Learn How You Can Sing Better By Using Techniques That Expand Your Vocal Range

Are you frustrated about having a limited vocal range? You can't seem to find that voice that you want so badly. You see other performers out there just throwing out high notes and perfect pitch with ease.

Well, the good news is, you can expand your vocal range by using a few proven techniques. You can easily learn to sing high and with confidence!

One important but overlooked tip is Identify Your Natural Range! That's right, if you want to expand your vocal range, you first need to know where you're starting from. You may already know that the common vocal ranges are soprano, alto, tenor, baritone, and bass. These range from highest to lowest respectively, and most females belong in the first three, while most men fall under the bottom three.

By identifying your natural range, you can more easily decide which range you can expand into, and which range you should stay out of.

Other methods include, developing a mixed voice, performing regular vocal exercises, and much more.
There's a lot to learn, but it can easily be done and in a SHORT time as long as you have the right guidance. It all goes towards bring a pitch perfect voice that will blow away audiences.

If you're not into attending regular coaching sessions or classes a very fast and effective approach to learning good tips is to use online resource, or singing kit can show a lot when it comes to techniques and ways to practice. Bare in mind not all singing courses are made equal. A good suggestion is to use one developed by vocal coach who is well known and has a good track record.

Related : Cash Loans Payday

Hymn Improvising Piano Lesson - Part One

I was in fifth grade when I received my first improvising lesson from the hymnal. The hymn I improvised was "At Calvary". It took me at least two months to master this improvised style in a flowing rhythm. "At Calvary" was not the best hymn to try first since this particular hymn contains a more complex rhythm.

Here are the first two improvising steps I learned to create a fuller sound in hymnplaying.

First, open a hymnal to the hymn "Like a River Glorious". I chose this hymn because it is in an easy key and contains a simple rhythm.

Let me preface this lesson with the following clarification: The hymnal is written for voice parts only, not for an instrument. Therefore, the pianist must adapt by adding notes to create a fuller sound giving more support to the singers.

The soprano is the top note on the treble staff. The alto is under the soprano. The tenor note is the top note on the bass staff and the bass note is under the tenor.

Step one: add the tenor note to the right hand when feasible. The right thumb plays the tenor note.

You should be playing a total of three notes in the right hand.

Exception: Sometimes the tenor note fits better between the alto and soprano note. This occurs when the alto and soprano have a greater distance between them; allowing space for the tenor note to fit comfortably between them.

It is best to practice the right hand alone (with the added tenor note) until a steady flow can be maintained.

Expect to feel disoriented at first by adding the tenor note to the right hand without it being written that way.

Step two: Double the bass note in the left hand. Place your left thumb on the written bass note and duplicate the same note an octave lower.

Doubling the bass note is basically playing in octaves. This second step adds a deep, rich sound to the hymn!

Be prepared to slow down when adding the left hand to the right hand. Keep in mind, it may take a while to master this style. Be patient with yourself. Once you play one hymn this way, you can apply the same two step process to other hymns.

Choose hymns in easy keys with simple rhythms at first. Once you have gained confidence, move on to hymns with more complex rhythms.

This two step improvising method will allow the pianist to sound full enough to support congregational singing.

Over time, more improvising skills can be obtained; adding even more life and fullness to hymn playing!

Recommend : Cash Loans Payday

The Great Musician - Mozart

Mozart is the well-know musician worldwide for his great works and also for his talent in music that he born with. He is the shining star in the history of music and will be always remembered for his contribution the music.

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born in 1756 and died in 1791. Salzburg and Vienna, where Mozart lived and died, spent the whole year of his bicentennial year in his memory, with recitals, concerts, operas, and expositions. Like Shakespeare, Mozart stands at the top of human achievement. One remembers Shakespeare and Mozart as one remembers beautiful poetry and beautiful music.

Mozart started playing the piano at four, composing music at five, touring the courts of Europe at seven. At this point, to the delight of the world, the gifted child grew into genius. Overnight, Mozart conquered Vienna and the world of music.

Then he fell from favor and was in poverty. When the world heard of this and offered help, the help was no longer needed.

Mozart's music has been everlasting. Patients spending their last moments on earth like Mozart. Mothers in child-birth listen to Mozart's piano concerto in C major (K 476). Students enjoy Mozart's serenades as studying (German). In Vienna, wherever you are, there is Mozart being played and listened to in rapt attention. There are Mozart biographies nearly in every language.

Some people are mad about every detail in Mozart's life. At 21, he wrote that "if I have to marry all the girls I have had an evening with, I had have 200 wives". Actually, he fell deeply in love only once with the talented soprano Alyusha Weber. When Alyusha turned him down, Mozart married her younger sister, Constance. They settled down to a quiet life in Vienna, with Mozart reserving some of his moments for rising singers and pretty students. The music he wrote passing heart throbs is among the sweetest he ever composed.

Thanks To : Cash Loans Payday

Tips To Expand Your Vocal Range

When you are learning to sing and have been practicing for a while now, you possibly are searching for info on the way to develop your vocal range. All singers know that success comes with expanding and growing their singing array. It's essential for a vocalist to hit the higher notes effortlessly.

Here are a few of the basics know how on how you can grow you vocal array:

Vary Your Voice - Or simply put, Vocal Assortment - Discover your personal vocal assortment. Find you most comfortable vocal range and practice it that range without straining your voice. You should know your voice's capability and determine the normal position so that you can increase it.

To uncover your latest assortment begin with the middle C note and step down on the scale by half-notes until your voice is no longer comfy and it is possible to no longer produce a crisp and clear note/tone.

Do the exact same exercise for your higher vocal range. Whenever you stop you are going to instantly know where you will need to start expanding your vary. Ranges consist of soprano, alto, tenor, bass.

Do not Strain Yourself - Don't strain your voice by pushing as well far, as well quick. It's achievable to raise or decrease 1 to two steps more than a number of months with dedicated practice.

Nevertheless, you may put your vocal chords at risk should you attempt to increase your vary to an octave in two months!

Just like athletes practice to strengthen their muscles, as a vocalist, you are going to also perform more than a period of time to slowly assemble

Vocal Strength - This is also known as conditioning your voice. It offers your voice power and wonderful flexibility.

Warm Up Vocals - Again, like athletes, a vocalist need to warm up vocal muscle groups to stop damage. Warm ups will stretch the vocal muscle tissue and prepare them for singing. This is very essential for anybody hoping to increase their vocal variety.

Observe Yourself - Working in front of a mirror is really a great method to raise your vocal variety. Being able to watch your self sing provides instant feedback on posture and jaw position.

Friends Link : Cash Loans Payday

We Sing - Simple Ways to Hit the Right Notes

We all love to sing. There is no doubt that it remains one of the cheapest, yet most effective ways to get rid of stress, express our emotions, and achieve a full-body natural high. While not all of us may want to pursue a professional career in singing, I believe that all of us do want to hit the right notes when we sing. Getting it right, in truth, is not all that difficult. You only need to remember a few simple techniques that will make you avoid sounding tone deaf to the people who are within hearing range when you decide to belt out your favorite song.

Breathe right. Singing definitely has a lot to do with proper breathing as a person's ability to hit and sustain the right note depends on the right breathing technique. The thing to remember here is that when you inhale, it is not your chest that should rise but your diaphragm that will expand. You can put the palm of your hand against the area below your lowest rib to check if you are doing it right. Next, when you begin to sing, don't push out all the air you inhaled at once. Just exhale slowly and properly according to your normal pace.

Enunciate. There's nothing worse than listening to someone sing and not understand a word that is coming out of that person's mouth. Singing well also means being understood so make sure that you enunciate clearly and pronounce your vowels correctly. Once you've got this technique down pat, you instantly become more pleasing to listen to--an accomplishment I'm sure we all want to achieve when we sing.

Stand Upright. This tip is connected to the first one about proper breathing technique. Having the right posture ensures your body's optimal capability to channel oxygen from the lungs at a controlled pace. When you have a clear lane for oxygen to be dispensed, you can make sure that a consistent and clear sound will emanate from your vocal chords.

Know Your Limits. This is perhaps the simplest technique you can master in no time. Not everybody has the voice of Celine Dion or can hit a falsetto as high as Mariah Carey. In the same way that not all of us have a clean low register like Luciano Pavarotti. As a singer, you need to know your vocal range so you can sing the songs that are fit for the extent that your voice can reach. Further, once you are conscious of the limits of your singing voice, you can make the necessary adjustments in pitch when singing songs instead of trying to hit the original notes and failing. A contralto will never be able to hit a coloratura soprano note, just as a countertenor can't hit the low notes the way a bass tessitura can.

These tips, when done properly, should be enough to make you sound better than most. If, however, you decide that singing is the right path for you career-wise, it would be best to get a professional vocal coach or more advanced tips that are available everywhere, including the Internet. But for the majority of us who just like to sing, proper breathing, posture, enunciation, and admitting our limitations may just be enough to get us an appreciative applause when we sing.

Visit : Cash Loans Payday

Mindi Abair "It Just Happens That Way" Smooth Jazz CD Review

Richly talented Smooth Jazz artist Mindi Abair has released her CD entitled It Just Happens That Way and Wow! It's really a good one.

It Just Happens That Way launches with a great track, Lucy's that I anticipate will be heard on radio stations everywhere, and deservedly so. It really is a very nice track.

This entire CD has a nicely varied, mix of 12 tracks that are very nicely constructed songs by this clearly superb artist.

Listen to this CD and I believe you'll find there's not much to dis-like about it. The songs are inspired, the production is simply outstanding, and Mindi Abair's Sax work is superb. If you're even mildly into Smooth Jazz music you'll enjoy this album.

