Monday, May 25, 2009

late notice

Sorry for this late notice but I just got word
from my good friend, Jermaine Griggs over at
Hear and Play Music... that he's running a
"Memorial Day Weekend" 40% off sale that ends
tonight (Monday, May 25, 2009).

http://www.hearandplay.com/437773/digital.html


But what's so special about it is that for the
first time ever, he's released "digital
downloads" of all his courses.

That means that you can literally download his
courses to your computer and start learning
piano within minutes after your purchase.

And if you've heard me talk about hearandplay
before, then you know how good their courses
are for learning piano by ear (especially
gospel and soul music).

They've got material all the way from gospel
to jazz and salsa --- from chords to worship
patterns... from piano and organ to drums
and even singing. My e-mail here doesn't
even do them justice. You'll have to go check
them out for yourself.

http://www.hearandplay.com/437773/digital.html


But if you're interested in their digitally
downloadable material, now is really the time
to take action because you're not going to beat
their 40% off deal going on thru midnight tonight.

(And if you know Jermaine, you know that he doesn't
do these sales often. Heck it took him 9 years to
finally decide to release downloadable material. So
take advantage while he's doing it).

http://www.hearandplay.com/437773/digital.html


Even if you're strapped for cash right now (which is
understandable), they have a 2-hour audio course
covering a systematic approach to playing piano by
ear. It's only $10 bucks with the 40% off coupon.
That's like 8 cents per minute (if you do the math).
Where can you go to get a 2 hour lesson for 8 cents
a minute?

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to
contact me (or even them directly at:
help@hearandplay.com.

Talk soon,

rachel neil

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Being a Gospel Musician Was Never Too Hard! – Tips for You

Author: Max Info

Gospel musician – anyone like you dreams of being a gospel musician. If you are talented and can play musical instruments then I am sure that you will become a successful gospel musician. Being a professional Gospel musician is to pray god with your music, it should be the favorite to god. This article is just for you if you really want to become a successful gospel musician. It will tell you 5 easy steps that you might have not considered. It is a step by step procedure of being a professional. So read on. 1. Try to play musical instruments by heart: You might have often played several instruments but is there anytime at that you played them by the bottom of your heart? Try to do this. Play guitar, piano 2. Join a school offering private music lesion: Nobody other than a teacher could ever teach you best. I don’t think that you could learn playing instruments by just reading books. It is practical and you have to play instruments by yourself. You can join a private coaching for this. 3. Ask someone to listen to your music: If you play alone and listen to it alone there won’t be anyone who can observe your music. Just ask your friends or parents to listen to your music and give comment on it. If there is anything wrong with your music than you can improve it. 4. Play at open mic nights: Now it’s the time to represent you as a professional gospel musician. Start playing instruments at your local church and get review from people. It will give you experience and remove your how of playing in front of people. If you are confident then you can go further and play them in other locations. 5. Find Job: As you are a professional gospel singer the 5th and last task you have to do is to find a job. Make your demo tape and give it to people for review. You also can contact your local chamber of commerce and see if they know of eating establishments like coffee houses and Christian tea rooms that might like to have someone come provide live music. You wouldn't get paid to perform, but what a wonderful exposure! You should also use internet for this task. Upload your music at famous tube sites such as youtube or god tube. By the end now you are ready for being a professional gospel musician. Now you can get opportunity to be playing your music at official places such as churches, restaurants, and tea-coffee shops etc, Best of Luck.

About the Author:

Do you want to know about the opportunities and carrier guidelines about the

gospel musicians and

singers? Then come to our

web-site here.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/being-a-gospel-musician-was-never-too-hard-tips-for-you-770164.html

Monday, February 9, 2009

Vintage or Modern Keyboards? Why Some Keyboard Users Prefer the Click of the Keys and Others Who Don

Author: Melissa Peterman

If you have ever been in a room that was full of people doing nothing but typing, it can be almost deafening, that is, if those people are using old school keyboards. If all those people were suddenly using http://www.cirque.com/uploads/products/touchpad_keyboard.html>touchpad keyboard - say like the iPhone touchscreens, it would be remarkably quiet.

