Music as Therapy?

Frustrated in a gridlocked?

Job got you stressed out?

The children have you going crazy?

You pop in your favorite tune and you take a deep breath and as if by magic for a few minutes nothing matters anymore!

No it's no magic! It's music and it's power!

Truly amazing isn't it?

Even plants responds to music as was proven by some researcher at a well known university in the USA.

Why? Many reasons, I am sure some scientist would quote something about physiological responses to stimuli within the progressions of notes.

A psychologist on the other hand would no doubt say it's psychosomatic.

Myself I simply think that while we are focusing on the music we ignore whatever is troubling us a kind of bio feedback effect so to speak.

The important fact of the matter is that it works!!!

That in itself is ample reason for me, I really dont care about any other reason there might be, it's not important except to that particular researcher or scientist with a thesis to prove.

I believe it's high time we move away from the television! I read somewhere there are more televisions being sold than tubs and showers combined which goes to show more brain being washed than bodies.

It's time for parents and children to get together and listen and talk about each others music. ask each other:

"Why do you like it?"

"What does it say?" Why is it important to you?

If you ask me it's a simple and easy way to make contact, to initiate communication on a safe level and discover thing about each others you did not know...

Music as therapy? Why the heck not? It's a lot cheaper and make more sense than most self help gurus that try to sell you some high price drivel...

Remember that famous phase that said "Make your baby listen to Mozart and you will have a baby genius?

The study, in fact, showed it was a very limited and tempory effect and all the tests had been done on adults only!!!

That did not stop a whole slew of profit minded individuals and companies from exploiting this to make a bundle on a false assertion.

Music is not the end all but merely one more mean to make us feel better!

No more! No less!

Listen to music because it makes you feel good, simple enough?

Claude Gagne is the owner of <a target="_new" href="http://www.klodradio.com">http://www.klodradio.com</a>, an amateur music historian and multidisciplinary artist whose works can be found at:

<a target="_new" href="http://www.lulu.com/claudegagne">http://www.lulu.com/claudegagne</a>

Music and Healing: The Power of Meaningful Words and Music

We All Have a Favorite Piece of Music that Moves Us to a Special Place in Our Hearts. A Conversion About the Music We Love and How It Colors Our Lives.

JUSTIN:
My favorite piece of music, depends on the mood, jazz is music for all moods. My favorite jazz piece would be - as a sax player - My Favorite Things by Coltrane, or anything by Thelonios Monk. Soft lighting, Kalhua and milk and company always suits Monk or vice versa.

Driving is made for music so anything by crowded house makes a trip to anywhere (even work) worth it. How can a song sound so simplistic yet be difficult to play. what does Neil do?

but my favorite piece would be from the shine soundtrack, a piece called "Nulla in mundo pax" by Vivaldi, which I am listening to now.

IMELDA:
Every piece of music represents the expression of the composer of that music. The piece of music that I like the most is the piano instrumental music because it does not say in words as other kind of music. The person who listens to the instrumental music has to try to understand what messages the composer is trying to tell through the piece of music. It is challenging in finding the meaning. Furthermore, when I listen to the instrumental music, such as "A Maiden's Prayer" by T. Badarzewska, I believe that this piece is messaging us to surrender to God. If I got chance, I'd love to play my favorite pieces.

KEN: This is old stuff to those who know me, but I am a huge James Taylor Nut. And my favorite song is 'The Water is Wide' If MP3s are legal I will put it up on this site. But I will have to check first.

Every time I hear it, I feel transformed to a different place, where everything is pensive, and people walk in the streets heartbroken, but with the hope that life will be kind to them again. It leaves me with a lump in my throat each time. There is something comforting in the song that leaves me appeased and convinced that whatever trial I'm facing, someone's faced it before, and someone's overcome it before.

That's what music should do. The song and the artist both inspire me endlessly. It inspires me in a way I hope that I can inspire people.

Listen to it if you can find it --Ken

JENNY:
Many times, when I just close my eyes and listen to music I escape to this other level. It does something to appease me, as you put it feeding my soul I guess. I appreciate music very much, which to me is as much art as creating it. Music is a part of everyone's life, and everyone is connected to it in someway. For me it keeps me going when I'm down, or just makes me happy when I'm happy. I have music for all occasions. All in all, I'd be a very unhappy girl if music were suddenly taken away.