While this entire album is outstanding the truly standout tracks are Flirt [track 2], Save The Last Dance [track 3], Right On [track 6].

My SmoothLee Bonus Pick, and the one that got Sore [...as in "Stuck On REpeat"] is track 2, Flirt. Great track!

It Just Happens That Way Release Notes:

Mindi Abair originally released It Just Happens That Way on February 25, 2003 on the GRP Records label.

CD Track List Follows:

1. Lucy's

2. Flirt

3. Save The Last Dance

4. As Good As It Gets

5. Save Tonight

6. Right On

7. It Just Happens That Way

8. Salt And Lime

9. Momo

10. Play

11. Remember

12. Home

Personnel Include: Mindi Abair (vocals, soprano saxophone, alto saxophone, keyboards); John Taylor (vocals, bass); Lee Thornburg (trumpet, trombone); Ricky Peterson (piano, Wurlitzer piano, Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Greg Manning (Fender Rhodes piano, organ); Matthew Hager (keyboards, guitar, bass, programming); Ty Stevens (acoustic & electric guitars, percussion); Mike Landau (electric guitar); Jeff Golub, Dwight Sills, Marc Antoine (guitar); Dave Carpenter (upright bass); Stan Sargeant (fretless bass); Steve Ferrone (drums); Bud Harner (cymbals); Lenny Castro (percussion). Producers: Matthew Hager, Bud Harner, Ty Stevens. Recorded at Castle Oaks, Calabasas, California and 76 Steps Studios, Hollywood, California in August 2002.

See Also : Cash Loans Payday

How To Mike Acoustic Instruments

Traditional Guitar

The majority of traditional acoustic guitars utilized by electro-acoustic bands have built-in pick-ups, so they can go through the PA via a backline amp, or direct, normally via a DI box. But you might be utilizing your acoustic for just one or two numbers, then changing returning to electric, therefore it is barely worth having a pick-up fitted - in this case stick an instrument or general purpose mike (should you have one - the majority of vocal mikes will deal if you haven't), on a boom stand and point it towards the body end of the guitar's neck from about six inches away. Take care not to point the mike immediately at the sound hole as this may result in feedback issues. Just about any feedback that does occur will be within the low/mid frequencies, so be prepared for it. You can test out mike position until you've got the type of sound you desire, bear in mind that, the further towards the headstock you put the mike the greater finger-on-string noise you're likely to find. And excessive movement by the guitar player will not do a large amount of good for the consistency of the overall sound.

Double Bass

If you need to mike up a double bass (quite a few nowadays already are fitted with pick-ups), you need the mike as close as it can be, and don't point it at the F holes, just under the bridge yields the best results, except for a bright sound you are able to point the mike at the body end of the fingerboard. Any feedback that does occur will be within the lower frequencies, not surprisingly.

Violin

Fiddles have a tendency to be best dealt with by fitting some kind of pick-up (you will find plenty around, varying from affordable to high-priced condenser mike-based models, or even a tie-clip type mike - if you are opting for the latter, attempt to get a cardiod one, or perhaps be ready for feedback fighting. An omni-directional mike constantly seems superior, nevertheless, you really do need to compromise plenty of volume.

Piano

Pianos are never the simplest of instruments to mike up to attain a good sound over the full range. One of the ways is to use a boom stand and position the mike over the strings somewhere between middle C and also the top end, with the front panel taken off on an upright, and, obviously, the lid open on a grand. If you an abundance of mikes (as well as mixer channels), then use two of them, one near the bass end, one at the top, especially when the piano is one of your lead instruments. On a grand piano, position one mike halfway down the inside (beneath the lid), and the other beneath the piano in the centre - seems like a strange idea, but it works.

Brass

Stick a mike on a straight or boom stand and treat your blowist like you would your vocalist. With seriously powerful brass you have to make sure your mike is capable of handling fairly high sound pressure levels. Most mike manufacturers make a range of fitments for brass to go with the mikes they recommend for these instruments. For the really active player, add a wireless transmitter (and receiver, of course).With powerful, high -end brass instruments like soprano saxes, keep the players well away from the mike or they'll drown everyone else as well as overloading the PA in a very nasty fashion indeedy.

Woodwind

You're unlikely to come across many of these other than the flute. A decent vocal or general purpose mike will do the job very adequately, but look out for high end feedback.

Ukulele Tab: Learn To Play Happy Birthday To You

An ukulele can be used to play chords when you sing but you can also play melodies. It's fun and quite easy to learn melodies on your uke with ukulele tab. Let's learn to play Happy Birthday To You!

As many people know "Happy Birthday to You" is a song which is sung to celebrate a person's birth. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, "Happy Birthday to You" is the most popular song in the English language.

Here is the most common lyrics. "Peter" is to be replaced by the name of the celebrating person.

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday to you,

Happy birthday dear "Peter",

Happy birthday to you.

I use my own form of ukulele tab for articles like this to be sure that the tabs are readable on article sites. The more common ukulele tab staff notation can be found on my site with ukulele tabs and free sheet music.

The string with the highest pitch is usually an A and is called the first string. The first string is the string nearest your feet when you play your uke.

The first notes in the song are on the third string.

The first number indicates the fret. The second number after the slash tells you which string to play. Here is the first line of lyrics and the ukulele tab:

Happy birthday to you,

0/3 0/3 2/3 0/3 1/2 0/2

0/3 indicates that you play the third string with your right hand thumb for example without pressing down any left hand finger. It is called to play on the open third string.

This type of ukulele tab doesn't indicate the length of the notes. I guess you hear that the first two notes are short and the last note long.

Let's play the next line:

Happy birthday to you,

0/3 0/3 2/3 0/3 3/2 1/2

3/2 means that you press down a left hand finger on the third fret of the second string. I haven't told you anything about which left hand finger to press down on the frets on your ukulele.

You can use your first finger for all the notes but a more professional approach is to play the notes on the first fret with your first finger, the notes on the second fret with your long finger and the notes on your third fret with your ring finger.

Maybe it's difficult at first but with practice it will be easier for you to find the right notes. You don't even have to look at your fingers to find the right fret if you get accustomed to this way of playing.

The next line comes now:

Happy birthday dear "Peter",

0/3 0/3 3/1 0/1 1/2 0/2 2/3

You know what the ukulele tab above tells you by now.

The last line comes here:

Happy birthday to you.

1/1 1/1 0/1 1/2 3/2 1/2

Now you can play Happy Birthday To You on your ukulele and you are prepared for the next birthday party!

Actually you can play this melody with the use of the above ukulele tab notation on a guitar also. The first three strings are tuned the same way but not in the same pitch.

The ukulele tab notation I have used is good for finding the notes but I recommend you to learn the melody by heart so you can play it anytime and anywhere!

Kanilea Ukuleles

The word Kanilea means "joyful sound" and this manufacturer hand creates ukuleles, their builders working under the supervision of Master Luthier Joseph Souza. The company is based in Kaneohe, Hawaii and manufactures both standard-grade instruments and professional-level instruments suitable for performance use.

Kanilea Ukuleles are made with lumber that is air dried, a traditional way of allowing the wood to season and which brings out the tonal characteristics of the woods used in the instruments. The company offers several different options in woods, including Sitka, Spruce, Walnut, Maple, Myrtle, Mango, Rosewood, Purple Heart and Cocobolo. The standard wood used in ukuleles is koa.

Every wood component used in Kanilea Ukuleles is cut, fitted and set in place by the craftspeople at the company's shop. Each piece of wood used in the manufacture is individually hand-selected to ensure the best tone and aesthetic results for the instrument.

These instruments feature a variety of design elements. A "slanted" headstock is available, for example, which has the characteristic cut and shape of the headstocks normally seen on electric instruments. The stringing options for the instruments are flexible, as well. Any instrument manufactured by Kanilea Ukuleles can be fitted with a "G" string in the fourth course. This allows more depth in the sound as this course is tuned an octave lower than standard. The effect is particularly noticeable on open-chords, when the instrument is allowed to ring out to its full resonance and body.

The 6- and 8-string variations of this manufacturer's instruments feature carbon fiber rods embedded within the neck. This offers both increased strength and improved tone for the instrument. These ukuleles can be manufactured as multiple string variations with the exception of the company's Baritone and Soprano Ukuleles. Prices for these instruments range from entry-level to professional grade.

The Joy of Ukuleles

In 2003, Bill Robertson released a wonderful documentary entitled Rock That Uke, a tribute to the ukulele and its unique sound, and the mystique that surrounds not only its musical qualities but its size and shape. Bill Robertson explained that much of the enjoyment uke players have is in the simple act of holding the instrument.

As he points out in the film, a ukulele "[is] about the size of a human infant". And just like an infant, a ukulele is held close to the chest, near the heart, as if you were cradling a baby.... which probably seems a little sappy. You have this small, wonderful instrument that you're shielding from harm which in turn gives you a real sense of purpose.

But what most people remember is that distinctive sound. Pleasant, innocuous, unrelentingly cheerful. It always has that same sound, no matter who may be playing it - such as Taylor Mac, who recently performed with a ukulele at the Dallas Undermain Theatre. As Taylor Mac pointed out, the sound of a ukulele takes us back to a time in our youth when "nothing is our fault". Such memories can only leave you feeling happy.

Not only that, but the ukulele's four strings have a high end but no opposing low end, as my ukulele guru Bill Robertson is quick to mention. So what you end up with is that distinctive "plink quality," as Robertson describes it. As your playing, all of the sound is in the upper range, so you don't have that "bass sort of support that a guitar has, that robust sound." With a ukulele, you have only the high sounds, which create a "very childlike quality that conveys a certain innocence."

