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Saturday, March 13, 2010
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Sunday, March 7, 2010
A Ha Foot Of The Mountain CD
I am a huge A Ha fan, from way back, and was excited about their latest, and ninth album release. This album has the traditional sounds that fans love with a new spin to keep it current for new fans to enjoy. A Ha is a Norwegian band with an incredible sound, that gets better with each album they release.
The band members consist of Morten Harket, lead vocalist, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, guitarist and Magne Furuholmen, keyboardist. They originally formed in 1982, when they took the music industry by storm after leaving Norway and making London their new home. Their name was originally suppose to be the title of one of their singles, however the group thought it was a unique and easy to remember name, therefore decided it was the best name for the band.
The title of their ninth album is "Foot of the Mountain". This new release has just become available in much of the world, outside of the United States that is! The title track is already running up the charts and much is due to the synth pop sound that made the band famous in the first place. The last single that did this well for the band was "Take on Me", from 1985, given that the band has gone back to a more 80's sound this could be just the album to get them back onto the top 40 scene.
With so many bands making the mistake of trying to reinvent themselves, it is refreshing that they instead took a step back and gave us today's music with a little bit of the past intertwined. This works since today's top 40 listeners are different from those of the 1980's, therefore they made the sound enjoyable for both generations of listeners.
So, if you can, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase this incredible album. All the songs were written by Paul and Magne, some together and some individually, and are a mix of the old A-Ha sound and a connection to their homeland. It truly is a wonderful collection of songs, and they all deserve the worldwide attention that they are receiving.
The band members consist of Morten Harket, lead vocalist, Paul Waaktaar-Savoy, guitarist and Magne Furuholmen, keyboardist. They originally formed in 1982, when they took the music industry by storm after leaving Norway and making London their new home. Their name was originally suppose to be the title of one of their singles, however the group thought it was a unique and easy to remember name, therefore decided it was the best name for the band.
The title of their ninth album is "Foot of the Mountain". This new release has just become available in much of the world, outside of the United States that is! The title track is already running up the charts and much is due to the synth pop sound that made the band famous in the first place. The last single that did this well for the band was "Take on Me", from 1985, given that the band has gone back to a more 80's sound this could be just the album to get them back onto the top 40 scene.
With so many bands making the mistake of trying to reinvent themselves, it is refreshing that they instead took a step back and gave us today's music with a little bit of the past intertwined. This works since today's top 40 listeners are different from those of the 1980's, therefore they made the sound enjoyable for both generations of listeners.
So, if you can, don't miss out on the opportunity to purchase this incredible album. All the songs were written by Paul and Magne, some together and some individually, and are a mix of the old A-Ha sound and a connection to their homeland. It truly is a wonderful collection of songs, and they all deserve the worldwide attention that they are receiving.
Damaging Mistakes Guitar Players Make and How To Avoid Them
Do you know how some guitar players practice most days of the week, work hard, and are passionate about their guitar playing, but they always struggle to be able to play guitar the way they want? They are frustrated because they don’t improve fast enough, begin doubting their guitar playing potential, or even feel discouraged or angry with themselves when thinking about how long it is taking them to become a better guitar player.
Can you relate to that? I sure can, I just described myself 15 years ago.
There are specific reasons why guitar players go through such frustration and disappointment. Here are 11 key mistakes guitar players make and repeat over and over again that you should definitely avoid.
1. Teaching Yourself To Play Guitar. Many people attempt to teach themselves how to play guitar. Yes, it’s true that some well known players were ‘somewhat’ self taught, but I do not suggest following that strategy even if your favorite player was self taught. If you are 100% sure that you can build powerfully effective learning and training systems on your own, that's great. However, if you are like most of us, doing it alone is the hardest, most time-consuming, stressful, and frustrating way to learn anything. This is a mistake that you should avoid. Some guitar players think it will impress others if they say, "I am a self taught guitar player". That statement might impress a few inexperienced people, but being self taught is not a 'badge of honor'. Would you rather impress others with your guitar playing or with an unimportant statement about your guitar playing? I'm not criticizing self taught guitar players, I'm only saying that there is no advantage to being self taug ht… and no, it is not true that being 'self taught' makes us more 'original'. In fact, the opposite is usually true.
2. Taking Guitar Lessons From Ineffective Guitar Teachers. Unfortunately, most electric guitar teachers receive ZERO training on how to teach guitar. What is worse is that the vast majority of teachers do little or nothing to improve their guitar teaching skills. Want some proof? Use google’s keyword tool . Type in this keyword phrase: ‘improve guitar teaching skills’, ‘guitar teaching skills’, or ‘guitar teaching training’ and you will find that less than 10 searches per month are done for these topics at google! Of course there are some highly effective electric guitar teachers around, but there are a whole lot more ineffective teachers. Here is a free resource on how to tell the difference between the good guitar teachers and the mediocre ones, free guide: how to find a guitar teacher: http://tomhess.net/HowToChooseAGuitarTeacher.aspx
3. Seeking New Guitar Information (tricks, tips, tab) Without A Proven Strategy To Reach Your Specific Musical Goals. We need information, advice, help and music to play, but without a proven strategic learning and training process that is specific to you, your skill level, your musical style and what you want to be able to do as a guitar player, information won’t get you where you want to go. It is better to first seek help in developing a customized strategy for you to become a better guitar player. After that strategy is in place, then it is time to deal with learning the right information.
4. Not Knowing Specifically What You Want To Be Able To Play. Most guitar players are not specific enough when they think about (or tell others about) what they want to be able to do with their guitar. To say, "I want to play whatever I wish to play” is too vague. How can you (or your guitar teacher) develop a specific and effective guitar training strategy unless the goals you have are specific? It's like saying you want to be a great athlete, how can you effectively train with such a vague goal? Sure there are things you can do to become faster, stronger, more flexible or whatever, but it's much easier if you first get specific such as, I want to train to be a gymnast, or a long distance runner, or a body builder. Yes you can still improve without a strategy, but it will take a lot longer and be much more frustrating. You can always change your goal later if you discover you want to do something else instead.
5. Not Enough Focus On Things That Matter Most To Making You A Better Guitar Player. Have you fallen into the trap of practicing guitar without focusing on the specific things that can quickly begin to improve your guitar playing? Many people really do not understand and apply this concept in enough detail…. for example, I have a student named Mark who used to take lessons from another teacher in the past. Mark was studying sweep picking arpeggios with his previous teacher, and was making some progress. However Mark did not understand what ‘specific’ things he needed to focus on first before attempting to master the sweep picking arpeggios he was practicing. This was holding him back and making him feel very frustrated. Mark’s previous teacher only knew how to ‘teach’ arpeggios and general sweep picking concepts. He did not really know how to “train” Mark with the specific things to focus on and how to overcome the challenges Mark was having. If you would like to see a small sample of this check out this short sweep picking video lesson: http://tomhess.net/3StringArpeggiosLessonFull.aspx.
6. Too Much Focus On Things That Are Not Core To Your Goals. In addition to not focusing on specific things, many guitar players focus on the ‘wrong things’. Some enthusiastic guitar players become temporarily obsessed with things which are distractions from other things that could be helping their guitar playing much more. Here is an example: I used to get so frustrated and angry when I could not play something perfectly, I’d lock myself in my guitar practice room and say, “I’m not coming out of this room until I master this damn lick if it takes me the next 19 hours! No breaks! No food! No human contact! I’m gonna nail this!” And I did master it. On the surface, it might seem like I was on the right track and practicing in a good way…. But in reality, I was spending my time only to stop being angry and frustrated. I was not investing my guitar practice time wisely by focusing on the things that mattered most to making a better guitar player. In other words, my perseverance was commendable, but my strategy to master important long-term goals was weak. I allowed myself to be distracted. I don’t make this same mistake anymore, and I urge you to also avoid it! Focus on the things that really matter for your guitar playing right now. If you are not sure how to do this, seek out a proven guitar teacher today.
7. Focusing On The Right Things, But in The Wrong Order. This is a common mistake that even many advanced guitar players make which causes a lot of wasted time and frustration. Imagine you want to improve your ability to create your own cool guitar solos. Let’s assume that you are advanced enough to truly understand all the primary and secondary elements of composing guitar solos (or you have a guitar teacher to help you). Each of the many elements need to be learned and/or practiced in order to easily create awesome solos that you like. Where should you begin? What should you focus on first, second, third? Which of these things should you practice simultaneously? There is always a specific order in which musical skills should be learned and mastered in order to EXPLODE your musical skills. Unfortunately, that order is totally different for every person, style of music, musical goal, skill set and knowledge, so giving an example here would be pointless. My advice, find the b est teacher you can and study with him/her in order to be able to do what you want to do with your guitar much faster and easier.
8. Not Isolating Problem Areas. Few guitar players are aware of the small things that hold them back in big ways. Because these little imperfections seem insignificant to us, we often ignore them. The truth is, small hinges open big doors. In the video mentioned above I explained how allowing your guitar pick to lose its momentum when you are ‘not picking’ a note on the guitar makes your playing slow and sloppy…. which will make you feel very frustrated. This is why I was sure to make a special point to help you avoid that mistake. Check out the small sample sweep picking video for more details: http://tomhess.net/3StringArpeggiosLessonFull.aspx .
9. Learning And Practicing Guitar In A Step By Step Linear Process. Does following a linear step by step approach to learning, practicing and mastering guitar seem like common sense good to you? Yes it does… And that is why guitar players who follow such a path are NOT great guitar players. I’m going to let you in an insider’s secret… The truth is, following a linear approach to learning guitar, practicing guitar, and mastering guitar is the NUMBER ONE REASON WHY “GOOD GUITAR PLAYERS” STRUGGLE TO BECOME “GREAT GUITAR PLAYERS”… I originally thought I would write an article on this one point alone, but I think you will learn this concept better in another short video I recorded while I was doing a recent guitar instructional clinic tour a few months ago. Check out this free sample from my clinic on how to practice guitar http://tomhess.net/LinearVsGeometricApproach.aspx .
10. Practicing Guitar In The Same Way Your Favorite Guitar Players Practice Guitar. Have you ever read about how your favorite guitar players practice guitar and then tried to repeat the same practice routine? Yes, I’ve made this mistake too! It seems natural to use a similar guitar practice schedule that our favorite guitar players are using. This is a mistake, because your current guitar skill level and knowledge of music is probably very different from your favorite player. His/her challenges and needs are likely not the same as yours.
Professional guitar players practice for different reasons than most amateur players do. For example, before recording a new album I will practice very differently compared to the period before going on tour. Once I’m actually on tour my practice routine changes drastically again. The rest of the year my practicing schedule changes yet again. This happens because in each case my challenges and goals are totally different. When my guitar students ask me, “Tom, how do you practice guitar?” I’m careful not to let my students assume that they should practice the same way that I do. Your practice schedule and strategy needs to be built around YOU and you only! If you need help building your own practice schedule, email me directly.
11. Learning From Too Many Different Sources Of Information. There will always be many learning opportunities and various paths to take, but it is critical that you do not get distracted into following a piece of advice from one person, then another piece of advice from another person and then follow more resources from somewhere else and so on and so on... while different people may have some good ideas to offer, the fact is, distraction is a big reason why many guitar players who are actively learning, don't really move forward quickly... these people are always busy following totally different resources, teachers, philosophies, instructional videos, free online guitar lessons, but all of this leads them to take one step forward, then 2 steps to the right, then one step forward, then 3 steps to the left, then one step backward, then two to the right, then 1 step forward and then another step to the left...
An illustration of this is shown below. The first path is obviously the most direct way to arrive to your goals. The second path is the inefficient approach filled with many distractions that come from various pieces of advice from many sources:
http://tomhess.net/files/images/articles/11BigMistakes/StepsToGoals.jpg
Once you have an effective strategy to become the guitar player you want to be, ALWAYS stay focused on it (unless your goals radically change)!! The very best way to do this is to have ONE primary guitar teacher who helps you to become the musician you really want to be.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't take advice from other people too, but you should have one 'primary' source of information, training and coaching, and see the other advice as an additional resource, but do not become distracted by it.
Download this free guide on how to find the best guitar teacher with proven teaching strategies, proven training strategies and proven results so that you become the awesome guitar player you want to be and play the guitar the way you’ve always wanted to play.
Can you relate to that? I sure can, I just described myself 15 years ago.
There are specific reasons why guitar players go through such frustration and disappointment. Here are 11 key mistakes guitar players make and repeat over and over again that you should definitely avoid.
1. Teaching Yourself To Play Guitar. Many people attempt to teach themselves how to play guitar. Yes, it’s true that some well known players were ‘somewhat’ self taught, but I do not suggest following that strategy even if your favorite player was self taught. If you are 100% sure that you can build powerfully effective learning and training systems on your own, that's great. However, if you are like most of us, doing it alone is the hardest, most time-consuming, stressful, and frustrating way to learn anything. This is a mistake that you should avoid. Some guitar players think it will impress others if they say, "I am a self taught guitar player". That statement might impress a few inexperienced people, but being self taught is not a 'badge of honor'. Would you rather impress others with your guitar playing or with an unimportant statement about your guitar playing? I'm not criticizing self taught guitar players, I'm only saying that there is no advantage to being self taug ht… and no, it is not true that being 'self taught' makes us more 'original'. In fact, the opposite is usually true.
2. Taking Guitar Lessons From Ineffective Guitar Teachers. Unfortunately, most electric guitar teachers receive ZERO training on how to teach guitar. What is worse is that the vast majority of teachers do little or nothing to improve their guitar teaching skills. Want some proof? Use google’s keyword tool . Type in this keyword phrase: ‘improve guitar teaching skills’, ‘guitar teaching skills’, or ‘guitar teaching training’ and you will find that less than 10 searches per month are done for these topics at google! Of course there are some highly effective electric guitar teachers around, but there are a whole lot more ineffective teachers. Here is a free resource on how to tell the difference between the good guitar teachers and the mediocre ones, free guide: how to find a guitar teacher: http://tomhess.net/HowToChooseAGuitarTeacher.aspx
3. Seeking New Guitar Information (tricks, tips, tab) Without A Proven Strategy To Reach Your Specific Musical Goals. We need information, advice, help and music to play, but without a proven strategic learning and training process that is specific to you, your skill level, your musical style and what you want to be able to do as a guitar player, information won’t get you where you want to go. It is better to first seek help in developing a customized strategy for you to become a better guitar player. After that strategy is in place, then it is time to deal with learning the right information.
