Hammond Music

Archive for August, 2009

Nobody could make a sandwich famous like Elvis Presley could. In fact, Elvis made a lot of things famous – peanut and banana sandwiches (not the sandwich in question), pink Cadillacs, etc. Being the King, and generous to a fault, Elvis liked to share the things he loved with the people he spent time with. What follows is a tale that demonstrates this fact to the extreme.

It was February 1976, and Elvis was hanging out at Graceland with Captain Jerry Kennedy, member of the Denver police, Ron Pietrafeso, leader of Colorado’s Strike Force Against Crime, plus a couple of his other buddies. They were hanging out in the “jungle room” – a room decorated with Tiki-type accessories, a large waterfall, and rabbit-fur pillows.

Elvis ruled over the room from his Kon Tiki Throne as he talked with his guests. Since two of the fellows were from Colorado, Elvis told them about a visit he’d had in Colorado on one of his tours. After a concert he went to a restaurant called The Colorado Mine Company, where he ordered the most outrageous thing on the menu – a $49.95 sandwich called the Fool’s Gold Loaf.

The Mine Company (named after the fact that Colorado mined for gold, silver, and other precious metals) was a very popular dining attraction and social hub. It would have been a coup for such a place to have The King visit after one of his concerts, and they would have delighted in his ordering the house special.

And special it was. The recipe for the Fool’s Gold Loaf is as follows: take a loaf of bread and pretty much coat it in butter or margarine. Toast it up in the oven, and while you’re at it fry up a whole pound of bacon. Pull the “guts” out of the bread (hollow out the soft stuff) and slather a whole jar’s worth peanut butter AND a whole jar’s worth of grape jelly into the cavity of the bread. Take the freshly-crisped up bacon and stick it in there too. Close the sandwich up, slice it, and eat it…if you dare.

This was the sandwich Elvis told his guests about that February night at Graceland. Both Colorado natives were fascinated. They’d never had this expensive sandwich before. And the way Elvis talked about it made it sound pretty good. One of the guys exclaimed that he sure would like to try a sandwich like that, and Elvis jumped into action.

Next thing you knew, they were all on their way to the Memphis airport where the Lisa Marie, Elvis’s private jet, was waiting. Someone called ahead to the Colorado Mine Company and ordered the meal to be delivered to the hangar in Denver. The proprietors of the Mine Company hopped into action, and thanked heaven they had recently stocked up on PB &J. They got the takeout order – 21 Fool’s Gold Loaves, a case of Perrier, and a case of champagne – delivered to the airport hangar in the nick of time.

Elvis and his buddies dined on the not-so-healthy sandwiches (Elvis made sure to order enough for both pilots and invited those pilots to pig out with them) and flew back to Memphis right away, bellies full with quite a story to tell in the morning.

Throughout the history of music, the violin has proven to be one of the most adaptable musical instruments around. Known as a fiddle by many, the violin is not only versatile in its use but also in the scope and range of the people that use it.  The sheer number of people who have undertaken to learn how to play the violin is dwarfed only by the musical genres, scenarios and venues in which violins are found.

Violins have featured prominently in many small town and farm festivals as being one of the instruments used during the town dance.  Violins are also largely used in a grand orchestra, often playing classical music pieces to the affluent and upper crust of society.  The versatility of the violin is primarily seen in the musical genres wherein it is used.  Most often, violins are seen being used alongside a host of other instruments in an orchestra, where the enduring strains of the violin lend a lofty sound to the body of the harmony.  

Violins were also introduced into the eclectic world of jazz in the 1920s, generating an off-beat sound that lent a playful tone to otherwise somber jazz tunes.  The 1960s saw a growing number of violin players lending their music to popular songs being recorded and played during the era, thus officially ushering the violin into pop world.

A look back in history, however, will show that the violin is the embodiment of classical music, since it shows up a lot in historical accounts, as well as in folk songs that are handed down from generation to generation.  The romance and allure of the music that comes from the violin has been an undeniable part of musical history throughout the ages, and continues to be a preferred instrument for many, as evidenced by the creation of the electronic violin, made to compliment modern electronic instruments.

