piano-lesson-do-you-know-what-you-learn-when-you-play-piano

December 13th, 2009

Piano Lesson: Do You Know What You Learn When You Play Piano?

Writen by Peter Edvinsson

I guess you are learning to play piano in order to become a better pianist. Do you know that there are many secret learning processes in action as you practice on your piano. Let’s find out the truth!

I presume that you practice on the piano with the hope of becoming a better instrumentalist, pianist and musician and and in order to experience the joy and satisfaction that follows.

The learning processes in action as you try to learn to play the piano can lead you forward towards you goals. However, some things you learn can limit your progress and I think it is important to be aware of these factors.

Let’s take a look at what you don’t want to learn as you play piano! Let me mention three things!

1. At times when you practice on your piano you might experience stress and other uncomfortable feelings due to a deadline in the form of a upcoming piano lesson you don’t feel prepared for or other disturbing thoughts.

The feelings you experience as you practice a specific piece of music have a tendency to be evoked when you play the same piece at another occasion.

2. Can tensions stick to your sheet music? Your actual muscle tension level when you play a piano composition tends to be present when you play the same piece of music in public.

In other words, it will be more difficult to perform and play a piano composition in a relaxed manner when you have practiced it with a high tension level.

3. Can you learn not to play a piece of music? I guess you practice on your piano and take piano lessons in order to become a better player.

However, if you don’t concentrate on your piano playing and if you play new passages too fast you will probably make a lot of mistakes.

These mistakes tend to slow down the learning process and in fact they will be a part of the learning process. The more mistakes you make playing a particular piano sheet music passage the harder it will be to play it right.

Why is it so? All your earlier mistakes will accumulate and disturb you as you try to play a passage right. To play a passage wrong will become easier and easier the more times you make mistakes.

Is this depressing news? Well if these news will help you change your way of practicing piano playing it will be good news!

You can use these piano practicing news to your advantage! Read on!

1. Try to make your piano practicing sessions to peaceful and joyful occasions by never procrastinating your piano lesson homework and by having the right attitude as you start playing.

2. Always practice a new piano piece slowly and with concentration and with correct posture. If you don’t make mistakes as you practice you will progress much faster!

3. Remember to relax as you play piano. Your piano practicing session can also be a relaxation exercise and if you play piano in this manner it will be beneficial both for your physical and mental health!

Peter Edvinsson is a musician, composer and music teacher. Visit his site Capotasto Music and download your free sheet music and learn to play piano resources at http://www.capotastomusic.com

music-so-whats-the-big-deal

December 13th, 2009

Music: So What’s the Big Deal?

Writen by Jason D. Barrett

What is the big deal with music? Do you know that over 50 million people searched Overture for the term “music” during the month of November, 2005? What’s all the fuss about? Is it true that music moves the soul? Is it true that a song can take us back to a specific time or memory in our lives?

Music is something that has been interwoven in all of our lives from the time we were first born to now. We even know songs that were released before we were born. This probably reveals information about my age, but I was not around when the Beatles were popular, when Elvis was making all the women hot, and when Patsy Cline was belting out her tunes. That is the great thing about music; a great song will be around for a long time. If you are anything like me, you can’t wait to hear all the great songs and artists that have yet to come. I have to tip my hat to the songwriters because I don’t know how they do it. Kudos to you all.

I mentioned something a second ago about tunes and that gets me thinking; now we go to iTunes to buy music for our iPods. Go figure. We have made the transition from records to 8-tracks to tapes to CDs and now everything is purely digital. Have you ever heard of a MP3? We can fit thousands of songs on one tiny little memory chip. We can even listen to satellite radio anywhere on the globe so we are never away from our favorite music. What’s next? It will sure be interesting to watch and find out.

Thanks for playing along with my pondering of music and its popularity. Have fun with your iPods, keep your radios on, and enjoy the tunes.

Jason D. Barrett is currently focused on writing informative articles for InfoBriefs.com, child insurance articles for ChildInsure.com, and technology articles for ScoutTechnology.com. This is part of his highly successful internet property development approach. Please feel free to contact Jason through one of his sites to see how he can help you develop your own internet property!

indian-and-pakistani-music

December 12th, 2009

Indian and Pakistani Music

Writen by Irfan Malik

Every day thousands of songs are being downloaded of the internet and can be listened too right on your computer. Finding the latest hits in western music is a breeze and can be found everywhere all you have to do is visit one of the big sites for downloading music and movies and you have every thing right there in front of you. With the click of your mouse you have exactly what you want but what if you are interested in music and movies from other countries?