4. Not Knowing Specifically What You Want To Be Able To Play. Most guitar players are not specific enough when they think about (or tell others about) what they want to be able to do with their guitar. To say, "I want to play whatever I wish to play” is too vague. How can you (or your guitar teacher) develop a specific and effective guitar training strategy unless the goals you have are specific? It's like saying you want to be a great athlete, how can you effectively train with such a vague goal? Sure there are things you can do to become faster, stronger, more flexible or whatever, but it's much easier if you first get specific such as, I want to train to be a gymnast, or a long distance runner, or a body builder. Yes you can still improve without a strategy, but it will take a lot longer and be much more frustrating. You can always change your goal later if you discover you want to do something else instead.
5. Not Enough Focus On Things That Matter Most To Making You A Better Guitar Player. Have you fallen into the trap of practicing guitar without focusing on the specific things that can quickly begin to improve your guitar playing? Many people really do not understand and apply this concept in enough detail…. for example, I have a student named Mark who used to take lessons from another teacher in the past. Mark was studying sweep picking arpeggios with his previous teacher, and was making some progress. However Mark did not understand what ‘specific’ things he needed to focus on first before attempting to master the sweep picking arpeggios he was practicing. This was holding him back and making him feel very frustrated. Mark’s previous teacher only knew how to ‘teach’ arpeggios and general sweep picking concepts. He did not really know how to “train” Mark with the specific things to focus on and how to overcome the challenges Mark was having. If you would like to see a small sample of this check out this short sweep picking video lesson: http://tomhess.net/3StringArpeggiosLessonFull.aspx.
6. Too Much Focus On Things That Are Not Core To Your Goals. In addition to not focusing on specific things, many guitar players focus on the ‘wrong things’. Some enthusiastic guitar players become temporarily obsessed with things which are distractions from other things that could be helping their guitar playing much more. Here is an example: I used to get so frustrated and angry when I could not play something perfectly, I’d lock myself in my guitar practice room and say, “I’m not coming out of this room until I master this damn lick if it takes me the next 19 hours! No breaks! No food! No human contact! I’m gonna nail this!” And I did master it. On the surface, it might seem like I was on the right track and practicing in a good way…. But in reality, I was spending my time only to stop being angry and frustrated. I was not investing my guitar practice time wisely by focusing on the things that mattered most to making a better guitar player. In other words, my perseverance was commendable, but my strategy to master important long-term goals was weak. I allowed myself to be distracted. I don’t make this same mistake anymore, and I urge you to also avoid it! Focus on the things that really matter for your guitar playing right now. If you are not sure how to do this, seek out a proven guitar teacher today.
7. Focusing On The Right Things, But in The Wrong Order. This is a common mistake that even many advanced guitar players make which causes a lot of wasted time and frustration. Imagine you want to improve your ability to create your own cool guitar solos. Let’s assume that you are advanced enough to truly understand all the primary and secondary elements of composing guitar solos (or you have a guitar teacher to help you). Each of the many elements need to be learned and/or practiced in order to easily create awesome solos that you like. Where should you begin? What should you focus on first, second, third? Which of these things should you practice simultaneously? There is always a specific order in which musical skills should be learned and mastered in order to EXPLODE your musical skills. Unfortunately, that order is totally different for every person, style of music, musical goal, skill set and knowledge, so giving an example here would be pointless. My advice, find the b est teacher you can and study with him/her in order to be able to do what you want to do with your guitar much faster and easier.
8. Not Isolating Problem Areas. Few guitar players are aware of the small things that hold them back in big ways. Because these little imperfections seem insignificant to us, we often ignore them. The truth is, small hinges open big doors. In the video mentioned above I explained how allowing your guitar pick to lose its momentum when you are ‘not picking’ a note on the guitar makes your playing slow and sloppy…. which will make you feel very frustrated. This is why I was sure to make a special point to help you avoid that mistake. Check out the small sample sweep picking video for more details: http://tomhess.net/3StringArpeggiosLessonFull.aspx .
9. Learning And Practicing Guitar In A Step By Step Linear Process. Does following a linear step by step approach to learning, practicing and mastering guitar seem like common sense good to you? Yes it does… And that is why guitar players who follow such a path are NOT great guitar players. I’m going to let you in an insider’s secret… The truth is, following a linear approach to learning guitar, practicing guitar, and mastering guitar is the NUMBER ONE REASON WHY “GOOD GUITAR PLAYERS” STRUGGLE TO BECOME “GREAT GUITAR PLAYERS”… I originally thought I would write an article on this one point alone, but I think you will learn this concept better in another short video I recorded while I was doing a recent guitar instructional clinic tour a few months ago. Check out this free sample from my clinic on how to practice guitar http://tomhess.net/LinearVsGeometricApproach.aspx .
10. Practicing Guitar In The Same Way Your Favorite Guitar Players Practice Guitar. Have you ever read about how your favorite guitar players practice guitar and then tried to repeat the same practice routine? Yes, I’ve made this mistake too! It seems natural to use a similar guitar practice schedule that our favorite guitar players are using. This is a mistake, because your current guitar skill level and knowledge of music is probably very different from your favorite player. His/her challenges and needs are likely not the same as yours.
Professional guitar players practice for different reasons than most amateur players do. For example, before recording a new album I will practice very differently compared to the period before going on tour. Once I’m actually on tour my practice routine changes drastically again. The rest of the year my practicing schedule changes yet again. This happens because in each case my challenges and goals are totally different. When my guitar students ask me, “Tom, how do you practice guitar?” I’m careful not to let my students assume that they should practice the same way that I do. Your practice schedule and strategy needs to be built around YOU and you only! If you need help building your own practice schedule, email me directly.
11. Learning From Too Many Different Sources Of Information. There will always be many learning opportunities and various paths to take, but it is critical that you do not get distracted into following a piece of advice from one person, then another piece of advice from another person and then follow more resources from somewhere else and so on and so on... while different people may have some good ideas to offer, the fact is, distraction is a big reason why many guitar players who are actively learning, don't really move forward quickly... these people are always busy following totally different resources, teachers, philosophies, instructional videos, free online guitar lessons, but all of this leads them to take one step forward, then 2 steps to the right, then one step forward, then 3 steps to the left, then one step backward, then two to the right, then 1 step forward and then another step to the left...
An illustration of this is shown below. The first path is obviously the most direct way to arrive to your goals. The second path is the inefficient approach filled with many distractions that come from various pieces of advice from many sources:
http://tomhess.net/files/images/articles/11BigMistakes/StepsToGoals.jpg
Once you have an effective strategy to become the guitar player you want to be, ALWAYS stay focused on it (unless your goals radically change)!! The very best way to do this is to have ONE primary guitar teacher who helps you to become the musician you really want to be.
This doesn't mean that you shouldn't take advice from other people too, but you should have one 'primary' source of information, training and coaching, and see the other advice as an additional resource, but do not become distracted by it.
Download this free guide on how to find the best guitar teacher with proven teaching strategies, proven training strategies and proven results so that you become the awesome guitar player you want to be and play the guitar the way you’ve always wanted to play.
Piano Teaching Tips: Have Your Own Studio Website
Are you a music or a piano teacher? Do you want to enhance the academic performances of your students? Do you wish to achieve both personal and professional growth through useful music teaching resources, websites and strategies? If yes, read on, learn, adopt and get hooked with various music teaching strategies and piano teaching tips that will surely appreciate by most of your learners.
This blog discusses and presents innovative, interactive and effective piano teaching tips that will surely take the levels of curiosity, interest and motivation of your students. Making them more eagerly interested, motivated and inspired creates a better classroom ambience as well as a more conducive and relaxed learning environment.
Every music and piano teacher believes that there is no magic formula and technique to suddenly increase and intensify the motivation levels of your students. All music educators should extend a hand and exert much effort on achieving this goal: motivating students then, today and tomorrow. However, since I barely generalize, I do know that many students are naturally enthusiastic learners and can also be very eager to acquire knowledge and adopt various skills even without the teacher efforts and struggles.
Yet, music and piano teachers shall always bear in mind that highly motivated students are parallel to highly motivated and inspired teachers. This idea lies on the abilities, strategies and skills of the teachers themselves. It is also true that it can never be an easy task; complexity in music and piano teaching can be seen, felt and found elsewhere, in many aspects. In fact, teaching can be both challenging and rewarding experiences in different perspectives.
Innovative and interactive music teacher resources as well as reliable and enjoyable piano teaching tips are mostly appreciated by students than those traditional techniques and methods being applied years ago by different educators around the globe. Integrating technology like putting up their own educational and personal blogs or websites, regular blogging, joining online forums and discussions on weekends, participating in yahoo groups, yahoo answers and wiki answers among their classmates and other concerned individuals, are great ways to go.
Music educators together with other subject teachers must be open to inclusion of different forms of technology into their music teaching resources. These online diaries and blogs can serve as their professional journals online. Practicing their communication skills both verbal and non-verbal is a good training ground that they can efficiently start with. In here, they can also upload, view and share inputs, outputs and videos around the globe where they can include their classroom performances, musical plays, recitals and mini-concerts. With that, they can adopt arts and music appreciation both artistically and intellectually.
Innovative music teaching tips and resources can be taken from first-hand sources through the power of music teaching software and websites made readily available online at all times. There are now a wide array of unbiased, sincere and effective websites, which are created and maintained by experienced and trustworthy music teachers and experts around the globe that can provide you interactive classroom activities in great relevance and effect to music and piano teaching.
So if you wish to be tagged both as a good mentor and as the best music teacher with the most unique music teaching resources and strategies, keep on feeding your minds with good thoughts from various piano teaching tips providers available on the web at your convenience. Check out reliable and useful blogs like this today on this page – with a very few clicks. See you on the links!
This blog discusses and presents innovative, interactive and effective piano teaching tips that will surely take the levels of curiosity, interest and motivation of your students. Making them more eagerly interested, motivated and inspired creates a better classroom ambience as well as a more conducive and relaxed learning environment.
Every music and piano teacher believes that there is no magic formula and technique to suddenly increase and intensify the motivation levels of your students. All music educators should extend a hand and exert much effort on achieving this goal: motivating students then, today and tomorrow. However, since I barely generalize, I do know that many students are naturally enthusiastic learners and can also be very eager to acquire knowledge and adopt various skills even without the teacher efforts and struggles.
Yet, music and piano teachers shall always bear in mind that highly motivated students are parallel to highly motivated and inspired teachers. This idea lies on the abilities, strategies and skills of the teachers themselves. It is also true that it can never be an easy task; complexity in music and piano teaching can be seen, felt and found elsewhere, in many aspects. In fact, teaching can be both challenging and rewarding experiences in different perspectives.
Innovative and interactive music teacher resources as well as reliable and enjoyable piano teaching tips are mostly appreciated by students than those traditional techniques and methods being applied years ago by different educators around the globe. Integrating technology like putting up their own educational and personal blogs or websites, regular blogging, joining online forums and discussions on weekends, participating in yahoo groups, yahoo answers and wiki answers among their classmates and other concerned individuals, are great ways to go.
Music educators together with other subject teachers must be open to inclusion of different forms of technology into their music teaching resources. These online diaries and blogs can serve as their professional journals online. Practicing their communication skills both verbal and non-verbal is a good training ground that they can efficiently start with. In here, they can also upload, view and share inputs, outputs and videos around the globe where they can include their classroom performances, musical plays, recitals and mini-concerts. With that, they can adopt arts and music appreciation both artistically and intellectually.
Innovative music teaching tips and resources can be taken from first-hand sources through the power of music teaching software and websites made readily available online at all times. There are now a wide array of unbiased, sincere and effective websites, which are created and maintained by experienced and trustworthy music teachers and experts around the globe that can provide you interactive classroom activities in great relevance and effect to music and piano teaching.
So if you wish to be tagged both as a good mentor and as the best music teacher with the most unique music teaching resources and strategies, keep on feeding your minds with good thoughts from various piano teaching tips providers available on the web at your convenience. Check out reliable and useful blogs like this today on this page – with a very few clicks. See you on the links!
Don't Make Simon Cowell Do Your Parents' Dirty Work
Simon Cowell, as a judge on American Idol, has earned himself somewhat of a reputation of being cruel when telling contestants when they haven't quite measured up. People are often shocked at his brutal honesty and (perhaps) lack of tact. But, in some ways, he may just be doing the contestant a favor. One the contestant's parents should have done.
The fact is that, in our modern western society, we have reached a point at which we don't want to say anything to a child that may hurt his feelings; even when it may be more beneficial for the child to be truthful. One word that is seldom used these days when raising children is the terrible word no. Oh, little Jimmy wants an all ice cream diet. Sure he's morbidly obese and already has diabetes at the age of 12, but if I say no, his little feelings will be hurt.
So what ends up happening is that by not hurting a child's feelings, we jeopardize his health. Now the above example is extreme but I think it illustrates a point. The point being illustrated is that telling people something nice for the sake of not hurting their feelings isn't always the right thing to do. Sometimes honesty is the best approach.
Among the harsh realities of life is that, to actually get good at something, you usually have to apply yourself. That includes music. To become a good musician, it may involve some level of dedication and hard work. You may even (dare I say it?) have to practice. You may even have to crack open a book and study some music theory. I know this may seem like a radical approach but there are some people out there that think that this approach actually works.
