Rap Is More Than Music

This is a style that stays aside all the other music trends. Not aside, but somewhat deeper. The reason is it is a reflection of the race, the plurality of people united by roots and origin. Rap is the culture of Afro-Americans, the continuation of their language and traditions. Rap is a mixture of speech and music, actually it is speech laid on music or beat it’s better to say. And when we claim that people are united through music, meaning every single human being on this planet, rap unites the ones close to blood by music and then everybody else, either welcoming or being hostile to a newcomer. What attracts people in rap? Is it catchy? Maybe. Those non-natives to rap often state the flow of speech is too quick and it is difficult to differentiate the words. Sometimes it seems rap music is only for those from the cradle. Foreigners are not invited.

Rap is classified as urban poetry of lyrical resistance. Thus it is not the music for village like country music. It is the gathering power of those united by music in big cities. The aim is to resist the grieves because misfortunes are more dramatic and numerous in urban areas.

Rap does not only speak to the mind and emotions, but speaks to the society all around people, for people. If the words or courage to say those words are not there, the subconscious takes over and the Rap lyrics kick in.

But once captured by the beat, most people - mainly younger ones - begin to hear the words, and the words may describe just how they are feeling that day. If the boss came to work with an agenda to screw everyone, some people will "feel" the words and the beat, especially when enclosed in a car doing 70 on the freeway. It’s something about riding with the music turned full-blast that has a way of absorbing the mind and supplying a means of temporal escape.

Some songs have innocent words that impress upon the mind to be released later at the water cooler. Some choruses are catchy and when sung by certain artist will stay within the subconscious long after. Various rappers have unique voices that some people find attractive or along the same vocal tone as their own voice, which it makes it easier to sing along.

First goes the beat, and then goes the lyrics! It is not as smooth and tender as classical music, not as glossy as pop, but it has the scream of pain of real emotion of the world’s harshness. One may even state that rap is the most pain expressing music style. Those who sing it or it is better to say read it revive their feelings not only concerning love, as most of the other styles do. Their message is about life and the problems, especially the ones of the Afro-American people. The music of pain and oppression, rap is a remedy to the latter. Let all the pills be like that!

In The Music Business...

Living in Nashville, I meet a lot of people who are "in the music business."

But 99% of them are not really in the music business. It's not because they're not making a living at it...lots of people have other ways of paying the bills. In fact, like my friend who owns a gas station yet doesn't make his living selling gas, many "full-time musicians" are doing the same thing with t-shirts, licensing deals, and other income streams rather than music.

Forget those people though... I want to talk about the people, regardless of how they make their living, who only claim to be "in the music business." I want to talk about the folks who talk big and dress the part, but just pretend to be doing this for real.

As many of you guys know, I'm a big fan of yoga. I've been practicing for seven years and do it daily for at least an hour. And not only that, I subscribe to a couple of yoga magazines, I take workshops, I've got all the props here, I've got a shelf full of books, and all the other things you'd expect somebody who is interested in yoga would have.

So I find it amazing that people who are "in the music business" aren't doing something similar.

Before I locked the doors on my music business consulting program, the first thing I'd do when a new client would come though is send them a box via UPS which contained several of my music business books, hours of recorded conference calls, seminars on CD, and a lot more information on the business to really give them a jumpstart on things. All in all, it was probably $800 worth of stuff.

During this time, I had a moneyback guarantee. If you'd work with me for six months and what I told you to do didn't help you to sell more music, get more people to your shows, and make more money, you'd simply send everything back and I'd give you back not only everything you'd paid to me, I'd also throw in a check for an extra $50.00 just to say thanks for giving me the opportunity to work with you.

While I was doing this, I only had two people (out of hundreds) return their stuff to me. And both of those packages, contained the books, the conference calls, the seminars, and whatever else I'd thrown in...still in the shinkwrap.

Now, I supposed I could have called these people up and said, "You guys have to actually open my stuff and use it for it to work." But the truth is, I've seen enough folks like this to know you can't do anything to help them if they're not going to help themselves.

Don't move the lazy. It's one of my 14 Qualities of Successful Musicians, Songwriters, and Music Business Professionals. And it's why most bands never get the attention they think they want.

If you're "in the music business," wouldn't it make sense that you'd want to read up on everything that the music business involves? If you don't, you might want to think about how bad you really want this.

Music Maestro Please

Neil Armstrong walked on the moon and declared - One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind. The first human foot print was placed on the moon and will forever be a monument to the ingenuity of the human race. That one small step by Mr. Armstrong is an exceptional feat of humanities ingenuity, however, there is one small step backwards that very few human beings will ever experience in their life on earth and it is far more meaningful than walking on the Moon. What is it? Well, let me explain.....

