How To Choose The Right Music For Your Wedding

The great American wedding has come a long way over the years. In a society that is made up of people from so many different cultures, lifestyles, religions, and backgrounds, it is no surprise that the traditions in the wedding ceremony are as vastly different as well. Wedding music is no exception. From the ceremony itself to the party atmosphere of the reception, the wedding music sets the tone for the event.

Traditional Wedding Music

At most weddings we can expect to hear selections that have come to be known as traditional wedding music. Titles like Ave Maria, the Minuet from Don Giovanni, and, of course, The Bridal Chorus and The Wedding March have long been the standard music for a wedding. Particularly religious ceremonies may include hymns like Amazing Grace and a Jewish wedding almost always includes a hora danced to a medley of tunes like Hava Nagila, and Siman Tov U Mazeltov.

The traditional wedding music holds a special place in our hearts and many think that a wedding ceremony is incomplete without it. The couple must decide whether or not to use traditional wedding music in the ceremony, as well as how much of it to use. If this part of the wedding tradition is important to you, then traditional wedding music is the way to go.

Modern Wedding Music

Often couples will forgo the traditional wedding music selections and instead include modern or popular music in the wedding ceremony. This practice is so common that some titles are becoming traditional wedding song selections themselves. It is not unusual to hear When a Man Loves a Woman, Always and Forever, or I Will Always Love You sung, performed, or played at weddings today. Often more modern titles like these will appear in a ceremony along with the more traditional wedding music.

Avant-Garde Wedding Music

As people’s attitudes change and varying forms of wedding ceremonies take place, the choice of wedding music often changes right along with them. Occasionally couples will choose music for their wedding that reflects the stark difference in their personalities and makes a unique and bold statement. While your wedding ceremony is primarily for the couple getting married, it is important to remember that it is an event attended by your family members as well. While you may wish to make an impression on your guests with your choice of music, you should still be cautious not to offend your respective grandmothers. As such, a selection by an artist like Marilyn Manson may never be appropriate for a wedding ceremony. This does not mean that your wedding music choices are restricted to traditional classics or sappy love songs. I once attended a very avant-garde wedding where three couples married in the same ceremony. It was a beautiful event and was made memorable by their choice of music. The couples strode down the aisle to the sounds of Pink Floyd’s Signs of Life, an instrumental track from the album A Momentary Lapse of Reason. It was a wedding ceremony that I will remember forever.

Is Your Music Player Spying On You?

In today's times spyware is a very serious issue and all computer users should be aware of the possible damage it can cause. It is estimated by well known industry insiders that nearly 90% of all computers are infected with some kind of spyware. This no surprise as spyware programs can be highly contagious and spread from computer to computer via emails and network exchanges rapidly.

Spyware's main intent is usually to track where you go on the internet. This includes websites you visit, what you buy from the internet, and generally what you use the internet for, all the while the spyware program will report this information back to the publisher. The publishers of spyware are rich with all the information of thousands of computer users surfing habits and they make a huge profit by selling this information to third parties who may not take your privacy concerns in to account.

You may think that running anti-virus programs and firewalls on your computer will be enough to protect you from this threat but think again. Spyware can easily slip past these programs as spyware disguises itself as a part of a program that you actually want to install on your computer. Programs that you use daily may be harvesting spyware.

One of the most popular music players on the internet that millions of people use to play, download and organise their favourite music with is actually spyware. Can you guess what it is? RealPlayer is not just a feature rich jukebox anymore, it's spyware. If you read the agreement before you install the player for the first time, RealPlayer actually tells the unsuspecting user that it will record all the information about what music you listen to, what videos you view and how often. It then transmits this private information back to it's corporate office using your resources while doing so. This information is kept on file and used to profile you. Unfortunately you have no say in what information they have access to.

Spyware detection and removal software is imperative to keeping your private information private and keeping your computer healthy. It's a scary thought that companies are armed with the technology to snoop on you when you are simply enjoying music and watching videos you enjoy in you own home.

New Age Music - How It's Made

Different styles of music have different "sounds." We can all pretty much agree on that point. For example, Jazz uses seventh chords almost exclusively. This, and the kind of chord progressions used in Jazz gives it its unique flavor. But what about new age music? Does it have it's own special ingredients? Yes it does.

Now, there are no hard and fast rules here but for the most part, new age music is a consonant music. That is, there is little or noharshness going on in the music. No Saxes wailing and what not. Having said that we can eliminate most of the tense jazz chords and their voicing. So what are we left with? Mostly Major and minor chords based on the regular scales and the modes. The chord progressions are simpler and usually start on the l chord. No ll-V-l progressions here.