Many would like to learn how to play the violin because, of all the instruments, it comes off as one of the most convenient, as it is quite easy to transport, being quite compact compared to other instruments.  The violin has enough acoustics produced by its own body to produce ample sound to fill an average sized auditorium even without pick-up sound system.  Perhaps one of the most common reasons why many people want to learn how to play the violin is the fact that it is considered the height of class and breeding when one knows how to play the classics on a violin.

These are just some of the many reasons why people would want to learn how to play the violin.

Stage fright can prove detrimental to the performance of  the best singer. So if you want to know how to sing well and improve your performance you will need to overcome stage fright. Facing an audience is by no means an easy task and it can be the most intimidating experience of your life. The fact remains that even legendary singers are not spared from the grips of stage fright. The following tips on how to sing well will help you to overcome stage fright. 

You will not feel nervous if you practice enough. Try hard to not be pessimistic and wonder about what happens if you forget the words or the melody. The more you practice the more comfortable you will be with your act. This will help you to get rid of the nervousness. 

It is also important that you don’t see the audience as your enemy who is just there to see you mess up. Since the audience has paid to watch you perform they don’t want you to fumble. On the contrary you should derive strength from your audience and their accolades. 

Before you go out to face the crowd always say a little prayer this will help to lift your spirits. 

Think of a famous person who sings and performs very well according to you and imagine that you are not yourself but this other performer. Give yourself a talk about how good you are. 

It is important to know that the physical sensations of nervousness are normal and everybody feels them, also try deep breathing and counting to ten. 

Usually looking at the audience is what makes performers break into a cold sweat. And the age old trick of imagining your audience naked doesn’t always work. Some of us may actually start laughing at the though. So instead look at the audience but over their heads or at their faces but not into their eyes. Looking into the bright lights is another way to avoid the audience’s gaze. 

Knowing your abilities can also increase your confidence. And last but not the least imagine yourself delivering a power packed performance and the audience showering you with accolades. Your imagination can certainly help you to deliver a grand performance. 

If you want more information about learning how to sing please visit Learn How To Sing Well 

Or 

Visit my Blog How To Sing Well 

If you want to teach yourself to sing there are various ways to do so. One of the options is to enroll for a professional voice coaching session. But more often than not these classes are very expensive. But as a beginner you may not be able to afford the high fees so here are some guidelines that will help you to find inexpensive ways to learn to sing. You should try and find an option that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg yet it provides you with all the necessary information to develop your singing skills. 

One obvious choice is to look online. The internet has a massive choice of options for you if you want to teach yourself to sing. A number websites will help you with information related to the different singing techniques. Since you will begin with exercises for vocal conditioning most websites will have a section dedicated to them. Since breathing correctly is vital for your singing, the exercise routine will also contain proper breathing activities. Generally for a small fee you can get the complete online training course which will not only include tutorials but also have instructional videos demonstrating the techniques and exercises. The video material comes in handy when you want to analyze your performance. 

A second way is online singing software. These programs are very advanced and give you the feel of a real life studio. Also you will be able to record your voice to check your progress. The software analyzes your performance to give you automatic feedback that will include information on segments where your performance went awry. This will help you to iron out your mistakes and will make you feel like you have an instructor with you to lead you in the right directions. The only difference is that you will spend a fraction of what you would be spending after instructor led training sessions. The added flexibility that comes with learning from your own home is another advantage. 

With communication over the internet at its peak many famous voice coaches and trainers are now conduction online sessions. You can get the same feel and benefits from these sessions as you would from a normal voice coaching session. The coach will be available to guide you through different messenger services like skype. Even though this way is more expensive than the other two the benefits are well worth the price. So even though normally it would be impossible to reach these trainers because of geographical constraints internet has made it possible to learn from them. If you are still not sure you can always register for the free introductory sessions offered by many trainers. 

So, as you can see, it is not very difficult to teach yourself to sing all you will need is your own determination, hard work and perseverance and who knows very soon you may be getting your very first standing ovation. 