One approach a parent can take when a child is interested in music is to give a compliment and then follow it with the criticism. A parent could say "I like that, but if you changed this, I think it would be even better." You got the criticism in of what's wrong, directed them towards where they can fix what's wrong but you also made a point of complimenting them in the process. Complimenting them in the process softens the blow of the criticism.
A child needs to know that in order to excel at anything, they need to apply themselves. Telling them that everything they are doing is flawless doesn't achieve that. This could apply to anything we attempt to teach our children, not just music.
Some may say to me "what makes you such an expert on raising children?" I say in return: "I'm not an expert on raising children." My expertise lies in teaching people about how to play guitar and how to learn music theory. I understand how important music theory is as well as how important it is to apply yourself in order to become a good musician.
In my experience of teaching guitar and music theory, I have come across a number of people who, prior to having met me, had very little understanding of how much they would need to apply themselves in order to excel as a musician. I believe that quite often it is as a result of their parents never explaining to them that applying themselves is a prerequisite to getting good at something. Sometimes the parents will do that with some things but not with music.
Music is often seen as something fun or enjoyable to do and not often seen as work. Unfortunately, if you want to do it as a profession, then you have to actually "work" at it. That means that you have to take it a bit more seriously than the average person who is just playing guitar as a hobby. That's what separates a professional from an amateur or wannabe.
So if Mom and Dad never told you what you should work on in order to improve as a musician, then you may want to do a self-assessment. If you're a singer, tape yourself. Listen to your self and try to be honest. Don't get too discouraged if you finally come to the realization that you're not as good as you thought you were. There are ways of fixing that. It's called practice. If you play guitar or some other instrument, you can do the same. Tape yourself. Be somewhat critical. Are you playing in time? Are you playing the notes clearly?
If you adequately assess yourself as a musician, apply yourself and work on your faults, you will get better. There is no doubt of that. And if you do that, then maybe someday Simon Cowell or someone like him won't have to do your parents' dirty work. Maybe Simon will tell you that your performance was great! At least with him, you know he's not just saying that to spare your feelings.
The fact is that, in our modern western society, we have reached a point at which we don't want to say anything to a child that may hurt his feelings; even when it may be more beneficial for the child to be truthful. One word that is seldom used these days when raising children is the terrible word no. Oh, little Jimmy wants an all ice cream diet. Sure he's morbidly obese and already has diabetes at the age of 12, but if I say no, his little feelings will be hurt.
So what ends up happening is that by not hurting a child's feelings, we jeopardize his health. Now the above example is extreme but I think it illustrates a point. The point being illustrated is that telling people something nice for the sake of not hurting their feelings isn't always the right thing to do. Sometimes honesty is the best approach.
Among the harsh realities of life is that, to actually get good at something, you usually have to apply yourself. That includes music. To become a good musician, it may involve some level of dedication and hard work. You may even (dare I say it?) have to practice. You may even have to crack open a book and study some music theory. I know this may seem like a radical approach but there are some people out there that think that this approach actually works.
One approach a parent can take when a child is interested in music is to give a compliment and then follow it with the criticism. A parent could say "I like that, but if you changed this, I think it would be even better." You got the criticism in of what's wrong, directed them towards where they can fix what's wrong but you also made a point of complimenting them in the process. Complimenting them in the process softens the blow of the criticism.
A child needs to know that in order to excel at anything, they need to apply themselves. Telling them that everything they are doing is flawless doesn't achieve that. This could apply to anything we attempt to teach our children, not just music.
Some may say to me "what makes you such an expert on raising children?" I say in return: "I'm not an expert on raising children." My expertise lies in teaching people about how to play guitar and how to learn music theory. I understand how important music theory is as well as how important it is to apply yourself in order to become a good musician.
In my experience of teaching guitar and music theory, I have come across a number of people who, prior to having met me, had very little understanding of how much they would need to apply themselves in order to excel as a musician. I believe that quite often it is as a result of their parents never explaining to them that applying themselves is a prerequisite to getting good at something. Sometimes the parents will do that with some things but not with music.
Music is often seen as something fun or enjoyable to do and not often seen as work. Unfortunately, if you want to do it as a profession, then you have to actually "work" at it. That means that you have to take it a bit more seriously than the average person who is just playing guitar as a hobby. That's what separates a professional from an amateur or wannabe.
So if Mom and Dad never told you what you should work on in order to improve as a musician, then you may want to do a self-assessment. If you're a singer, tape yourself. Listen to your self and try to be honest. Don't get too discouraged if you finally come to the realization that you're not as good as you thought you were. There are ways of fixing that. It's called practice. If you play guitar or some other instrument, you can do the same. Tape yourself. Be somewhat critical. Are you playing in time? Are you playing the notes clearly?
If you adequately assess yourself as a musician, apply yourself and work on your faults, you will get better. There is no doubt of that. And if you do that, then maybe someday Simon Cowell or someone like him won't have to do your parents' dirty work. Maybe Simon will tell you that your performance was great! At least with him, you know he's not just saying that to spare your feelings.
Best Action Movie Ever: James Cameron's Terminator
"The Terminator" is an true blockbuster classic; for me personally, it's the best action movie I've ever seen (to me, of course!). Although its sequel, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, is far superior technologically and visually, this first film in the franchise is by far the best of them all, and in no small part thanks to James Cameron's brilliant script and direction in which he creates a moody, atmospheric landscape within which a battle between man and machine is waged, and yet a love story about star-crossed lovers is the true heart of the movie. Arnold Schwarzenegger found his signature role, and some might say the only role he truly fits like a glove, a killer robot from the future with a deadly mission to kill Sarah Connor, the future mother of the human resistance leader against the machines in the future. Unlike other sci-fi films, which tend to border on the silly or amusing side, this is a film you can take absolutely seriously, even with Arnie in the lead, and is a thrilling ride from start to finish.
After being treated to a post-apocalyptic nightmare of the future in the film's opening prologue, the film begins with Arnie's arrival as the Terminator in LA. He arrives completely naked, a fact that some street punks find amusing until the Terminator kills them in order to take their clothes. From there, we're introduced to Sarah and her normal life, and then to Kyle Reese, a human sent back in time to help protect Sarah from the Terminator. All three eventually come together in one particularly tense sequence in a night club where the Terminator reveals himself to everyone, pulls out his gun and is just about to shoot Sarah when Reese intervenes and saves her.
By today's standards the visualisation of the Terminator on screen (at least in the end) looks a little old-fashioned and clunky but it's no less thrilling. We are treated to a number of full body shots at the end which are stop motion and stilted, but this doesn't detract from the thrills, especially when in one sequence where we think the Terminator has been destroyed, twice, and he still gets up again. There's a great scene in the documentary on the bonus disc where the composer, upon first seeing this scene, says, "if that things gets up one more time I swear I'll... &%$#!". It's very suspenseful and entertaining.
Linda Hamilton does an amicable job as the vulnerable Sarah Connor; she's the girl next door who finds herself in an extraordinary situation and has to learn to adapt to an entirely new life once the Terminator enters the picture. Michael Biehn plays Kyle Reese with an almost manic intensity, driven to protect Sarah Connor at all costs. Throughout the film we are slowly treated to a more human side to the character who comes to fall in love with Sarah and thus conceive the leader of the human resistance, John Connor. Biehn does an excellent job, more so because it falls on his shoulders to explain everything that's happening, something I'm sure he wouldn't have relished. But at the same time, it's to Cameron's credit that this exposition which would have been boring otherwise is always told in the middle of a tense action sequence, so it's never boring.
Perhaps what sets this film apart from most action films is that everything is driven by the drama of the story, something you don't often find. So when the Terminator is chasing our heroes in a spectacular car chase with gun going off and parts of the city getting destroyed, we can still feel the tension and the drama in the scene for the characters rather than being a spectacular technical feat which so often happens in so many action films. As a result, you're constantly wondering if they are going to be able to stay one step ahead of the unstoppable cyborg.
"The Terminator" is a truly awesome film; it might be a little dated now, but it's no less great than when it was first released.
After being treated to a post-apocalyptic nightmare of the future in the film's opening prologue, the film begins with Arnie's arrival as the Terminator in LA. He arrives completely naked, a fact that some street punks find amusing until the Terminator kills them in order to take their clothes. From there, we're introduced to Sarah and her normal life, and then to Kyle Reese, a human sent back in time to help protect Sarah from the Terminator. All three eventually come together in one particularly tense sequence in a night club where the Terminator reveals himself to everyone, pulls out his gun and is just about to shoot Sarah when Reese intervenes and saves her.
By today's standards the visualisation of the Terminator on screen (at least in the end) looks a little old-fashioned and clunky but it's no less thrilling. We are treated to a number of full body shots at the end which are stop motion and stilted, but this doesn't detract from the thrills, especially when in one sequence where we think the Terminator has been destroyed, twice, and he still gets up again. There's a great scene in the documentary on the bonus disc where the composer, upon first seeing this scene, says, "if that things gets up one more time I swear I'll... &%$#!". It's very suspenseful and entertaining.
Linda Hamilton does an amicable job as the vulnerable Sarah Connor; she's the girl next door who finds herself in an extraordinary situation and has to learn to adapt to an entirely new life once the Terminator enters the picture. Michael Biehn plays Kyle Reese with an almost manic intensity, driven to protect Sarah Connor at all costs. Throughout the film we are slowly treated to a more human side to the character who comes to fall in love with Sarah and thus conceive the leader of the human resistance, John Connor. Biehn does an excellent job, more so because it falls on his shoulders to explain everything that's happening, something I'm sure he wouldn't have relished. But at the same time, it's to Cameron's credit that this exposition which would have been boring otherwise is always told in the middle of a tense action sequence, so it's never boring.
Perhaps what sets this film apart from most action films is that everything is driven by the drama of the story, something you don't often find. So when the Terminator is chasing our heroes in a spectacular car chase with gun going off and parts of the city getting destroyed, we can still feel the tension and the drama in the scene for the characters rather than being a spectacular technical feat which so often happens in so many action films. As a result, you're constantly wondering if they are going to be able to stay one step ahead of the unstoppable cyborg.
"The Terminator" is a truly awesome film; it might be a little dated now, but it's no less great than when it was first released.
Rebooting Your Viewing Habit
Now here's an interesting cartoon, not only for the kids, but also for the young at heart. Reboot is one really fascinating series, as it combined a rather interesting concept with nice visuals. And with as good dose of humor too.
Reboot follows the the exploits of a fictional world that resides inside a computer system. The world is known as Mainframe, and the citizens must battle in the “Game Cubes” in order to save parts of the city from being destroyed. Most of the series focuses on the adventures of Bob and his groups of sprites. Later seasons shifted the story to the characters Enzo and AndrAIa (that's actually how they spell it).
Reboot is very interesting in that it was the very first cartoon to employ full 3D computer graphics for the entire show. Though not really astounding by current standards, the series' bold decision to use 3D instead of traditional 2D animation was a definite step in introducing CGI (computer generated imagery) to mainstream cartoons, which have become very popular nowadays. There was also a great improvement in graphics and design in later seasons, which resulted in better animation.
Aside from the visuals, another great thing about this series is its story. While the episodes of the first season were targeted more to younger kids, with flashy colors and action sequences and with single episode stories. Later seasons would become darker and more oriented to older ones and teenagers. The character designs were redone to match the new style. The later seasons also saw more character development, as it focused on the maturity of both Enzo and AndrAIa.
Humor is very much a staple in the series. True to the computer theme evident in the series (the title Reboot itself is a term for restarting a computer), the show abounds in computer related in jokes and gags. Almost all of the citizens of Mainframe are name after a computer term or something related to it.
The series also abounds in parodies of popular culture. The 'games' that are featured in the game cubes shown in each episode contains a host of other characters that are takes from various films, games and TV shows. It would be very amusing to find out the homages when watching the Reboot DVD.
Perhaps the most interesting sets of jokes on the show are those poking fun on the network censorship that plagued the series during its run. Most of the jokes are in the form witty dialogs and catch phrases. There are some instances that these are in the form of gags that show the apparent absurdity or otherwise nonsensical nature of many restrictions placed on them.
So if you are on an online DVD shop looking for something good to watch, the Reboot DVD is definitely a must to get. Even if it's a cartoon, you'll definitely like it.
Reboot follows the the exploits of a fictional world that resides inside a computer system. The world is known as Mainframe, and the citizens must battle in the “Game Cubes” in order to save parts of the city from being destroyed. Most of the series focuses on the adventures of Bob and his groups of sprites. Later seasons shifted the story to the characters Enzo and AndrAIa (that's actually how they spell it).
Reboot is very interesting in that it was the very first cartoon to employ full 3D computer graphics for the entire show. Though not really astounding by current standards, the series' bold decision to use 3D instead of traditional 2D animation was a definite step in introducing CGI (computer generated imagery) to mainstream cartoons, which have become very popular nowadays. There was also a great improvement in graphics and design in later seasons, which resulted in better animation.
Aside from the visuals, another great thing about this series is its story. While the episodes of the first season were targeted more to younger kids, with flashy colors and action sequences and with single episode stories. Later seasons would become darker and more oriented to older ones and teenagers. The character designs were redone to match the new style. The later seasons also saw more character development, as it focused on the maturity of both Enzo and AndrAIa.
Humor is very much a staple in the series. True to the computer theme evident in the series (the title Reboot itself is a term for restarting a computer), the show abounds in computer related in jokes and gags. Almost all of the citizens of Mainframe are name after a computer term or something related to it.
The series also abounds in parodies of popular culture. The 'games' that are featured in the game cubes shown in each episode contains a host of other characters that are takes from various films, games and TV shows. It would be very amusing to find out the homages when watching the Reboot DVD.
Perhaps the most interesting sets of jokes on the show are those poking fun on the network censorship that plagued the series during its run. Most of the jokes are in the form witty dialogs and catch phrases. There are some instances that these are in the form of gags that show the apparent absurdity or otherwise nonsensical nature of many restrictions placed on them.