Some children become the center of attraction as-soon-as they walk into a room. Whilst other children hide behind books or just sit as quietly as a mouse so nobody will ask them to perform any childlike magic. As children grow into adulthood, it is not always the pushy kids who make a success out of life. I guess success is the hardest commodity for anyone to define per say. It all depends on a persons standards, goals and inner feeling of prosperity. Certainly, money alone is no criteria for success. Neither is fame, for history has taught how the mighty have fallen.

When a human being matures into adulthood they have a self image that is projected throughout their lives. The intellectual image that is set in the mind from childhood becomes the ‘‘real person" and although it contains many role plays, the identity image is fixed like a girder in cement. The human mind mistakenly interprets the world it sees by the reference points it has built-up over many years.

The ego/intellect becomes so real that any attempt to dislodge its hold on the mind is met with a fierce conscious defiance. A personal ego/intellect will never willingly give up its ground that has been cemented in place by all the reality that has been absorbed throughout its sight, hearing, touch, taste and feel in a three dimensional world. This is all it knows...This is all it believes to be correct, moral and principled or visa-versa. A small amount of the input is authentic, but a large percentage is bogus information.

The informed and educated adult intellect/ego feels it has a sound basis for projecting its own input into the human mish-mash of opinions, beliefs, notions, perceptions, concepts, thoughts and knowledge. Often this is backed-up by scholastic degrees and awards. How sound are all these beliefs and convictions?

Well, the results of a persons life will speak for itself. It is not the opinion of others who will determine whether a life on earth was worthwhile and authentic. Rather, it is only the person themselves that can give an honest appraisal as to the richness, fruitfulness, prosperity, comfort, joy and tranquility of their life.

The question to ask oneself is: Have I truly been the maestro of the orchestrations in my life or have I let other people conduct all my compositions without any of my own legitimate personal input. Indeed, what does it mean being the maestro of one's own life?

To find the answer to that question a person needs to be able to take one small step backwards in time and space, so that they view their own life as an observer, rather than the participant. To be able to get a constructive view of ones own life the person needs to determine accuracy's as an alternative to misrepresentations and that is impossible if we believe we already know the answer by the sole view of our own intellect/ego.
Confused? Of course you are and it is normal reaction when something does not make any sense...Because, who is it in your mind that is interpreting this article you are reading?

Why lo and behold, it is your very own intellect/ego and it may strongly disapprove of what it is reading. After all, how can it possible admit to being a false participant in your life when everything seems so steadfast and credible from its point of view.
So, are you the innocent victim of a case of mistaken identity built by your ego/intellect or do you have the potential to become the majestic maestro of your life concert?

Being the conductor of a social orchestra means encompassing the super-vision of every player you meet and greet. With baton in hand the maestro will generate music that warms the heart and soothes the soul. Of course, conducting great music is to no avail if there's no audience in the theater to soak up the symphonic ambiance.
There is;
A time for sitting in the audience
A time for playing in the orchestra
A time for composing music
A time for becoming the maestro

Sitting in the arena of life fashions every human being as the audience and no matter how great their position in society, most of the time they are listening to other people perform their roles. At some point most people will be given a chance to play their instrument, i.e., Get up out of their seat and 'make their presence felt' through their career, family or other society roles. For instance, even the humblest of shop assistants have the chance to perform to many customers each and every day. That is their audience and they can charm them into enjoying their purchase or bore them into leaving empty handed.

As life progresses and they become more experienced there will be an opportunity for them to take the baton and become the maestro. It is their turn to take charge and make their purpose in life ring with the harmonious bells of true prosperity...The more they please their audience the better the acclamations and kudos. Monetary wealth will be accumulated with no effort because that was not the sole purpose of the works... Enjoyment of the job-in-hand and helping others to also enjoy, was there primary reason.

By taking the one small step backwards you will make a gigantic leap towards the most incredible life on earth you could ever imagine. A life that embraces all things bright and beautiful no matter how much darkness and ugliness they contain.

•• Seeing the good in the people that normally irritate and vex.
•• Extracting positive energy when doing tasks and chores that would normally transfer negative fatigue
•• Enjoying the disappointments and expectations that did not materialize as anticipated.
•• Loving exploring the unknown challenges that seem so far out of reach at this moment in time.
•• Holding out the mental arms of compassion and grace so that the burdens of depression and worry can be lifted from other peoples lives

The baton of time is swinging over your head. It is held in place for you by the master maestro of the universe. Before you can accept the baton you need to take that one small step backwards and become directly in-tune with universal intelligence. By serving your authentic purpose of life you become the instrument of the genius of the soul. Now, the intellect/ego has a true foundation to soak up all the learning and education is has absorbed over the years and put it to good use for the betterment of humanity.