If you want more information about learning how to sing please visit Teach Yourself To Sing 

Or 

Check out my blog Teach Yourself To Sing 

The X Factor is due to hit our screens again and the auditions have already began. But I was reading an article on the BBC site about what actually genuinely happens at the X Factor auditions and it seems more or less like a immense wedding ceremony even instead of a singing position. This is what is rumored to have happened.

You are meant to be at the venue at 9am, if you turn up any later you will not be seen. The queues were fundamentally said to be how they are in theme parks, but on all of the rides combined. There was a huge amount of time spend queing before people actually got invited to the 02 arena. After hours of queuing the man said that the auditions had still not started but instead, the production team were running around handing out banners that say I love you Cheryl, or Pick me Simon. Which is quite astonishing as you always thought that these were made by the public.

Ok the auditions were about to start, but there were no judges to be seen anywhere. Nope, everyone had to sing into a booth and if the production squad liked them, then they would come back back to sing again in front of a more senior member, before being allowed to be shown in front of the judges.

There are literally cameras all over and all I can really and authentically compare it too is a wedding, where everything is planned right down to the tee, you have everything in place to make a good show. But are the lower end of the production team able to spot superb talent? Or have they alternatively been taught to find something that will be entertaining for the Television screens.

For great wedding photography, wedding photographs and a great kent wedding photographer

Learn to sing online is fast turning into the most popular ways to learn singing. There are several benefits associated with this way of learning to sing. 

The primary benefit is that most programs that help you to learn to sing online are extremely affordable and often cost a fraction of traditional private singing lessons. 

Also since you are learning to sing online you can do it at your own convenience from the comforts of your own home. 

If you are just beginning and would like to cut your teeth on some beginner level lessons first before heading to an expensive singing coach you can start by purchasing online singing softwares. 

If you want to learn to sing online there are several option on front of you many of which offer free tutorials and instructional videos to help you learn the beginner level exercises. 

Another advantage of learn to sing online courses is the fact that you are learning alone so you don’t feel conscious. The programs are designed to help you eliminate the problematic areas and hone your singing skills. 

If you choose to learn to sing online with the help of a software you should check for the following features in the software to get good value for your money: 

• The program should have a section on reading music sheets.

• Proper breathing techniques are essential to increase your stamina so the program must contain information related to this.

• Tips on correcting faulty singing habits.

• Voice Recording and automated feedback are two other essential features.

• Includes exercises and tools that will help to develop vocal range.

• Finally, the program should also have information on exercises that will help you develop vocal resonance control. 

On the other hand if you choose to learn singing online by going for online coaching you will need to check the credentials of the online instructor. Also you will need to see if the coach is flexible in terms of schedule and how much you will have to pay per lesson. It is also important that the instructor have some experience in dealing with students at your level. If check the online coaching sites you will get information about the coaches experience, level of expertise, lesson plans and customer reviews. It is not unusual to find many trainers offering free beginner level sessions so that you can get a gist of things to come. 

People who are interested in instructional programs should make sure that the program not only includes tutorial but also has audio and video demonstrations. The more detailed the a tutorial the easier it will be for you to learn from it. Ideally the tutorial should be enough to get you started on your way to learn singing. It is important that you also get the opportunity to listen to the correct version as a beginner and that is where the audio/video demonstrations will be very useful. 

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced singer learn to sing online courses are a perfect way to hone your skills. Most learn to sing online programs are not only available at competitive rates but are also very effective. 

If you’d like more info about learning how to sing please visit Learn How To Sing Online 

Or 

Visit my blog at Learn To Sing Online 

It’s become quite enticing these days for people to want to learn to play a musical instrument like the guitar, thanks to rock music becoming more popular over the last few decades.

There are many people, from the teenager with rock star hopes to the neighbour next door who just wants to play because its fun, who wishes to learn to play the guitar. People can find that learning to play is not what they thought and give up after a small while because they couldn’t find the best way to learn guitar.

We all have different lives and various learning needs and because of this, it can turn into quite a challenge when it comes to learning to play. If you think your guitar playing can improve, you may not have discovered the most ideal method to learn guitar just yet. Below is a run down of several decent methods that can help you learn.