So if you are on an online DVD shop looking for something good to watch, the Reboot DVD is definitely a must to get. Even if it's a cartoon, you'll definitely like it.
Master & Learn Guitar - Revealed: Detailed Instructions On How To Properly Hold Your Guitar Pick
While you are learning to master and learn guitar playing techniques with your left hand, you will want to ensure that you are also not forgetting about your right hand technique.
Many new guitar players when learning to play the guitar are unsure of how to properly hold a guitar pick. Holding a guitar pick properly is imperative in order to play your guitar chords and guitar scales like a pro.
An improperly held guitar pick will stop you short of being able to master and learn guitar right hand picking techniques such as learning the art of alternate picking.
Before we take a look at how to hold your guitar pick, make sure that the thumb and first finger of your right hand are clean and dry. This will ensure that your guitar pick will not slip away from your fingers.
Let’s take a detailed look at 9 easy steps that will ensure you are holding your guitar pick properly.
1. Take your guitar pick and place it under your right thumb.
2. Pretend that you are growing your thumb nail and have approximately 4/5ths of your guitar pick tip showing.
3. Now turn your guitar pick towards yourself in a 45 degree angle turn. Your guitar pick tip should be pointing towards you now with your thumb pointing parallel to your guitar and body.
4. Place your first finger underneath the guitar pick.
5. Your first finger position placement will be on the right hand side of the guitar pick going from center to the right hand side of your guitar pick.
6. From this point on you might need to slightly adjust your guitar pick tip position. The key here is that you want to hold your guitar pick comfortably, and accurately enough in order to be able to play your guitar scales and chords properly.
7. Final finger placement: With your remaining three right fingers you can either curl them up into a loose fist, or you can lock all three fingers below the first string. If you are muting your guitar strings with your Palm then have your right pinky rest comfortably below the first string.
8. Make sure you have a fresh guitar pick: Having a fresh guitar pick at all times will ensure that you are getting a crisp and accurate sound from your right hand when you strum or pick your guitar. After about two hours of playing and practicing, you will want to switch to a new guitar pick. Any longer than two hours and your guitar pick tip will wear down making it more difficult to accurately play guitar scales. If all you are doing is playing guitar chords then you can use your pick longer unless you are arpeggio playing your guitar notes.
9. Choosing the right kind of pick: You will need to buy a couple of different variety of guitar picks as there are many pick choices to choose from. A general rule of thumb when buying your first guitar pick is to purchase a medium light guitar pick. From there you can decide if you want to play with a firmer or thinner guitar pick, or just keep with the medium light style of guitar pick.
Many new guitar players when learning to play the guitar are unsure of how to properly hold a guitar pick. Holding a guitar pick properly is imperative in order to play your guitar chords and guitar scales like a pro.
An improperly held guitar pick will stop you short of being able to master and learn guitar right hand picking techniques such as learning the art of alternate picking.
Before we take a look at how to hold your guitar pick, make sure that the thumb and first finger of your right hand are clean and dry. This will ensure that your guitar pick will not slip away from your fingers.
Let’s take a detailed look at 9 easy steps that will ensure you are holding your guitar pick properly.
1. Take your guitar pick and place it under your right thumb.
2. Pretend that you are growing your thumb nail and have approximately 4/5ths of your guitar pick tip showing.
3. Now turn your guitar pick towards yourself in a 45 degree angle turn. Your guitar pick tip should be pointing towards you now with your thumb pointing parallel to your guitar and body.
4. Place your first finger underneath the guitar pick.
5. Your first finger position placement will be on the right hand side of the guitar pick going from center to the right hand side of your guitar pick.
6. From this point on you might need to slightly adjust your guitar pick tip position. The key here is that you want to hold your guitar pick comfortably, and accurately enough in order to be able to play your guitar scales and chords properly.
7. Final finger placement: With your remaining three right fingers you can either curl them up into a loose fist, or you can lock all three fingers below the first string. If you are muting your guitar strings with your Palm then have your right pinky rest comfortably below the first string.
8. Make sure you have a fresh guitar pick: Having a fresh guitar pick at all times will ensure that you are getting a crisp and accurate sound from your right hand when you strum or pick your guitar. After about two hours of playing and practicing, you will want to switch to a new guitar pick. Any longer than two hours and your guitar pick tip will wear down making it more difficult to accurately play guitar scales. If all you are doing is playing guitar chords then you can use your pick longer unless you are arpeggio playing your guitar notes.
9. Choosing the right kind of pick: You will need to buy a couple of different variety of guitar picks as there are many pick choices to choose from. A general rule of thumb when buying your first guitar pick is to purchase a medium light guitar pick. From there you can decide if you want to play with a firmer or thinner guitar pick, or just keep with the medium light style of guitar pick.
Practice Guitar - Revealed: 4 Easy Tips To Practice Your Guitar Chord Changes
One of the first things a new guitar player will learn is how to play basic guitar chords. As soon as you learn how to play a minimum of two chords it is time to learn how to practice your guitar chord changes.
Guitar chord changes are when you switch from guitar chord to another guitar chord in a smooth and flawless motion.
If you are finding chord changes to be challenging while you practice guitar, let’s take a look at four easy tips on how to practice your guitar chord changes.
1. Memorize your guitar chords: The best way to practice your guitar chord changes is by memorizing your guitar chords. By memorizing your guitar chords you will be able to know where to place your left hand fingers on the fret board more quickly and more efficiently than if you are just guessing where your fingers go on the fret board.
2. Practice chord changes without strumming: Practicing your guitar chord changes is challenging enough without having to worry about the rhythm aspect of your guitar chords. Don’t worry about practicing your right hand rhythm technique for right now. Once you have mastered your guitar chord changes, you can incorporate switching your guitar chords with the various strumming patterns you have learned.
3. Keep your fingers on the strings: Try not to move your left fingers away from your guitar fretboard. By moving your fingers away from the guitar fretboard, while you are switching guitar chords, you will not be able to change chords as quickly. As you memorize your basic guitar chords, you will recognize that some of your left fingers will barely have to move. You will also begin to recognize that some guitar chords have the same notes which means that your fingers may already be in position to play part of the notes for the next guitar chord.
4. Know what chord is coming up: If you walk, drive a car, or ride a bicycle you will understand that you just don’t stare at one object while traveling. If you do, you will crash into something else. The solution from crashing is to look all around your surroundings and know what’s coming up ahead. The same goes with guitar chord changes. The more you look ahead of your music, the more you will avoid crashing into the wrong guitar chord. The more you know what guitar chords are coming up, the quicker you will be able to switch to the next chord.
5. Practice in the dark: By allowing yourself to practice guitar in the dark, you will be forced to ensure that you have memorized the right fingering for your guitar chords. Once you are able to play your guitar chords in the dark, the next step is to practice your guitar chord changes in the dark as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you’re not sure if you are playing the right guitar chord in the dark then practice guitar near a light switch. As soon as you think you have the right chord, turn the light on, and then check your left hand fingering to make sure your fingers are positioned correctly on the fret board.
Guitar chord changes are when you switch from guitar chord to another guitar chord in a smooth and flawless motion.
If you are finding chord changes to be challenging while you practice guitar, let’s take a look at four easy tips on how to practice your guitar chord changes.
1. Memorize your guitar chords: The best way to practice your guitar chord changes is by memorizing your guitar chords. By memorizing your guitar chords you will be able to know where to place your left hand fingers on the fret board more quickly and more efficiently than if you are just guessing where your fingers go on the fret board.
2. Practice chord changes without strumming: Practicing your guitar chord changes is challenging enough without having to worry about the rhythm aspect of your guitar chords. Don’t worry about practicing your right hand rhythm technique for right now. Once you have mastered your guitar chord changes, you can incorporate switching your guitar chords with the various strumming patterns you have learned.
3. Keep your fingers on the strings: Try not to move your left fingers away from your guitar fretboard. By moving your fingers away from the guitar fretboard, while you are switching guitar chords, you will not be able to change chords as quickly. As you memorize your basic guitar chords, you will recognize that some of your left fingers will barely have to move. You will also begin to recognize that some guitar chords have the same notes which means that your fingers may already be in position to play part of the notes for the next guitar chord.
4. Know what chord is coming up: If you walk, drive a car, or ride a bicycle you will understand that you just don’t stare at one object while traveling. If you do, you will crash into something else. The solution from crashing is to look all around your surroundings and know what’s coming up ahead. The same goes with guitar chord changes. The more you look ahead of your music, the more you will avoid crashing into the wrong guitar chord. The more you know what guitar chords are coming up, the quicker you will be able to switch to the next chord.
5. Practice in the dark: By allowing yourself to practice guitar in the dark, you will be forced to ensure that you have memorized the right fingering for your guitar chords. Once you are able to play your guitar chords in the dark, the next step is to practice your guitar chord changes in the dark as quickly and smoothly as possible. If you’re not sure if you are playing the right guitar chord in the dark then practice guitar near a light switch. As soon as you think you have the right chord, turn the light on, and then check your left hand fingering to make sure your fingers are positioned correctly on the fret board.
Learn Guitar: Beginners Guitar Chords: How to Play the C Major Chord
As a new guitar player one of the first things will want to learn is how to play your guitar chords. There are many different kinds of guitar chords. When starting out, however, you will want to learn what are called your basic guitar chords.
Basic beginner guitar chords are located within the first three frets of your guitar. Beginner guitar chords are great way for guitar players to get started without feeling overwhelmed by all of the note possibilities on the guitar neck of the guitar.
When starting out with beginner guitar chords, the C major chord is a great beginner guitar chord to learn. C Major is a great chord to learn on because this chord will teach you the basic foundations of proper chord technique with your left and right hand. If you can play the C major chord, you’ll pretty much be able to play all of the other basic guitar chords found on the first three frets of your guitar.
Let’s take a look at how to play the C major chord.
1. Place your left first finger on the second string first fret.
2. Place your left second finger on the fourth string, second fret.
3. Place your left third finger on the fifth string third fret.
4. Strum the chord
With a little more detail, let’s now expand our study of the C major chord.
1. Place your left first finger on the second string first fret: When playing your guitar chords, remember to place your left fingers as close to the fret of your guitar as possible. The further back on the fret board you play, the higher chance you have of having a bad sounding note.
2. Place your left second finger on the fourth string, second fret: When pressing the guitar notes down with your left hand fingers; press hard enough to hear the guitar note. If you press to lightly you will not be able to hear the guitar note.
3. Place your left third finger on the fifth string third fret: You will want to make sure that your fingers are not touching any of the strings around the notes you are pressing on. If your left hand fingers are touching any other guitar notes; try shifting your fingers around, or moving your wrist forward.
4. Strum the chord: You are now ready to strum your C major chord. With your right hand holding a guitar pick, in a downward stroke, strum all of the guitar strings except for the sixth string. The sixth string should not be played. In order to not hear the sixth string, you can mute the sixth string with your left hand thumb. This will prevent you from being heard if you accidentally hit the E. string with your right hand.
Basic beginner guitar chords are located within the first three frets of your guitar. Beginner guitar chords are great way for guitar players to get started without feeling overwhelmed by all of the note possibilities on the guitar neck of the guitar.
When starting out with beginner guitar chords, the C major chord is a great beginner guitar chord to learn. C Major is a great chord to learn on because this chord will teach you the basic foundations of proper chord technique with your left and right hand. If you can play the C major chord, you’ll pretty much be able to play all of the other basic guitar chords found on the first three frets of your guitar.
Let’s take a look at how to play the C major chord.
1. Place your left first finger on the second string first fret.
2. Place your left second finger on the fourth string, second fret.
3. Place your left third finger on the fifth string third fret.
4. Strum the chord
With a little more detail, let’s now expand our study of the C major chord.
1. Place your left first finger on the second string first fret: When playing your guitar chords, remember to place your left fingers as close to the fret of your guitar as possible. The further back on the fret board you play, the higher chance you have of having a bad sounding note.
2. Place your left second finger on the fourth string, second fret: When pressing the guitar notes down with your left hand fingers; press hard enough to hear the guitar note. If you press to lightly you will not be able to hear the guitar note.
3. Place your left third finger on the fifth string third fret: You will want to make sure that your fingers are not touching any of the strings around the notes you are pressing on. If your left hand fingers are touching any other guitar notes; try shifting your fingers around, or moving your wrist forward.
4. Strum the chord: You are now ready to strum your C major chord. With your right hand holding a guitar pick, in a downward stroke, strum all of the guitar strings except for the sixth string. The sixth string should not be played. In order to not hear the sixth string, you can mute the sixth string with your left hand thumb. This will prevent you from being heard if you accidentally hit the E. string with your right hand.
Beginner Guitar Online - Super Easy Introduction to Guitar Strumming
In the process of learning how to play your guitar chords, you will want to get started and apply these chords to a musical situation like a favourite song.. If you have learned even just one guitar chord, then you are ready to begin learning how to strum on your guitar.
Strumming on the guitar can seem like a mystery when watching other players flawlessly play rhythm on the guitar. What looks difficult, is in reality, a combination of practice and what are called strumming patterns.
Let’s take a look at how to strum on your guitar in three easy mini lessons to describe how to get started strumming your guitar.
1. Guitar strumming: It’s great to learn how to play guitar chords, however, It’s even more fun once you figure out how to strum your guitar chords. Guitar chord strumming consists of learning rhythm strum patterns that will utilize your right hand while holding your guitar pick. With your guitar pick you strum your hand up and down the guitar strings with the chord that you are playing with.
2. Strum patterns: Basic guitar strum patterns consist of what are called down stroke’s and upstroke’s. Begin to Mix and match your Up and down stroke’s with your guitar chords. Mixing around your up and down strokes will allow for variation in the sound of your guitar chords. As you improve your strum pattern technique, you will discover a whole new world of strumming pattern variations that will add life and creativity to the guitar chords that you are learning.