The transformation may not be that apparent to most people, but you will know the difference you feel and the bliss you experience every moment of every day. You may not obtain fame and fortune, but you recognize you hold the wise treasures of the universe in the center of your heart. You possess the wisdom gems of the cosmos in the center of your gut ... And you know beyond doubt, you carry the infinite-sacred-divine in the center of your mind....
Music maestro please!
******
"You can bend it and twist it ... You can misuse and abuse it...But even God cannot change ... The Truth."_Michael Levy.

Wedding Music Tips: How To Choose The Best Wedding Music

So you've exchanged vows, and have said your 'I do's, now it's time to head out to the reception and party like you've never partied before. If you want live music playing in your reception, then you would want to hire a live band. But first, you must check with people that rent the venue where you're going to hold your reception, to see what type of live music they allow. Some venues have stringent restrictions when it comes to live music.

The type of music that you choose to play in your wedding should be an expression of both the bride and groom's personality, personal taste, and the overall theme of the wedding.

It's very important to select the right music, because the music will become a pervading presence all through out the wedding, and right down to the reception. Music creates an atmosphere. It will set the mood of your wedding.

During the wedding itself, the choice of music usually depends on the wedding. Most church ceremonies don't allow secular music. They stick to more traditional, or religious music. A man and a woman duet is usually sung during the ceremony. A church organist usually provides the majority of the music.

For the reception, the bride and groom has a choice of recorded music, or live music. If you opt for recorded music, it would be best to hire the services of a DJ. The best thing about this, is you can request to have all of your favorite songs in the playlist. Ask your friends if they know any good DJs that are willing to play for wedding receptions. If they don't know any, you could always just search the yellow pages, internet, or even contact your local radio station.

Once you've settled on a DJ, have a one-on-one discussion with the DJ. Just to explain what type of entertainment and mood you want to have during the reception. Also discuss, the selection of music that you have in mind. Ask if the DJ's familiar with wedding protocol. If not, you might want to brief the DJ first about the sensibility of the event.

On the other hand, choosing live music offers you a choice of hiring a band, soloist, instrumentalists, jazz group, etc. It all depends on what kind of theme you have in mind for you wedding.

For more formal weddings, classical groups, piano soloists, and instrumentalists are more appropriate. It would not be a bad idea, to also consider the sensibilities of your guests, to ensure that everyone has a good time!

If you want to have a rocking good time for the reception of your wedding, then hiring a band is the way to go! The energy of a live band gets people going. There's nothing else that spells a rocking good time better, than a rock and roll band.

Before hiring a band, ask them if you could listen to their music first. This will help you decide if that particular band is just right for you. Also discuss, if the band will do emcee duties, as well as provide the music.

It's best to hire a band that has had previous experience with wedding receptions. This way, they'd know what to expect, and will be able to provide the proper entertainment that's fitting for the occasion.

You always want to keep the music going, so include some background music even when the meals are being served, or when the bride and groom are doing their rounds of greeting, having their pictures taken, etc. This will also maintenance the atmosphere of the wedding all through out the reception. So choose wisely, because your choice of music can make or break this occasion!

A Comparison Of Disc Music Boxes And Cylinder Music Boxes

Cylinder music boxes were once a means of providing live music without performers. The music produced was like an ensemble of harpists or bell choir. It was not without its limitations, however. Back in those days, a music box came with some specific sounds, and those were the sounds you had to listen. So, in order to provide some new tunes and improve the music quality of these music boxes, a shifting cylinder was invented.

There were two sets of pins on the cylinders. As one of the sets of pins on the cylinder rang the resonating "teeth" of the "comb" the other sets of pins passed quietly between the teeth. When the song was over, the cylinder would turn over, making the next set of pins to line up with the “teeth”. What was the result of these actions? Well, on some music boxes, you could even get 12 different sounds. After a few years, a new type of cylinder was invented: the interchangeable cylinder. These interchangeable cylinder music boxes had the great advantage of being replaced, with a new cylinder with new tunes. These cylinders were normally made of strong materials, like metal and powered by a spring. In some of the last models, the cylinders could be removed to change melodies, thanks to an invention in 1862, and in some exceptional models, there were four springs, to provide continuous play for up to three hours.

But, because people weren’t satisfied by the performances of these cylinder music boxes, as new devices appeared, the limitations of the cylinder led to the development of Symphonion disc music box. These types of music boxes firstly appeared around 1880 in Leipzig, Germany. They had the great advantage of producing more sound and being more affordable. How did they work? Well, a different technique was developed to punch projections into a durable steel disk and these were used, to pluck the comb. The disc music boxes were then capable of playing 24 or 27 inch discs. To understand better, you should know that a 24 inch disc could play a 2 minute song. So, the music boxes were specially designed to play separate song discs, and this way with just one music box you could listen for several plays.