A person’s profession, habits and preferences all make up reasons why a person will choose one keyboard over another.

A Variety of Keyboards for A Variety of Careers/Needs

• Waterproof Keyboards: spill proof and even cleaning disinfectant proof touch pads for gamers as well as dentists and other medical fields are popular. Studies say that a keyboard has more germs on them then toilet seats, with waterproof keyboards, a dentist can have his keyboard for making notes and performing other functions, all while in an environment prone to splashes. For the writer who thinks best in the bathtub- this keyboard makes the ideal bath buddy.

• Model M: call it nostalgic or plain lazy there are some people who will not give up their classic IMB Model M clackity keyboard. The Model M was created in the 1980s to resemble the feel of typing on a typewriter. For many writers who feel like they are not really typing unless they can hear the keys clacking, this is an ideal keyboard for noise- allowing typists to emulate the sound of a journalism newsroom.

• Gamers: Ultra durable keyboards like the professional gaming keyboard with quiet click, 18K gold plated connectors to increase speed and a guaranteed 50 million keystroke warrenty. These types of keyboards are often used for military and other high performance industries, besides intense gamers.

• Military Night Vision keyboards: Not sure what the popularity or the need for a night vision keyboard is besides actual combat, but someone has built it and it is for sale.

• Flexible on the Go: Great for automotive garages, dental and for journalists in remote locations. Flexible roll up keyboards can bend, fold and twist. They are made of silicone and can be rolled up in a tube. These popular keyboards come in a rainbow of colors and are found internationally. Ideal for wet or dusty environments.

There are a multitude of uses for all of these interesting keyboard inventions. With touch technology, http://www.cirque.com/uploads/products/touchpad_keyboard.html>touchpad keyboard, touch screen monitors and others are going to become much more popular as touch technology grows. From professional to super gaming geek, we all agree that advances in technology benefit all of us.

About the Author:

About the author: Melissa Peterman is a web content specialist for Innuity, for more information about touchpad keyboard choices go to Cirque

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hardware-articles/vintage-or-modern-keyboards-why-some-keyboard-users-prefer-the-click-of-the-keys-and-others-who-don-762873.html

Cool Keyboard by The Little Little Little Toy Company

Monday, January 19, 2009

Can You be a Pro With Rocket Piano

The basic features of Rocket Piano make it a clear example of an instrument tutorial; it brings a professional approach to piano playing addressing the needs of first time learners and more advanced piano fans. Theoretical studies and practical guidelines, music readings and lots of piano tips, these are the elements to expect from a course like Rocket Piano, and even if it will not make you a professional it will help you grow!

Rocket Piano characteristics

The approach to piano learning you'll find in Rocket Piano is a user friendly one, meaning that it addresses basic learning levels with the possibility to develop new skills. The course is pretty fun without giving one the feeling that the theoretical part about the history of music is boring. Rocket Piano focuses on tasks as the most challenging and interesting method to make the student progress.

Even if it is designed as a rapid learning course, Rocket Piano won't teach you how to play piano over night; it still takes a lot of patience and plenty of time for rehearsal in order to evolve to a good knowledge level. The exercises included in the course correspond to high quality standards, and once you get the technique right, ten minutes of practice will work magic for the interpretation of one piece or another. A major achievement of Rocket Piano is that it will guide you on the path to understanding music language.

Though at first glance the targeted goals of Rocket Piano may look too difficult to achieve for someone completely inexperienced, the impression will change after completing some classes. Melody, chords and chord symbols reading, improvisation, scales and arpeggios, these are only a few of the elements developed in the Rocket Piano course.

Any downside to the use of Rocket Piano?

The big disappointment in using Rocket Piano is to discover that you cannot play as expected. Such cases are pretty often since Rocket Piano doesn't prepare only true musicians. Talent is something innate and it is this divine gift that allows one to develop the art further on and achieve astonishing things.

Take things easily and consider Rocket Piano a tool for learning, a form of entertainment or a mode of enriching your knowledge of things. Rocket Piano has been created by a professional, but it doesn't have to create professionals!