3. Get Started: Pick your favourite guitar chord. With your right hand holding your guitar pick, count to yourself the following; one, two, three, four. Repeat this to yourself four times so that you have in your head what is called a 4/4 time signature. In a downward motion strum your guitar four times. You have now played the most basic guitar strum pattern available. Next, strum upwards four times counting 1234. Next, we are going to vary your strum pattern. With your right hand strum down and then strum up. Do this 2x. In other words: down, up, down up. While you are strumming your guitar remember to count out loud. For example: Down=“1“, Up=“2“, Down=“3“, Down=“4“. Repeat this strum pattern over and over, and try different strum pattern combinations such as up=1 up=2 up=3 down=4.
Strumming on the guitar can seem like a mystery when watching other players flawlessly play rhythm on the guitar. What looks difficult, is in reality, a combination of practice and what are called strumming patterns.
Let’s take a look at how to strum on your guitar in three easy mini lessons to describe how to get started strumming your guitar.
1. Guitar strumming: It’s great to learn how to play guitar chords, however, It’s even more fun once you figure out how to strum your guitar chords. Guitar chord strumming consists of learning rhythm strum patterns that will utilize your right hand while holding your guitar pick. With your guitar pick you strum your hand up and down the guitar strings with the chord that you are playing with.
2. Strum patterns: Basic guitar strum patterns consist of what are called down stroke’s and upstroke’s. Begin to Mix and match your Up and down stroke’s with your guitar chords. Mixing around your up and down strokes will allow for variation in the sound of your guitar chords. As you improve your strum pattern technique, you will discover a whole new world of strumming pattern variations that will add life and creativity to the guitar chords that you are learning.
3. Get Started: Pick your favourite guitar chord. With your right hand holding your guitar pick, count to yourself the following; one, two, three, four. Repeat this to yourself four times so that you have in your head what is called a 4/4 time signature. In a downward motion strum your guitar four times. You have now played the most basic guitar strum pattern available. Next, strum upwards four times counting 1234. Next, we are going to vary your strum pattern. With your right hand strum down and then strum up. Do this 2x. In other words: down, up, down up. While you are strumming your guitar remember to count out loud. For example: Down=“1“, Up=“2“, Down=“3“, Down=“4“. Repeat this strum pattern over and over, and try different strum pattern combinations such as up=1 up=2 up=3 down=4.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
How to Play Your Guitar - Revealed - Super Quick Chord Changes
As you’re practicing guitar, you will reach the point when you will know more than three chords. It is at this point in learning how to play your guitar that it is imperative to begin practicing your chord changes.
When learning how to play your guitar you will encounter what are called chord changes. Chord changes are switching from one guitar chord to the next guitar chord in a smooth and fast motion. One of the most challenging things that hinders a new guitar player when learning to do chord changes is accurately and quickly switching from chord to chord.
Let’s take a look at 3 easy steps that will help you to achieve super quick chord changes.
1. Memorize your guitar chords
2. Learn the ergonomics of guitar chords
3. Module chord practice
1. Memorize your guitar chords: In order to begin switching from chord to chord super fast, you need to memorize as many guitar chords that you have learned as possible. The more you have your guitar chords memorized, the easier it will be to play your guitar chords individually. This in turn will allow you to transition to the next chord more quickly due to not having to figure out your chord fingering.
2. Learn the ergonomics of guitar chords: This might sound more complicated than what it really is. Chord ergonomic playing is just finding the best fingering for the chord you are playing that will allow you to transition to your next chord as quickly and smoothly as possible. For example, there are two ways to play the A major basic chord. You can use your first three fingers (1, 2, and 3) which is what most beginner guitar players learn how to do, or you can learn how to play a major with the last three fingers (2, 3, and 4) and discover that using this fingering position will allow for smoother and quicker chord changes.
3. Module chord practice: Learning to take your chord switching playing abilities to the next level will require practice. Take two chords and practice switching between the two chords back and forth for two minutes. Take two brand-new chords and practice switching these chords back and forth over and over again for another two minutes. In a 10 minute module unit you can practice switching guitar chords using 10 different chords.
When learning how to play your guitar you will encounter what are called chord changes. Chord changes are switching from one guitar chord to the next guitar chord in a smooth and fast motion. One of the most challenging things that hinders a new guitar player when learning to do chord changes is accurately and quickly switching from chord to chord.
Let’s take a look at 3 easy steps that will help you to achieve super quick chord changes.
1. Memorize your guitar chords
2. Learn the ergonomics of guitar chords
3. Module chord practice
1. Memorize your guitar chords: In order to begin switching from chord to chord super fast, you need to memorize as many guitar chords that you have learned as possible. The more you have your guitar chords memorized, the easier it will be to play your guitar chords individually. This in turn will allow you to transition to the next chord more quickly due to not having to figure out your chord fingering.
2. Learn the ergonomics of guitar chords: This might sound more complicated than what it really is. Chord ergonomic playing is just finding the best fingering for the chord you are playing that will allow you to transition to your next chord as quickly and smoothly as possible. For example, there are two ways to play the A major basic chord. You can use your first three fingers (1, 2, and 3) which is what most beginner guitar players learn how to do, or you can learn how to play a major with the last three fingers (2, 3, and 4) and discover that using this fingering position will allow for smoother and quicker chord changes.
3. Module chord practice: Learning to take your chord switching playing abilities to the next level will require practice. Take two chords and practice switching between the two chords back and forth for two minutes. Take two brand-new chords and practice switching these chords back and forth over and over again for another two minutes. In a 10 minute module unit you can practice switching guitar chords using 10 different chords.
How To Play Guitar Good - The Mysteries of Alternate Picking Revealed.
Once you have begun to learn all of your beginner guitar chords, and basic guitar scales, you will want to make sure that you are utilizing the best right hand technique possible in order to play your guitar is accurately and as fast as possible.
In order to learn how to play guitar good you’ll need to learn the right hand guitar technique called alternate picking. Alternate picking is also a great way to learn how to play your guitar chords correctly, and introduce the concept of arpeggio playing.
The good news is that you can start applying these simple alternate picking techniques immediately to your guitar playing.
Let’s take a look at how to apply basic alternate picking to your guitar playing.
1. Hold your guitar pick correctly
2. Practice using up and down strokes
3. Alternate your guitar strokes
4. Apply alternate picking to your scales
5. Apply alternate picking to your chords
1. Hold your guitar pick correctly: You want to make sure that you’re holding your guitar pick correctly. If you play guitar only with your fingers this will be a great opportunity for you to learn how to play with a guitar pick.
2. Practice using up and down strokes: The basic concept of alternate picking is quite simple. With your guitar pick you will be picking each note and alternating between down and upstroke’s.
3. Alternate your guitar strokes: Once you have the basic concept of alternating your guitar strokes for each string, (up and down, one note at a time) you can now alternate your guitar strokes. For example instead of picking: up, down, up, down; you will be using the pattern of: up, up, down, down, etc. The possibilities of alternating your guitar strokes are limitless.
4. Apply alternate picking to your scales: On the first note that you play your guitar scale with, pick down. The next note you will pick up. When you have mastered going up and down on your guitar scales the next thing you want to do is to have your first note be plucked upwards first. The second note will now be a down stroke, and so forth.
5. Apply alternate picking to your chords: Alternate picking your guitar chords will do three things. The first thing alternate picking will do is ensure that you are playing correctly each of the guitar notes on the chord you are playing. The second thing alternate picking will do with your chords is introduce you to guitar chord picking patterns. The third thing alternate picking will do with your chords is introduce you to what is called arpeggio playing. Simple arpeggio playing is playing the guitar chord one note at a time. Arpeggio playing is also great for playing guitar chords with slow songs.
In order to learn how to play guitar good you’ll need to learn the right hand guitar technique called alternate picking. Alternate picking is also a great way to learn how to play your guitar chords correctly, and introduce the concept of arpeggio playing.
The good news is that you can start applying these simple alternate picking techniques immediately to your guitar playing.
Let’s take a look at how to apply basic alternate picking to your guitar playing.
1. Hold your guitar pick correctly
2. Practice using up and down strokes
3. Alternate your guitar strokes
4. Apply alternate picking to your scales
5. Apply alternate picking to your chords
1. Hold your guitar pick correctly: You want to make sure that you’re holding your guitar pick correctly. If you play guitar only with your fingers this will be a great opportunity for you to learn how to play with a guitar pick.
2. Practice using up and down strokes: The basic concept of alternate picking is quite simple. With your guitar pick you will be picking each note and alternating between down and upstroke’s.
3. Alternate your guitar strokes: Once you have the basic concept of alternating your guitar strokes for each string, (up and down, one note at a time) you can now alternate your guitar strokes. For example instead of picking: up, down, up, down; you will be using the pattern of: up, up, down, down, etc. The possibilities of alternating your guitar strokes are limitless.
4. Apply alternate picking to your scales: On the first note that you play your guitar scale with, pick down. The next note you will pick up. When you have mastered going up and down on your guitar scales the next thing you want to do is to have your first note be plucked upwards first. The second note will now be a down stroke, and so forth.
5. Apply alternate picking to your chords: Alternate picking your guitar chords will do three things. The first thing alternate picking will do is ensure that you are playing correctly each of the guitar notes on the chord you are playing. The second thing alternate picking will do with your chords is introduce you to guitar chord picking patterns. The third thing alternate picking will do with your chords is introduce you to what is called arpeggio playing. Simple arpeggio playing is playing the guitar chord one note at a time. Arpeggio playing is also great for playing guitar chords with slow songs.
How To Play Guitar - Beginner - 4 Must Have Guitar Effect Pedals: Distortion, Delay, Chorus, and Reverb.
If you don’t own them already, at some point, you will encounter what are called guitar effects. Guitar effects are used to enhance the tone and sound of your instrument. Guitar effects can dramatically change your guitar sound, or simply make your guitar sound sonically rich.
When you enter the world of guitar effects, it can be quite overwhelming to know what the best guitar effects to purchase are. From stomp boxes, to full rack mount guitar effects, there is an unending supply of sound available to enhance your guitar playing sound and abilities.
Let’s take a look at 4 must-have guitar effects that you will want to utilize in your guitar playing experience.
1. Distortion
2. Delay
3. Chorus
4. Reverb
1. Distortion: If you’ve ever heard a hard rock band, chances are you have heard a guitar player that is using distortion. Believe it or not, distortion is not just limited to heavy metal playing guitar players. Many jazz guitar players incorporate distortion into their sound. Even rock and blues players will incorporate a light distortion sound, giving their clean tone an extra edge to the sound that their guitar produces. There are unlimited types of distortion available to the guitar player making distortion a great way to craft your own unique guitar tone.
2. Delay: Think back to a time where you were yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or shouting your name across a canyon, and while you were calling out your name you heard your name repeat over and over. You have just experienced delay. Another name for delay is echo. Delay as a guitar effect is basically when the sound that you produce on your guitar repeats itself over and over again. There are short delays, and long delays. Short delays are great for adding rhythmic variation to your guitar. Long delays are a great way to add excitement within your guitar solos.
3. Chorus: The idea behind the effect known as chorus is when you have an overlapping blend of voices sounding together. Chorus on the guitar is similar to having many guitar‘s overlapping together. Chorus is a great guitar effect when played on a clean guitar tone. Both electric and acoustic guitars will sound great with chorus added to the sound mix of your guitar.
4. Reverb: Very similarly related to delay is the effect called reverb. If hearing the sound repeat over and over again is called delay, the part of the sound that continues onward after you’ve stopped playing is called reverb. Right now, clap your hand in the room that you’re in. If you’re in a small room your handclap will not last very long. In a large auditorium however, the after sound of clapping your hand might last for a few seconds. You’ll also hear the effects of natural reverb by yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or a canyon. Reverb is a great guitar effect that can add depth to your sound. Thick Reverb guitar effects are generally not recommended playing with live because reverb can muddy up your guitar sound. Instead, try adding reverb to your guitar in a studio recording. In a home studio recording, reverb can make your guitar sound amazing.
When you enter the world of guitar effects, it can be quite overwhelming to know what the best guitar effects to purchase are. From stomp boxes, to full rack mount guitar effects, there is an unending supply of sound available to enhance your guitar playing sound and abilities.
Let’s take a look at 4 must-have guitar effects that you will want to utilize in your guitar playing experience.
1. Distortion
2. Delay
3. Chorus
4. Reverb
1. Distortion: If you’ve ever heard a hard rock band, chances are you have heard a guitar player that is using distortion. Believe it or not, distortion is not just limited to heavy metal playing guitar players. Many jazz guitar players incorporate distortion into their sound. Even rock and blues players will incorporate a light distortion sound, giving their clean tone an extra edge to the sound that their guitar produces. There are unlimited types of distortion available to the guitar player making distortion a great way to craft your own unique guitar tone.
2. Delay: Think back to a time where you were yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or shouting your name across a canyon, and while you were calling out your name you heard your name repeat over and over. You have just experienced delay. Another name for delay is echo. Delay as a guitar effect is basically when the sound that you produce on your guitar repeats itself over and over again. There are short delays, and long delays. Short delays are great for adding rhythmic variation to your guitar. Long delays are a great way to add excitement within your guitar solos.
3. Chorus: The idea behind the effect known as chorus is when you have an overlapping blend of voices sounding together. Chorus on the guitar is similar to having many guitar‘s overlapping together. Chorus is a great guitar effect when played on a clean guitar tone. Both electric and acoustic guitars will sound great with chorus added to the sound mix of your guitar.
4. Reverb: Very similarly related to delay is the effect called reverb. If hearing the sound repeat over and over again is called delay, the part of the sound that continues onward after you’ve stopped playing is called reverb. Right now, clap your hand in the room that you’re in. If you’re in a small room your handclap will not last very long. In a large auditorium however, the after sound of clapping your hand might last for a few seconds. You’ll also hear the effects of natural reverb by yelling your name in a concrete stairwell, or a canyon. Reverb is a great guitar effect that can add depth to your sound. Thick Reverb guitar effects are generally not recommended playing with live because reverb can muddy up your guitar sound. Instead, try adding reverb to your guitar in a studio recording. In a home studio recording, reverb can make your guitar sound amazing.