Believe it or not but both India and Pakistan have huge markets for music but there are very few websites who cater to needs of these fans. Ever so often, if you are lucky, you may come across a place where you can find some Indian and Pakistani music mixed in with thousands of other foreign music somewhere. This can be both time consuming and frustrating and before long you just might give up on the idea all together on finding any Pakistani or Indian related music.

Contrary to what many people believe this type of music can be both exotic and beautiful to listen to regardless if you understand the words or not and it is most certainly an experience you should have. Who knows, you might even like it. Taking the time to try something new and listening as well as learning about different cultures will only broaden your horizon and teach you to appreciate things in a different way. Most people believe that what they are accustomed too is the best but by exploring other cultures you might find that they too have lots to offer.

If you happen to come from either of these countries or your heritage is Pakistani or Indian it must be exciting every time you are able to come across something from your home country which might not be too often since it can be hard to find places where you can download both the newest and legendary music from these places. Wouldn’t it be great if there was one place you knew you could count on getting you the latest from the artists and actors you know so well? Not having to rely on family sending you it and having to wait for weeks for the mail to reach you?

Guess What? You no longer have to stand by that mailbox for days on end hoping that it will come today. There are now places on the internet that caters to all of you Pakistanis and Indians who love getting the latest from home and you can even interact with other fellow country men in these places, how is that for keeping up dated? If you join sites like these you will be notified as soon as they get new stuff in and you can download both Pakistani and Indian music instantly. There is no longer a need to search through hundred of songs and movies to find one you want, it is all in one place all Pakistani and Indian.

Irfan is the webmaster for SangeetStation.com which is dedicated to promoting legal, free Pakistani and Indian music internet wide. Reprint freely as long as you maintain the live links in this article and resource box.

cellos-and-violins-musical-boom

December 12th, 2009

Cellos and Violins: Musical Boom

Writen by Stefan Rockhaus

Cellos and violins have always been an integral part of music. But the cello is comparatively more popular, due to its various capabilities; i.e. as a solo instrument, in chamber music and a base of today’s orchestral sound. The word ‘cello’ has been derived from the Italian word ‘Violoncello’, which means ‘little violone’. It is the more advanced form of violin.

The violin is one of the first stringed instruments that was invented in the fifteenth century, and started to become popular in the middle of the eighteenth century. It has its own significance in music. It has the ability to attract anyone through its magical and melodious sound. It is capable of touching the heart.

The cello has its own unique shape, which is broad at the top and middle, with narrow sides and bottom. A violin is made up using spruce wood for the top, and maple for the ribs and back. A good violin consists of a bridge, sound post, four strings and two end blocks. The body structure of a violin is in the shape of an hourglass, consisting of two C-bouts, a higher bout and lesser bout. Earlier violin strings were made up of nylon/gut or metal, but solid steel has taken the place of the nylon or gut.

A cello is adjusted by four strings, which are attached to different pitches. It is a complex instrument, which is made with the combination of different materials such as metal, rubber, steel and wood. However most of its body is made up of wood.

The sound of a violin depends on its wood and varnish. New improved violins are better than old violins. A cello creates rich alto sound that suits to special occasions.

Both violin and cello musical instruments come in many varieties and sizes. Beginners can start with the small sized violin or cello.

To produce the melodious sound, a violin is played with a stick in which horsehair is strung between the tip and heel at opposite ends. As far as playing a cello is concerned, it is not an easy instrument to play. It requires patience and lots of daily practice to hear its boom sounds.

It can be said that violin and cello both have their own individual significance in offering melodious sound to the listeners. One can not forget these melodious sounds, which seem to touch emotions. While the violin has its long history, the cello came into existence later on, but it is also a member of the violin family. Both are capable of producing melodious and musical sound that can appeal to anyone.

Stefan Rockhaus is a contributing author for Mega Info Spot – For more information on these instruments visit cellos and violins – You may reprint this article as long as no changes are made, and this resource box is left intact.

create-music-beatshot-tips-for-creating-amazing-music-beats-at-home

December 12th, 2009

Create Music BeatsHot Tips for Creating Amazing Music Beats at Home

Writen by Traci Crowley

You need hot beats to pull your tunes together. A great set of music beats will be the backbone to your rhythm section. They can peak the interest of your listeners and make them want to keep coming back for more of your music. Check out some Hot Tips for Creating Amazing Music Beats from the Comfort of Your Home.

