Songwriting Tip: Unoriginal Melodies Are A Good Thing

The moment that people create a melody which they feel is great, many think it already sounds like another song. This is common, and I suffered from this many times. What you've got to understand is that ALL SONGS are RECYCLED MELODIES.

Every song has a 'portion' of the tune which will be the same as another. So don't worry if you feel your song sounds like another.

What's important to know here is that if your melody is a familiar one, then that's a GOOD THING. I'm not talking about a 'rip off' here, I'm talking about a part(s) of your melody that sounds like another song(s).

Why is it a good thing? Because it means PEOPLE can RELATE TO THE MELODY even more. They will want to listen to your song because of the familiarity. Remember, most people aren't songwriters. So chances are, most people won't even realize where it may or may not have been inspired from. And what if they do? Well... ultimately, as a whole, it will be your own words, your own tune and eventually with your own music. So it will be YOUR SONG. So don't fret.

Here, I'll share some methods that will jump start the process of creating a melody:

• Pick a song that you like and know *quite* well, and when you are NOT listening to it, hum the tune of the song. DON'T' SING THE WORDS, just hum the melody. This way, you will think 'melodically'. Eventually, you should force yourself to sing certain variations of the melody (ie. completely mess around with the tune). When this happens, you'll end with your own melody.

• If you play an instrument (it doesn't matter which or what level you are at) try and figure out the melody of another song on the instrument. If you figure it out easily, then mess around and CHANGE certain parts of it. Then SING (hum, la, etc) this CHANGED MELODY out aloud. If you can't figure it out, then forget about it! CREATE A MELODY YOU FEEL IS CORRECT! Again, don't prejudge while doing this. Just go where your fingers take you and just 'la' the tune simultaneously. Loop this melody once you feel you have something good.

• Grab a song that you DON'T KNOW AT ALL. Listen to the song once, and then listen to it again. The second time around, sing along to it. More than likely, you won't remember the tune. This is normal! What do you do now? Yup. You guessed it. MAKE UPYOUR OWN MELODY to this obscure song. NOTE: This one may work better if you bought a CD of backing tracks that have no guide vocals on the songs. This way, you HAVE TO make up your own melody to a track that's already playing. Just make sure you DON'T KNOW the songs....at all.

You have no idea how powerful this is. I've written fresh songs on one's I had no clue about! And believe me, they are original songs - they don't sound like a copy of anything at all. This is because of what I said earlier - ultimately it will be your own Lyrics, your own message and your own music which then translates in to your own song.

Keeping The Melody Simple: There is absolutely no point in making a melody that's 'musically clever'. You're not trying to impress musicians here. What you want is to create a melody that's SIMPLE yet INTERESTING. So how do you do this? Well, Melodies often re-occur several times in a song. In fact, the verses and choruses alone will often have the tune repeating itself. It's the basic structure of nearly all songs under the sun. The verses will repeat and so will the choruses. SO....IF THE MELODY SOUNDS WORTHY ENOUGH TO BE REPEATED, THEN YOU'RE ON TO SOMETHING.

Calvin Rele is a songwriting coach who teaches how to write songs and provides songwriting tips in a 'no-nonsense' styled approach to get your skills to the next level.

http://www.songwritingtipsonline.com/howtowriteasong.htm

Author:: Calvin Rele
Keywords:: songwriting tips,how to write a song,Lyrics,Melodies,Tunes,Chords
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The Making of a Piano Improvisation Creating "Winter Scene"

Many people assume that Improvisation is magic and that it takes a magician to be able to just sit down at a Piano and spontaneously create Music. They couldn't be more wrong! There's a method to the magic.

Just like visual artists, we Musicians just don't slap paint on a canvas and call it a painting. We know what we're doing (hopefully) and create using some kind of technique or method.

The lesson piece Winter Scene is an Improvisation that uses 2 chords in the left hand while the right hand improvises. The background of this aural painting - the chords, we're created first.

I used something called a sus 4 chord. This chord raises the third to the fourth to create an ambiguous sound. A sound that's perfect for creating a chilly ambiance. Once the chords were chosen, I used an ostinato pattern for them. The chords were changed every 4-bars or so and that's that - a complete harmonic textural background over which we paint our melodies!

Many painter s will lay out and create the background of their paintings first. The background sets the mood. They may use certain colors or textures to create this mood but once the background is set foreground elements are added.

We can look at Winter Scene much the same way. The background is the ostinato pattern. The foreground is the improvised melodies we create with the right hand.