Learn Beginner Guitar - 6 Easy Steps To Finger Tap Like A Pro
There are some very fun and exciting things that are unique to the guitar. One of these unique items is called finger tapping. Although the theory behind finger tapping is nothing new, there is just something about guitar player finger tapping that sounds totally cool. Many other instruments such as the piano and saxophone have tried for years to emulate the sound of a guitar finger tapping. At the end of the day however, there’s nothing like a real guitar player finger tapping like pro.
Let’s take a look at 6 easy steps to learn beginner guitar finger tapping.
1. With your left hand, place your first finger on the second string, fifth fret.
2. With your right first finger pluck the second string on the ninth fret.
3. With your third finger strike the seventh fret
4. With your right first finger strike the ninth fret.
5. Quickly lift your third finger off of the seventh fret
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5
Let’s take a look at a longer explanation of what is occurring.
1. With your left hand, place your first finger on the second string, fifth fret: Remember to use proper left hand technique and place your left fingers just before the fret to get the best sound out of your guitar.
2. With your right first finger pluck the second string on the ninth fret: if you are holding the guitar pick you will want to place it somewhere else for right now. Later on as you improve your finger tapping technique you can place your guitar pick in between another set of fingers.
3. With your third finger strike the seventh fret: This is a technique called a hammer on, and will require practice in order to get the note sounding loud enough to be heard. If you have a guitar amplifier; turning up the volume will help you to hear your hammer on notes until your fingers are strong enough to not need extra volume.
4. With your right first finger strike the ninth fret: If you are having a hard time hammering on the note with your first finger try placing your middle finger over your first finger to give it some extra strength.
5. Quickly lift your third finger off of the seventh fret: You can either lift your left hand third finger as soon as your right hand first finger taps its first note, or you can quickly lift your left hand third finger away from the fret as you pluck the ninth fret with your right first finger.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5: You now have the basic foundation to begin finger tapping!
Let’s take a look at 6 easy steps to learn beginner guitar finger tapping.
1. With your left hand, place your first finger on the second string, fifth fret.
2. With your right first finger pluck the second string on the ninth fret.
3. With your third finger strike the seventh fret
4. With your right first finger strike the ninth fret.
5. Quickly lift your third finger off of the seventh fret
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5
Let’s take a look at a longer explanation of what is occurring.
1. With your left hand, place your first finger on the second string, fifth fret: Remember to use proper left hand technique and place your left fingers just before the fret to get the best sound out of your guitar.
2. With your right first finger pluck the second string on the ninth fret: if you are holding the guitar pick you will want to place it somewhere else for right now. Later on as you improve your finger tapping technique you can place your guitar pick in between another set of fingers.
3. With your third finger strike the seventh fret: This is a technique called a hammer on, and will require practice in order to get the note sounding loud enough to be heard. If you have a guitar amplifier; turning up the volume will help you to hear your hammer on notes until your fingers are strong enough to not need extra volume.
4. With your right first finger strike the ninth fret: If you are having a hard time hammering on the note with your first finger try placing your middle finger over your first finger to give it some extra strength.
5. Quickly lift your third finger off of the seventh fret: You can either lift your left hand third finger as soon as your right hand first finger taps its first note, or you can quickly lift your left hand third finger away from the fret as you pluck the ninth fret with your right first finger.
6. Repeat steps 2 to 5: You now have the basic foundation to begin finger tapping!
Master and Learn Guitar - Revealed: Introduction To 4 Kinds of Guitar Harmonics
Let’s take a look at 4 basic kinds of harmonics that will help you to master and learn guitar.
1. Open string harmonics
2. Pick harmonics
3. Tap harmonics
4. Thumb pick harmonics
1. Open string harmonics: By far the easiest kind of guitar harmonics that you can learn how to play are what are called open string harmonics. Open string harmonics are when you lightly place your finger over your guitar strings. You can play all of your guitar strings at once, or, you can play individual open string harmonics. The best open string harmonics are found on the 12th fret, seventh fret, and the fifth fret. There are other open strings harmonics all throughout the guitar, however, these three fret areas are by far the easiest to find and play on your guitar.
2. Pinch harmonics: Pinch harmonics are individually pinched notes on the guitar. You can choose either your open strings, or any note found throughout the guitar fretboard. With your right hand holding the guitar pick, you will take the tip of the guitar pick and pinch your guitar strings. This pinching action will produce a harmonic. For starters, practice your pinch harmonics on Strings 6, 5, and 4.
3. Tap harmonics: Tap harmonics are the hardest of all harmonic guitar styles to play. Played correctly and you will have a very sonically rich sounding guitar. The great thing with tap harmonics is that you can play individual notes or full fingered chords. With your left hand place your fingers on the note or chord that you want to play. With your right hand first finger you will be tapping individual notes or striking the guitar fretboard with all of your first finger like a long flat stretched out hammer. With your first finger you will be tapping an octave higher from where your left hand finger placement is located. For example, if the note you are playing is on the six string, third fret, you’re right first finger will strike the 15th fret, sixth string.
4. Thumb pick harmonics: Another single note harmonic style that you can utilize is a combination of your right thumb and first finger. Choose your single note or chord with your left hand. Next, place your right finger an octave higher lightly on top of the string, above the fret board. Use your right thumb as a pick. Pluck the note keeping your right hand fingering position. Thumb pick harmonics are an expansion of open string harmonic technique.
1. Open string harmonics
2. Pick harmonics
3. Tap harmonics
4. Thumb pick harmonics
1. Open string harmonics: By far the easiest kind of guitar harmonics that you can learn how to play are what are called open string harmonics. Open string harmonics are when you lightly place your finger over your guitar strings. You can play all of your guitar strings at once, or, you can play individual open string harmonics. The best open string harmonics are found on the 12th fret, seventh fret, and the fifth fret. There are other open strings harmonics all throughout the guitar, however, these three fret areas are by far the easiest to find and play on your guitar.
2. Pinch harmonics: Pinch harmonics are individually pinched notes on the guitar. You can choose either your open strings, or any note found throughout the guitar fretboard. With your right hand holding the guitar pick, you will take the tip of the guitar pick and pinch your guitar strings. This pinching action will produce a harmonic. For starters, practice your pinch harmonics on Strings 6, 5, and 4.
3. Tap harmonics: Tap harmonics are the hardest of all harmonic guitar styles to play. Played correctly and you will have a very sonically rich sounding guitar. The great thing with tap harmonics is that you can play individual notes or full fingered chords. With your left hand place your fingers on the note or chord that you want to play. With your right hand first finger you will be tapping individual notes or striking the guitar fretboard with all of your first finger like a long flat stretched out hammer. With your first finger you will be tapping an octave higher from where your left hand finger placement is located. For example, if the note you are playing is on the six string, third fret, you’re right first finger will strike the 15th fret, sixth string.
4. Thumb pick harmonics: Another single note harmonic style that you can utilize is a combination of your right thumb and first finger. Choose your single note or chord with your left hand. Next, place your right finger an octave higher lightly on top of the string, above the fret board. Use your right thumb as a pick. Pluck the note keeping your right hand fingering position. Thumb pick harmonics are an expansion of open string harmonic technique.
Guitar Practice - Secrets Revealed Here: 4 Uplifting Methods To Relieve Depression By Practicing Guitar
There are many newspaper and psychology reports that claim the benefits of listening to music in order to relieve depression. There’s just something about music that can soothe the savaged soul.
Another great way two relieve depression is by going beyond listening to music, and learning how to play an instrument. Guitar is just one of those instruments that you can learn how to play very quickly and easily with proper guidance and instruction.
Depending on how much guitar practice is accomplished by the depressed individual, you can quite literally learn all of the basics of beginner guitar within 3 to 6 months of practicing your six string instrument.
At first glance you might think that practicing your guitar is depressing. With the right attitude, and the right practice techniques, guitar practice is a major key to supporting the relief of depression.
Let’s take a look at 4 ways that guitar practice can relieve depression.
1. Choose to Practice Guitar: The choice to practice guitar is quite important when you consider that many times the foundational key to life change is determined by choosing to make a right choice. Making the right choice to practice guitar is the first step in the support of relieving depression.
2. Actually Practice: The next step to relieve depression by guitar practice is to actually sit down and practice your guitar. Actually implementing what you have learned on guitar will enable you to know that if you can practice one time, then you can practice again and again. By actually practicing what you have learned on guitar, you will be able to quickly reap the soothing musical benefits that come from playing and practicing music on the guitar.
3. Always look back from where you came from: As you practice your guitar you will look back upon where you came from and be amazed at what you can do on guitar. Compared this to what you are unable to do when you first started. Music therapy aside, recognizing improvement in your own personal abilities is a great way to help support and defeat any depression that you may be dealing with. It is very important to not get frustrated depending how fast or slow you learn on your six string instrument.
4. Frustrating opportunities: Frustration will always occur when learning a new instrument. By choosing to have the right attitude, you can take your frustration as an opportunity to look back where you came from and where you are now. For example, if you have been practicing your guitar for three months, it is important to look back and recognize that 2 months ago you were further behind than where you are now on your instrument. Instead of getting depressed, you can actually rejoice and use your frustration as an opportunity to increase your skills on the guitar. By letting frustration be an opportunity to increase your skills on the guitar, you will be helping yourself by getting rid of depression through guitar practice.
Another great way two relieve depression is by going beyond listening to music, and learning how to play an instrument. Guitar is just one of those instruments that you can learn how to play very quickly and easily with proper guidance and instruction.
Depending on how much guitar practice is accomplished by the depressed individual, you can quite literally learn all of the basics of beginner guitar within 3 to 6 months of practicing your six string instrument.
At first glance you might think that practicing your guitar is depressing. With the right attitude, and the right practice techniques, guitar practice is a major key to supporting the relief of depression.
Let’s take a look at 4 ways that guitar practice can relieve depression.
1. Choose to Practice Guitar: The choice to practice guitar is quite important when you consider that many times the foundational key to life change is determined by choosing to make a right choice. Making the right choice to practice guitar is the first step in the support of relieving depression.
2. Actually Practice: The next step to relieve depression by guitar practice is to actually sit down and practice your guitar. Actually implementing what you have learned on guitar will enable you to know that if you can practice one time, then you can practice again and again. By actually practicing what you have learned on guitar, you will be able to quickly reap the soothing musical benefits that come from playing and practicing music on the guitar.
3. Always look back from where you came from: As you practice your guitar you will look back upon where you came from and be amazed at what you can do on guitar. Compared this to what you are unable to do when you first started. Music therapy aside, recognizing improvement in your own personal abilities is a great way to help support and defeat any depression that you may be dealing with. It is very important to not get frustrated depending how fast or slow you learn on your six string instrument.
4. Frustrating opportunities: Frustration will always occur when learning a new instrument. By choosing to have the right attitude, you can take your frustration as an opportunity to look back where you came from and where you are now. For example, if you have been practicing your guitar for three months, it is important to look back and recognize that 2 months ago you were further behind than where you are now on your instrument. Instead of getting depressed, you can actually rejoice and use your frustration as an opportunity to increase your skills on the guitar. By letting frustration be an opportunity to increase your skills on the guitar, you will be helping yourself by getting rid of depression through guitar practice.
"Miss Congeniality" Had an Identity Issue, Sandra Bullock Saved It From Disaster
Miss Congeniality - 2 Stars (Average)
"Miss Congeniality" had a real identity problem as a movie. Unfortunately for Sandra Bullock, the star of the film as FBI agent Gracie Hart, Miss Congeniality could not take her as far as her performance merited.
She did win a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy; her first was the same nomination for her role as Lucy in "While You Were Sleeping".
Released in 2000, Miss Congeniality is not a drama, an action adventure, a police flick, a comedy or a romantic comedy. It is a mismatch of all and a master of none. When you add in the corny, juvenile, inappropriate dialog, the film is lucky it had Sandra Bullock as its centerpiece because without her, it would have been beyond dismal.
In other words, the writers of Miss Congeniality—Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford and Caryn Lucas (and these may be the only ones who were willing to take credit for the script)—did not add much beyond the plot.
Gracie Hart is cast as an unattractive, disheveled, bumbling FBI agent who has no life beyond her 24/7 commitment to her job. When it is determined that a wacko, serial killer has set his sights on a Miss United States beauty pageant, Agent Hart is a reluctant last choice to go undercover.
Hart is such a poor choice that beauty consultant Victor Melling (played by veteran Michael Caine) is brought in to polish her appearance and performance as Miss New Jersey. Melling has 2 days to get the job done; this is just one example of an unbelievably bad script; even in this wannabe comedy, nothing rings true. It is like having a chair with no legs.
When the real serial killer is caught before the pageant ends, the FBI gets up and leaves. Hart realizes that something is amiss and hangs around on her own, suspecting that the most recent letter from the killer is written by a copycat killer for convenience. You will have to see the movie for the rest.
Even director Donald Petrie could not totally control the amount of glut in Miss Congeniality's script. There were enough sidesteps, missteps and sight gags for a novelist to write a trilogy, and none of them worked all that well. Petrie cut some of the crap out, but the writers were trying to make a career out of writing one script.
Enough carping. Miss Congeniality had a few good moments, but I would not watch it a second time. One real positive was the final still picture of Sandra Bullock at the end of the film—she never looked better.
"Miss Congeniality" had a real identity problem as a movie. Unfortunately for Sandra Bullock, the star of the film as FBI agent Gracie Hart, Miss Congeniality could not take her as far as her performance merited.
She did win a second Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy; her first was the same nomination for her role as Lucy in "While You Were Sleeping".