1. Customize the beats so they fit your signature sound.

Whether your signature sound has a funk, rock, or country feel etc. you want people to know they are hearing your unique beats when they are listening to your music. Your beats should really set you apart from others, and grab your audiences attention.

2. Utilize music beat resources that are available to you.

There are great resources available to help you create your own beats from the comfort of your home e.g. music beat creation software, beat making equipment, music forums etcuse them!

These are great tools for sampling beats, building upon your foundation and creating hot new beats. Listen to cool rhythms you like on CDs, MP3s, music videos, radio, at gigs etc. as this is great inspiration and really can help you feel the grooves. Keep them fresh in your mind, and get a raw sampled recording of some of the beats (e.g. using a handheld recording device) so you can remember them later. Then edit the beats to make them your own.

3. Search for music forums online to find a community of beat makers you can trade ideas with.

Visiting forums is a great way of learning what others are doing to find and create great beats. You can go online and use a search engine to search for forums focused on creating music beats. You may be surprised to find that there are several forums focused on the specific style of music beats you are in to. They are a very good place to go to brainstorm ideas and get tips for recording great beats. You may even be able to take your beats to a new level by collaborating with other beat makers.

4. Expand your creativity, and ear for music.

When you need ideas for new beats, try to emulate the beats you hear that sound really tight and catch your attention. Look for the subtleties in the rhythms that you really like and learn how to recreate them in your own voice. You can practice to your hearts content right in the comfort of your home. This can help improve your rhythm and ear for music. Also, make a practice of experimenting with your rhythm machines to make your own beats. Once you find your groove you’ll be surprised what you can create.

5. Record the beats you create!

Always remember this important note… make sure you record your beats so you can remember them later!You can record your beats at home using a handheld recording device, home recording equipment, or software. Whatever recording option you choose to use, just make sure you use it…so you can share your hot new grooves with your fans.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Traci Crowley provides resources that help you Create, Produce, and Sell your music from home.
Visit her website at:
http://www.indie-musicnetwork.com and subscribe to her FREE IMN Desktop newsletter to gain instant tips and tricks for Creating, Producing, and Selling Your Music from home.

burnlounge-musics-mlm

December 11th, 2009

Burnlounge: Music’s MLM

Writen by Jerimi Walker

In a typical multi-level marketing or network marketing arrangement, individuals associate with a parent company as an independent contractor and are compensated based on their sales of products or service, as well as the sales achieved by those they bring into the business.

In a legitimate MLM company, commissions are earned only on sales of the company’s products. No money may be earned from recruiting alone (”sign-up fees”). Some, less legitimate, companies produce revenues primarily by attracting new participants or selling them marketing services, as opposed to selling actual products. One must analyze the compensation plan to determine whether participants are paid from actual sales to customers and not from new-recruit bonuses or business support sales. – source (wikipedia on MLMs).

Initially, Burnlounge seems like a wonderful revolution in the music industry. Through my own internet surfing I have run across countless people with their own “Burnlounge Stores” and thought nothing of it!

In case you aren’t familiar with it, Burnlounge is a company that allows users to set up a digital music store. You sign up under one of three different levels for a set up fee along with monthly fees. At the bottom you get the chance to set up your own store within the site where people purchase digital music from you that you choose to carry, and you get a commission from these sales. At the top level, not only do you get this, but also the ability to recruit (and earn a bonus from recruiting) others to open their own burnlounge store. They themselves are also able to recruit in the typical MLM setup. You get bonuses from everyone signing up as well as a commission from both yours and their sales.

This is a “legal pyramid/MLM”. Unlike the common misconception that all pyramids are illegal, pyramid companies only become illegal when they break the FTC’s rules. These rules are set up to make sure that the majority of profits come from the product and not the recruiting. Even calling them illegal at that point is misleading. It simply means the FTC can take action to shut them down. Looking at the digital music marketplace you will see that Apple selling mp3s for the same price as Burnlounge proposes barely breaks even, with a large market share. Burnlounge store owners can’t compete with that large market share, and the immediate conclusion is that those who come in at the higher subscription levels stand to gain much of their profits from the recruitment of others.

This should be a red flag to anyone who has considered working with this company. Leaving the merits or lack thereof of MLM as a business model, you can see that Burnlounge is on the seedier side of such companies. They seem to be walking the line of FTC rules while using recruiting that appeals to a young and sometimes naive audience. Their banners say “Wanna be in the Music Industry?” when owning such a store is nothing of the sort.