JILLIAN:
At the end of a busy day.. I love listening to music. I did dancing and singing lessons when I was a child but never learnt to play an instrument. This year, at the ripe old age of 40, I decided to learn to read music and play the keyboard. It is all part of having a balanced life, setting goals and taking time for me to do the things that I enjoy.

My nine year old son and I now have lessons at home each week and are encouraging each other to practice and enjoy our music. It is something we are doing together and I hope that my son continues to enjoy music and continue playing as he grows up. I love listening and now playing music to "switch off" and relax at the end of a busy day. I have only had a few lessons so far and play poorly, but I am enjoying it and improving week by week. My son is doing the same and we, as a family, are enjoying playing music, listening and singing along with our simple tunes. I consider the keyboard as my "best buy of the year 2000" so far!

ED:
Divinity..
Music embodies life. A physical and emotional manifestation of divinity, music is an integral part of the loving bond that has fulfilled us and strengthened us, and brought harmony to individuals, societies and nations around the world throughout time.

LINDA:
Without Words..
Music is an expression of what is going on inside a persons' mind/heart. You don't need to concentrate to realise its power. I think the most moving music is music performed by an artist who is playing with a passion, who feels precisely, or deeply empathizes with, the meaning and feelings conveyed in the song.

I play the piano by ear. That is, I can listen to music and once the music has made an impression on me , I can more often than not, play back what I heard. I have always played the piano this way (since I was 4) and I wouldn't have it any other way because its made me sensitive to music - the melody, the beats, the volume and pace of songs.

The most wonderful thing I believe music can bring to a person is when a person can sit down with their instrument and play (and/or sing) whatever feelings they would otherwise keep bottled up inside them - the kind of feelings you just wouldn't be able to tell another person, the kind of feelings that only music can really bring comfort to.

Many times, when I just close my eyes and listen to music I escape to this other level. It does something to appease me, as you put it feeding my soul I guess. I appreciate music very much, which to me is as much art as creating it. Music is a part of everyone's life, and everyone is connected to it in someway. For me it keeps me going when I'm down, or just makes me happy when I'm happy. I have music for all occasions. All in all, I'd be a very unhappy girl if music were suddenly taken away.

Jenny and Me:
Okay.. If I don't play my guitar, Jenny, at least once a day, I get withdrawal. I'm deadly serious here. Its like you forgot something and you left a part of you somewhere... where?? where?? where.. Almost like losing your keys. Music has been part of my life since I was 5, when I was forced to learn piano. Luckily I loved it. Music is like a parent. My muse is that thing which makes me make music. Like the entity "music" herself or himself. I don't write really.. Its "it" which speaks through me. People deal with pain, and hurt in different ways. When I have finished blaming myself =)

I talk to jenny and she seems to make it all seem very trivial. and I say thanks jenny.. Sometimes she is moody. People give me strange looks when I say she talks to me. But I believe instruments acquire a soul when they are created. Spirits inhabit them, and they generate karma. Music feeds my soul in ways I can't even begin to explain. If you know what I mean, then you are truly blessed too.

Linda:
The most important things..
Music keeps me in touch with life, real life. It reminds me of the basics and the most important things. While we are all rushing around from day to day it is too easy to get wrapped up in 'getting it all' done and we forget to get in touch with ourselves and with each other often enough. Music takes us away and provides the ultimate escape for the soul - a renewal, and its free for the taking. We all need to take advantage of what it offers on a daily basis to stay in touch with 'life'. Have a good day - and take some time out today to be embraced by music!!

Elaine:
How Music Moves Me
(Apart from the obvious way in wanting to get up and dance around!) Music moves me in many ways but the most memorable experience I have had was (eyes closed, sitting in an armchair) listening to a particular piece of Mahler's. At one point the string section builds up to a high note which is so exquisitely haunting and sad that tears streamed down my face. I'm not sure if I knew at the time, but I now know that he wrote this music about the death of his child and I find it amazing that this emotion could be conveyed so clearly.

Most of the time music makes me glad to be alive, but I suppose this experience was more memorable because the emotion was so powerful.