What about melody? In jazz, we have a soloist who usually plays a lot of chromatic notes. This is rare in new age music because it would create dissonance. New age melodies tend to be softer and more on the spiritual side. Solos, if there are any, are not so much concerned with the expression of the self than they are with letting the music express itself. A subtle but very important distinction. Jazz players may have some ego invested in their performance. New age musicians learn to let the music play them. They learn to become a channel for the music itself allowing it to speak through them. Of course, I'm not saying that this can't happen in Jazz, but, just watch a Jazz performer and you'll see what I mean.

Last but not least is rhythm. Let's do a comparison/contrast between Jazz and New Age music. Jazz has a definite discernible rhythm. It is what makes Jazz Jazz. New age music can have a pattern or an underlying rhythm to the music. It can be used to create trance like states in the listener. Drums are usually a part of Jazz music. Percussion is mostly absent from the New Age sound simply because it would not add to the atmosphere most New Age musicians create. Timing is very important to the Jazz musician. The soloist has the freedom to play whatever he wants as long as he maintains the meter and stays in time. New Age music is more elastic in that timing is there, but is not a master of the player. The New Age player can disregard time altogether. Just listen to Zen flute music as a good example of this.

Now, what does all this mean for the aspiring New Age musician? A couple of good things. It means that there is a definite new age "sound" out there. That it is here to stay and that people like and need to hear it. And it means that there are some guidelines out there for what defines the meaning of New Age music.

Using Music To Calm Your Baby

Music is a wonderful way for you to calm and soothe your baby, especially during the first year. How many times have your heard parents say that there was nothing that they could do with their crying, fussing baby until they tried music. This is because music does indeed soothe the savage beast, or in this case, the baby.

There are certain distinct sounds that have been proven to calm even fussy babies: the sounds of nature, white noise, and music. Even if your baby isn't fussing or crying you may want to use music as often as you can to encourage that feeling of calm and peacefulness. All it takes is a few minutes every day and before you know it your baby will be looking forward to hearing that certain song emanating from the CD player.

There is nothing complicated or mysterious about introducing your baby to music from day one. You don't need to search for the perfect song or a certain type of music. All you have to do is start by having your baby listen to your favorite songs and music. If jazz is on the top of your list, let your baby listen to the sounds of John Coltrane as he sits in his baby seat watching you in the kitchen. It doesn't matter if you play the schmaltzy songs of the eighties or some wicked African beat, your baby is going to listen and his mood is going to be altered by any musical sound that he hears.

Besides the music that you yourself can introduce your baby to, there are hundreds of CDs on the market today that are filled with baby songs and lullabies. At the end of the day you may want to play a CD of quiet baby songs that have a slower beat. There are so many CDs for you to choose from that you will have a hard time making up your mind. Choose something that interests you. Many baby CDs will have lullabies and faster beat songs on the same CD.

Playing music has other benefits besides soothing your fussy, crying baby. These benefits include:

- Babies are introduced to musical sounds.
- Music enhances your baby's behavior and cognitive skills.
- Relieves stress for the entire family.
- Will stimulate curiosity and an interest in music.

Take time to find a variety of music CDs for your baby to listen to. You'll soon notice which music your baby is most drawn to and can use that music when he is particularly fussy or is crying.

Why Does New Music Suck?

I’m not old, but I’m old fashioned. Or, maybe I just long for the good old days like those before me, and like those will after me. I’m certain the music that I grew up with was probably mediocre at best, and that it absolutely grated upon the ears of my elders. Styles, tastes and the definition of what is current and relevant are always changing with the times. And for older music fans, there is always a quiet war to stem the tide of what is popular – and, maybe more interestingly, what will be popular. The most obvious document of that battle are the Grammy Awards. While now they celebrate all forms of music, they were initially designed and developed to “award” excellence to certain forms of music, and ignore other kinds – namely that new style of song called rock and roll.

So, in risk of appearing old and crotchety, I will pose this question: why is there so much crummy music being released these days? Seriously.

Now, I know that the music that I like will be considered lame and awful by most people, and I understand that. But, for the sake of argument, let’s assume that I know everything and that I am right. There are many factors that have led to the decline of the quality of music that is being released. It could be as simple as the artists being signed are just not as talented, innovative or intelligent as artists and groups from the past. There’s just no source of creative inspiration to really tap into - and that lack of resource shows in terms of the music being produced. It’s just there, and maybe that’s a reflection of the artist.

It could also be that today’s music-buying public do not have the attention spans that are required to listen to a finely crafted song or a well-though out album. There is such a bombardment of entertainment choices and options, and so little time to digest and enjoy them all, that something simple, catchy and requires not too much thought is the only way to go. One brilliant song, surrounded by filler, and you have a top selling album. But, even that argument can be quelled. Because more and more people are apt to simply download their favorite songs on their own and avoid the rest, there is no need to create a great album if only the hit single is going to be listened to.

In the old days of tapes and records, the hit songs were sometimes purposely placed in the middle of the tape or record. That forced listeners to locate the hit songs by fast forwarding or rewinding. And the listener would maybe found another gem of a song that they otherwise would never have located and discovered.