Fans of the ukulele will cite other reasons for its popularity, most notably it's low cost, easy portability and a simplicity of style that almost anyone can learn to play. For those just starting out, a soprano ukulele will run about $30 to $40. For more advanced players looking for a custom instrument or collectors who enjoy an instrument made with finer woods or with inlays, the cost can run into the thousands of dollars.

If you are just a beginner, never fear, this is an easy instrument to learn how to play, as any die hard uke player will tell you. Master Uke player Levine of the Dallas Ukulele Headquarters insists that he can "teach anyone to play the ukulele in about 15 minutes". In fact, each class begins with a 15-minute session on how to play.

Taylor Mac believes that these distinctive characteristics give the ukulele that certain air that you don't find with any other musical instruments.

Mac feels that the connection is there "because of the humanity of the instrument". This is an instrument that almost anyone can pick up and "learn how to play three chords in about an hour, and play a song". As Mac explains, the ukulele has the unique ability to "bring joy, because people see the possibility that 'if you can do it, I can do it, too".

Hire a Steel Band For Your Next Event

Whether you are planning a birthday party, corporate function, or an outdoor festival, you know the most important objective is for everyone attending to enjoy themselves. You could hire a fabulous caterer to provide delicious finger foods or a sit-down dinner, and decorate according to your party's theme, yet all the aesthetics won't provide the level entertainment that only a live band can bring. Why not consider a tropical theme for your affair, complete with an authentic steel band?

What is a Steel Band?

True to the name, a steel band is a group comprised primarily of musicians specializing in steel pans, or steel drums. Perhaps you have seen television shows or movies set in the Caribbean that have featured such groups - you might see three or four people using "pansticks" to tap beats in different concave drums. While the instruments appear to look the same, steelpans - as the drums are also called - are constructed and tuned to bring out unique sounds. The tones of various steelpans can resemble soprano, bass, alto, tenor, and baritone pitches, and when played in harmony create a pleasing, joyful melody.

Steelpan bands can consist of anywhere from three or four "pannists," or musicians using stands to support the drums, or many more using portable drums with straps for the neck, to march in parades. Depending on the band, songs will vary from island and reggae standards and calypso songs, to steelpan interpretations of works by contemporary musicians. Songs by Jimmy Buffett and Bob Marley, for two, are often covered by pannists.

Why Hire a Steel Band?

The addition of a Caribbean style band to your private function or public event adds an air of festivity guaranteed to attract music lovers. The lively melodies coupled with bright decor encourage hours of dancing and make for happy memories your guests will share long after the party is over.

Don't think, too, that because such bands are primarily rooted in the Caribbean that it will be difficult to find one where you live. Do an Internet search, and you'll discover that it is as easy to hire a steel band in Washington, DC as it is to find one in Miami or Key West. Resource websites for wedding and event planning in particular are good places to research information on steelpan groups, and look out for band websites that provide music downloads to give you an idea of what to expect.

Nothing gets a party going like the bouncy, energetic rhythms of a steel band. Hire a group for your next function and create memories to keep you dancing.

How to Buy a Saxophone

When getting a saxophone, first you should decide the type you want. You should pick between Alto and Tenor. The soprano and baritone saxophone aren't as common or necessary for most settings. In a school band there will most likely be a Baritone saxophone that you can borrow or rent from the school. The good news is that ALL saxophones play the same! If you learn one, you can play them all. Each saxophone requires some small adjustments in the way you blow and how much air you put in, put they are basically the same.

If you are just starting out, I'd probably rent an instrument from a music store. Renting insures that the instrument is in good mechanical shape and will actually work for you. You can also return the instrument if you decide that you don't like it. Another option is to borrow one from a neighbor, or friend. You'd be surprised at how many instruments are taking up space in someone's basement!

If you do borrow one, you'll definitely want to take it to a repair shop and get it fixed up. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to play a broken, leaky saxophone. Another option is to find a used one in the newspaper or a pawn shop. Be careful when getting a used one from these people; there is a good chance it is not in good mechanical shape.

First check to see if there are any dents in the body or the neck. Dents in the neck are the most serious dents than effect the playing. Second, check the condition of the leather pads on the instrument. The best way to check the pads is to take it to a shop and have the repair tech. check for leaks. Pads can be replaced, and dents removed. Major dents in the neck can also be fixed but the instrument might not play as well.

A repair shop can also give you the value of the instrument you are looking at, to see if the asking price is too high. Another option is eBay. I tend to steer clear of eBay instruments unless there is some sort of return policy on it. If you do buy an eBay sax, have it checked out as soon as you get it!

There are many brands of saxophones available and many different price ranges. To start, you'll want to get a beginning sax. Some good brands that have stood the test of time are: Yamaha, Selmer, Bundy, Artley, Jupiter, Yanagisawa, Keilwerth, Vito, and Leblanc. There are many others out there but these are the main players. I really like the Yamaha saxophones. They are reasonably priced, and play really well. You can expect to pay around $500.00 for a really good used sax. But good deals are always out there! Try to steer away from brands that are not really well known. They may break easily, may not play well in tune and a variety of other problems. If you have one and think it's a good deal, go to the repair shop and ask the technician if they can repair that particular brand. Sometimes a repair shop will not fix certain brands because they can't get the parts or they break easily! Buyer Beware!

A First Look at the Oboe

If you are just learning about the oboe, you are about to learn that there is a lot to
learn!

While this article is by no means an exhaustive look at the oboe, we'll try to cover
the basic stuff to give you a better idea of this beautiful instrument.

The oboe is a double reed (which means that two pieces of wood vibrate together to
make the sound) instrument that is directly descended from the 16th century
shawm. While the shawm might be considered the great grandfather of the oboe, its
sound (which was LOUD and annoying) changed quite a bit before it became the
modern day oboe.

Oboes are usually made of grenadilla wood, but sometimes, in an effort to produce
slightly different tone colors, other woods are used. The oboe has sterling silver
keys and is made up of three "joints:"

a lower joint
an upper joint
and a slightly flared bell

The sound is produced by using a reed made of two blades of cane which vibrate
together.

Pitched in "C," the oboe's pitch range starts at the Bb below middle C on the piano
and ends roughly 2 ½ octaves above that, around a G. For the adventurer, higher
notes are possible though less comfortable and less frequently called for in music
written for the oboe.

The oboe has a narrow conical bore, making its timbre focused and penetrating. The
French word for oboe, "hautbois." Hautbois literally translates to "high-," "strong-,"
"loud-," or "principal-wood," depending on its various spellings. Some people say
that the oboe sounds a bit like a duck. Track down a recording of Prokofiev's Peter
and the Wolf for a great example of this.

The oboe is often played in groups of two or three in orchestras and bands, and is
used in many combinations for chamber music. It is primarily a melody instrument
and, because of its lyrical and mournful timbre, is often used for very emotional
sections of music.

Good examples include:

Stravinsky - Symphony in C
Barber - Summer Music
Gabriel's Oboe

One of the oboe's most important jobs is that of "tuner" in an orchestra. Listen
carefully to the beginning of any orchestra concert with oboes in it and you will hear
the oboe player play a tuning "A" from which the entire orchestra takes their pitch.

There are actually 4 different instruments within the oboe family, which cover the
soprano, alto, tenor, and bass ranges. The oboe itself is the most soprano of its
direct family. The second most common instrument in the oboe family is its tenor
version, the English horn.

The English horn, or "Cor Anglais," is pitched a 5th below the oboe, in "F," and is
fingered almost exactly like its smaller sibling. The range of the English horn begins
at a written B below middle C and goes up to about concert "C." Like the oboe, it
consists of an upper and lower joint, but it has a bulbous bell at the lower end
which makes it look quite different. English horn players also use a bocal, onto
which the reed is attached.

The sound of the English horn is similar in quality to the oboe, but because it is
larger and lower, its timbre is a bit more mysterious and sorrowful. The English
horn is often used in the band and orchestra, though less often in chamber music. It
is quite common for the 2nd oboist of an ensemble to have to "double" on English
horn, having to switch back and forth from the oboe as his/her part dictates.

Famous English horn solos include:

Rossini - William Tell Overture
Dvorak - New World Symphony

The oboe's alto family member is the oboe d'amore, which means "oboe of love."
This instrument looks like a small version of the English horn, with the same
bulbous shaped bell and curved bocal. It sounds a minor 3rd lower than the oboe, is
pitched in concert "A," and again fingered almost exactly like the oboe.

The oboe d'amore's sound is truly distinctive, being reminiscent of its soprano and
tenor relatives, but more muted and sweet. It is often used in pairs and most
frequently in Baroque music, especially that of J.S. Bach. Check out the beautiful
solos and duets for oboes d'amore in the following Bach pieces:

B Minor Mass
Christmas Cantatas
Concerto for Oboe D'amore

The oboe d'amore does not often appear in ensemble pieces after the Baroque era,
though one of its most famous orchestra solos was written by Ravel, in Bolero.

The oboe's bass family member is the Bass oboe, which is the most obscure of the
oboe family members. The bass oboe is pitched in "C," like the oboe, but sounds an
octave lower than its written pitches. It looks like a very large English horn, and is
played with the same fingerings, but its bocal is more drastically curved.

The popularity of the bass oboe was brief and is rarely used today. One of the few
orchestral pieces which employs the bass oboe is Holst's The Planets. Its murky and
atmospheric timbre is well suited to a piece about outer space.