There are many other resources for musicians to get their music out there, and for fans to feel a part of things. If you are looking to do that, ignore Burnlounge and keep looking.

Jerimi Ann Walker is the Director of Marketing and Promotions for UVTV, Underground Video Television. UVTV is a website and television show featuring exclusive live performances from touring underground artists as well as music videos from hardcore, metal, and rock acts. All videos aired on the show are also available at http://www.uvtv.info as well as archived episodes, music news, a blog featuring guest contributors from all areas of music, and an active forum community.

a-review-on-digital-pianos

December 11th, 2009

A Review on Digital Pianos

Writen by Tamil Selvi

A piano is a musical instrument that is classified as a keyboard, percussion, or string instrument, depending on the system of categorization used. Playing the piano is wide-spread in western music for solo performance, chamber music, and accompaniment, and is also trendy as an abet for composing and rehearsal. Materials used for pianos are strings, pin blocks, strings, plates and soundboard.Pianos also have pedals.

They are of three types:

  • Damper pedal
  • Soft pedal
  • Sostenuto pedal

A digital piano is a modern electronic musical instrument designed to serve primarily as a substitute to a traditional piano, both in the way it feels to play as well as sound produced. Digital pianos are also premeditated to look like an acoustic piano. While digital pianos may plunge short of the genuine article in feel and sound, they nevertheless have many advantages over normal pianos:

  • They are relatively inexpensive and are considerably lighter.
  • They do not necessitate tuning.
  • They usually manufacture several different piano timbres.
  • They integrate MIDI implementation and have extra features to aid in learning and composition.
  • They embrace headphone output and have a transposition feature.

When a key is struck on an acoustic instrument, digital pianos fabricate overtones that reverberate around the room creating a sound that no digital instrument can accurately capture. Today’s digital pianos are so good that most listeners can not tell the difference between a “live” piano and a digital one. Add to that the fact that they are the most inexpensive of the kinds of pianos you can buy and you’ve got an instrument that’s hard to beat. Digital piano manufacturers are getting better and better at duplicating the tone of real acoustic pianos. But no matter how well the piano sound is sampled, it will always sound digital. The acoustic sound is far superior to that of a digital piano. Due to portability, economical and MIDI capabilities piano and keyboard players choose digital pianos over their acoustic counterparts.

Advantages of digital pianos:

  • Built-in rhythm accompaniments
  • Ability to record your performance

Tamil Selvi is a SEO copywriter for gigasonic.com, She has written many articles in various topics. For more information visit http://www.gigasonic.com She can be reached at tamil@searchenginegenie.com

singing-gigs-and-session-work

December 11th, 2009

Singing Gigs and Session Work

Writen by Tom Gauger

We’ve all made the comment, “How did so and so ever make it as a singer?” As a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency, we were also amazed at times. At best it was a guessing game of who we would sign and wouldn’t – it was more of a speculative stock market approach than a science. Yet that is how the music industry is and remains for a number of reasons.

As a singer, trying to break into the music industry, even as a session singer with no real aspiration of signing an artist deal, it can be tough – But it is doable and with real talent and drive you can make it. One of the most appealing aspects to session singers is that it does in fact take talent if you’re in it for the long haul, making it feasible to break into the market. Think about it – If session singing does in fact take talent, that takes away a lot of individuals who think they have the talent, but really don’t and therefore leaves room for individuals who can deliver the singing goods when called upon. That fact alone is assuring for singers making a real attempt at breaking in. Suddenly most of the, “How did that singer ever make it,” is removed from the playing field leaving room for the real talent in the session singing world, but not the frontline artist record deal signing world..

So how does one go about breaking into session work and singing gigs? That’s a multi-faceted question depending on what angle of the music business you are going after. I can tell you that no matter what genre of singing session work whether jingles, commercial, pop, etc, you will have to have a game plan initiated. Let’s look at a workable game plan.

Your number one business card in the business is your demo reel of your vocal skills. You can not hand out “good” sounding demos, they have to sound great! There is too much competition out there for you to be handing out “fairly good” demos. This is obviously your most costly item if you are not currently doing session work and able to ask for a copy of the session you were singing on. At ReelMusician.com we record a lot of master quality jingle demos for individuals breaking into the jingle singing world. This is a great way to get started, because you can use this demo for virtually any type of session work. With multiple styles of music and vocal range and abilities demonstrated, this is a perfect calling card for the beginning session singer or singer wanting to take a more serious approach at their career. Think seriously about this type of singer demo – It can be added or modified to fit in and around other types of session singing work on your CD and can really make you sound pro like you have already arrived if your jingles sound like national spots.