This short but effective Piano Improvisation utilizes time-tested methods to bring about a unique piece of Music!

Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online Piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play Piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescenceMusic.com/Pianolessons.html for a FREE Piano lesson!

Author:: Edward Weiss
Keywords:: Piano Improvisation,Piano,Piano lessons,Music,Music lessons,Improvisation,Improvising , Compostiion,
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Value Music Before Theory: Gain a Piano Learning Excellence Experience

The Piano is an instrument that almost anybody can learn to play by simply playing by ear and produce some Music. Achieving Piano learning excellence is not something that just anybody can obtain. It starts acquiring a value for Music before Music Theory; by planting the seed for future interest about the instrument; by recognizing the feeling and desire that awakes in one's soul to know more. This feeling that becomes so strong and helps you, pushes you to become the best you can be, not better than others, but the best you can be.

It is said that In Music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are wel l played or not.... It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Music performance teaches and helps young people to conquer fear and to take risks. When the value of Music takes deep roots in a person, it will be with him/her forever.

Through study and continuous practice and love for Music, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved with Music and Piano learning activities now days. Technology is much more accessible now making it possible and affordable for anybody to study Music than ever before.

Music is a peaceful manner and a means to achieve self-expression. It is a universal language that geographical boundaries that cannot contain, and it is autom atically understood and felt in specific ways for anybody that is around it. Music study develops skills that are necessary in the workplace. It focuses on doing, as opposed to observing, and teaches students how to perform, literally, anywhere in the world.

Music stretches one's imagination and helps us achieve greater things in life, but mostly builds nice memories now and for the future. You want to enjoy a great moments for life? Learn to play the Piano.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jesse Fisher enjoys writing about interesting new developments in the Music education world. Learn more about valuing Music before Theory to help you more in all your goals and educational pursuits.

Author:: J. Fisher
Keywords:: Music, Theory, Piano
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I Blame The Musicians

I am blaming the Musicians that want to get signed to a major record label!! I feel there is no need for you to get signed by a major label. Don't you want to help yourselves, plus everyone else in the same situation as yours? Well then lets stop having the goal of getting signed and have the goal of making your own profits and career! Its very easily explained on how to do this, watch Musician tips for this tomorrow!

I don't blame the Musicians for trying to get signed, I mean they get more cash then they would not going with them. BUT! Lets change that! Lets make it so they no longer exist and you can help yourself to profits instead! And those profits would be yours entirely not like 50 cents for 1 album selling, no you would get whatever you want to sell it for! I will be posting tomorrow on how to do this...

I am blaming the fans and anyone that are still buying CDs, merchandise and other things from major labels... Why blame them? Well I think you already know that answer... But lets say no one did buy CDs, merchandise, and whatever else the record labels try to push down our throats, lets say we only bought Music that was sold from individual Musicians and small labels that take a lot LESS cut into the CD, merchandise, etc... What would there be?

There would be a more equal opportunity for all Musicians, no more media, radio stations getting paid off from record labels, instead they would be no more, or they would be down to the level of alot more record labels! There would be harmony and freedom to do anything you want. This is what we need to fight for! Or else we are no better than those 4 big record labels!!

Think about it for a little, take some time, calm down, and think you and everyone else all helping each other out and all moving in one direction, there is really no stopping us! So what do you say? Lets get this rolling already!

Nick Willever Currently Runs An Entire Unsigned Music Network Main S ite - http://www.supportingunsignedMusic.com Community Site - http://www.unsignedMusicforum.com

Author:: Nick Willever
Keywords:: unsigned Music, indie Music, Music, Promotion, Music Promotion, Bands, Musicians, Artists
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Used DJ Equipment

Used or previously owned equipment is an alternative to buying expensive original gear. Investing in genuine DJ equipment costs a bomb and this is a severe impediment to those who are planning to take up disc jockeying as a career but havent made the final decision yet. Essential pArts of the DJ equipment are turntables; CD, MP3 or DVD players; and sound mixers. Each of these pArts costs hundreds of dollars and can really set back the budget. However, the consolation is that all these pArts are available in used condition at lower rates and in fairly good qualities.

Most stores retail their used equipment online. There are also individuals who want to get rid of their old equipment and they advertise for them online. Internet advertisements for previously owned equipment contain the names of the equipment along with names of the makers and their versions. Features present with the gear are mentioned. It is considered ethical to mention the period for which the stuff has been in use and what kind of use it was light or heavy. Sometimes, pictures of the appliance are posted along with the advertisement.