The oboe and its relatives all use a double reed, but the reed is different for each
instrument. Basically, the bigger and lower the instrument, the bigger the reed is.
The oboe's reed is the only reed with an attached cork, the others being on metal
tubes which slip directly onto a bocal. From its soprano to bass ranges, the oboe
family covers a wide spectrum of tones colors, though remains lyrical and poignant
in all its versions.

The oboe is a beautiful instrument to play although it can take quite some time to
master. Even producing a sound can be quite a challenge for a beginner.

Make Your Own Beats on the Computer - Find Out Why

Are you interested in learning how to make your own beats on the computer but don't know which route to take? I was at that point as well. I didn't want to spend a whole bunch of money on studio equipment or some big software I wouldn't have any idea to use or have a hard time to learn.

I was introduced to making beats online using beat making software from a friend of mine. That day was probably was one of the best days of my life because it turned my life upside down.

Sounds dramatic right? Well, I'm serious. Ever since I learned how to make beats online, I've been making money. Usually, producers have different artists they work with and sell beats too. Well, the internet has opened up so many avenues that some artists I have never even met have bought beats online from me.

Learning how to make your own beats on the computer is something I urge anyone to look into. Most beat making software has capabilities that you won't need to purchase any equipment to go with it. There was no need for me to buy an MPC, keyboards, and etc. Everything was included in the software.

I guarantee after you compared beat making software to studio equipment, you will go with making beats online. It's not rocket science...even though at first I thought it was.

It took me less than a week to conquer my beat making software and I didn't even put that many hours into it. It was so easy to use that I actually had fun making beats.

Music Flashcards - For Brighter Quizzes

Quizzes are one of the fastest ways of recording a student's progress. You can ask them some quick questions and figure out how much they have learnt. But if you are teaching many classes, it often gets difficult to remember the progress of each kid. It would be helpful if there was a way to remember and track the progress of each child. You can then frame quick questions for them accordingly. This will also help the kids feel less pressurised, and they will be able to learn at their own pace.

With the help of Music Flashcards, you can make these quizzes much more interesting, less demanding, and easier for you to evaluate. You can make few with some music notes on them, or instruments, and hold them up for your student as he tries to identify the correct sound of name. You could then show them if they are right or wrong by flipping those. They are also available in some bright and exciting patters on sale.

You can make a set for each student, and neatly attach a post-it with their names on the top of the stack. Music Flashcards help you become more organised while framing questions for your quizzes. They are available for almost every topic of music education. You could pick the ones that are most relevant to what you teach. These help you track each student's progress individually.

You could also use them for pop quizzes in classes, and hand out bonus points for the person who answers you correctly. Always make sure that you give everybody a chance to answer. Music Flashcards can be either made at home, or downloaded from the internet. The advantage of using readymade ones is that the designs are much more elaborately chosen, so that they create an impression on the minds of the students.

Freddie Mercury's 18th Death Anniversary

November 24 is always a sad day for all music lovers, especially for those who love Freddie Mercury and Queen -- Freddie Mercury was the first 'Rock-Star' from India. November 24, 2009 marked the 18th Anniversary of the day we lost the Mercurial legend, but I like to remember this day as his 'Remembrance Day' and a small town in London celebrated the musical brilliance of the inimitable Freddie Mercury -- a 'Hollywood Walk of Fame-style' celebration -- by unveiling the 'Mercury Memorial Star' on Feltham High Street in London, attended by his mother, Jer Bulsara; his sister, Kashmira and Brian May.

Feltham in London was home for Freddie and his family for many years, since their arrival to UK in 1964 - Freddie, after finishing his 'O-levels' at St Peter's, a Public School in Poona in India, moved to Feltham in England with his parents. Therefore, it is highly commendable that this town where he spent his early years is chosen to have the honour of unveiling the 'Mercury Memorial Star' on its High Street -- without doubt, this will be a shrine for all those who love his music, though I am rather surprised that it took this long!

Bomi, his father, was in the Civil Service and was posted in Zanzibar in the forties. Farokh Bulsara was born in Zanzibar on 5 September 1946, where his parents Bomi and Jer lived. Young Farokh studied in Zanzibar till the age of eight and then moved to Bombay. 'Freddie', as he was known to his friends and family, spent the rest of his childhood in Bombay, and studied at St. Peter's, a public school in Panchgani, a beautiful hill station near Poona.

His first exposure to classics and opera was in a city that was a musical melting pot. His family encouraged him to excel in music and art and he received the 'All Rounder' award at St. Peter's for his achievements. Indian Music and the legendary Kishore Kumar and Latha Mangeshkar had great influence on the young Freddie -- not to forget the vivid colours of Zanzibar -- which were crucial to the wonderful, inimitable style, associated with Freddie, and of course, 'Queen'. Freddie's wide artistic horizons drew him to classical music, opera and the ballet, and therefore, the operatic 'Barcelona' that Freddie did with the famous Soprano Montserrat Caballe and Bohemian Rhapsody came as no surprise. Of course, his first moment of fame came at the age of one, when his smiling photograph captured the first prize!

I still remember the first time I heard 'Bohemian Rhapsody' -- I find it still an enigma, and its creator too! Freddie and Queen have given us many more inimitable songs, each one better than the previous, or vice versa. The Live-Aid concert at Wembley Stadium in1985 provided the world stage for Freddie, and he had the whole world in the palm of his hands by the sheer power of his music and personality -- it was twenty minutes of pure magic from the King of Rock that became legendary! It is a known fact that the tribute concert for Freddie at Wembley Stadium in April 1992 turned out to be more than just a tribute -- it proved beyond any doubt that his music was inimitable.

Freddie said good-bye to us in that heart-wrenching song, "These are the days of our lives..." with these words, "I still love you".! I join all those who love his music, to say, " We love you too, and thank you for your beautiful music"!

How Are Voice Registers And Singing Related?

Voice registers are the sections by which the vocal chords vibrate in order to produce a sound. Vocal chords are muscles that change in thickness and length. As a person sings ascending pitches, the vocal chords automatically become longer and thinner. As a person sings descending pitches, the vocal chords become shorter and thicker. It is when air is passed through the vocal chords and they open and close that sound is produced.

Listed below are the different kinds of voice registers that exist.

The Chest Register

The range of notes that are below the middle C are classed as the chest register. It has this name because of the deep or rich pitch that is created and also because the sound echoes throughout the chest cavity. Air flows over the vocal folds which are entirely apart and the vibration is often felt in the upper chest. The chest register is mostly used to achieve low voices, such as that of the bass.

Head Register

It is assumed that the human voice is separated into two registers. The lower part being the chest register, and the upper part being the head register. It has been named the head register, as singers believe that when they sing in this register, they have an echo of the sound in their heads, not their chests.

Middle Register

The middle register is not used as commonly as some of the other registers. It is a mix of pitches, and it is described as an area with which a vocal bridge or the passaggio may occur. This registry has been mastered by a singer if they can effectively mix the two pitches together.

The Falsetto

This voice is generally used by men rather than women. It is whereby a sound with which the pitch is slightly higher than that of a person's usual speaking or singing voice. This voice is produced by expanding and separating the vocal chords so tightly that it is only possible for the edges of the vocal chord to vibrate. The alto or soprano range can be achieved by using the falsetto.

Whistle Register

This register is generally used by females rather than males. It is the highest register of the human voice, which sounds similar to a whistle or a squeal. It is also otherwise known as the flageolet register. The pitches produced by the whistle register are generally above E6. This register is used in rare cases by coloratura sopranos when they are singing European classical music.

When entering the field of singing, vocal registrations are concepts that should certainly be mastered. They are assumptions which have been established in order to determine whether the human voice has the ability to change, either objectively or subjectively. There are those however, that believe that these registrations do not actually exist. It is considered by many to be a science, and not merely a theory.

It's Never Too Late to Learn to Sing

Whether you sing in the shower or love to belt out tunes at church, singing is a part of your life, and it is never too late to refine your skills. Even if you think you couldn't hold a tune in a bucket, you can learn to sing and improve on your current singing ability. First, you need to dispel some common myths about the human singing voice.

Myths About Singing

Many people fail to learn to sing because they think that they can't. Some think that they were born "tone-deaf," and others think that only a select few have singing "ability." While some individuals do have an inborn ability to control pitch or volume better than others, most people can learn these skills. It is very rare for someone to have absolutely no ability to detect tones, which would be true tone-deafness. Statistics show that only around two percent of all people in the world have this problem. Most people who have trouble singing to a particular pitch simply need to have their ears trained to hear these pitches.

Learn Your Range

Are you a soprano or alto, bass or tenor? Learning your range will help you select songs to sing that fit your voice. Just as a trombone cannot play the same notes that a piccolo does, an alto cannot try to sing the same high notes that a soprano can easily hit. If you choose to take voice lessons, have your teacher help you explore your full range, and then choose songs that fall within the boundaries created by your natural voice.

Breathing Correctly

Correct breathing is the key to good singing. Learn to take deep breaths using your diaphragm muscle, not your lungs. To find your diaphragm, take a long, slow breath, and try to push out your abdomen, keeping your shoulders still. If you can do this, you have learned how to breathe with your diaphragm. Then, project your voice out through your head, not your mouth. Visualize yourself sending your breath and voice out through your forehead. This will train you to use your "head voice," which is far more pleasing to the ear than the standard voice used by most amateur singers.

Sing with Emotion

Once you have learned some basic skill and know what your range is, choose some songs and start singing. When you sing, enjoy yourself. Allow your emotional side to show through your song. If you sing with emotion, people will respond and appreciate what you are singing, even if your voice is not on par with the professionals.

Are You Too Old?