Because of improving science and technology, most today don't turn to music boxes for their regular music fix. People purchase music boxes today not to replace their mp3 players and Ipods. It is a way of enjoying music of yesterday and relish in the beauty and art of the days gone past. Yet, for those who are fans, old clocks and watches with small musical pieces are highly recommended. Old wood disc or cylinder music boxes are becoming a rarity these days, and can be considered valuable antiques. Just visit a museum and see some models. From time to time, you can even see them sold online. The music and the craftsmanship of these amazing music boxes will leave you with the yearning to buy one afterwards.

Wedding Music Tips: Why Your Wedding Day Music Is So Important

Many couple like to enjoy music at their wedding; the music can be played throughout the ceremony as well as the reception so you have to think about that as well. Many couples play the traditional "here comes the bride" on the organs or the piano at the ceremony as the bride is walking down the aisle with the man that is going to give her away which is usually the bride’s father but any important male in her life can be nominated as the person who gives her away! Music can be traditional, jazzy, and funky or indeed anything you want it to be.

During the ceremony wedding music is allowed to be played but only at the start you need silence for the exchange of the vows and making the marriage legal, after the ceremony when you are leaving the church or garden or office, in fact anywhere that you have been married, many newly weds play a lively happy song to guide them out of their venue and on to their wedding reception.

At the wedding reception entertainment and music is a must, whether this comes in the form of a DJ, live band or even a comedian there should be great music and good food, with lots of people dancing. It is traditional for the newly weds to have their first dance as a newly married couple before any one else has a dance on the floor, this is where you usually pick a favourite meaningful song that has a lot of significance to you and your partner as it serves as a memory reminder, whenever you hear that song from now on your mind will flash back to your first wedding dance with each other and your first day as a married couple.

Wedding music is important, it helps people to be happy. Music is an aphrodisiac and makes people feel good. And to be honest it will bring lots of laughs and happy memories as when the guests and family start to have their drinks their dancing becomes more frequent and enjoyable. A wedding brings families of the bride and groom closer so they could even dance together to help it along, making sure that everyone has a great time and a good dance is imperative to your wedding. Not only your guests of course, you and your new husband or wife got to be sure they are having the best day of their life!

Sheet Music / Printed Music

Modern sheet music notation (also known as ‘Printed Music’) now comes in many different formats including the recent invention of digital sheet music (available free to download illegally as well as legally for a fee), often downloadable and printable in the .PDF Portable Digital Format. It can be argued that at least in the Western world there is the beginnings of a move away from the paper book format. Sheet music is different to Tablature (a.k.a Tab or Tabulature) which is another form of musical notation, which tells players where to place their fingers on a particular instrument rather than which pitches to play. This is a popular form of sheet music for beginners learning to play guitar.

If a piece of instrumental music is intended to be performed by more than one musician, each performer will play from a separate piece of sheet music, called a part.

Sheet music is issued as individual pieces or works (e.g. a pop song or a Mozart symphony) or in collections (e.g. works by one or several artists)

When the separate instrumental and sung parts of a musical work are printed together, the resulting sheet music is called a score. A score usually consists of musical notation with each instrumental or vocal part in alignment vertically (meaning that concurrent events in the notation for each part are arranged orthographically). The term score is also used to refer to sheet music written for only one performer.

Sheet music comes in a variety of formats:

• A full score contains the music of all instruments and voices in a musical composition lined up in a fixed order.

• A miniature score is like a full score but smaller in size.

• A study score is often the same size as (and often indistinguishable from) a miniature score, except in name. Some study scores are octavo size and are somewhere between the size of full and miniature scores. Study scores can include extra information about the music and markings for educational purposes.

• A piano score (a.k.a. piano reduction) is a transcription for piano of a piece intended for many performing parts, e.g. orchestral works; this can include purely instrumental sections within large vocal works (see vocal score below).

• A vocal score (a.k.a. a piano-vocal score) is a reduction of the full score of a vocal work (e.g. opera, musical, oratorio, cantata etc.) to show the vocal parts (solo and choral) on their staves and the orchestral parts in a piano reduction (usually for two hands) underneath the vocal parts; the purely orchestral sections of the score are also reduced for piano (without the spoken dialogue). If a portion of the work is a cappella, a piano reduction of the vocal parts is often added to aid rehearsal (this often is the case with religious music).

. A choral score contains the sung parts without accompaniment.

. An organ score contains staves for the sung parts and reduces the orchestral parts to be performed by one person.

. A ‘vocal selection’ is a collection of songs from a given musical.

• A short score consists of a edited version of a work for multiple instruments to just a few staves.

• A lead sheet contains only the melody, lyrics and harmony, using one staff with chord symbols placed above and lyrics below. It is commonly used in pop music to capture the essential elements of song without specifying how the song’s arrangement or performance.

• A chord chart or "chart" contains next to no melodic information but provides detailed information on harmony and rhythm. This is the most common kind of printed music notation used by professional musicians.