Created by: Ken Chan & Kent Logie of Curtin's Music Community: Edited & Presented by: Michael Alan

Michael Alan is a published songwriter, with album & movie credits, who has lived and toured in the US and Europe. Website: <a target="_new" href="http://www.MichaelAlanMusic.com">http://www.MichaelAlanMusic.com</a>

Visit his site to hear original songs of the heart & soul. Free mp3 downloads.

Play Too Loud And Well Cut The Power!

"Turn it down!"

How often have you heard that command in your musical lifetime? It's a plain fact that old people just don't like loud music. They should all be taken to soundproofed old people's homes where they can live out the remainder of their lives complaining about each other, and let us get on with some fun.

OK, exaggerating a little. The real fact is that unless a live music venue is out in the desert somewhere, it is likely to annoy people if the music is too loud and goes on too long. That's one reason why entertainment venues in most jurisdictions have to be licensed. If a venue causes annoyance and raises complaints, then the licence gets withdrawn. Suddenly the proprietor doesn't have a business any more.

So the venue owner or manager needs a way to control the volume of sound produced by musical acts, including both bands and DJs. Standing by the mixing console or amplifier rack isn't seen as a good option, and telling the performers to turn it down only works for about five minutes before they turn it up again.

So the only solution is to apply the ultimate sanction - cut the power. That gets the job done.

The problem with this is that cutting the power causes an immense amount of ill feeling. Would you play in a venue where the manager had cut the power on you?

So an intermediary is needed; an automatic intermediary that will give the band a warning, then cut the power if that warning is ignored. The performers won't like it, but if they know that the system is installed and how it operates, then at least they know the rules they have to abide by.

One such system is the Castle Electronic Orange. The 'orange' is an orange globe that illuminates when the sound is too loud. This is pointed out to the performers before the gig by the venue manager. If it comes on during the performance, then that is a warning. If it stays on for more than a predetermined time interval, usually a few seconds, ...

It cuts power to the stage.

This might seem like a drastic action, and it is. But it certainly gets the job done. For the DJ it isn't too bad as he or she can set the level to the maximum that the Electronic Orange will let them get away with.

For a band it is more tricky. Chances are that the loudest parts of the performance are where the lead singer is singing together with backing vocals. When no-one is singing, the level will be much less.

So the light flickers on and off during the performance. The eyes of the band become fixated on the dreaded light. Every time it comes on, they back off from the microphones until it goes off again. If the sound mixer is on the ball, he will take care of this with the master output fader. But his attention is on the light and not on the band.

The result is an uncomfortable evening for the band, and a lackluster performance. Maybe the Electronic Orange gets the job done. But there is a cost for both band and audience, and for the venue owner because his customers are not as happy as they really should have been.

Probably this is something we will just have to put up with until quiet music comes back into fashion.

David Mellor, <a target="_new" href="http://www.record-producer.com">Record-Producer.com</a>

Canadian Stars: The Marble Index and the Waking Eyes

Canadian Indie bands are dominating the music scene and it just so happened that three of them took over the Rivoli on Queen St. for a night of true entertainment. Boy, The Marble Index and The Waking Eyes all performed for free at an event that was hosted by BenQ called the Video Sound Tour. Unfortunately I was unable to make it for the West Coast natives Boy who were the openers for the show but was told that they were great but lacking the entertaining factor.

&quot;I thought their music was good but I personally like watching bands that look like they are having fun when they play, but they were hot,&quot; said Melanie, a fan from the crowd.

The Marble Index, personally one of my favourites, rocked the show. The Hamilton trio graced the stage with their talent, as vocalist and guitarist Brad Germain even got intimate with the audience by getting in there and also making sure we all applauded them since it was a live taping. All he wanted was to make them sound like they were a well-known band that everyone loved but the crowd did fail to achieve that. The guys from The Marble Index definitely stole the show specifically with the track by them 'Not So Bright' that is getting great airplay on the Edge. Germain added humour to the show and was fun to watch as he continuously jumped up on the speaker boxes. With Ryan Tweedle on Bass and Adam Knickle on Drums they added exactly what this band has that makes it stand out from any other. The Casby Awards were when I first discovered these guys and ever since their tunes are constantly playing on a CD in my car.