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Piano Sheet Music - Notes On Improvising

It is a fact that genuine gifts for composing music is given to very few of us. However, that doesn't mean that an average person can't try composing his or her own pieces. Also, consider, that many songs are not planned to become sheet music ever. Finally, your amateur composing skills can grow, mature, and become a source of profit for you.

Earning royalties is an obvious way to make your compositions generate a profit for you. A nice piece of piano sheet music can earn you several types of royalties. For example, you may charge a percentage from a performer, who produces records with your music piece being used.

A similar method is to get money for your music sheet which is used as a soundtrack for commercial or motion picture. You should keep in mind that songs are not usually written as a plain piano sheet. In most cases, it goes as a combination of various instruments, and this score is presented to an orchestra conductor.

A particular instrumentalist doesn't have to know the part for another instrument. Piano sheet music, as an example, does not need to include a part played by the violin or flute.

What's the difference of piano sheet music from other sheet music?
Country Sheet Music Hits: Easy Piano

The range of available notes for the instrument is the primary factor that distinguishes the music of piano sheet from any other one. A pianoforte is capable of playing from low C to high E, making 41 notes total. Natural notes are played by white or "ivory" keys. Each black key (also known as "ebony") invokes a flat note of the white key to it's right and a sharp one for white key on the left.

Is piano sheet music difficult to understand?

Not at all! All you generally have to do is to study a number of conventions required to understand any sort of sheet music. A note, required to be played, is determined by it's symbol position on the score. The duration of the note is determined by symbol's shape and shade.

These seem to be really tough things to master, but they also are essential basics of piano sheet music. In addition, you may rest assured that after mastering these basics, your piano experience will be much more pleasant. Playing notes can be conducted in several styles - together, quickly one after another, or even practically blended together. The scope of styles and techniques you'll be required to use depends on the piece complexity.

Is it possible to study piano sheet music online?

Sure. There are plenty of online resources providing distinct tutorials on piano sheet music symbols and conventions. They can lead you through the essentials to perform rather complicated tunes. Most of these websites are available free. After mastering the basics, you are free to purchase more advanced piano sheet of your choice.

Summary:

A fact that genuine gifts for composing music is given to very few, doesn't mean that an average person can't try composing his or her own pieces. Your amateur composing skills can grow, mature, and become a source of profit for you. On the Web, there are plenty of resources providing distinct tutorials on piano sheet music symbols and conventions.
Popular Sheet Music Hits- Ez Piano

About the Author:
Brooke Hayles
Check Out More Helpful Information About Piano Sheet Music For FREE!
Visit Piano Sheet Music Online Now!

Article Source:
http://www.freearticles.co.za/culture-and-society/piano-sheet-music-notes-on-improvising.html

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Baldwin Pianos: A History of Strength and Perseverance

Baldwin Pianos: A History of Strength and Perseverance

Author: A. Nutt

The majority of piano companies began in foreign countries, such as Japan or Germany. Baldwin Pianos, however is a 100% American company, founded right here in the US.



From Humble Beginnings



In 1862, a music teacher named Dwight Hamilton Baldwin began a small retail company in Cincinnati. The Baldwin company sold pianos and organs, but at the outset, was only for retail. However, all that changed in 1973 when Baldwin formed a partnership with one of his employees, Lucien Wulsin. Together, the two men expanded the company, setting up little shops in various cities.



By 1980, the partners weren`t satisfied with simply selling other manufacturers` instruments and began to design and plan their own. A year later, the first Baldwin upright piano appeared on the market and four short years later, they had also come out with a grand piano.



Moving On



In 1899, both Baldwin and his wife died. They left their share of the company, 80%, to a church, but it was quickly bought up by Baldwin`s business partner, Lucien Wulsin. Under his leadership, the Baldwin Piano Company thrived and a year later, a Baldwin grand piano garnered the Grand Prix award.