Released in 2000, Miss Congeniality is not a drama, an action adventure, a police flick, a comedy or a romantic comedy. It is a mismatch of all and a master of none. When you add in the corny, juvenile, inappropriate dialog, the film is lucky it had Sandra Bullock as its centerpiece because without her, it would have been beyond dismal.
In other words, the writers of Miss Congeniality—Marc Lawrence, Katie Ford and Caryn Lucas (and these may be the only ones who were willing to take credit for the script)—did not add much beyond the plot.
Gracie Hart is cast as an unattractive, disheveled, bumbling FBI agent who has no life beyond her 24/7 commitment to her job. When it is determined that a wacko, serial killer has set his sights on a Miss United States beauty pageant, Agent Hart is a reluctant last choice to go undercover.
Hart is such a poor choice that beauty consultant Victor Melling (played by veteran Michael Caine) is brought in to polish her appearance and performance as Miss New Jersey. Melling has 2 days to get the job done; this is just one example of an unbelievably bad script; even in this wannabe comedy, nothing rings true. It is like having a chair with no legs.
When the real serial killer is caught before the pageant ends, the FBI gets up and leaves. Hart realizes that something is amiss and hangs around on her own, suspecting that the most recent letter from the killer is written by a copycat killer for convenience. You will have to see the movie for the rest.
Even director Donald Petrie could not totally control the amount of glut in Miss Congeniality's script. There were enough sidesteps, missteps and sight gags for a novelist to write a trilogy, and none of them worked all that well. Petrie cut some of the crap out, but the writers were trying to make a career out of writing one script.
Enough carping. Miss Congeniality had a few good moments, but I would not watch it a second time. One real positive was the final still picture of Sandra Bullock at the end of the film—she never looked better.
"Radio" Is One of the Most Under-Rated and Under-Appreciated Films in Movie History
Radio - 4 Stars (Excellent)
"Radio"—the true story of high school football coach Harold Jones and a mentally-challenged young man named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy—might well be one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated movies in film history.
James Kennedy was nicknamed "Radio" by the townspeople of Anderson, South Carolina because he was always listening to discarded radios. As a youth he would push or ride a grocery cart down the street, talking to no one. It was 1976 and Radio did not attend school because he was mentally challenged, and an easy target for kids more fortunate.
After some football players on coach Harold Jones' T. L. Hanna High School team harass, intimidate and scare the living daylights out of Radio (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jones befriends and protects Radio by slowly winning his trust and inviting him to the team's football practices.
Coach Jones (played magnificently by veteran actor Ed Harris) eventually has Radio helping out as a "coach" and sitting on the bench during the games. When Radio's new-found acceptance leads to his self-image and self-confidence rising, his enthusiasm creates a distraction for the team at a critical moment, and some boosters (like the father of a star player) want Radio gone.
Fortunately for Radio, his unpretentious love and loyalty to the coach and players resonates, and Radio is allowed to remain part of both the team and the school. At this point in time, Radio is attending school, not as a student, but as a positive influence on the students and a welcome school-helper.
All of this is reminiscent of the biblical admonition "if you hear His voice today, harden not your heart." Radio is about love, acceptance, approval, understanding, compassion, kindness, loyalty and finding peace in our time.
Radio the movie was inspired by Gary Smith's 1996 article titled "Someone to Lean On" that first appeared in Sports Illustrated magazine. The film benefits greatly from the script by Mike Rich and direction by Mike Tollin, also one of the producers with Herb Gains and Brian O'keefe. Radio managed to generate $52+ million at the box office, but received mixed positive and negative reviews by the critics (of which I am one).
Radio was a terrific movie with a genuine message of value. Radio gets a positive answer to my most searching question as a movie reviewer: Am I a better person for having seen this film? You better believe it.
I am incensed that Radio was absolutely snubbed at major awards time. It is not like Ed Harris is a nobody. Before Radio was made, Ed Harris had been nominated for 3 Oscars as Best Supporting Actor ("The Hours", "The Truman Show" and "Apollo") and been nominated for Best Actor in "Pollock". Add to those honors 4 nominations by the Golden Globes and a Best Actor Golden Globe for The Truman Show.
Cuba Gooding Jr. had won an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in "Jerry Maguire" (remember his famous line "Show me the money"), and was nominated for a Golden Globe for the same award.
The really good news about Radio is that Radio is still helping coach the Hanna High School team and bringing his presence to the school. He remains a story that continues to grow and radiate with positive vibes.
"Radio"—the true story of high school football coach Harold Jones and a mentally-challenged young man named James Robert "Radio" Kennedy—might well be one of the most under-rated and under-appreciated movies in film history.
James Kennedy was nicknamed "Radio" by the townspeople of Anderson, South Carolina because he was always listening to discarded radios. As a youth he would push or ride a grocery cart down the street, talking to no one. It was 1976 and Radio did not attend school because he was mentally challenged, and an easy target for kids more fortunate.
After some football players on coach Harold Jones' T. L. Hanna High School team harass, intimidate and scare the living daylights out of Radio (played by Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jones befriends and protects Radio by slowly winning his trust and inviting him to the team's football practices.
Coach Jones (played magnificently by veteran actor Ed Harris) eventually has Radio helping out as a "coach" and sitting on the bench during the games. When Radio's new-found acceptance leads to his self-image and self-confidence rising, his enthusiasm creates a distraction for the team at a critical moment, and some boosters (like the father of a star player) want Radio gone.
Fortunately for Radio, his unpretentious love and loyalty to the coach and players resonates, and Radio is allowed to remain part of both the team and the school. At this point in time, Radio is attending school, not as a student, but as a positive influence on the students and a welcome school-helper.
All of this is reminiscent of the biblical admonition "if you hear His voice today, harden not your heart." Radio is about love, acceptance, approval, understanding, compassion, kindness, loyalty and finding peace in our time.
Radio the movie was inspired by Gary Smith's 1996 article titled "Someone to Lean On" that first appeared in Sports Illustrated magazine. The film benefits greatly from the script by Mike Rich and direction by Mike Tollin, also one of the producers with Herb Gains and Brian O'keefe. Radio managed to generate $52+ million at the box office, but received mixed positive and negative reviews by the critics (of which I am one).
Radio was a terrific movie with a genuine message of value. Radio gets a positive answer to my most searching question as a movie reviewer: Am I a better person for having seen this film? You better believe it.
I am incensed that Radio was absolutely snubbed at major awards time. It is not like Ed Harris is a nobody. Before Radio was made, Ed Harris had been nominated for 3 Oscars as Best Supporting Actor ("The Hours", "The Truman Show" and "Apollo") and been nominated for Best Actor in "Pollock". Add to those honors 4 nominations by the Golden Globes and a Best Actor Golden Globe for The Truman Show.
Cuba Gooding Jr. had won an Oscar as Best Supporting Actor in "Jerry Maguire" (remember his famous line "Show me the money"), and was nominated for a Golden Globe for the same award.
The really good news about Radio is that Radio is still helping coach the Hanna High School team and bringing his presence to the school. He remains a story that continues to grow and radiate with positive vibes.
"Kingdom of Heaven" Sought to Be an Epic Film, But Became a Disaster in Production
Kingdom of Heaven - 1 Star (Terrible)
Unfortunately for the "Kingdom of Heaven", what started out as an ambitious epic film about a little known time in history, became an almost disaster at its release and was only average at best. There is enough blame to spread around.
First, there is a reason why the immortal "Gone with the Wind", which involved a turbulent love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction, took almost 4 hours to see. You apparently cannot make a quality, classic film about the Civil War in less time. Ken Burns' acclaimed documentary film "The Civil War" consisted of 9 episodes and took 11 hours to view.
Second, there may be a market for a film in the Middle Ages about the Christian Crusades, a series of military expeditions by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims in the 11th, 12th and 13th Centuries. That market, regrettably, is very small compared to an epic about the Civil War, World War I or World War II.
Third, when 3-time, Best Director Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott ("Black Hawk Down", "Gladiator" and "Thelma and Louise") presented the film to the studio at 194 minutes (3 hours and 14 minutes), the studio execs demanded that it be cut to two hours, believing that moviegoers would not sit through a 3-hour film.
This proved to be a critical mistake in judgment. It was nearly impossible for Scott to tell the Kingdom of Heaven story in 2 hours, and when the movie received really mixed reviews and proved to be a financial disappointment in the United States, the error was clearly noticeable.
Fourth, not only was this film to be an epic story, its production cost was enormous. Most of the filming was in Morocco, and Mohammad VI, King of Morocco, provided 1,500 of his military personnel with accompanying equipment to help in the filming.
In addition, there were apparently 15,000 handmade costumes for the film that also required helmets, boots, gloves, chainmail, belts and scabbards. The flag budget for the film was $250,000. There were 7,500 weapons, 3,000 shields and 20,000 arrows used in the film. In one scene alone, there were 143 extras, 60 military personnel, 125 horses and 60 camels.
A massive replica of Jerusalem was constructed in the Sahara Desert, containing 28,000 square meters of wall that required 6,000 tons of plaster. The front set was 1,200 feet long and the walls were 56 feet tall. Good grief.
Fifth, writer William Monahan's first draft of the script was 186 pages. Executive producer Lisa Ellzey thought Fox would never approve the script because of its length, so she cut it to only 20 pages before submitting it.
Sixth, Orlando Bloom was not ready to play the leading role as Balian of Ibelin, and his performance did not reflect the kind of command and presence necessary to pull it off.
Seventh, I had great difficulty as a moviegoer following the story as its presentation required much more help in context, or from a narrator, to understand what was happening when and why it was important.
Eighth, the sound in the film was terrible. There were times when it was impossible to understand the dialog and, without this essential element, there is no way the film would be rated good by my standards. Sound is too basic of a need to succeed and, when it goes unnoticed because it is well done, it is not an issue.
Ninth, this whole project was sad from start to finish. What could have become a good film could not overcome the obstacles along the way. Two bright spots in the film were the performances of Liam Neeson as Godfrey de Ibelin and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin, the great Muslim leader.
In his quest to be noble, Liam Neeson was able to deliver this dialog as Godfrey de Ibelin: "Be without fear in the face of our enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." (Spoken to his son, Balian, when making him a knight.)
History records that Saladin and his Muslim troops did recapture Jerusalem after defeating the King of Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin near the Lake of Galilee. When Saladin's soldiers enter the City of Jerusalem, they were not allowed to kill civilians, rob people, or damage the city.
In many ways, the Muslims come out looking better than the Christians in Kingdom of Heaven, and historically, they were.
Unfortunately for the "Kingdom of Heaven", what started out as an ambitious epic film about a little known time in history, became an almost disaster at its release and was only average at best. There is enough blame to spread around.
First, there is a reason why the immortal "Gone with the Wind", which involved a turbulent love affair in the American south during the Civil War and Reconstruction, took almost 4 hours to see. You apparently cannot make a quality, classic film about the Civil War in less time. Ken Burns' acclaimed documentary film "The Civil War" consisted of 9 episodes and took 11 hours to view.
Second, there may be a market for a film in the Middle Ages about the Christian Crusades, a series of military expeditions by Europeans to recover the Holy Land from the Muslims in the 11th, 12th and 13th Centuries. That market, regrettably, is very small compared to an epic about the Civil War, World War I or World War II.
Third, when 3-time, Best Director Oscar-nominee Ridley Scott ("Black Hawk Down", "Gladiator" and "Thelma and Louise") presented the film to the studio at 194 minutes (3 hours and 14 minutes), the studio execs demanded that it be cut to two hours, believing that moviegoers would not sit through a 3-hour film.
This proved to be a critical mistake in judgment. It was nearly impossible for Scott to tell the Kingdom of Heaven story in 2 hours, and when the movie received really mixed reviews and proved to be a financial disappointment in the United States, the error was clearly noticeable.
Fourth, not only was this film to be an epic story, its production cost was enormous. Most of the filming was in Morocco, and Mohammad VI, King of Morocco, provided 1,500 of his military personnel with accompanying equipment to help in the filming.
In addition, there were apparently 15,000 handmade costumes for the film that also required helmets, boots, gloves, chainmail, belts and scabbards. The flag budget for the film was $250,000. There were 7,500 weapons, 3,000 shields and 20,000 arrows used in the film. In one scene alone, there were 143 extras, 60 military personnel, 125 horses and 60 camels.
A massive replica of Jerusalem was constructed in the Sahara Desert, containing 28,000 square meters of wall that required 6,000 tons of plaster. The front set was 1,200 feet long and the walls were 56 feet tall. Good grief.
Fifth, writer William Monahan's first draft of the script was 186 pages. Executive producer Lisa Ellzey thought Fox would never approve the script because of its length, so she cut it to only 20 pages before submitting it.
Sixth, Orlando Bloom was not ready to play the leading role as Balian of Ibelin, and his performance did not reflect the kind of command and presence necessary to pull it off.
Seventh, I had great difficulty as a moviegoer following the story as its presentation required much more help in context, or from a narrator, to understand what was happening when and why it was important.
Eighth, the sound in the film was terrible. There were times when it was impossible to understand the dialog and, without this essential element, there is no way the film would be rated good by my standards. Sound is too basic of a need to succeed and, when it goes unnoticed because it is well done, it is not an issue.
Ninth, this whole project was sad from start to finish. What could have become a good film could not overcome the obstacles along the way. Two bright spots in the film were the performances of Liam Neeson as Godfrey de Ibelin and Ghassan Massoud as Saladin, the great Muslim leader.
In his quest to be noble, Liam Neeson was able to deliver this dialog as Godfrey de Ibelin: "Be without fear in the face of our enemies. Be brave and upright that God may love thee. Speak the truth always, even if it leads to your death. Safeguard the helpless and do no wrong. That is your oath." (Spoken to his son, Balian, when making him a knight.)
History records that Saladin and his Muslim troops did recapture Jerusalem after defeating the King of Jerusalem at the Battle of Hattin near the Lake of Galilee. When Saladin's soldiers enter the City of Jerusalem, they were not allowed to kill civilians, rob people, or damage the city.
