and tighter profits it is harder for anyone to make a living in the music business. However, if you have a good day job and you love to make music for the sake of the music itself, then the Internet can be an incredible enabler.

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fefe dobson info on pop music star fefe dobson

2009-01-22T21:38:00.000-08:00

Fefe Dobson: Info on Pop Music Star Fefe DobsonWriten by Russel Polaski

Fefe Dobson is not going away. With her hits Take Me Away and Everything she will undoubtably be around for years to come. With her original blend of music and style, Fefe Dobson follows in the footsteps of singers like Avril Lavigne. Born as Felicia Dobson in Scarborough she grew up with five siblings all born to different fathers -- Fefe is not a stranger to change.

Fefe Dobson has also appeared in a few movies and TV shows, most notably Laguna Beach: The Real Orange County, Vanity Fair, Raising Helen and The Perfect Score even more sharpening her role as a singer. Her new album Sunday Love, which will be out any day now, is sure to be a hit. CDs will be flying off the shelves.

Fefe Dobson is an enigma. She adapts to any environment with the kind of grace you would expect from an actress. One thing is for sure, Fefe is the kind of girl that can take a lick and keep on ticking, says Bill Shaunty, a small record producer from Atlanta Georgia. I think she is going to be the next 'big thing'.

Check out Fefe Dobson's CD when it hits store shelves soon. You won't regret it.

Russel Polaski is a shock-jock deejay out of San Diego, California. His interests include hip-hop music, break dancing and amateur music videos. He often writes articles for Prosumer News.

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

how to download music legally

2009-01-22T21:37:00.001-08:00

How To Download Music LegallyWriten by Alexandre Roux

Looking for a way to Download Music Legally? I know how you feel. There are so many people downloading music illegally, that you never know who will either get caught, sued, or put in jail. It's a real fear, and the only true way to avoid it is to Download Music Legally.

It's extremely easy to download music legally as well. People simply don't look for it.

The first thing you need to do is find a good company that lets you download music legally. There are many on the internet, but if you're not sure which one to use, I have provided a link to a very good one at the bottom of this article.

Here's some quick information on downloading music legally.

1) You don't have to pay a lot to download music legally. All you have to do is find a good vendor, sign up, and begin downloading. It's legal, safe, and cheap. Definitely worth it.

2) The reason it's legal is that those legal companies have obtained licenses that allow them to sell the music at a cost. They have actually made it legal for customers to download music legally. It's awesome.

3) The amount of music they have is simply bind boggling. The vendor I have provided below has millions of songs that you can download. It's incredible. Plus, being legal, is amazing. You don't have to buy anymore CD's, and you can make your own.

4) You can download unlimited songs, usually, when signing up to a legal download system. They don't keep you tied up with a certain amount of songs you can download - it's unlimited. Make sure that whichever vendor you choose, has this capability.

These are just 4 simple tips that should make your music downloading life a breeze. So get going, find a good vendor and start downloading today =)

Thanks for reading my article. I'm also thanking you by doing some homework for you, and providing you with this legal music download site. It's completely legal, and a pretty good vendor. Check it out!

Thanks again, and have fun downloading legal music

http://provenreviews.com/howtodownloadmusiclegally.html

new wave of swing reinvents timeless music

2009-01-22T21:26:00.001-08:00

New Wave of Swing Reinvents Timeless MusicWriten by DJ Craig W

In the 1990's, Rock & Roll's Grunge era stormed the world with its thrashing guitars and flannel covered angst. The Seattle influence seemingly seized the airwaves like an irritated Pitbull with lockjaw. Curiously, during this onslaught of primal scream Rawk, New Wave Swing music unexpectedly began appearing under the radar.

An explosion of young, new bands playing Swing music quickly turned into a widespread movement. What used to be your father's music was reinvented by artists like Brian Setzer, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Squirrel Nut Zippers, Royal Crown Revue, Cherry Poppin' Daddies and The Blue Hawaiians. They led the New Wave of Swing and quickly jumped to the head of the list of cool culture.