Despite the fact that radio appeared and the Great Depression hit causing many piano companies to go bankrupt, Baldwin not only managed to continue on thanks to an emergency fund that had been gathering for years, the company actually began to do sound research. With the help of the University of Cincinnati, Baldwin worked on investigating new techniques for sound-production.



Pausing for the War



Like other factories, Baldwin stopped producing pianos and focused on aircraft production, instead. It was something that many businesses were forced into, doing their part for the American war effort. This wasn`t a bad thing, however, since the techniques used to make wooden wings for aircraft ended up teaching Baldwin better techniques that would later be used to improve the construction of their pianos.



Once World War II ended, the economy was robust and Baldwin found itself in the middle of a rush of orders for organs and pianos. Churches were looking for new musical instruments after years of frugality and people wanted pianos in their own homes. It was an excellent time to be one of the few piano manufacturers that had made it through the Depression.



As time progressed, the company moved production further south, establishing factories in Arkansas and Mississippi before moving down into Mexico where costs were cheaper. New electronic organs were being produced now, as well and the company was doing very well. But it wouldn`t last for long.



In 1961, Lucien`s grandson, Lucien Wulsin III, took over the company from his father, Lucien Wulsin II. It would mark the beginning of a rollercoaster ride for the small business that nearly ended in bankruptcy in 2001. Despite this, Baldwin pianos has bounced back and today is stronger than ever. They`ve produced over 1,000,000 vertical pianos over the years, established various patents, won awards for their fine piano construction and are bounding into the future with high hopes. Famous Baldwin Artists have included Liberace and composer Aaron Copland and it has been remarked that if Beethoven had the option of playing a piano, music would have changed drastically.


Music at Your Fingertips: Advice for the Artist & Amateur on Playing the Piano

Continuing to produce handmade pianos, Baldwin is proving that it can stand the test of time. An all American company that has worked hard to maintain its original standards of high quality and constantly improving and expanding, Baldwin Pianos is certainly not giving up any time soon.

About the Author:
View our stunning lineup of the best pianos in the world. Renowned piano store offers the prestigious Fazioli piano, Baldwin pianos, Shigeru Kawai or Grotrian.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/baldwin-pianos-a-history-of-strength-and-perseverance-672509.html

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Memorizing Your Piano Lessons

People have been debating the pros and cons of the memory technique used in taking piano learning lessons. Some of the champions of this technique line up a long list of benefits those can be accrued from this technique. Their major claim for the suitability of this technique lies in the perception that the player doesn't need a book to turn to for taking the lessons or playing the piano. Once can simply memorize and start playing the instrument. Another advantage cited by these people is that the player doesn't need to divert his attention to book - one can concentrate solely on the fingers. This focused attention leads to better performance. Moreover, one need not spend time on turning the pages of the book. Add to that the benefit of ability of playing piano anywhere, even if the book is not available. The benefits can be stretched to an extent where the player can play the piano in dark and that it can also be done by closing eyes.

Those against the use of this technique for piano learning lessons assert that this technique is difficult for some people. People with limited memory retention are at a disadvantage to use this technique. Even if a student is good at it, he may forget some parts of the lessons while performing, and this may have detrimental effect on his overall capabilities of taking piano lessons and play at a pro level.

While you are taking piano lessons, it is important to know what to be memorized. In other words, which pieces must be memorized so that the performance is not at risk. One must be very good listener in order to have larger chunk of piece being memorized with ease. Further, you must try to memorize something which you have started practicing. It shouldn't be other way around - you first memorize and then memorize the same.

You or your tutor must be able to analyze the piece by splitting it into parts clearly identifying the rhythmic, melodic and harmonic units separately. This analysis must mandatorily precede memorizing. Experts also offer this piece of advice for those taking piano lessons - technique of verbal mediation. This technique employs simple procedure - student should speak out the lessons and practice it simultaneously. Memorizing process can be reinforced with the help of visual memory.



Article Source: http://www.ArticlesandAuthors.com - THE Premier Site for Articles AND Authors



About this Article Author:


Dave is the owner of www.learn-piano.info and www.play-piano.info websites providing information on playing the piano.