Jan 25 2012

Computers in Music

Posted by admin in entertainment book

The majority of synthesizers and electronic organs have a central brain called a microprocessor. This is a tiny computer, but the synthesizer’s controls are designed so that you do not have to know anything about computers in order to operate the keyboard. This is because the microprocessor has been told, by means of a control program, exactly what to do in response to how you set the instrument’s controls and play the keys. It scans the keyboard and the controls, and sends signals to the relevant parts of the instrument, telling it what to do.
Everybody these days now have access to a personal computer, and these devices can be used for music-making. Unlike the microprocessor in a synthesizer, a personal computer is not a dedicated device. It can perform many tasks, from doing accounts to making sounds, but it can only do these things if you give it the right instructions. These instructions are known as programs, and they need to be fed to the computer before it can make any sense of any further information you want to give it.
To be able to process good sound effects and download good synthesizer sounds and programs, you need a well equipped and up to date computer with lots of memory and RAM. If your current computer is not being used because it broke down sometime ago, and buying a new computer is beyond your current budget. A good computer repair and upgrade is enough to be able to get back in producing creative quality sounds.

Jan 21 2012

The Biggest one hit Wonder by Zager & Evans

Posted by admin in childrens party entertainers

Zager & Evans are a famous duo that wrote the biggest one-hit wonder in the 1960s. Their song, In the Year 2525, had been on the top of the charts for quite some time and gave the duo much deserved fame. Zager & Evans had been together for several years before they wrote and released the song. Since then, they have been known as the duo that had the biggest one hit wonder, In the Year 2525. The song lyrics basically go through generations of a hundred years and predict what the world will be like in that given year, starting in 2525. At the time In the Year 2525 was written, the song was an underlying message about the war that was going on. Zager & Evans became widely known throughout the world with the biggest one hit wonder they released. In the Year 2525 was a big hit and got a lot of press, not only for the song topping the charts, but also for the messages it relayed and brought out. Many people talked about the song, and many still do. There are a lot of things to say about the song by Zager & Evans. There are a lot of things to say about Zager & Evans themselves. The catchy song still catches a lot of people’s attention.
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Jan 21 2012

Learning Violin Chords

Posted by admin in entertainment cabinet

Playing violin chords can be a challenge. There is no shortcut to mastering the technique. The only way to become adept at violin chords is practice, practice, practice! A double stop is the technical term for violin chord. It simply means that you’re playing to notes on adjacent strings at the same time. Two strings are pushed down at the same time or stopped by the fingers, and bowed plucked.
Because of the violin is curved bridge, plucking or bowing more than two strings at the same time is extremely difficult, if not impossible. Antique bows made before the end of the 18th century, had the wood curved away from the hair. The result was that three notes could be played simultaneously by some violinists.
Even with older bows it is almost impossible to play for notes at once on the violin. If the artist is accomplished, he/ she will play the three or four note cord by sounding the lower notes briefly and allowing them to sing, and then sounding the upper notes. This technique is called a broken chord. If it is done correctly, the hearer will believe they heard a true triple or quadruple stop.
You can practice your violin chords, or double stop chords, using a 4/4 beat. Keeping time by taping your foot will help with this process. Learn to count four beats as you are drawing the bow on each chord. It should take for complete beats for you to draw the bow from one end to the other.
It is very important that you use your fingertips when playing double stops. The fingertip technique will ensures that you do not touch adjacent strings while playing violin chords. Your thumb must remain in proper position behind the neck in order to use your fingertips.
It’s important to let the bow do the work when playing double stops. Loosening your bow hair will allow to touch both strings. Make sure you are not pressing too hard.
Allow the harmony of the music to come through. If you are hearing dissonance, your violin may need to be tuned.
Generally accepted music theory states that a chord is a set of three or more different notes. These notes must play of the same time and be in a specific key. Since playing three strings at once on the violin is so difficult, a dyad or two notes of the chord, is what is played. Technically speaking, “violin chords” is a misnomer, since you are only playing two notes.
Musically speaking, a dyad is a set of two notes or pitches.
It is important to reiterate at this juncture to never under estimate the power of practice. As you practice playing violin chords, you’ll find them becoming easier.
Adding technique to your repertoire always increases your enjoyment of playing your instrument. Learning to play a violin chords is no exception.
Hailey Alton is a violin enthusiast. For more great instructional tips on Violin Chords please visit
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Jan 20 2012

