Learn to Play Piano - 5 Elements of Music to Learn Before Taking Lessons

Learning to play piano or any musical instrument needs knowledge of the code that allows music to be read and to make sense.

1. Music is played at a speed depending on the type of music it is. To achieve this two things are written on the music. The first is to split the ledger lines (also known as the staff or stave) into sections with vertical lines. These are called bars or measures. Local to the clef on the left of the ledger lines, a time signature is placed there to show the timing of the music. This could be 4/4 or 3/4 or other such numbers. In the case of 4/4 this would mean that each section between the bars would have 4 beats or counts in each section. The other 4 would indicate the type of note that each of the beats would be. In this example the beats are quarter notes so are short notes meaning that the music would be of an average speed. If the time signature had been 4/2 there would still be 4 beats in each section but the number 2 represents a 1/2 note which is slower than a 1/4 note resulting in a slower speed.

2. The pitch between notes can have half pitch notes. These are called sharp notes or flat notes. They are represented on the music by the sign # for sharp and b for flat. Sharps and flats can be confusing as the same half note can be called sharp or flat. For example the half note above G is G# the whole note above G is A. The half note below A is exactly the same note as G#. This time we call it Ab.

3. Understanding where the half pitch notes on piano are is very easy. All you do at this stage is either go to the next black key to left or right of a white key this is counting up in half notes, Progressing from left to right the black notes will be called sharp and if progressing from right to left the black notes will be called flat.

4. Music can be played in a number of ways. Bright, sad, soft, loud, aggressively, to name just a few. In addition to the notes and timing the music has comments written on it. These can be whole words but are generally shortened to a single letter. An example would be (f) meaning fortissimo or loudly, or (p) meaning pianissimo or softly. There are many more that will need to be learned as your learning increases.

5. Not all music is suitable to be played by all instruments. The piano cannot bend strings as a guitar can or other such things. A guitar cannot play 5 bass notes and 5 upper pitch notes at the same time such as a piano can. A violin cannot play three or four notes at the same time to form a chord which flat string instruments can. The choice of music needs care to ensure it is suitable for your instrument.

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Jackie Clark has been teaching piano, keyboard and guitar for over 30 years in several countries. She has a 100% success rate with pupils taking exams in traditional teaching methods and also has on line courses of instruction

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Buying a Guitar - Before Breaking Out Your Wallet

Before you walk into your local music store ready to plop down your hard-earned dough on a new guitar, you need to take stock of what you're doing. You need to ask yourself some tough questions about buying a guitar - and you need to do so now.

Start developing your purchasing plan by answering some specific questions about exactly what you want in a guitar - and how much you can spend to attain it. Narrowing your scope doesn't mean that you can't change your mind after you get to the store and see all the nifty instruments available or that you can't let on-the-spot inspiration and whim play a significant part in your final decision. ("I just can't decide between these two guitars... oh, what the heck! Just give me both of them!") But you do need a point from which to depart.

In focusing in on the instrument of your (practical) dreams, ask yourself the following questions before buying a guitar:

1.What's my level of commitment? Regardless of your current ability, do you realistically envision yourself practicing every day for the next five years, pursuing a dedicated program of guitar excellence? Or do you first want to see whether this whole "guitar thing" is going to stick? Just because you can afford a $1,000 guitar doesn't mean that you should necessarily buy it. Before plunking down any cash, honestly determine the importance of the guitar in your life and then act responsibly according to that priority. (Or completely ignore this advice and go crazy, you guitar-playing rebel, you!)

2. What's my spending limit? The answer to this question is critical because, often, the more expensive the guitar, the greater its appeal. So you need to balance your level of commitment and your available resources. You don't want to have to give up food for six months and live in a cardboard box just because you got carried away in a moment of buying fever at the music store. You can very easily overextend yourself - especially in these days of generous credit limits. If you don't set a limit on how much you can spend, you can't know whether you exceed that limit... or by how much.

3. Am I a "new-guitar person" or a "used-guitar person"? You're going to have a much easier time comparing attributes among new guitars. And all the retail and discount prices of new instruments are pretty much standardized - which is not, however, to say that all the prices are the same; stores usually discount at different rates. Expect to pay between 10 and 35 percent off the "list" price (manufacturer's suggested retail price) when buying a guitar at a music store and a slightly higher discount if you're going online or mail order. Big chains offer better discounts than smaller pop stores, because they buy in quantity and get a better price from the manufacturer.