Guitar Lesson Books

If you’re the type of person who has a lot of patience, the best method to learn guitar might be to gradually work your way through a guitar lesson book. They are usually quite inexpensive and there are loads of decent, useful guitar lesson books about. Thing is, as you can’t listen to or view any examples, a lot of people discover that attempting to learn from them isn’t quite effective enough.

Video Guitar Lessons

As you can watch and hear what is being taught with video guitar lessons, they are most likely a more favorable way as compared to books. You can buy video guitar lessons from many places including most music stores and online too, they can come on DVD or as online video. If you went to a local guitar tutor for guitar lessons, you’d be able to get immediate feedback which unfortunately you can’t with video lessons however they do have the advantage where you can learn from the comfort of your own home and at your own speed.Video guitar lessons are a brilliant way to how to teach yourself guitar.

Private Guitar Lessons

If you’re willing to spend a bit more time and money on your guitar education, then taking private guitar lessons might be the most optimal method to learn guitar. You’ll get helpful feedback that can better your playing with a decent guitar tutor plus they can help to keep you motivated. A guitar teacher can also suit your learning needs by customizing every lesson to you which is an added benefit.

Learn to Play by Ear

If you reckon you have a ok musical ear, this might be the most ideal method to learn guitar as it can be a lot of enjoyable. Check out Riffmaster Pro. Guitar lesson software is can be found these days which can make it easier to learn songs by slowing them down.

Playing guitar should everytime be fun, always remember that. If you’re discovering that not to be the case, it might have quite a bit to do with your learning method. You may have to investigate a few different learning methods before you stumble upon the most ideal one that works for you. Being taught by a guitar teacher does tend to be the most optimal way for some people.

Its only in recent years that I have really appreciated the advantage that I had through growing up in a very musical family. My mother played piano at home and my dad was an accomplished jazz guitarist.

Having children of my own I can see how they have benefited from having access to guitars and other musical instruments as they’ve grown up. They’ve never been pushed toward any particular instrument or forced to attend piano or violin lessons. Instead we’ve tried to ensure that they are provided with encouragement and resources, in the form of a few instruments, and we think that this approach has been really good for them.

Our youngest boy has no interest in playing an instrument of making music. He is far more interested in football and online gaming. However his older brother was bashing out rhythms on a toy drum kit from about the age of three. By the time he’d reached seven he was regularly jamming, with me on guitar, on his little child size drum kit.

My daughter has a particularly rebellious personality and she has always liked to challenge both her mother and me, ever since she was a toddler. However, in recent years she too has begun to take a keen interest in music but for her this involves DJing and playing her music so loud that it prompts our neighbours to ask if it can be turned down. Her interest in DJ equipment and modern dance music has led to her developing skills in music production using computers and it’s looking like she will progress to a music technology course at college.

I think that parental influence has clearly affected the inclinations and interests of my three children. We’ve always tried to ensure that boundaries are clearly defined but encouraged them to be independent. Their independence and self reliance is becoming increasingly apparent as they grow toward adulthood. We just wish that our daughter wouldn’t keep upsetting the neighbours with her loud dance music.

beginner guitar lessons

You are now about to learn about how to position a guitar and tune it in this simple guitar lesson.

First you will learn about positioning a guitar.  Start by sitting on an armless chair that will provide support for your back.  Your back should be resting comfortably against the back of the chair.  Bending in a slouch while playing, will develop strain in your back, so remember good posture all the time.  When sitting in an armless chair, be sure that there is a lot of room on both sides of you so you can hold your guitar properly and move your arms.

Once seated, place the guitar on your lap with the strings facing outward.  Check that the guitar body is on top of the leg that is farthest from the headstock.  If you are right handed, the guitar body should rest on your right leg.  The majority of acoustic guitars will have curved indentations that are great for playing the guitar on your leg.  If you are holding the guitar properly then the sixth string should be close to your chest and the first string should be close to your feet.    

Your fret hand will be your left hand if you are right handed, and if you are left handed, then it will be your right hand.  You should grip the neck of the guitar gently with your fretting hand.  The thumb should be the only finger placed behind the guitar’s neck.  The other four fingers in front, are placed slightly bent, over the strings.  It is very important to curl the fingers at the knuckles unless an instructor tells you not too. 