Simple Tips To Learning How To Play Piano by Ear

Posted by admin in entertainment agent

When it comes to learning how to play the piano, many have a certain skill that allows them to learn the piano simply by listening to and interpreting the notes as they are played. If you have ever dreamed of learning how to play the piano, odds are you may have dreamed of being able to play the piano without having to fumble with sheet music. Even if your visual senses seem to make it impossible, you too can learn how to play piano by ear with the right training. Here are some simple tips that can help you learn to play piano by ear so you can finally make your piano playing dreams a reality.
First, make sure you have all the required hardware before you start. In order to be successful at learning how to play piano by ear you need to have access to a piano or keyboard. You will also need to make sure you have enough available time in your schedule to practice, because no matter how good you may be at learning, your skills will not improve if you do not practice them.
Second, remember that the piano is only an instrument comprised of 88 keys. While the thought of learning how to play piano by ear may seem quite difficult, it really isn’t if you realize that the skills you need to learn are limited to only 88 keys. These 88 keys also make up 12 straight notes with the first white key being the A note that is followed by the B, C, D, E, F and G notes respectively. After the last white G note, the sequence begins again and it keeps repeating until the last white note is done. This equals out to about 7 repetitions and includes the black notes that represent sharps and flats.
Third, you need to learn the location of the home key. When it comes to learning to play piano by ear, it is imperative that you learn where the middle C is. In order to trace the C note, it is the white key that is located to the left of two black keys. If you find you are still not convinced, stare at your piano. You will notice that the middle part is the C note, which is the first major note of the chord. This step will also require that you learn the right finger placement. The thumb of your right hand will serve as 1 since it will be placed at the C that straddles the middle. From there you will count all the keys going to the right, including the black keys. When you reach 5, you will have found the second note in chord C and your middle finger should rest there. Count to 8 and that will be your final note, which is where your pinkie should rest. In order to be successful at learning how to play piano by ear, you will need to become accustomed to this sequence.
Lastly, you will need to make the time to practice these chords. In order to be successful with learning how to play piano by ear, becoming proficient with the easy chords listed above will help you listen for more difficult chords. For example, if you drop chord number 5 you will obtain a number 4 hollister outlet , which is actually a minor chord. If on the other hand you are playing a C chord, all you need to do is move your finger one key to the left to produce a C minor.
These are just a few of the tips that can help you successfully learn how to play the piano by ear. Take the time to learn the basic chords, and with time and attentive listening you too will be able to play any song you hear by ear.
Lauren Paltrow of LearnPiano-Reviews.com, specializes in helping aspiring pianists get the info that they need to make the right choices. Lauren leads her team of piano experts in constantly reviewing new courses and products in the market to make sure you get the best value products that work for you. Check out actual user reviews of the best piano courses and products at LearnPiano-Reviews.com.

Jan 19 2012

Spotify is really a free of charge music web service

Posted by admin in entertainment book

Spotify Info”>For anyone that haven’t run into Spotify before you decide to may be asking what are the hoopla is about? Nicely Spotify is really a free of charge music internet internet service that enables you to perform unlimited paths using the addition of the infrequent advertisement. The actual adverts tend to be fairly unobtrusive, but for the month-to-month membership ( £10 In the united kingdom) you receive unlimited paths without any ads. The great thing about Spotify is you are able to produce and edit your own play databases just like you can on itunes however and never have to buy the actual music. Spotify have also introduced a brand new function which allows you to save your tracks to your computer to help you perform them without having web entry. The new Spotify iphone app will even allow you to flow as well as save free music directly to your apple iphone!
Sure, Spotify is great on your laptop or pc, however exactly what if you want to play which music through your house audio system? In order to integrate Spotify right into a home audio system you need the stand alone answer that can entry Spotify without having your personal machine. Luckily,Spotify released their own api package deal which allows software program developers to write their very own customized Spotify software. What does this suggest? nicely the actual api will let you create custom software applications to interface with the Spotify client. Numerous great applications have already been created, most are based close to sharing playlists among customers but you can go additional. For example, there\’s an app which lets you stream Spotify to your hifi via Apple\’s International airport as well as Airtunes adapter.
This enables you to perform Spotify music in your hifi, but you’ll still require your laptopPC and it lacks the actual convenience of a bigger built-in whole home program. What’s possible, is to combine Spotify with a machine job application that combines with a variety of controllers, keypads or even touch-panels in the home. One solution is to construct the standalone container which acts as both the Spotify client and a tcp machine that may be managed from a variety associated with ethernet devices through the house. The system could be hidden aside inside a cupboard as well as stand mounted in an current Av hub. This area can be linked directly to a Television or even hifi abercrombie sale , however it is also linked right into a whole house Audio-video system, whereby the Spotify music stream can be changed to any room at home.
Many of the cool Spotify features could be easily incorporated into convenient handheld regulates. Samples of what\’s feasible consist of: the Spotify research function that enables you to research through monitor,recording as well as artist. You can also create a seamless menus program that enables you to research between these groups. You’ll likewise be able to produce and modify play list from the queries as well as include additional people\’s play databases. Such as the Spotify web browser, cover fine art, recording and artist information and even a summary of recommended artists based upon your current music options are possible!