Many adults wonder if it is too late to learn to sing. It is never too late to learn. In fact, many singing teachers will not training children to sing, because their voices are not yet developed. However, as an adult, you will benefit from professional training. You have spent a lifetime learning poor singing habits, so learning to sing as an adult will require the help of a qualified singing teacher. However, with the right training and plenty of practice, you can develop a singing voice that you will be proud of!

Drum Lessons on DVD - Learn at Your Own Pace

A huge number of people, and this is growing all the time are starting to realise that the drums are one fantastic instrument. There was a time there that all the people were playing guitar hero computer players and were forgetting about other instruments but with new games available for all instruments, people are remembering how great drums are. This is having a really positive impact on the number of people who want to learn to play drums. It is possible to study your new instrument, or indeed learn about its origins and famous players via dvd or by using the Internet. If you would like drumming tips that you can watch when you want and when suits you best there has never been a better time to take up this instrument and start developing your talent.

The drum kit has always been one of the most important instruments in heavy metal, hard rock and rock music but there are times when people forget how great an instrument it really is. A lot of this may be due to the fact that drummers tend to sit at the back of the stage and it is not often that they get to do a lot of singing. These issues can cause some people to overlook drumming but there is a lot to enjoy and with so many options of learning, there is no reason to turn it down. With drum lessons on dvd, everyone can learn at their own pace and level.

Modern technology is here to help

That's right, you can use modern technology to learn at a pace that suits you and find your own level. A dvd grants you the time to stop, pause and replay some sections in order for you to get it right. Any assistance that can convince a person to learn to play drums should be encouraged as vigorously as possible. Taking up a new instrument can aid people gain confidence and develop other skills and this new method of learning is becoming very popular. With a huge range of learning options, picking up drumming tips has never been easier and it has never been simpler for budding musicians to start.

Obviously many people will take up an instrument so that they can form a band and get a chance of playing gigs, making music and generally having a brilliant time. However, this is not for everyone and a lot of folk would like a quiet life and will only learn an instrument for their own fun and pleasure and perhaps occasionally play to friends. Drums are a perfect instrument for any person who wants to add some new excitement to life and who wants to develop their skills in a new walk of life.

Drum Lessons on dvd make it simple

Having the opportunity to study at a desirable pace will make taking up a new instrument to be a much more pleasurable experience for a great number of people and hopefully many drummers will be starting their development right now. There has never been a better time to decide to learn to play drum and there is a wide variety of lessons and options to ensure everyone can find the right way to learn and develop. Whatever option is selected, drumming tips are a great source of fun and knowledge for many drummers.

Elvis and The Beatles

Elvis Presley was emotionally never far from the two-room shotgun house in East Tupelo where he was born and raised. Artistically, it served as the very cradle, crucible and inspiration for the most successful singer and most beloved star in history. But it was the rich, vibrant gospel music he heard in church and the Black R&B he absorbed on historic Beale Street as a Memphis teenager which were the primary and diverse influences that shaped Elvis, who ushered in a whole new era of American music and popular culture.

After starring in a string of highly successful films as the highest paid actor in Hollywood, Elvis became increasingly dissatisfied and frustrated. "I've got to do something more meaningful; there's something else I'm cut out to do. I owe it to my fans, I owe it to myself. I've had it making teenybopper movies. They're all just the same damn ol' flick; all they do is change my character's name and throw in a few new sets."

Ironically it was with the arrival of The Beatles that a seed was planted in the fertile soil of his frustration, later to germinate into another of Elvis' accomplishments - one of the greatest in his music career.

It was the summer of 1965 when The Beatles arrived in Los Angeles to perform their historic Hollywood Bowl concerts. After repeated requests, Colonel Parker finally agreed to speak with their manager Brian Epstein. Together they arranged an historic meeting to take place on the evening of August 27, at Elvis' Bel Air house on Perugia Way. We were all very excited. Everyone in town wanted to meet The Beatles, but the only American they wanted to meet was Elvis.

That Friday night I drove up to Elvis' house in my steel-gray Mercedes. The word of the Fab Four's visit had leaked out, spreading through Los Angeles like brushfire. Elvis and The Beatles were stars to the stars, so I wasn't surprised at all to find Elvis' house under siege. Perugia Way was teeming with hundreds of people, carefully scrutinizing each car as it slowly passed, and craning their necks to get a glimpse of one of The Beatles. There were policemen everywhere, and it was obvious that the security had taken a great deal of planning. The cops apparently had a list containing the make, model, license-plate number and other information about who would be driving what and who should be admitted. I was waved right through and went inside the house.

I found Elvis sitting in the den; he jumped up when he saw me and motioned me to follow him into his bathroom. We had developed a comfortable routine of endless talks when I took care of his hair, but this night was different. Elvis was stone quiet; his eyes took on a faraway look. He seemed fidgety - his fingers snapping on the marble top, his right leg bouncing nervously. Suddenly his demeanor changed and he turned to me. "Man, I know exactly what those four guys are going through; I've been there and done it. That's where it's at, getting up there in front of live people, feeling the energy. Maybe that's what I need to do again. To tell you the truth, Larry, I'm embarrassed. I mean, they're out there doing what I used to do, and I'm here making these dumb-ass movies that don't mean a thing, same as the music they make me sing."

Several weeks later Elvis was at the wheel driving his Dodge motor home as we headed back to Memphis. He turned to me and said with quiet certainty,"Something came to me Lawrence, an' now I know what I'm going to do. I'm going to record a gospel album. I want everyone to know who I am, and where I came from."

The gospel album he recorded was "How Great Thou Art," for which he received his first Grammy Award. Globally, Elvis has sold over one billion records, more than any other single artist or group who ever recorded. Yet the King of Rock 'n Roll never won a Grammy for rock, pop, country or any other genre for which he was famous - only for the music of his soul.

To this day The Beatles have no idea of the very special influence they had upon Elvis.

Vintage Violins

Vintage violins are used and old violins from specific time periods. Older the violin the costlier it gets. Vintage violins cost lot more than new ones. There are many shops around the world which repair and sell vintage violins. Each and every year a number of old violins are discovered and are brought in to the open market. Some famous instruments of the 17th and 18th century are now sold for millions.

Vintage violins are beautifully designed and are usually made of high quality materials. They acquire historic value over their product value. All Vintage violins are usually found to be in very good playing condition. Many violinists believe that vintage violins are better than the new ones. Most famous vintage violins are old German, French or Bohemian.

Many companies offer vintage violins through their online sites. They provide pictures of each violin they have. You can choose through age, country, model or price. Many let you bargain. You can pay through credit card, Pay Pal or through money order. The instruments are shipped usually within 2 days. Most companies provide 2 to 10 days approval period. You can return the instrument if it does not meet your expectations.

Selecting of a vintage violin needs much more attention than playing it. Always look for violins in good playing condition, never buy one with lots of cracks and repairs and easily breakable parts. Good vintage violins are available from $200. Some famous affordable instruments are 1700s Tyrolean violins (around $2500), 1920s Nippon violins (around $350) and Old American fiddles (around $275).

Vintage violins need much more attention than new ones. They are more sensitive to changes in weather, bumps, and humidity. Most vintage violins need frequent replacing of worn-out parts. Well maintained Violins always provide excellent value for money, and time never diminishes their market value.

Joe Cocker - A Soul Story

Disappointingly for Joe Cocker, his 1964 debut single would not be the full-blown Ray Charles treatment of Georgia on My Mind which he had performed with a 22-piece orchestra at Decca's London recording studio.

A & R man Dick Rowe felt that its commercial appeal was limited so Joe was summoned back to cut a cover of Lennon & McCartney's I'll Cry Instead, from A Hard Day's Night,that had Jimmy Page and Big Jim Sullivan on guitars. It was the end of the road for his current persona as Vance Arnold and the Avengers, and time for Joe Cocker's Big Blues with a revamped line-up. He was granted six months' leave of absence from his gas fitter's job and a nationwide tour loomed alongside Manfred Mann, Little Eva and The Merseybeats.

That was a disaster from the word go, a loss-maker that ended prematurely. The record also bombed, no surprise to Joe who never thought the bread-and-butter pop tune showcased his vocal ability. Bookings were lean as New Year 1965 arrived. A last-minute invitation to trek around US air bases in France saved the day, though the band had to SOS for a girl singer to keep the servicemen happy. On the return to Sheffield, things were even leaner and no gigs meant no more Big Blues.

Joe started work at a wholesale news agent's warehouse, but, despite not gigging for a year, he remained convinced that he was destined to perform. Out of the blue, he put a quartet together for a Sheffield University booking then talked, tentatively at first, about a return to the road. The Grease Band was in the making and Joe would find a rapport with a new bassist, Chris Stainton, who would become his trusted friend and collaborator. The partnership would see Marjorine tickle the UK Top 50 in May 1968 and explode in a reworking of The Beatles' With a Little Help from My Friends hitting No 1 later the same year.

There would be US fame but no fortune and Joe would be grateful for the help of real friends who, unlike rock's hangers-on, were not out to bleed him dry. The road would be long and bumpy, but the man would survive.

5 Ways to Amplify an Acoustic Guitar

Most people learning acoustic guitar probably have at least some interest or aspiration of performing in live settings.

One issue that arises is volume. Acoustic instruments are only so loud.

In larger venues, this simply is not practical. Venues with excellent acoustics, multiple instrumentalists playing the same parts, and quiet, attentive audiences work for orchestras, but it is quite impractical for acoustic guitarists. Instead, electrical amplification is the predominant solution. This does not mean playing an electric guitar, per se, but instead focusing on equipment that more faithfully projects the actual tone of an acoustic guitar.