In many ways, the Muslims come out looking better than the Christians in Kingdom of Heaven, and historically, they were.
10 Dance Career Tips From Professional Dancers
Dance careers can be difficult to jump-start, so why not listen to some advice from professional dancers?
This past weekend, we had some additions to our usual group of friends, professional dancers. After I got over my initial sense of awe, we began to talk about their dance careers. I’ve always been fascinated with how people rise to the top of their profession. Professional athletes, movie stars and bands, they all have a unique story but there are usually some core similarities. This article outlines the basic things you should do to start your career in dance to become a professional dancer. Now, you’ll need a little bit of luck, good timing and connections as well, but you could get all of that while getting a Big Mac at your local McDonalds. Natural talent is a good base, but it won’t take you to the top. You need to nurture that talent, develop it and present it to the right people. This article shows you the basics. Some are more obvious than others. Most of you just need some reassurance that you’re taking the right steps to reach your goal, while others have no idea where to start. I believe that not all people in the “know” have the level of talent they need, and not all people with talent are in the “know”. I want to change that, so let’s start!
1. People do not become professionals in anything by reading a few articles or practicing a few hours a week. They become students of their profession. Students go to school. This goes for professional dancers as well. Now, there are a select few that push themselves on their own and have developed a wonderful ability, but that is still not enough. Their talent is rough and unrefined. Regardless of how many years you’ve practiced in your basement, everyone needs some formal training. Nothing can replace a veteran dancer showing you right from wrong, critiquing you and encouraging you. Start by going to a dance studio. Obviously, the sooner you do this the better. You’ll rack up experience and the younger you are the more receptive you are to learning. A good rule of thumb is the bigger the dance studio the better the dance professionals. However, a good teacher has experience, but also a connection with their pupil. This relationship can be forged at smaller, local dance studios as well. Remember, this is just the beginning. There are many professionals that reminisce about a grade school teacher that influenced them the most. Of course, it was probably some Julliard professor that trained them the most, but the person who taught them passion and desire is usually someone they met earlier in their dance career.
2. Dance camps and other supplemental dance institutions are a great way to increase your exposure to various aspects of the dance industry. You will network, learn techniques and be exposed to different teachers and performances. Going outside your comfort zone is a great way to build independence, character and a sense of responsibility as a dancer.
3. When you graduate high school, you’ll be looking to go on to college. This decision should be well thought out. You’re going to trust them with your education that will play a significant role in life after college. As an aspiring, professional dancer, you will want to attend the most prestigious dance school you can find. Try to find an accredited dance school, but at the very least any dance school is better than none. Make sure you start planning before it’s time to apply, like well before. You should begin your research about dance schools while you’re still in high school. Find out what requirements they are looking for in a dancer. Do whatever you can to better your chances at being accepted.
By the end of your formal training, you should, if you haven’t already, be narrowing down your dance techniques to a few select, specialized styles. You need to seek out the best dance teacher(s) you can find in those styles and train—train—train. Like any profession, it’s all about education, and for a professional dancer, you never stop learning and practicing. Once again, if you are serious and want to advance in your dance career, at this point you need an expert, a real professional dance teacher.
4. The next tip is something that I’ve written about before. You need good head and body shots, and for that you need a good photographer. Refer to my article, “4 Tips for Great Actor Headshots”, on Talent Trove for more information about what you need for a good portfolio. Yes, it’s about actor headshots, but there are some valid and transferable tips for dancers as well. The important thing to remember for your body shots as a dancer is that you should take pictures of yourself in various dancewears. Don’t wear flashy jewelry, use lighting or shadows to create illusions, or distract the observer with a complex or interesting background. You should be the focus and the subject of interest, nothing else. Good photographs can really help you further you dance career by grabbing the attention of those who should be watching you.
5. At this point, you should already have been to minor dance auditions and castings, just to get your feet wet and some sort of experience, however, now you are ready for some serious work…and it is work. Don’t ever forget that this is your job, your profession. This new level of dance might come as a shock or seem like foreign territory, but you must believe that you are good enough to be here. You are good enough to be here. This is a higher standard. It will be different. It will be difficult, but that is what makes it so much greater when you succeed. You’ve come this far. This is what you’ve been training for, and others have found potential in you, enough to accept and train you. You belong here. The more of these auditions and casting calls you attend, the more comfortable you will become.
6. Those networking and people skills you picked up during your days at dance camp and college will now come into play. You’re in the deep end of the pool now, playing with the big kids. Time to mingle and make new friends. You have to start talking to those professional dancers you see walking the studio halls during your dance auditions. Talk to other dancers who are auditioning. Talk to the judges, casting directors, agents, anyone that will talk to you. Ask them questions, pick their brain, and learn from their stories. Even if they don’t answer your questions, their behavior, demeanor, and way of conversing with you will teach you something. The best thing you can do is become friends with someone successful.
7. You should be fairly comfortable with auditioning by now, and ready to start searching for a dance agent or a dance agency. You will most likely have to perform a dance routine for them in order to be accepted, however, once you’re in you will be given opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t know existed. These dance agents and dance agencies get the scoop on dance auditions and casting calls so try your best to get represented by one. Once you are in, your dance career will be given wings. However, this is no time to take it easy and coast on through. Now is the time to step it up.
8. Back to what I mentioned before, “…you never stop learning and practicing.” Well, it’s time to train—train—train. Practice makes perfect, I know you’ve heard that before. This intense training period isn’t about learning new styles as it might have been about before. This dance training will focus on honing your existing skills and techniques down to a sharp, crisp point. You need to be awesome in what you do, not mediocre in a broad range of areas. A professional dancer needs to be at the top of their specific field, not hovering in the middle across the board. You’ll have plenty of time later to expand your horizons, but for now you need a job so you can gain valuable experience…and money. Also, stop and take a breath. Look around, you’re becoming a dancer, and your dance career is beginning to take shape. Enjoy it!
9. When you think you’re ready, and don’t wait to long at this point, start researching some choreographers you would like to work with or train with as a pupil. Most dance choreographers will offer dance classes at their own dance studios. You have to wait this long before you attempt to train with a professional dance choreographer, because they are just that, professionals. Dance choreographers will only work with the best dancers so you have to be at a certain point of your dance career for them to take interest in you. There are many benefits to working with a dance choreographer. You become familiar with the way this aspect of the dance industry works. They will begin to recognize you and perhaps throw some work your way. You will also be updated and trained in the most current dance techniques and trends. The fewer things that surprise you during a dance audition the better.
10. At the end of all this there is one important thing to remember, that usually separates those that make it and those that do not. If this is truly what you want, and you’ve dreamt about it all your life, never give up trying. Every successful person in the world has one thing in common. They were relentless in their pursuit of happiness. If you want to make the most out of your dance career, it will take a lot of hard work so don’t get discouraged. You’ll get rejected. Everyone does. Being a dancer is not easy for anyone, but people do it. Why not you?
These tips are not set in stone or by any means in exact order. Everyone is different and some people might jump ahead or start one step later in their career. The important thing is that you have a clear plan with goals, and you work hard to achieve them.
This past weekend, we had some additions to our usual group of friends, professional dancers. After I got over my initial sense of awe, we began to talk about their dance careers. I’ve always been fascinated with how people rise to the top of their profession. Professional athletes, movie stars and bands, they all have a unique story but there are usually some core similarities. This article outlines the basic things you should do to start your career in dance to become a professional dancer. Now, you’ll need a little bit of luck, good timing and connections as well, but you could get all of that while getting a Big Mac at your local McDonalds. Natural talent is a good base, but it won’t take you to the top. You need to nurture that talent, develop it and present it to the right people. This article shows you the basics. Some are more obvious than others. Most of you just need some reassurance that you’re taking the right steps to reach your goal, while others have no idea where to start. I believe that not all people in the “know” have the level of talent they need, and not all people with talent are in the “know”. I want to change that, so let’s start!
1. People do not become professionals in anything by reading a few articles or practicing a few hours a week. They become students of their profession. Students go to school. This goes for professional dancers as well. Now, there are a select few that push themselves on their own and have developed a wonderful ability, but that is still not enough. Their talent is rough and unrefined. Regardless of how many years you’ve practiced in your basement, everyone needs some formal training. Nothing can replace a veteran dancer showing you right from wrong, critiquing you and encouraging you. Start by going to a dance studio. Obviously, the sooner you do this the better. You’ll rack up experience and the younger you are the more receptive you are to learning. A good rule of thumb is the bigger the dance studio the better the dance professionals. However, a good teacher has experience, but also a connection with their pupil. This relationship can be forged at smaller, local dance studios as well. Remember, this is just the beginning. There are many professionals that reminisce about a grade school teacher that influenced them the most. Of course, it was probably some Julliard professor that trained them the most, but the person who taught them passion and desire is usually someone they met earlier in their dance career.
2. Dance camps and other supplemental dance institutions are a great way to increase your exposure to various aspects of the dance industry. You will network, learn techniques and be exposed to different teachers and performances. Going outside your comfort zone is a great way to build independence, character and a sense of responsibility as a dancer.
3. When you graduate high school, you’ll be looking to go on to college. This decision should be well thought out. You’re going to trust them with your education that will play a significant role in life after college. As an aspiring, professional dancer, you will want to attend the most prestigious dance school you can find. Try to find an accredited dance school, but at the very least any dance school is better than none. Make sure you start planning before it’s time to apply, like well before. You should begin your research about dance schools while you’re still in high school. Find out what requirements they are looking for in a dancer. Do whatever you can to better your chances at being accepted.
By the end of your formal training, you should, if you haven’t already, be narrowing down your dance techniques to a few select, specialized styles. You need to seek out the best dance teacher(s) you can find in those styles and train—train—train. Like any profession, it’s all about education, and for a professional dancer, you never stop learning and practicing. Once again, if you are serious and want to advance in your dance career, at this point you need an expert, a real professional dance teacher.
4. The next tip is something that I’ve written about before. You need good head and body shots, and for that you need a good photographer. Refer to my article, “4 Tips for Great Actor Headshots”, on Talent Trove for more information about what you need for a good portfolio. Yes, it’s about actor headshots, but there are some valid and transferable tips for dancers as well. The important thing to remember for your body shots as a dancer is that you should take pictures of yourself in various dancewears. Don’t wear flashy jewelry, use lighting or shadows to create illusions, or distract the observer with a complex or interesting background. You should be the focus and the subject of interest, nothing else. Good photographs can really help you further you dance career by grabbing the attention of those who should be watching you.
5. At this point, you should already have been to minor dance auditions and castings, just to get your feet wet and some sort of experience, however, now you are ready for some serious work…and it is work. Don’t ever forget that this is your job, your profession. This new level of dance might come as a shock or seem like foreign territory, but you must believe that you are good enough to be here. You are good enough to be here. This is a higher standard. It will be different. It will be difficult, but that is what makes it so much greater when you succeed. You’ve come this far. This is what you’ve been training for, and others have found potential in you, enough to accept and train you. You belong here. The more of these auditions and casting calls you attend, the more comfortable you will become.
6. Those networking and people skills you picked up during your days at dance camp and college will now come into play. You’re in the deep end of the pool now, playing with the big kids. Time to mingle and make new friends. You have to start talking to those professional dancers you see walking the studio halls during your dance auditions. Talk to other dancers who are auditioning. Talk to the judges, casting directors, agents, anyone that will talk to you. Ask them questions, pick their brain, and learn from their stories. Even if they don’t answer your questions, their behavior, demeanor, and way of conversing with you will teach you something. The best thing you can do is become friends with someone successful.
7. You should be fairly comfortable with auditioning by now, and ready to start searching for a dance agent or a dance agency. You will most likely have to perform a dance routine for them in order to be accepted, however, once you’re in you will be given opportunities that you otherwise wouldn’t know existed. These dance agents and dance agencies get the scoop on dance auditions and casting calls so try your best to get represented by one. Once you are in, your dance career will be given wings. However, this is no time to take it easy and coast on through. Now is the time to step it up.
8. Back to what I mentioned before, “…you never stop learning and practicing.” Well, it’s time to train—train—train. Practice makes perfect, I know you’ve heard that before. This intense training period isn’t about learning new styles as it might have been about before. This dance training will focus on honing your existing skills and techniques down to a sharp, crisp point. You need to be awesome in what you do, not mediocre in a broad range of areas. A professional dancer needs to be at the top of their specific field, not hovering in the middle across the board. You’ll have plenty of time later to expand your horizons, but for now you need a job so you can gain valuable experience…and money. Also, stop and take a breath. Look around, you’re becoming a dancer, and your dance career is beginning to take shape. Enjoy it!
9. When you think you’re ready, and don’t wait to long at this point, start researching some choreographers you would like to work with or train with as a pupil. Most dance choreographers will offer dance classes at their own dance studios. You have to wait this long before you attempt to train with a professional dance choreographer, because they are just that, professionals. Dance choreographers will only work with the best dancers so you have to be at a certain point of your dance career for them to take interest in you. There are many benefits to working with a dance choreographer. You become familiar with the way this aspect of the dance industry works. They will begin to recognize you and perhaps throw some work your way. You will also be updated and trained in the most current dance techniques and trends. The fewer things that surprise you during a dance audition the better.
10. At the end of all this there is one important thing to remember, that usually separates those that make it and those that do not. If this is truly what you want, and you’ve dreamt about it all your life, never give up trying. Every successful person in the world has one thing in common. They were relentless in their pursuit of happiness. If you want to make the most out of your dance career, it will take a lot of hard work so don’t get discouraged. You’ll get rejected. Everyone does. Being a dancer is not easy for anyone, but people do it. Why not you?
These tips are not set in stone or by any means in exact order. Everyone is different and some people might jump ahead or start one step later in their career. The important thing is that you have a clear plan with goals, and you work hard to achieve them.
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