Singer and songwriter Jim Byrne has been a guitar player all his life. His songs has a twist of bluesy folk, country, Americana and Scottish. Discover more useful tips that will help you when buying a guitar, as he offers some great all-around advice for beginner and advanced players alike. Visit Jim's website for more guitar playing and songwriting tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free => http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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Before Guitar Playing - Developing a Buying Strategy

Before you can fully enjoy guitar playing, you should embark on something exciting: buying a new guitar. You go to the music store and immediately face a world of possibilities, a supermarket of tantalizing choices. Every guitar on the wall seems to scream, "Pick me! Pick me!" Should you resist, exercise restraint, and avoid the models you know you can't afford?

Heck, no. Be bold and just try any model that strikes your fancy. After all, you're not asking to test drive the Ferrari appearing in the showroom window; you're simply asking the salesperson to see how different guitars feel and sound. And you're not being frivolous either. Before you dive into guitar playing, play a range of guitars to help you understand the differences between high-quality, expensive guitars and acceptable but affordable guitars.

So indulge yourself. Even if you don't have enough experience to recognize the subtle differences between a good guitar and a great guitar, at least expose yourself to them. And don't wait until the day that you decide to buy an instrument to pick one up for the first time. Make several visits to the music store before you're ready to buy and then take the time to absorb your experiences. Try to visit several different music stores if you can. Some stores may be the exclusive dealer of a specific brand in your region; other retailers may not be able to sell that brand of guitar. Also, you pick up far more knowledge about what makes a good, playable guitar than you may think just by handling several different instruments.

Buying a guitar can be like what happens after you think that you have the basics of a foreign language down pat and then visit the country where it's spoken: You practice your best Berlitz for weeks, but the first time that a native starts speaking to you, you're completely flustered. But don't rush it; hang in there. You're just buying a guitar; you're not in a strange land trying to find the closest restroom facilities. You're eventually going to sort it all out. In no time, you'll enjoy the bliss of guitar playing in your home.

Don't simply wait until you get to the store to develop a buying strategy (which, by that time, usually translates into no strategy at all). Keep in mind that the two most important factors in making any purchasing decision - especially concerning a guitar, where passions tend to run high - are to develop a plan and to gather all the information you need to make the best choice.

Singer and songwriter Jim Byrne has been a guitar player all his life. His songs has a twist of bluesy folk, country, Americana and Scottish. Discover effective guitar playing tips to help improve your guitar playing fast, as he offers some great all-around advice for beginner and advanced players alike. Visit Jim's website for more tips and to download two of Jim's latest songs for free => http://www.songsbyjimbyrne.com/freemp3music/index.html

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Piano Bench Basics - What Every Buyer Should Know Before Purchasing

When it comes to buying a bench for pianos there are many available options. So, choosing the right bench will depend on personal likes, the usage, your home and the piano. In this article, you will find some piano bench basics that will highlight what every buyer should know before purchasing. The key factor to consider is the quality, as this will guarantee risk-free, comfortable seating for many years.

If you are planning to buy a new bench, it is very important to think about the person who will use the piano. When you are buying a bench for a younger pupil, you definitely should get the adjustable bench style. These styles can maintain the bodyweight of your child properly and will be more comfortable.

The regular piano bench will be ideal for any older player, but if you are over 5 feet, six inches, you need to get an adjustable bench as they are available with varying height sizes. Ensure that you add no less than two inches in order to align properly with the piano.

A good bench might be constructed entirely from wood or perhaps with upholstered padding. But, it's important to note that the upholstered padding benches are generally a bit more costly. If you are not looking to buy one of the benches with upholstered foam, there are other options available with cushions or pads to use with solid wood benches. In any other case, you can make your own coverings and pads for the seat. Some people who are shopping for a bench to use at public institutions, educational facilities and chapels will opt for the regular unpadded top since the hardwood is stronger and cannot be torn.

Yet another factor to consider before choosing to a bench for your piano would be a storage compartment. Adjustable styles generally come with storage that you might consider small, but it's still a good feature to look for as this will help you to store items like music sheets. The standard benches normally have larger storage area, but there are certain deluxe adjustable models with a small storage underneath the seats as well.