1. Microphone

A very common option is simply to place a microphone near the guitar and play through the PA. This is one of the easier solutions, since most venues do have a PA already installed. It is also probably the most faithful reproduction of the sound, while increasing the volume. However it is the most problematic:

The microphone can feedback
It does not selectively pick up the guitar
Slight changes in the guitar's distance from the microphone will create an audible change in volume.
The guitarist must be absolutely still while performing.
It requires more time for set up to ensure there are no feedback issues.

2. Magnetic Pick Ups

Magnetic pick ups usually affix to the sound hole of the guitar and work similar to the pick ups on electric guitars. The string movements are detected by magnets, which relay the signal to the amp. This is one of the more hassle free solutions. As an add-on, a lot of magnetic pick ups can be put on and taken off a guitar with ease. A very nice benefit for people with vintage or expensive guitars. These pick ups do not work for classical guitars because the nylon strings do not effect the pick ups.

3. Piezo Pick Ups

Similar to the magnetic pick ups. However piezo pick ups are put into the bridge of the guitar and detect the vibration of the string. Since it is detecting the string vibration directly, piezo pick ups work on classical guitars. Attaching piezo pick ups could require permanent alterations to the guitar. A large amount of modern Acoustic-Electric Guitars come with these installed.

4. Specially Made Guitars

There are quite a number of hybrid guitars out there made specifically with acoustic amplification in mind. Some are more electric guitars with a piezo bridge to give an approximation of an acoustic guitar sound without having to change guitars. Others are acoustic guitars with piezo bridges. There are also designs that attempt to more thoroughly hybridize the design. Whether it is worth getting a new guitar is going to vary depending on a person's needs. Quite often the main reason for hybrid guitars is simply to eliminate the need to carry separate acoustic and electrical guitars to performances, even if some sound quality is lost.

5. Acoustic Amps

Modern electric guitar amps are usually voiced specifically for electrical guitars, sometimes to the extent of having specific genres and styles in mind. While a standard electrical guitar amp can be connected to an acoustic guitar, it is not as good of an option as using an amp intended specifically to amplify an acoustic guitar. The qualities an electrical guitarist look for in an amp are not the same as what an acoustic guitarist looks for, something to bear in mind when looking for an amp.

How to Properly Tongue on the Saxophone

Tonguing is a way of starting a note. Basically there are two ways: start blowing, and start blowing preceded by your tongue. The steps to tongue are simple. First, the mechanics of tonguing are simply touching the tip of your tongue to the tip of the reed as if you were saying the word "Tah." If you say out loud "Tah Tah Tah," you will notice that your tongue comes up to the top of your mouth.

If your mouthpiece is in your mouth, the tongue would be touching the tip of the reed. Just before you make the "Tah" sound, you'll notice that the air is stopped behind the tongue. When you release the tongue with the "Tah" sound, the air comes rushing out. This is called tonguing. Start by picking any note, placing the tip of the tongue on the tip of the reed. Release the tongue with the "Tah" sound and then repeat three times. You don't really want to say "Tah", but just let your tongue go through the motions of saying it.

You can feel the tongue touching the tip of the reed and bumping it. I tend to think of tonguing as one of those sprinklers that moves from side to side with a little metal part that keeps bumping the water and causing an interruption in the flow. Your air is flowing over your reed and causing it to vibrate. When you touch the reed with your tongue, the vibrations stop for a moment, and the sound continues. You should begin every note with your tongue to get used to the way it works. Later on you will have times when you will not tongue; this is called slurring. It simply means that you just move your fingers.

A few things to watch out for when tonguing: always touch the tip of the tongue to the tip of the reed for the shortest amount of time possible. If you use the back or middle of your tongue, you get a harsh "thud" sound that is not desirable. TIP to TIP. Some people like to think of it as licking your fingertip and then touching it to a hot iron or stove top. You'd want to do this for the shortest amount of time possible.

Starting With the Piano

The piano is a very popular instrument to play. It is not hard to start. It is very easy to get a sound out of, unlike wind instruments, and it is not physically straining on your hands such as the calluses you develop from string instruments. Better yet, you don't have to have a piano to play. There are many places to get access to a piano without buying one such as at schools, churches, and recreation centers to name a few. If you have decided you want to start playing an instrument, the piano is a great one to start out with.

When you first start out, you need to make a huge decision. Are you going to stick with it? What's great about the piano is that if you are using an existing piano, meaning you don't have to go out and buy one, you can work at it for a little while and only lose the time and expense of a few teach yourself books or a few lessons. If you are okay with this and you really want to give the piano a try without making the commitment, you can. Playing the piano should not be the type of commitment you stress about. On the other hand, if you are the type who starts things all the time and always gives up, you should think about making this more of a commitment. Making a commitment is obviously a hard thing for you that you need to work on, and starting small will help you later on when you need to make bigger commitments.

Now that you are ready to start, you need to decide if you are going to take lessons, or if you are going to teach yourself. If you have trouble with self discipline and don't mind spending the money, or if you are not very talented in music, you may want to get a teacher. Piano lessons can be expensive starting as high as $20 for 30 minutes every week or much more. For many, piano lessons are worth it because you can learn things you could learn in a book, especially if you want precise classical training. If you aren't looking to spend so much money and you feel you can teach yourself, you should do so.

If you are going to teach yourself, make sure you have the proper learning aides. Get some beginner piano books, teach yourself piano books, and any other learning aides such as CDs and DVDs. You can find any of these through the link below. Try to get teaching tools that cater to the kind of piano you want to play such as classical, jazz, improve, or chords.

Once you begin, set up a plan to stick with. Get a book of Hannon exercises to build strength and agility in your fingers. Practice every day for at least 30 minutes or more. Continue practice and improving and before you know it, you'll be playing songs and having a lot of fun.

The Fender Stratocaster - A Quick Know How

An icon in the musical industry and one of the big 3 enduring guitars models, the Fender Strat was designed by Leo Fender, George Fullerton and Freddie Tavares in 1954 and has been manufactured since The Stratocaster is noted for its bright, clean and 'twangy' sounds. The neck pickup has a mellower, fuller and louder sound compared to the brighter and sharper tone of the bridge pickup. The Fender Strat's design was radically sleek and its contoured body shape marked a significant difference to the more solid design of the Telecaster. With Double cutaways it allowed players easier access to higher positions on the neck, combined with a single knob to control the volume on all 3 pickups it allowed for easier sound manipulation with the right hand whilst playing. Early finishes on the guitar on generally sunburst however in during the 70's there was a switch towards more natural finishes on the guitar.

The Strat features 3 single coil pickups, the output was originally selected by a 3-way switch, however guitarists were quick to discover that if you jammed the switch between the first and second position the bridge and middle pickups could be selected, and similarly, the middle and neck pickups could be selected between the 2nd and 3rd position. As this trick became widespread responded with their own 5 way pickup selector that has now been a standard feature since 1977.

Buddy Holly was one of the first users of the Strat and used it in almost all of his songs with The Crickets. During Peggy Sue Crickets rhythm guitarist Niki Sullivan wasn't required so he would stand by Buddy and switch the selector switch from the neck pickup to the bridge pickup for the guitar solo.

Since 1998, many high-end US-made Fender Stratocasters such as the American Deluxe, American, Hot Rodded American, American Special and American Standard series came with an HSH pickup rout instead of a "swimming pool" (or "bath tub") cavity to increase the total amount of wood that actually can resonate, producing a more complex tone.

When Fender was taken over by CBS in 1965 players noted a loss in quality of the guitars and they fell out of fashion for a period, however blues-influenced artists of the late 60's adopted the Stratocaster as their main instrument which helped to revive the guitars popularity. In recent times, some Stratocasters manufactured from 1954 to 1958 have sold for more than US$175,000.

Since 2007 Fender has offered a wide line of Stratocasters alongside vintage re-issues, as well as maintaining a custom shop that allows you to build custom guitars to order, but if you're looking for something sooner why no take a look at our collection of Strats here.

5 Guitar Playing Tips - Learn to Play Guitar Chords

Many people are aspiring to learn how to play the guitar. The guitar has risen into a certain level of popularity that it has become a symbol of talent, creativity and "coolness."

However, learning how to play the guitar is no joke. Learning to play the instrument requires one to learn how to play the chords. This article tries to give some helpful tips to individuals who would want to learn how to play guitar chords.

1. Get a chord chart

Playing guitar chords is just like playing chords in an organ. If one is learning to play the guitar alone (without a teacher), having a guitar chord book is his best bet. A guitar chord book demonstrates the different finger positions when playing different types of chords. The pressed strings are usually depicted with dots and the strings which are not supposed to be plucked are marked with an "x."

A chord book is a beginner's best friend. Memorizing chords without the help of a guitar teacher will be an impossible task if not for the chord book.

2. One at a time

There are dozens and dozens of different guitar chords which show themselves in different formations. Trying to memorize them in a single blow is close to impossible. Learning how to play guitar chords requires patience and lots of practice. Try practicing three chords that are can be played together (ex. A-E-D) on a single day and try to familiarize oneself with the transition between these chords. Don't try to take every chord in one sitting, it simply can't be done.

3. Be aware of the right hand

An important thing to remember when learning how to play guitar chords is that the movement of the right hand is as important as the movement of the left hand. Most beginners would find themselves taking breaks in strumming until the left hand positions itself properly for the next chord. This is normal during the first few day of practice, but at some point, the right hand should dictate the tempo of the movements of both hands. Strumming or plucking shouldn't be delayed.

4. Listen to guitar-intensive songs whenever possible

One should learn how to play the guitar with some inspiration at the back of his head. Listening to good guitar players will give one some idea of where he would want to go in the future.