Artical by Eric Rokler.
more: Spotify Info

Jan 18 2012

How to place your songs and music in film, TV and other media

Posted by admin in entertainment agencies

These days, there is a great amount of good music being created and made available to the public. The internet has certainly been a great tool to that end. With all this music out there, today’s artists, songwriters and composers may feel that they are but tiny fish in a huge ocean. But there is a whole industry that exists that many people aren’t even aware of that makes this ocean a whole lot smaller.
Have you ever watched a TV show, commercial or a movie, or heard a radio commercial and wondered where the background music came from? Certainly there are scores of composers for hire who custom compose music on a per project basis. However, this can at times be too expensive for the project’s budget. As a result, there are two similar yet separate industries that exist to fill the need for pre-cleared hassle-free and inexpensive music, and each specializes in their own field.
1) Songs for Film & TV. The Pre-cleared Song industry will represent independent songs on behalf of the artist and pitch their material where appropriate. Uses include, films, TV shows and radio / television commercials. One of the places to promote your music for these uses is “museeks.com”. Not only do they offer you your own free ‘artist’ page, but they also give you the opportunity to have your songs considered for use in the film and TV industries. You can find out more information by visiting www.museeks.com and look for ‘Artist Signup’. Another great site to check to promote your songs for these uses is ‘Taxi’ at www.taxi.com
2) Instrumental “Production Music”. The Production Music industry puts together collections of instrumental music and makes it available to the film, TV, and media industry for easy, hassle free use. Uses include films, TV shows and commercials, radio spots, documentaries hollister , corporate videos, multi-media presentations, and many others.
Songs for film, TV and commercials is a narrow niche that is extremely complicated in terms of negotiating a fee structure. Some of the considerations are as follows: Will the movie containing the song be a limited release film or will it be a general release across North America or the world? Will the video be released for sale or rent 6 months after the theater release? How many copies will be made, and in what territories will they be available? Will the film be translated into a foreign language in the future? Will it be shown as a re-run 5, 10 15 or 20 years from now on late night TV? Will it be shown on airlines as entertainment? Will the song be included on a “soundtrack CD” and sold in stores? Each of these uses has its own fee and must be itemized in the Contract, so it is best left up to people who specialize in this field to do the negotiating.
Basically, producers look for songs that are in sync with the same message that their production is trying to convey. For example, a song for a car commercial will have to project the image of freedom and independence, attitude, affluence or whatever other feelings they want you to imagine by owning that car. Similarly, songs for films or TV shows have to fit the scene where they will be used. I recently had a producer contact me who was looking for a sexy jazz vocal piece for a scene in a film where the lead actors were walking through a smoky bar. The music has to create the mood of the scene in the mind of the viewer. I have also had many requests for songs that were “positive and uplifting” without being religious. “America The Beautiful” is a prime example of this type of song.
Many people ask, “why don’t producers simply use popular songs from CD’s available in stores”? They can, but it will cost them a lot of time in securing permission as well as a considerable amount of money, because somebody owns the rights to that music. (Microsoft reportedly paid The Rolling Stones seven figures to use a small snippet of their song “Start Me Up” in a TV commercial). They could even be refused permission regardless of cost. Permission would have to be sought from two different parties; the publisher (owner of the copyright in the actual music) and from the record company (owner of the copyright in the recording).
Instrumental production music is similar to the song industry except that it is easier to get music placed as there are many more opportunities available. Production music companies press CDs of instrumental music (all styles) and offer it to producers in 3 different ways:
1) Blanket License – For an annual fee, the producer has the unlimited right to use the music on a lease basis for a specified term.
2) Laserdrop License – Music is made available to the producer on a “pay-per-use” basis, and he must pay a set fee each time he uses music provided by the company.
3) Buy-Out License – The producer purchases the CD’s of production music outright, and the purchase price includes the right to unlimited use of the music forever. In each of the above cases, the producer is still required to submit cue sheets and report usage to the appropriate performance rights society for all public performance of any production containing the music. This allows both the composer and the publisher to collect performance royalties. This reporting does not involve an additional fee to the producer.
What is “Copyright”? It is the protection given by the state (governing body of each country) to those who create intellectual property such as literary works, plays, musical compositions, etc. “Copyright” itself includes three separate and distinct rights:
1) Mechanical Rights – The right to make copies (tapes, CD’s, videos, etc) of copyrighted works. No person can make a mechanical reproduction of a copyrighted musical work without the permission of the copyright owner.
2) Synchronization Rights – The right to synchronize, re-record or utilize a musical recording in timed relation with a visual image or another sound or voice. This would include all forms of radio or TV commercials, shows, motion pictures, videos, etc.
3) Performance Rights – The right to perform musical works in public through radio, television, concert halls, restaurants and bars, background music systems (banks, grocery stores, elevators), and so on. Radio and TV stations pay an annual fee to the performance rights societies (such as BMI, ASCAP, SOCAN, PRS etc) for the right to perform music over the air. From the data that these societies receive from stations (i.e. cue sheets), the relevant composers and publishers get their appropriate shares of performing fees (residuals) which is paid out from the pool of funds collected. The performing rights societies are part of an international network of affiliates which exchange cue sheets and program information and collect and distribute performing fees to composers and publishers around the world.
What does it take to have your music considered? Here’s the Criteria:
* Your songs or instrumental music must be professionally recorded and mastered, and be of top quality.
* You must own your own Publishing, Copyright and Master Recording. In other words, you have not assigned these rights to any other person or company.
* You must have agreements/release forms with the producer, performers, studio etc that you control all rights and that they have no claim to any income that may be generated as a result of the performance or use of your song or instrumental music.
* You must acknowledge that your song or composition is completely original, and that you did not copy any part from any other source. All samples (if used in your music) must be pre-cleared and royalty-free.
I hope that this article has been beneficial in helping you to understand this segment of the music industry. If you have instrumental music that you would like to be considered for inclusion in a production music library, simply do a web search for “production music” and read each site for their submission policies. In future articles, I will cover issues related to public domain and copyright protection.
Good Luck to all of you, and always keep faith in yourself and trust that the Universe will guide you in the right direction!
——– Rick Ivanoff is the owner of Dog Star Music Publishing. Since 1976 he has been involved in the music industry as a songwriter, performer, producer, jingle writer, studio musician, publisher, promoter and licensing agent as well as dealing with the issues of Copyright Law. Visit his web sites:
www.rickivanoff.com www.dogstarmusic.com www.trytheseoffers.com