Portals like eBay sell several items of used DJ equipment. There are various other websites like Birdland Music, Calibex, Tom Lee Music, Pro Mix, etc. which are dedicated only to selling new and used DJ equipment. Some of these websites require registration to buy and sell equipment. Funds are exchanged through wire transfer and transactions can b e either worldwide or local.

ApArt from online transactions, there are many music stores who stock used DJ equipment. Even peripheral components like headphones and speakers can be obtained at extremely low prices.

Sellers of used equipment usually tweak equipment before reselling them. This includes improvement of their quality as well as amelioration of their looks. This is called refurbishing the equipment and is a very common practice employed by used equipment sellers. Due to this, they can charge a few extra dollars from the second customer and earn their profit.

Buying used equipment is entirely at the buyers risk. In most cases, there are no guarantees and warranties, and it is made clear to the buyer that all liabilities are at their sole risk. Some store owners do not issue a receipt o f the sale. Even insurance companies shirk from covering used equipment. It must not be expected from used equipment that they would function for a long time.

However this is not true most of the time. Sometimes professional DJs keep selling their equipment and buying new ones whenever they are launched with additional features. Such equipment is rarely used and is almost as good as the original.

DJ Equipment provides detailed information on Buy DJ Equipment, Cheap DJ Equipment, Discount DJ Equipment, DJ Equipment and more. DJ Equipment is affiliated with Virtual DJs.

Author:: Richard Romando
Keywords:: Buy DJ Equipment, Cheap DJ Equipment, Discount DJ Equipment, DJ Equipment
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He Wants To Have A Drumming Lesson!

I always hoped my kids would take an interest in music and I especially wanted them to either lean to sing or pick up a musical instrument. I didnt mind what instrument they wanted to learn so long as it wasnt the ear splitting thump of a Drum. You can probably imagine my frustration when my 11 year old son came home one day and announced he wanted take up the Drums. He begged me to start looking for a Drumming Lesson Class in the local rags.

Of course, I could hardly tell the lad no, as his sister got her violin and piano without the blink of an eye, but I did try to convince him there he would probably be better suited to the guitar or saxophone. Alas, it all fell on death ears Im afraid, so the Drum kit looked inevitable.

Toby, our son, has the smallest bedroom in the house so it wasnt possible to get a Drum kit in there, thank heavens, and as winter was setting in, the garage wasnt really a suitable place to practice. I was quite happy about this as I thought it would buy me a little time to convince him that there are better musical instruments to pursue. The deal was to get him a regular Drumming Lesson with a qualified Instructor, and if he still felt that the Drums were for him by the start of spring, then wed go and take a look as some beginner Drum kits.

Finding a Drumming Lesson was easier said than done. There were many ads for guitar tuition, piano, and other instruments, but it was no easy task finding a Drumming Instructor in our surrounding area.

Being of a musical background myself, I still had contact with some of the band members from the rock band I used to play in before I got married and settled down. I called the lead guitarist, Rob who had a 19 year old daughter who was apparently playing Drums quite successfully in an all-girl band called the Peal Beads. Rob said she was about to start at college and a bit of extra cash would come in handy, so she was more than happy to give Toby a Drumming Lesson or two. Just when I thought the Drumming Lesson issue was sorted, my son refused to be taught the Drums by a girl. Honest ly, I dont know where he gets this chauvinistic attitude from.

Anyway, finding a Drumming Lesson for Toby became such a hassle that I suggested we get him a single snare Drum, and for guidance he could get his Drumming Lesson online. This is not quite as daft as it sounds and basic Lessons online will show the new learner how to hold the Drum sticks, and how to beat the Drum to an accompanying online videos. Its better than nothing but its a poor substitute for re al tuition and interaction with a pro.

I probably shouldnt write this, but Ive since found a Drumming Instructor in our area, but Im reluctant to arrange a Drumming Lesson for our son as hes showing definite signs of boredom with the online guidance. Im therefore, hoping against hope that hell throw away his sticks before the spring time, as that way, both the family and the immediate neighbors will have a much quieter summer because of it.

Robert Gazonda is a proficient writer and webmaster for MusicalReplay dot com where he writes on such issues as the beginner guitar Lesson and The Baby Grand Piano. He also has many other music related pieces on the site.

Author:: Robert Gazonda
Keywords:: Drum, Drumming, Class, Instructor, Lesson, Drumming Lesson, Drum sticks, musical instrument
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A Musical Web

A 31-year-old Musician conceptualized an innovative concept that would change the Music world forever. He said, There ought to be but one large art warehouse in the world, to which the Artist could carry his art-works and from which he could carry away whatever he needed.