5. Learn the different forms of chords

As stated earlier, guitar chords present themselves in various forms. One should be familiar with the different forms so as to bring flexibility in to playing. One popular form of chords which is widely used in rock music is the "power chords" they are simply and heavy-sounding.

Playing guitar chords is not as hard as one would think. Learning to play guitar chords is a basic and essential part of guitar playing, it lays down the foundation of good guitar playing skills. If one has the perseverance and the passion to play the guitar, he will eventually learn how to play the chords and advance into more intricate lessons.

Learn to Play Keyboard - 3 Things You Must Know to Get Started

It can be a lot of fun when you learn to play keyboard, but choosing the right type of lessons can get a little confusing. There are some excellent online resources that will get you off to a great start for very little expense.  But how do you make an intelligent decision about which course is right for you?

Here are three important things that will help you make the right choice:

1.  Choose lessons that are fun and engaging so they capture your attention and interest from the beginning. This may seem a little silly at first. Whoever said that piano keyboard lessons were supposed to be fun, and how do you do pick lessons like that anyway?

When I was growing up with traditional piano lessons, you first worked hard at all the drills and scales so that one day you could play stuff you actually liked. If there was any "fun" involved, it was probably getting that ice cream cone from Mom as a reward for practicing hard all week. Don't get me wrong: there is definitely a place for learning scales and doing exercises, but if that's the focus in the beginning, both children and adults can lose interest quickly.

Fortunately, there are online resources today which help you learn to play keyboard in a fast paced, results-oriented manner that really is fun. Where do you find those? Look for lessons that emphasize learning chord and rhythm patterns first, instead of traditional teaching which focuses on sight reading and memorizing other peoples musical compositions. (I can still hear my first instructor's stern voice saying, "No, you have to memorize 'Merrily We Roll Along' and 'Frere Jacques' before we go any further!")

2.  Choose lessons which help you play what you want to play right away. In the beginning, most of us want to learn to play keyboard with some favorite songs as soon as possible. With new chord and rhythm pattern teaching methods, students can do this. Both adults and children feel good about early success like this, and they are motivated to learn more and progress more rapidly.

3.  Look for extensive audio and video lessons to be part of the course. It really speeds up the learning process to see and hear what is in your lesson book, and to be able to repeat it as many times as you want to pick up fine points you might have missed the first time around. When learning a certain chord pattern, it is a huge help to have a video to see how the fingers are placed, and to watch how they move from key to key. When you are learning a new rhythm pattern, it makes a big difference to hear it and be able to repeat it instead of just trying to read it from the book.

It is really possible to learn to play keyboard quickly and easily if you find the right instruction. Pick methods which first teach you chord and rhythm patterns. This helps you build a great foundation for more complicated techniques later, and you will have a lot of fun while you learn to crank out those favorite tunes.

Glee: The Music, Volume 3

New Directions has fallen on hard times and teacher Will Schuester has taken the task of restoring the glee club to its former glory. With an unlikely group of students including a couple of football players, a few cheerleaders, a male soprano, a potential diva, and the girl who believes she will be a star, the glee club works to perform at first the sectional then the regional competition. The show has included plot lines ranging from teen pregnancy, to angst over sexual orientation, to the clique driven world of high school, to the separation and divorce of Mr. Schuester.

While the story arcs and characters are well written and well acted, the real star of the show is the music. Each week, the show includes jaw dropping musical numbers ranging from Lady Gaga to KISS; from Les Miserables to Journey; from Madonna to "The Lady is a Tramp." The cast moves from song to song and from style to style with ease and continuously provides excellent music with a dramatic twist. Whether the song is classic rock, Broadway musical, funk, or modern rock, the cast shows their musical chops by performing each song in an exciting and well done manner.

The show has been a ratings success for FOX and has spawned five music CDs featuring the cast and numbers from the show. These albums have included compilation volumes from the shows, and one album dedicated to the show's "The Power of Madonna" episode. The most recent album release is "Glee: The Music, Volume 3."

This most recent release continues to feature the cast and musical numbers from the show. This CD includes "Hello, Goodbye," "The Lady is a Tramp," "One," and others focused on the cast. It also includes special appearances by Olivia Newton-John with "Physical," Kristen Chenoweth with "One Less Bell To Answer/A House Is Not A Home," and Neil Patrick Harris on "Dream On." The album does a good job including songs and talents of a wide range of cast members ranging from Lea Michael (Rachael) to Mark Salling (Puck), Amber Riley (Mercedes), and Chris Colfer (Kurt) among others.

This album is available in two different versions, the standard and deluxe edition. The deluxe edition includes six additional tracks over the standard edition.

Buying That First Ukulele Part 1

Introduction
Buying a ukulele for the first time can be a daunting experience. The size of the ukulele is an important step in that first purchase. Smaller sizes have higher tones and are generally ideal for strumming and children. Larger sizes produce louder sounds and are more suitable for finger picking and complex chord playing. Equally important is the cost. Buying a cheap ukulele may cause you not to play the instrument. This article is the first in a three part series that discusses these issues in buying that first ukulele. The article concludes with some helpful hints.

The Ukulele Family
Ukuleles typically come in four sizes, from the smallest, the soprano (about 21 inches long in total), then the concert (23 inches), next is the tenor (26 inches) and finally is the baritone (30 inches). The fifth member of the family is the ukulele banjo.

The Soprano is considered the standard size for ukuleles and usually has 12 to 14 frets. It is the smallest of the ukuleles and has the highest pitch. Most people tend to start with the soprano since it is most suited to strumming and chord playing where most people start. Its smaller size makes it easy to hold, easier fretting of big stretches, is perfect for children and easy to carry and store.

The Concert is a little larger, allowing for a bigger sound and has a larger fingerboard, with around 14 to 17 frets and maybe more. The concert is a good compromise between the soprano and the tenor ukuleles retaining that classic ukulele sound. Its larger size allows for a little extra room for playing chords, ideal for people with larger hands and is easy to carry and store.

The Tenor is the largest of the traditionally tuned ukuleles and has 17 to 19 frets. With its larger size the sound produced is louder and fuller than the smaller ukuleles. The larger neck also makes it easier for playing solos and different chords. Its popularity with professional musicians has made tenors ever more popular with amateur players and even beginners. Many guitarists prefer the tenor ukulele.

The Baritone is the largest ukulele, almost the size of a guitar, and has a bigger and fuller sound. Baritone ukuleles have around 19 to 21 frets and are tuned like the top four strings of a guitar. They are popular with former guitar players or people who plan on moving to the guitar.

What to expect to pay
With ukuleles becoming more popular and inexpensive imports from Asia, it is not unusual to purchase a reasonably good instrument at an affordable price. Avoid cheap models that are usually brightly colored or made of plastic and don't be surprised if you have to move up a model or two. Spending fifty to one hundred dollars will get you a decent ukulele that will sound and will feel better to play. Having a nice ukulele will encourage you to play more often.

Helpful Hints
The best advise is to go to a music store that sells ukuleles and ask questions. Pick up the instrument, look at it and see if it meets your expectations and that you will enjoy playing. Unfortunately, there are not many shops that specialize in selling ukuleles and many stores have a limited selection.

There are many reputable websites that sell ukuleles for less that you may find in music stores. Many of the better websites should have a customer support department where you can call or email questions or concerns, if not avoid them.

Here are some helpful tips:

· Prepare to spend anywhere from fifty to one hundred dollars and maybe move up a model or two.
· The Soprano for small hands, buying for a child or just strumming chords.
· The Concert for larger hands and prefer a louder sound.
· The Tenor for playing solo riffs or intricate chords or want a louder sound.
· The Baritone for something close to the traditional guitar.

Ukuleles can bring years of musical enjoyment as you explore its history and musical flexibility. This article just touches on some of the important decisions in purchasing that first ukulele. The second article in this series discusses tonewoods and laminate versus solid wood ukuleles. Until then, happy strumming!

Ukulele Lesson - Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star Instruction

You can actually play melodies on your ukulele! In this ukulele tutorial you will learn to play Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star in the key of C. I will tell you how to place your fingers on the frets so you will not have to read sheet music!

There are many ways to notate melodies for ukulele. The most common way is to use ukulele tablature that consists of four lines representing the strings on your ukulele and numbers placed on the lines to indicate which frets to press down.

In this article I will instruct you with English words how to play on your ukulele. We will play this melody in the key of C. I presuppose that your ukulele is tuned in C which is the most common tuning.

C-tuning means that the first string on your ukulele is tuned in A. The first string is the bottom string when you hold your ukulele in playing position. The second string is tuned in E, the third string in C and the fourth string in G.

The notes I just mentioned can be found in the fourth octave on a piano. That is the octave in the middle of a piano or a keyboard.

Remember, the first string is the bottom string on your ukulele when you play.

Try to use your left hand index finger to play the notes on the first fret, the middle finger to play the notes on the second fret and your ring finger for the notes on the third fret. Practice to play this way and you will experience that this is an effective way to play melodies as you can keep your left hand in the same position as you play the notes and it will also be easier to find the notes.

You can use your right hand thumb to pluck the notes or use a pick.

I will use two ways to show you how to play the melody.

1. First you will find the lyrics to the song, one line at a time. Below the lyrics I will show you the melody in a form of notation that I call number tablature. In this notation every note consists of two numbers, the first number tells you which fret to play and the following number which string to play. If the first number is a 0 it means that you play the string without pressing down a fret.