You need to examine your piano style before you buy a bench. The final decision could be depended on whether you have an old/console, modern, upright, spinet or a baby grand piano. Furthermore, it's also a good idea to think about the design and color of your piano room. In the end, ensure that any piano bench that you decide on is of the highest quality, with a style and design that is best suited for your piano.

To learn more about the basics, I highly recommend visiting the highly informative piano bench blogs for more details. They will guide you toward the proper piano bench for your circumstances.

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Some Important Options You Should Obey Before Hiring A Mobile Disco

Planning for a birthday party or celebration can be a stressful situation, whatever your occasion you would like everything to be right. Picking out a professional Mobile DJ plan to entertain your friends and relatives is an extremely essential aspect in ensuring a great party, even when anything else is ideal, if the entertainment is not just right, the entire party could be disappointed.

Listed below are some fundamental tips about employing a disco, to make certain you hire the very best mobile disco service your money can buy. Most functions is one-offs, do you want to make certain you understand it properly. The guidelines have been in no particular order worth focusing on, but all should be thought about.

First, even before you speak to a mobile disco company, it's crucial that you do not have the mind on having a disco this is the least expensive you'll find. As with the majority of things, you generally have that which you purchase. Particularly with a 1-off event just like a wedding, not need the very best you'll be able to afford?

1. Make sure the DJ you select would work

Not every DJ's are ideal for all kinds of functions or even venues. For example, if you're celebrating your 40th birthday can you want an 18 years old DJ turning up with nothing but chart songs?, or on the other hand if you are celebrating your 18th do you want a DJ in the late 40's playing Abba and the Nolan's through the night? It is also important to ensure that the DJ you're booking has sufficient equipment for the size of the venue.

2. You get what you purchase

The next thing to look at is the price of your DJ. We all know from experience the costs involved with wearing a function of any sort. For example weddings, spent a fortune on hiring the best venue, then there's the flowers, the gown, the suits, the meals, the cars, it's endless. At the conclusion of day it is time to unwind with your friends and family this will let you traditional party. That which you don't want is a few untidy bloke and his girlfriend within the corner with a handful of flashing lights and audio system that hurts your ears when he turns it up. Such a method to complete a great day.

What I am saying is don't think the least expensive quote you get, will be of the same standard as the higher quotes, it won't. Many DJ's are simply running a mobile disco just for fun and a bit of cash, others are professional with a lot of experience. The prices DJs charge reflects the caliber of the gear, sound quality, range of music and standard and experience of the DJ.

3. Always ask your mobile DJ if they have PLI and PAT certificates

The next point is safety, all reputable DJ's will carry public insurance, this is an insurance cover for you personally guests when there is a major accident involving the DJ or his equipment, additionally, it covers any damage to the venue caused by the DJ. A typical cover could be for around ?2 million. This really is essential for reassurance. All professional DJ's can also get their equipment PAT tested, this can be a method of making certain all of the electrical equipment used is protected and tested with a qualified electrician. Some venues may insist upon this.

4. Always get written confirmation from your DJ

Ok, that one may appear obvious, but make certain when getting a disco the company you're coping with confirms my way through writing and that they have a written Booking Agreement that you should sign.
The Booking Agreement should lay out all information on the function - date, venue, times, overtime rates etc. This agreement would be to protect both the company and the customer and really should not be heavily biased in a one party's favor.

5. Speak to your DJ

Getting asked the right questions?

Next, should you call a DJ and he/she gives you a cost without asking any queries about the event you're going to be holding, that should trigger warning lights.
Questions a professional DJ should ask include:

• Type of function - wedding, birthday, kids' party etc...
• Venue - where is your function likely to be held?
• Start and finished times - prices often depend on along service required.
• Particular music requirements - no point hiring a rock 'n' roll DJ to have an 80s theme night!

Remember a few things i produced in the beginning? The entertainment you hire is going to be the one thing that the majority these potential customers will remember most, and delay pills work both positively and adversely. Understand it properly when employing a disco, look for an expert mobile disco, and also the wonderful reminiscences can last a very long time.

Gareth Earl is a proud contributing author and writes articles on several subjects including disco/dj hiring tips. You can get several article on hiring mobile disco at http://www.funkadelicgroove.co.uk/.

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