In general, if money and time are an issue while putting together your demo, than it is better to keep it simple rather than to get the whole big production together without the production sizzle. Get the best players possible. If you can only afford a guitar or piano vocal, then get the best player in town – I guarantee you that an incredible guitar/vocal or piano/vocal far outweighs a full rhythm production if the session players aren’t tight. Some producers would almost rather hear your voice without all of the production elements.

You will want to spend time developing a slimmed down press kit with a picture, bio and session work performed. Don’t go over board, but state the obvious and put your best foot forward. Make the presentation of your CD with a professional, “I’ve already arrived and I’m successful” look to it, but being gracious and kind to everyone you meet. You have to adopt the attitude and presentation that you are solid, knowledgeable, and easy to work with without coping any attitude – Bottom line is that you are dependable and fun to work with and deliver the singing goods every time.

You will want to attend artist showcases, send your CD or email mp3’s to jingle houses, ad agencies, industrial music houses, and producers in your area. You can branch out to major music cities like Chicago, LA, New York, Atlanta, Dallas, etc especially if you have a jingle demo. A 60 second national spot could land you $20,000 or more for a 13 week run with possible multiple runs of this campaign earning you even more money.

You will want to follow up with everyone you come in contact with and treat this like a business, because it is. Have a business contact program or rolodex and state conversation, date and any follow up with contact numbers. Be organized and timely.

Creating a website, while not mandatory can certainly help your image as one that is not only professional, but above a lot of the rest. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on a website either. Make sure your picture, music, upcoming events, resume of session work, contact info reside on your website and keep it maintained.

Having multiple demos is a good idea as well. If you have a second or third demo, it helps to remind individuals who you are and keeps your name going across their desk. You might consider sending out cards of thank you or an email to say thanks and to keep you in mind for upcoming session work.

In closing, keep at it, keep a professional image with a great attitude and a fabulous sounding demo, and over time your phone should start ringing for session work and gigs.

Mr. Gauger is a former talent booking agent with the William Morris Agency and can be contacted at tgauger@reelmusician.com or 615-300-5030. Mr. Gauger is the owner of http://www.ReelMusician.com and can be heard as a jingle singer on FOX, UPN, O’Charley’s and many others. As a writer you may hear one of his songs “Who To Love” slotted for upcoming telecast on the CBS Soap The Guiding Light.

violin-or-fiddle-the-differences-explained-by-a-player

December 10th, 2009

Violin Or Fiddle? The Differences Explained by a Player

Writen by Rhiannon Schmitt

“That’s a fine lookin’ fiddle ya got there, kid.”

I gritted my teeth into a forced smile and quietly thanked the old man at the bus stop. “Fiddle!?” I thought, gritting my teeth into a polite smile. “It’s a V-I-O-L-I-N, you old goat!”

Teenagers are sensitive and easily embarrassed, but this chickie had a bit too much pride in self-labeled “superiority as a classical musician,” which meant I was annoyingly arrogant and a general pain in the butt.

Humbled by merciless teasing in jazz college opened my eyes to the music outside my sanctioned little bubble.

I learned to fiddle.

For the most part “fiddle” is a style of music, such as Celtic, Bluegrass or Old Time. Nevertheless, there are a few differences and stereotypes between fiddle and violin.

We’ve all threatened Fluffy that she’ll be taking a trip to the string factory if she doesn’t stop scratching the couch. There’s the violin’s dark secret of winding silver around a stretched piece of animal tissue (run Fluffy, run!). This used to be the principal method of making violin strings.

Gut strings possessed a rich and full quality ideal for orchestral playing. They weren’t perfect for the bank account, however, and fiddlers resorted to the cheaper alternative: steel. Steel strings have a “bright” timbre (tone) and carry well in a solo situation.

Steel strings are very difficult to tune with the violin’s clumsy wooden pegs. Many steel strings were broken until the glorious invention of fine-tuners, the tiny little metal mechanisms on the tailpiece that makes tuning a piece of cake. Violinists adopted this technology for use on their steel “E” strings which is nearly impossible to tune with the peg.

When I was youth symphony many players removed their lower string fine tuners haughtily, like a child insisting training wheels are for babies. The use of fine tuners on all four strings unfortunately had become associated with less skilled musicians since fiddlers used them. There is also evidence that fine tuners alter the quality of harmonics (higher frequencies). This a ridiculous stereotype was invented: violinists use the pegs, fiddlers use fine tuners.