Maybe musicians aren’t taking their craft seriously anymore. It’s hard to concentrate on crafting a quality record when you have to film the reality show, design the clothes, remember your lines in the movie cameo and lend your voice to your video game. Today’s music artists – or the popular ones – now consider themselves businesspeople or entrepreneurs rather than artists and musicians. The music itself is now simply a division of Artist X international.

I know I am probably coming across as old and lame, and that I believe all music should have ended after Robert Johnson passed away. But, here’s something that sometimes puzzles me: let’s assume that EMO music is the most popular style of the day. All the top songs on all the important hit lists are EMO songs done by EMO artists. If EMO is so popular, then why is it that the most popular concerts and tours are done by older, classic groups and singers?

A group like Fall Out Boy may be popular and have all their videos playing, but compared to a group like the Rolling Stones that hasn’t tasted relevance in years, they are small potatoes. Of course, a group like the Rolling Stones will probably never be in heavy rotation or heavy requests on music and radio stations either. So, the door swings both ways.

I should probably shut my ears and listen to oldies for the rest of my life.

Music For Love

Romance isn’t the same without soft music playing in the background. When you are planning any type of romantic encounter, choosing the right music is vital. There are many different genres of music and since people have various tastes, personal choice in what constitutes romantic music may vary. However there are definitely some favorites that everyone can agree upon. Here are some choices to consider when choosing romantic music.

From Him to Her

1. You Are So Beautiful: Joe Cocker

This song continues to be a favorite among those in love. The lyrics are beautiful and it truly describes the adoration he has for the love of his life. Joe’s heartfelt cry makes this one of the best love songs of all time.

2. When a Man Loves a Woman: Percy Sledge

The soulful serenade from Percy Sledge describes how every man in love views the object of his affection: in perfection. What woman wouldn’t want this song dedicated to her?

3. Have I told you Lately: Rod Stewart

Rod Stewart’s smooth tones are perfect for telling her that you love her. There isn’t a woman alive who wouldn’t melt as you gaze into her eyes and tell her how you feel, while Rod is singing this ballad in the background.

4. Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love: Barry White

There is nothing more romantic than the soothing bass of Barry White. He was often referred to as having a Velvet Voice, and when creating a romantic environment, Barry White delivers every time.

5. Always and Forever: Luther Vandross, Heatwave

Whether you listen to the classic by Heatwave or one of the newer remakes, Always and Forever continues to lead the way in top romantic songs. It is also perfect for weddings, or anytime you want to let your woman know that your love is eternal.

From Her to Him

1. Because you Loved Me: Celine Dion

Celine seems to be the epitome of romance. When it comes to singing the words that express how you feel towards your man, there is clearly no better choice than Because you Loved Me.

2. Endless Love: Mariah Carey, Luther Vandross; Lionel Ritchie, Diana Ross

Both of these versions are incredibly awesome. The lyrics are perfect for declaring your unfailing committed love to your partner.

3. Here We Are: Gloria Estefan

This must be one of the best songs for women to play when they want their man to know that they want some intimacy.

4. You Light Up My Life: Debby Boone

You Light Up My Life is one of those songs that just says it all. When you want to tell your man how you feel play this song in the background.

5. When I Fall in Love: Celine Dion and Clive Griffin

What better song to express your truest sense of love, honor, and lifelong commitment then When I Fall in Love.

Whether it is dinner for two, a quiet evening by the fireplace, or if you just want to say I love you, by using these songs, you can ensure that your romantic evening will be complete. So light the candles, pick your song, and let the romance begin.

Careers In Music

There are many different careers in music that you may be interested in pursuing. The fact of the matter is that the entertainment industry is always on the rise, and getting involved is something that a lot of people are interested in. But before you can start a career in music you need to know what is available. If you do not you may end up missing out on a career choice that is perfect for you.

The most obvious career in music is to be a singer or member of a band. Not only is this the most obvious choice, but it is also the most difficult to break into. When it comes down to it the music career is a very competitive one across the board. If you want to make it as a singer or with a band you are going to have to be very good, and also get a few breaks along the way. But with that being said, you should chase your dream until you reach your goals. It may be tough to break into this niche of the music industry, but every year people are successful. Hard work may mean that you are next in line.

Another great career in music is working for a record label. These are the companies that work directly with the musicians and bands in order to release songs, etc. With so many jobs available at record labels you should not have a hard time finding one that suits your needs. You can find jobs ranging from marketing assistants to the president of certain divisions. Expect to get in on the ground level, and then work your way up the ladder as you become more experienced.

As you can see, there are many careers in music that you may be interested in. There is a lot of competition in this industry, bur if you take your time and know what you want you can work towards reaching all of your goals in the end. Get started today, and you will be well on your way to success in your chosen field of work.