2. Below this notation I also give you a description on how to play the melody with words.

Here are the lyrics line by line with corresponding ukulele tablature and instructions on how to play:

Twinkle, twinkle, little star

03 03 32 32 01 01 32

Play the open third string twice. An open string is a string you play without pressing down a fret. Then play the third fret second string twice, the open first string twice and the third fret second string.

How I wonder what you are

12 12 02 02 23 23 03

Play first fret second string twice, second open string twice, second fret third string twice, then the open third string.

Up above the world so high

32 32 12 12 02 02 23

Third fret second string twice, first fret second string twice, open second string twice, second fret third string.

Like a diamond in the sky!

The same melody as the previous line!

Now you only have to repeat the two first lines of the melody and you have completed the song!

Learn the melody one line at a time until you master the song by heart and you are ready to play it for your friends!

Vocal Exercises - The Top 10 Vocal Exercises

There are a number of exercises you can do to help develop your vocal chords and to help you either improve your singing voice or warm it up for use. Here are some vocal exercises that you can try:

1. Try to sing a single note then hold that note or prolong it for as long as it is possible without running out of breath.

2. Redo the previous exercise of singing a single note again but instead of singing one note, try it this time with the whole do, re, mi, fa, so, la, ti, do scale one by one.

3. Sing the same exercise only this time, instead of using the doremi scale, use vowels. This will help you improve on how you open your mouth and how you emphasize your vowels as you sing.

4. Another exercise that you can use to prepare yourself for singing is to recite the entire vowel in one note.

5. One of the most effective and well known ways to train your voice is by practicing scales. You can practice scales by first finding out what your range is. Range can be anything from tenor to soprano. Once you know your range, use a piano or a keyboard and go up and down the doremi scale with a vowel sound, slowly increasing the pitch after each pass.

6. When doing scales, try to do it in short notes or in staccato and with the use of long notes as well.

7. You might think that tongue twisters are childish or dumb but these silly rhymes can actually help you improve your singing. Use tongue twisters to help loosen your tongue as well as your vocal chords.

8. An alternative to the usual one vowel or sound scale is one where you use "me, may, my, mow, moo" in one note then slowly going up the scale with this same set of sounds. The next thing you will need to do is to change the "m" in the set with another consonant after three tries.

9. One of the important things that you need to do when vocalizing is to do breathing exercises. Breathing the wrong way will not help improve your voice so you will need to learn proper breathing exercises and techniques as well. One breathing exercise you can use teaches you how to use your diaphragm. You simply say "shh" with your finger across your lip and let your breath out this way until you are out of breath. Do this a few times.

10. Another breathing exercise that can help you with your singing or that can be done along with other vocal exercises involves breathing in for 20 seconds and breathing out for 20 seconds after the 20-second mark for breathing in is reached.

How to Learn to Sing Opera

You may assume that opera is too far out of your vocal range and that it is entirely too difficult to learn but it's really not. Although opera is a very challenging genre of music, if you have the drive and if you are dedicated to your practice, you can realize your goals.

Before you start singing opera, you should evaluate your voice. This will allow you to know exactly where your sound fits with the style of music. There are a few different categories that you can fall under such as alto, soprano, bass, baritone or tenor. Understanding which range your voice fits in will help you determine which style of opera is best for you.

You also need to know how to breathe properly before you start singing. You absolutely cannot get away with shallow chest breathing to sing opera. Opera demands a full deep breath and a substantial amount of voice control. These are only obtainable when you breathe through your diaphragm.

Your warm up exercises are just as important as breathing exercises. You absolutely must warm your voice up thoroughly when you sing opera. Not only is it nearly impossible for you to reach some of those difficult notes if you don't, you also can cause permanent injury to your voice by straining it.

Many people who decide to sing opera are already familiar with the language that they will be singing. If you're not, it is a good idea to learn it. You cannot really deliver the message of such powerful music if you don't understand what you are singing.

Opera is full of different emotions, some of which are humorous while others are tragic. As a performer, you need to be able to deliver the message and mood behind the song even to individuals who don't speak the language. Opera has the ability to move you to laughter or tears, regardless of if you speak the language that it is being performed in or not. It is all about how the song is delivered to the audience.

Lastly, if you want to know how to learn to sing opera, you have to be able to read music. Opera isn't like singing music that you are familiar with at karaoke night or with a cover band. You will be expected to learn pieces that you have never heard and the only way you can do that is if you can read music.

Lanikai Ukulele - Play The Sound of Hawaii

The Ukulele is often associated with Hawaii, although it actually comes from a guitar-like instruments of Portuguese origin and oddly enough means "jumping flea" in Hawaiian, maybe because your fingers resemble a flea jumping around on the fret board while you are playing.

If you're looking for a well made great sounding instrument you can trust a Lanikai Ukulele which are actually made by the Hohner music company which make many high quality musical instrument. You'll find each ukulele's sound to be as soothing as a white sand beach as you strum to the tune of the ocean.

Beginner ukulele players will especially enjoy the superb craftsmanship in the entry level lu 21. Here are a few details:

Scale Length: 13.625"
Nato wood top, back, and sides
Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Geared tuners
White binding on the top
4 strings
12 frets

It's important to keep your Lanikai Ukulele in good condition so that it can keep its rich full sound for years to come.

Keep your Ukulele in its case when you are not playing it, this will protect it from heat, outside forces and humidity bumps.

Use a reputable polish to clean your instrument from time to time (do not use wax).

Change your strings often, a cheap ukulele with new strings will often sound better than an superb ukulele with old strings.

Use a cotton cloth to wipe down the body and strings after you play.

Never let it get wet.

The Honer company has been making the Lanikai Ukulele for quite some time now and has expanded their line up from the entry level lanikai lu 21 soprano ukulele that retails for around $80 to the more expensive $400+ Lanikai SM-CE Limited Edition Spalted Mango Concert Acoustic-Electric Ukulele.

Learn To Sing Opera In Five Easy Steps

Opera is a unique type of music. It is extremely emotional and artistic. Opera is essentially a type of art that when performed properly, provides an unforgettable experience. Following these five easy steps, you can prepare your voice for that next potential audition.

1. Voice Evaluation - Do you know where your voice actually fits in opera? Men will either be a bass, tenor or baritone while women fall in alto to soprano categories. Evaluating what type of voice you have will be helpful to decide which songs to sing and what parts to audition for.

2. Study Foreign Language - It is nearly impossible to be a successful opera singer if you are not familiar with the language you are singing. Even if you can learn the words, without understanding the meaning, your performance will be empty.

3. Breathing Techniques - You probably constantly hear that proper breathing is important when you sing. Well, opera simply demands that you sing from your diaphragm. There is no way if you breathe from your chest that you will get enough power or voice control to hit those hard and long notes. You can easily test your breathing by placing your hands on your stomach and breathing deeply. Your stomach should move, not your chest.

4. Voice Warmup - Opera is very demanding on your voice. If you do not take the time to properly warm your voice up, there is a good chance that you will strain and cause a lot of damage. Sing a few scales, hum a bit and quickly speak some tricky tongue twisters to get your voice ready to work.

5. Understand the Message - Opera is very passionate and emotional. It is not a type of music that you can just sing without really connecting to the meaning. It is also crucial that you learn to read music. Otherwise, you will simply be lost unless someone sings it to you first so you can hear how it sounds. Of course, if you are learning a new piece or auditioning for a performance, chances are, you will be expected to read and sing without help. To learn to sing opera, you truly have to appreciate the music.

Herb Ohta Jr

Herb Ohta Jr. continues on the virtuoso ukulele playing of his legendary father, Ohta-san. His style, however, is his own and he has carved out his own niche as one of Hawaii's premier musicians. His interest in the ukulele goes back to his childhood, when he began learning songs at the young age of 3. He studied under his father for many years, learning his father's masterful techniques, eventually becoming inspired by other Hawaiian musicians, and dedicating his life to performing on and teaching students to play the ukulele.

Herb Ohta Jr., in addition to his career as a performer, is a distinguished teacher of the ukulele. He began teaching at the age of 11, in Ohta-san's school. His own career took off in his late teens, when legendary Hawaiian musicians Makaha Sons of Ni'ihau inspired him to develop an even deeper interest in the music. His teaching career, however, continued on and, in the 1990s, he began giving his own classes, which continue to this day. He also performs on a regular basis for all manner of events.

Herb Ohta Jr., while sharing his father's eclectic influences and interests, is very much dedicated to the traditional music of Hawaii. He appeared as a recording artist for the first time on one of his father's albums. Like his father, Herb Ohta Jr. has proven to have a work ethic that few can match, recording over 50 albums on his own and playing a constant stream of live shows. He has won several awards over his career, including two Hawai'i Music Awards. He has been nominated for a Na Hoko Hanohano award no less than seven times during his career. Through it all, however, his primary drive has been to bring Hawaiian music to a broader audience.

He has seen a lot of success in that effort to broaden the appeal of Hawaiian music, playing to audiences nearly 10,000 strong over the years. He has also performed with some of the most notable musicians in Hawaii and his virtuosity entitles him to a spot on the stage next to the best in the business. He has also fostered interest in the ukulele among serious musicians through the publication of instructional books on this instrument, and Herb Ohta Jr. has created a body of work that further solidifies the Ohta name as among the most prestigious in Hawaiian music.

Herb Ohta Jr. continues to give classes, teaching all levels of students. His style shows much of his father's influence and the recordings of the two playing together are incredible for the level of skill exhibited on both counts. Like many Hawaiian musicians, Herb Ohta Jr. has not only increased the level of awareness of the music of these Pacific islands, but has made it much more popular, especially among young people intrigued by the long-neglected instrument that both Ohta and his father, Ohta-san have both worked so hard to bring into the lives of people around the world.