It is thought that fiddles are simply cheap violins. At one time this could have been true, as poorer or rural folks usually played home-made fiddles, not Strads. They were less likely to afford private lessons or attend the symphony, but learned traditional tunes at jams and ceilidhs (kay-lees). Since many fiddlers never had formal lessons, most couldn’t read music and played everything by ear, whereas violinists could read music usually could not improvise. Another stereotype was invented.

Holding a violin with one’s jaw makes it nearly impossible to talk and play simultaneously (similar to walking around with your pants around your ankles). Square dancing fiddlers dealt with this difficulty by holding the violin down on their arm rather than under the chin, freeing up their jaws to “call” the dance moves. This technique is a big no-no in classical playing and it created yet another rift between violin and fiddle.

Luckily it seems the violin/fiddle gap has narrowed considerably in the past few years. Most players use new hybrid strings that posses a full and rich, yet clear, tone and respond well to both classical and fiddle playing. Classical violinists aren’t so sticky about fine tuners anymore as they are seen as an advantage over using stubborn old pegs.

The resurgence of fiddle music in pop culture has created an opportunity for fiddlers to aspire to a higher level of playing ability and for violin students to branch out and try other genres of music. Hence fiddlers and violinists alike have finer instruments and a formal music education.

Fiddle technique is being abandoned by many fiddlers who have discovered the benefits, such as greater speed and fewer backaches, of the classical technique. New programs in music education in new programs has produced fiddlers who can read music and violinists who can improvise.

As more musicians branch out musically and develop new ways of playing there will be little difference between "violin” and “fiddle.” Musicians will feel much more comfortable playing with each other and the stereotypes will fade away, both violin and fiddle will be valid.

You’ll see the old man at the bus stop whistling to “Celtic Swing Baroque Techno” on his MP3 player. 

**Rhiannon Schmitt (nee Nachbaur) is a professional violinist and music teacher who has enjoyed creative writing for years. She writes for two Canadian publications and Australia’s “Music Teacher Magazine.”

Her business, Fiddleheads Violin School & Shop, has won several distinguished young entrepreneur business awards and offers beginner to professional level instruments, accessories and supplies for very reasonable prices: Visit http://www.fiddleheads.ca

acoustic-drums-vs-electronic-drums

December 10th, 2009

Acoustic Drums Vs. Electronic Drums

Writen by Fred Fishburne

OK, I know that acoustic drums are not every drummer’s favorite and that electronic drums do have a part to play, BUT, what about the crack, crack that only an acoustic snare can produce. You know, that captivating sound that all drummers love. I try to like the sound of electronic drums, really I do, but when I hear the real thing I am hooked. I’m old school I guess!

Have you ever seen a marching band with an electronic drum line? Boy, they would need some serious extension cords. When playing electronic drums, be sure to always pay the light bill and pray that the soundman does not have a hangover. What I am trying to say, is acoustic drums are self-sufficient where electronic drums depend on a lot of other factors. The drummer is responsible for the sound of his own acoustics’ and no one else. They can be played any time any place.

The trademark of a drummer is his ability to tune his acoustics’ to the best sound that they will produce. Each acoustic drum has a magic spot. He is a true artist. Acoustic drums are so simple yet so profound. You take a wooden stick and strike a piece of plastic pulled tight over a wooden cylinder and let air do its thing. You bend sound waves to make the drum sound the way you like it. You can add overtones, take out overtones, muffle sound, magnify sound all with the turn of a few screws.

Acoustics’ are crafted instruments of beauty. Turn me loose in a drum store and I am a happy camper. I have never met an acoustic drum that I didn’t like on beauty alone. Some sound much better than others do but they all have a certain type of beauty.

Acoustic drums are the real things. I don’t want to call electronic drums fake drums, so I will call them imitator drums. They imitate acoustic drums. The imitator can never produce a better sound than the real thing because it is not the real thing, just the imitator. Some drummers try to get their acoustic drums to sound like electronic drums. They got it backwards. Sad but true.

Come on guys; don’t take the easy way out with electronic drums. Learn to master your acoustics’. You will be glad you took the hours and hours of getting to know you kit. They will produce a sound that none can match.

Happy drumming acoustic style.

Fred Fishburne – A guy that loves playing acoustic drums. http://mcdonoughinfo.com