Dec 2nd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
The US Marine Band, also called “The President’s Own” United States Marine Band, is the oldest such band in the USA. The US Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress in 1798.
Like other military bands in the USA, the Marine Band has more than one unit. These are the United States Marine Band, Marine Chamber Ensemble and the Marine Chamber Orchestra. The band is expected to perform various musical activities, such as perform at official and ceremonial events and band concerts.
Dec 2nd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
Being born blind never proved to go against the music in Arthur Tatum Jr’s heart. One of the most technically sound pianists, his technique and compositions manage to boggle musicians even in this advanced day and age.
Born on the 13th of October 1909, Arthur Tatum could barely see from one eye after having cataracts in one eye with the other having limited vision - a condition which he had from when he was just months old. A child prodigy, he started by learning how to play the piano rolls from recordings which his mother used to play at home. He slowly started playing duets not knowing that they were meant to be played as duets but playing both the parts himself.
Dec 2nd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
It’s that time of week again: time for your scheduled piano lesson. There’s just one problem: You don’t want to go. In fact, you’re dreading it. What should you do?
First off, reconsider why you’re taking piano lessons. Are you taking up the piano because of your love of music? If so, that’s great! The first part of the equation is settled.
Next, are you studying the piano because you love the instrument; how it sounds, the way it plays? Do you love how creative you can be with a set of keys in front of you? Do you love the possibilities for creative musical expression a piano allows? When compared to other instruments, do you keep leaning towards the piano?
Dec 2nd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
Playing the piano can be therapeutic. If you have had a stressful day, go home and pound those keys. Before you know it you’ll be having such a good time you will have forgotten all about how bad your day was.
Come to think of it piano playing could become your best therapy. If your boss gets you steamed go home pick out the loudest and rowdiest song you know and have at it. Imagine that he/she has to sit there and listen. Play it 10 or 12 times if you have to but by the time you’re done you will be smiling.
Nov 30th, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
The great Memphis musician B.B. King was a blues guitarist and singer who is one of the most famous musicians ever to be associated with Memphis. He was born on September 16, 1925 as Riley B. King. He began his career as a Memphis musician in 1946, and quickly became a shining star of the citys music.
Nov 29th, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
It’s easy for your guitar playing to get stuck in a rut. It’s inevitable that when you really work on a style and sound of your own you can find yourself repeating the same things over and over, eventually boring yourself with your own playing. It can be hard to break out of this feeling, and it’s a major contributor to the dreaded writer’s block.
Nov 26th, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
The amazing quality of Kawai pianos stems from the careful dedication of the company to maintaining the impressive sound. It`s a sound that has been described as a blanket of velvet…something that one really must experience personally in order to understand.
In the Beginning
Koichi Kawai started the Kawai Musical Instrument Research Laboratory with several other men back in 1927. As a pre-teen, Kawai had been recruited by Torakusu Yamaha as apprentice in his piano workshop. The young man worked hard and was a key factor in the production of many award-winning pianos by Nippon Gakki Co., founded by Yamaha.
Nov 26th, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
Our modern world of advanced technology and hi speed internet communication has touched every aspect of our lives, especially the music industry. Music has progressed the most in terms of the arts and creative industry, more people are confident and free to experiments with sounds and devices. Many musicians fuse raw guitar licks with electric notes created from a software programme and a keyboard or a KB-37 that allows for different sound manipulations.
Nov 23rd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
In trying to describe to someone what makes a great drummer, it always comes down to, “Do they really know how to play drums?” Do they understand that drumming is more of an art form, and takes a tremendous amount of time and dedication to the craft before one can say, “I know how to play drums.”
Nov 23rd, 2008 | Ezines and Newsletters | No Comments
When I encounter most young drummers today, the most prominent question seems to be, “How can I develop speed around the drum kit?” I always follow that up with, “What is your purpose for playing fast?” Often that leaves a pause, with an uncertain answer that leaves them wondering, “What is the reason I want to play fast on the drum kit?” Usually it is selfish in nature. For example, “I want my friends to see how fast I can play”, or “I want to play fast like this particular drummer”, etc…