The year was 1801, the man was Ludwig van Beethoven and his concept was finally realized in 1995 with the public acceptance of the Internet.

As a violinist and violin Teacher I know exactly how frustrated dear Ludwig felt. Before the Internet I too was frustrated with the limited learning resources available to my students and me. Sheet Music and books were expensive, any obscure information was near impossible to unearth and Researching meant hours probing through dusty outdated library books. Most difficult, however, was living in rural Canada with no connection to other violinists, big city Music groups or current ideas floating around the global Music scene.

Apparently other Musician s felt the same way and used the Internet as a tool to overcome these and many other obstacles. Web sites, file transfer systems, message boards and Music forums, Software and other technologies improved communication between Musicians, thus creating an advanced global Music Community.

To start I used online encyclopedias for Research projects and concert program notes, but soon learned to use other Tools. I learned to use the web to locate song lyrics and quotations, such as the one by Beethoven. If the words or lyrics aren't in English I use an online tool that automatically translates them for me!

The availability of Music on the Internet is stunning! You can download any song your heart desires in MP3 format within seconds. This area of the Internet has become controversial as the rec ord companies want us to pay for the Music and peer to peer protocol violates copyright laws. Don't want to ripp off the Artists and break the law? For only $1 per tune you can legally download all the Music you like from sites like puretracks.

As for Sheet Music, thousands of sites offer a similar pay-and-use system where you can download a wide range of titles. Can't find the Sheet Music you're looking for? Search for MIDI files (Music reproduced digitally) then input them into a Music notation application (computer program for writing Music) that automatically turns it into Sheet Music.

Using the one of many Sheet Music writing programs available on the Internet I can create a song, edit it to suit the player's skill level, add a harmony, include the lyrics and have it printed within 10 minutes. The best part, other than the cost, is the editability. I can make any changes to the Music I want, such as changing the key, with ease. No more writing the Music out by hand either. Beethoven would have appreciated that.

One of my favourite things to do online is to download professional quality images of violins, Musicians and composers for my newsletters and publications. Using such photos improves the projects I work on and is far cheaper than hiring a graphic Artist. The search for good photos has been made easier with the invention of image searches, which scour millions of web pages and catalogue the images. During a recent image search I was completely stunned to find photos of myself playing violin! Small world.

As a Teacher I am always furthering my education and training. I use the Internet as a source for enhancing my violin technique and knowledge and for sharing ideas with other Musicians. If I can't find what I'm looking for I can post the query on a bulletin board for another Musician to answer. Recently I saw comments on such a site by a former symphony conductor of mine regarding Saint Saens' 3rd Symphony. I was surprised to bump into someone I know on a worldwide system with millions of users. Small world.

The 'net has become the world's largest shopping centre with millions of dollars working through the system each day. I enjoy using the Internet to Research instruments, accessories and Music books and keep up on what products are available for myself and my business. Gone are the days of being convinced by a sales rep that his product is the best.

I check Musician's forums and read feedback on any of the products I am considering before I buy. I also shop and sell online using Tools such as Ebay and a mutitude of E-commerce solutions. My business attracts buyers from around the world: a huge improvement on being limited to my local market.

Beethoven once said, Music is the soil in that the spirit lives, thinks and invents. It's been over 200 years since dear Ludwig invented his art warehouse and Musicians are finally reaping the benefits of such a Musi c exchange.

For me the creation of the Internet has enhanced and improved the way I enjoy Music. More importantly it has helped me feel like a part of a wonderfully vast Music Community: a Community visualized by Beethoven himself.

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and Music Teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years.

Rhiannon, age 29, has worn the hats of events promoter, classical Music radio host and school orchestra Music arranger in rural British Columbia, Canada.

Her business, Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop, has won several distinguished young entrepreneur busi ness awards for her comittment to excellence. Her shop offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies. http://www.fiddleheads.ca provides a rich resource of information on her school, violin, products for sale and her many writings.

Rhiannon is Founding President of the Shuswap Violin Society http://www.violinsociety.ca She dedicates much of her time to Community Music projects and helping young Musicians in financial need.

Rhiannon currently writes columns for two Canadian publications and has been featured in Australia's Music Teacher Magazine. Writing allows her to be a creative smart-ass and to teach people that the world of Music is as fun as you spin it to be!

Author:: Rhiannon Schmitt
Keywords:: Internet,Software,Music,Teacher,Beethoven,T ools,Musician,Sheet,E-commerce,Research,Artist,Community
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