Jan 17 2012

Using your gigs to get more work; How offering free tickets to the press can get you media coverage

Posted by admin in entertainment cabinet

We all could use a little extra money in our pockets from time to time. As musicians, finding that extra money can often be a very difficult thing to do. One of the best ways to insure yourself a steady stream of income is making sure you have plenty of work and publicity is the key to filling up your schedule.
If you find yourself in need of some extra publicity, one of the best ways to get media coverage is inviting the media to attend your performances. If you are playing a gig at a local restaurant, you want the local newspaper reporter to be sitting on the front row. If you landed the opening act at the county fair, you want the television crews to be filming your performance. But how do you get these folks to come see the show?
This is actually quite simple if you understand a little bit about human psychology. Every one likes free… It’s a word that marketers have been using for decades because it grabs the attention. This little human tendency to want something for free is the hook you need to bait when you are fishing for media attention.
As a recording artist abercrombie and fitch , you should already have a press kit put together. If not, check out some of the other articles in this series and learn how to build effective press kits that attract attention and get media coverage. Now that you have a press kit, you want it to perform at its optimal level so you need to do a few things.
First, keep it updated. You want the media to know where you are playing and when at all times. If they can’t find you, they can’t cover you so this is an absolute necessity.
Second, bait the hook. As we mentioned earlier, everyone wants a freebie. Writers for the mass media are often in the same boat as musicians. They are on very tight budgets and while the publisher might make a few allowances for ticket prices and such to see a popular show as part of their job, many writers have to use their own money to pay for their tickets, especially in the case of new or unknown bands. If you include invitations to free performances or free tickets to your next concert in your press kit, you have just increased your chances of seeing good media coverage because A) the writer just got a free ticket to see a show and make money by writing about it and B) the writer will likely feel more inclined to write a favorable review of your performance because you let them try your music for free.
This extra media coverage then turns into more gigs for you. How? Through a process called word of mouth advertising. When the media covers your event, they write a review for their readers. Their readers then decide if they might be interested in seeing your show and, hopefully, they also discuss your bands performance with other people in their network. Just like online social networking, the real world social network can quickly snowball into a huge following for your band. Venue owners love to hire popular acts so when people start mentioning your name to them or they read rave reviews of your performances, you can rest assured the phone won’t stop ringing for some time.
Your gigs can get you more work if you know how to use them to your advantage. Getting the media to cover your gigs is just one of the many ways to build publicity and find more paying gigs.
To get more free information on how to sell your music online like crazy visit and read his blog at