Many of these bands mixed a bit of rock with traditional Swing and scored Top 40 hits. Songs such as oot Suit Riot and Go Daddy-o, rocketed up the charts. MTV began playing videos by New Wave Swingers, while big budget movies incorporated the new sound into such box office hits such as the aptly titled, Swingers. Brian Setzer's updated cover of Louis Prima's Jump Jive An' Wail became a massive crossover anthem.

Traditional Swing music experienced a resurgence in the 90's as well. Natalie Cole's rerelease of Unforgettable, as a duet with her late father Nat, became a smash hit. Tony Bennett's long dormant career took off again after his appearance on MTV's Unplugged series. Etta James' bluesy ode to romantic perseverance, At Last, became one of the most requested love songs at weddings. 1993's hit movie Swing Kids, payed homage to the original 1940's Swing Era, featuring music from Benny Goodman, Louis Prima, Count Basie and others.

As a result of its reentry to the forefront of pop culture, Swing music experienced a surge in popularity among 20 and 30 year olds. Trendy nightclubs began incorporating Swing Night into their weekly promotions. Generation X began learning to dance the Lindy, Jitterbug, West Coast and East Coast swing dance styles. Hollywood's Derby, an original Swing hotspot, experienced a rise in popularity not seen since its heyday in the 1940's.

The meteoric resurrection of Swing continues to have wide appeal. Many dance clubs offer Swing dance lessons and music as a weekly promotion, to both eager newcomers and seasoned veterans.

In anachronisticstic irony, the new rise of Swing and sophisticated martini culture has reduced the once seemingly invincible Grunge movement to a relic of a bygone era faster than you can say, Yowza!.

-DJ Craig

DJ Craig has performed at Southern California weddings and private parties for over 15 years. He has been a guest speaker at classes on wedding and event coordination.

Craig has been featured in and written articles for many wedding and party related web sites.

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

promoting your music at amazoncom

2009-01-22T21:25:00.001-08:00

Promoting Your Music at Amazon.comWriten by Marc Gunn

I remember a while back reading David Nevue's book, How to Successfully Promote Your Music the the Internet. In it he threw out a cool suggestion for increasing the searchability of your band.

His suggestion was to write a review of CDs that you feel are similar to your style of music or CDs that inspired your music. The idea is if you promote traffic to this webpage, visitors will also see a review of your band, and check out your music.

I loved that idea so much that I was psyched when I learneda very simple and similar promotional idea on Amazon.com. Here's what you have to do:

First, you need to sell your CD on Amazon.com OR at the very least offer a free MP3 in their Digital Music Network.

Second, do a search for a band or album similar to yours. In my case, my group, the Brobdingnagian Bards, released a CD inspired by the Lord of the Rings. So I went over to the Fellowship of the Ring soundtrack.

Third, scroll down and you'll see either a link that says,

Recommend an item!
or a box that has
I recommend in addition/instead of this album.

Fourth, grab the ASIN from your webpage. (The ASIN is the 10 charcter code listed in the Produce Details). All you have to do is insert you ASIN into this blank to make your recommendation.

Your music is now linked to the artist you consider yourself similar to. The beauty of this promotional idea is that it all takes place in the Amazon shopping environment.

This means, more than likely, they'll go straight to your Amazon page. They'll read about your album. They'll listen to your MP3s. And hopefully, they will buy an album, and/or hunt down your band's website where you'll earn a new fan.

PS. The 2004 Edition of How to Promote Your Music Succesfully on the Internet by David Nevue is now available.

Bard Marc Gunn of the Brobdingnagian Bards has helped 1000's of musicians make money with their musical groups through the Bards Crier Music Marketing and Promotion Ezine and the Texas Musicians' Texas Music Biz Tips. Now you can get personal advice by visiting http://www.bardscrier.com for FREE how-to music marketing assistance.

No time to visit the site? Subscribe to the BardsCrier.com distributed weekly for Free. Just email subscribe@bardscrier.com

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