Melanie and Ashley were two girls right up in the front that seemed to be enjoying themselves the most out of everyone. Here's what they had to say about The Marble Index. &quot;I've seen the Marble Index a bunch of times and I love them, they are amazing live,&quot; said Melanie. &quot;This was my first time seeing them and they were great,&quot; said Ashley.

Next up was The Waking Eyes another Casby performer. This is another band who sounds the same live as on their CD, possibly better. They have two vocalists that probably helps them differentiate themselves from others. These boys from Winnipeg Manitoba have been appearing on the charts and for sure played a great show.

&quot;The concert was great, they all sure know how to perform especially when The Waking Eyes brought out the trumpet,&quot; said Samantha Cox.

Yes that's right, a trumpet. Rusty who plays guitar and does vocals brought out another talent and that was gracing the audience with his trumpet playing skills. Something I've never seen before but went well with the music they played. He was actually good and the crowd was feeling it for sure.

The Waking Eyes and The Marble Index played excellent sets and looking around at the audience they all seemed pleased with what they saw. Overall a memorable night, the venue was perfect sizing even though at times it was a little crowded but when three Canadian rock bands get together for a tour there is guaranteed enjoyment. Next time when they come to town I'll be there, supporting them 100%.

Farris Green
<a href="mailto:farris@sugarcainentertainment.com">farris@sugarcainentertainment.com</a><Br> <a target="_new" href="http://www.sugarcainentertainment.com">http://www.sugarcainentertainment.com</a>

Buying A Guitar - Do You Know What To Look For?

Buying a guitar is an important decision that my students have often asked me about. They want to know what they should be looking for. This is an important question because no two are ever exactly alike. There is a wide variety of types, styles, colors, makes, and models to choose from. The question is, which one is right for you? If you don't know what to look for when you're buying a guitar, you could end up spending a lot more money than you really need to. On the other hand, getting a "deal" may also get you a lemon. Following are some important questions to consider.

1. What style of music are you interested in playing?

The basic skills required when learning to play are the same regardless of the style of music you may be interested in. However, you should understand when you are thinking of buying a guitar, that some are more suited for a particular style than others. Getting started in the right direction can help you to avoid costly mistakes. Do you like Rock'n Roll, Jazz, Bluegrass, or Classical music? Considering your own personal tastes can help you to determine whether to buy an electric or an acoustic guitar for example.

2. Are you a beginner, intermediate, or advanced guitarist?

When buying a guitar for beginners I usually recommend a nylon stringed acoustic or an electric, as they will be the easiest on the fingers. However, students with small hands may find the wider neck of a classical guitar hard to play because of the reach involved. Something to consider in this case is a 1/2 or 3/4 size. Musical style, personal preference, quality and price are the key determining factors to consider when buying a guitar for intermediate and advanced players.

3. What is the tonal quality of the instrument?

Tonal quality refers to the unique sound of each individual guitar. When you strum the strings or listen to it being played what do you hear? Does it sound deep, bright, soft, dull, tinny? The instrument should resonate (transmit the full vibrating quality of it's sound) clearly.

4. How is the action?

The action is simply how high or low the strings are set on the fretboard. This will greatly affect the playability. If the strings are set too high they will be difficult to push down and you will be working harder than necessary to play the instrument. On the other hand, if the strings are set too low they will likely interfere with the frets, which may cause a buzzing sound as you play.You should check each fret thoroughly before buying a guitar. This can be done by using the first finger of your left hand to play each string at every fret up and down the neck. Do you here any buzzes? Does the guitar sound in tune at every point? Is it easy to push the string down? If you are unsure about doing this, then try to take someone who plays guitar along with you as you shop.

5. Is the neck straight?

If the neck is straight the intonation will be consistent. This means that when a specific note or chord is played at different points along the neck it will remain in tune. If the note or chord sounds out of tune at different points, then the neck may be crooked or warped. You can check the neck by looking along it's edge. Begin from the base of the body and continue on up to the base of the head. You should see a straight line. If you don't, the neck may be bowed, twisted, or warped.

6. How does the neck feel in your hand?

Necks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you will need to determine what feels comfortable to you. Some necks are round and some have a v-shape angle to them. When you cradle the neck in your hand be aware of the fit. Thin necks tend to be easier for small hands, but are generally not as strong as heavier ones. For example, a 12-string guitar will have a heavier neck than a 6-string. Buying a guitar that is the wrong size for your hand can be a factor in developing carpal tunnel syndrome.