Next we are going to discuss guitar picking techniques.  When beginning to play the guitar, you should purchase a set of guitar picks.  A guitar pick is a small flat tool that you use to strum the guitar.  Picks are relatively cheap so you can buy a few at a time to keep handy.  Best try to start with the pick that is not too stiff or too thin.  Picks are made of various materials, including, rubber, plastic, wood, metal, tortoiseshell, and stone.  They are usually in the shape of a triangle but other shapes are available from manufacturers.

Now that you are seated properly and are holding the right pick, we proceed with the lesson on strumming the guitar.

Your picking hand will be nearest the bridge of your guitar.  You should open up the hand you will be picking or “strumming” the guitar with.  The palm should face you.  Next, place the thumb on top of the bent index finger.   Make sure that you rotate the hand so the knuckle of the thumb is facing toward you.  With your free hand you should slide in the guitar pick between your index finger and thumb. This should make the pick more stable.  The pick should end up behind the thumb’s knuckle.

You should hold the pick firmly and the pointed portion of the pick should be pointing away from your fist and should be sticking out about ½ inch.  The strumming hand should be positioned over the sound hole when using an acoustic guitar, and over the guitar body when using an electric guitar.  Place your strumming hand above the strings.

Your picking hand should not sit on the body or stings of the guitar.  Using your wrist, not your arm, strum the lowest string downward.  If the string rattles too much, do not use a lot of the pick surface or strum softer.  Then strum it again, this time, upwards.

Try this a few times.  Try to lower the motion of your picking hand by doing a short pick downwards and a short pick upwards.  Now repeat the process with the rest of the strings.

Holding the pick always feels awkward at first.  You will have to concentrate on your picking hand when you begin practicing the guitar.  Your downstrokes and your upstrokes should sound the same.  Also remember you will sound bad at first but this will change with practice.  Just be patient and you might turn out to be the next guitar superstar!

flute lessons

Playing the flute is quite easy and at the same time enjoyable to learn. The lessons associated with learning how to play flute is quite easy to follow step by step guide. Here is a program I designed to help you get started on how to play the flute.

Step 1 – Learn the proper way of producing sound.

Lessons on how to play the flute should always begin with the basic essentials. The first lesson is to know how to blow properly on the flute to generate the desired sound. Initially, a beginner will take some time before he can bring out a really clean sound. To start with, blow on the embouchure hole with your lips shaped as if to say “toooooooooooooo”.

Keep blowing continuously as long as you can, and see how long you can produce the tone until your breath fades away. Repeat this procedure over and over again to help you extend your skill in holding the long notes.

Proper Fiinger Positioning.

Playing the flute will involve all ten fingers of your hands. The proper way of holding the flute is by creating a “C” shape by your hand for the thumb to support the weight of the flute. It won’t be easy to do this at first, but later on you will get use to it. Once you figure this out, you will observe a need to maintain good posture and balance while holding the flute to properly play it and produce the best sounds.

Good posture can be attained by focusing on balancing these three things: the flute embouchure, your left pinkey and your right thumb.

Step 3 – Learn to Read the Fingering Chart.

The fingering chart is a diagram of notes and circles, designed to help the flutist place the right fingers on the right holes, to produce the different sounds. Every fingering chart looks similar to produce universality in the fluting world. The blackened circles are keys that need to be pressed down and the while circles are keys that need to be kept open. One example is playing the Middle Octave C. The fingering chart teaches that to play this note properly, the first finger of the right hand has to be pressed simultaneously with the pinkey of the left hand.

Step 4 – Be knowledgeable about the Different Types of Notes.

Learning the different types and values of notes should be prioritized in learning different musical instruments. With the flute, only the very basic notes, like the whole note, half note, quarter note, eight note, and the sixteenth note, need to be memorized.

Step 5 – Reading the Music.

Finally, the last lesson on this introduction to playing the flute is the lesson on reading the music. This lesson is normally comprised of the following sub-lessons: Learning the clefs, time signatures, types of rests and basic counting when playing the flute.