7. What are you willing to spend?

If you're just starting out, you really shouldn't need to spend a lot of money when buying a guitar. Knowing what your budget will allow can help to speed up the process though. If you only have $200 to spend, don't waste time looking at more expensive models. You can always upgrade later after you've had sufficient time to explore your musical interests. I personally own 9 or 10 guitars and there is always room for one more! Be realistic about your own needs and keep these questions in mind as you shop. Better yet, print them out and take them with you! Be sure to read <a href="http://www.abclearnguitar.com/guitar-buying-tips.html" target="_blank"> 10 BEST GUITAR BUYING TIPS </a> on my website to find even more help in this area. Happy Hunting!

FREE Reprint Rights - You may publish this article in your e-zine or on your web site as long as you include the following information:

Kathy Unruh is a singer/songwriter and webmaster of ABC Learn Guitar. She has been writing songs and providing guitar lessons to students of all ages for over 20 years. For free guitar lessons, plus tips and resources on songwriting, recording and creating a music career, please visit: <a target="_new" href="http://www.abclearnguitar.com">http://www.abclearnguitar.com</a>

Right Hand Guitar Playing Tip

This lesson can open for you a secret of high-speed guitar playing. If take the given technique for 2-3 weeks you'll feel progress in high-speed playing of complex passages.

The given principle of development of techniques "was tested" not by one generation of guitarists and not only guitarists...

In this lesson we shall concern high-speed technics. Skilled guitarists alredy know that the basic brake in development of guitar high-speed technics is the right hand. Therefore when playing the most ultra-high-speed passages for simplification guitarists play legato (i.e. the right hand does not take some notes, it is done with fingers of the left hand by receptions pull-off, hammer-on).

How to achieve speed?

For this purpose it is necessary for guitarist to develop technics of the right hand - fast alternation of pick stroke upwards-downwards (a variable stroke). The more quickly the right hand will make alternating strokes, the quicker the playing will be.

It is necessary to begin from the most usual tremolo (fast recurrence of one note).

Triplets are the most effective way of learning to play a tremolo. Try to begin each of your lessons with a tremolo. It develops (and well warms up) the right hand. The tremolo notes must sound dynamically equal (all sounding notes of equal loudness) and with equal tempo.

For example, you wish to learn a high-speed passage. I offer the following simple blues phrase in "A" as an example:

___5_________________8___5_______5______________________

First you need to learn in slow tempo and in convenient key with rational pick strokes.

After you've done it, play a tremolo of each note, i.e. each note in a passage it is necessary to take three times (if it is the eighth) like this:

___5_5_5________________________________8_8_8___5_5_5__

The tremolo should be loud (a silent tremolo does not make effect). Play thus 10 - 15 minutes (with small breaks) up to feeling of weariness in your right hand. The weariness speaks that muscles work as they must do. In my experience each student playing given technique, develops his own nuances. The right hand as though itself finds the most convenient position while playing, - it is only necessary " to force it to work". When you are good at playing this passage with tremolo, try to play it in the original.

I often hear a question: " How many it is necessary to be engaged so that to come to high speed?" - It's individually. For someone it's necessary 2 hours, for another 2 days, and for someone it is not necessary at all (i'm kidding :-). Here introspection is necessary, that is you should feel improvement of technics. Clearly one, that the most effective way - "gold" exercise for the right hand.

Play your own passages by this principle, solos, improvizations, rock, jazz and blues phrases... If you have great patience, you will see huge advantage of this technique and feel the results. If you do not see any result most likely you were engaged either incorrectly or insufficiently long. Though it is possible to play legato or tapping, but it sounds less brightly and energetically.

Yuri Nikitin ? guitar instructor, music writer and webmaster. Find more free guitar lessons in varios styles at <a target="_new" href="http://www.guitar-lesson-online.net">http://www.guitar-lesson-online.net</a>

Thomas Jefferson and the Chinese Gong

While Richard Nixon's diplomatic visit to China may have created a minor thaw in Sino-US relations, he was not the first President to try to get in sync with the Chinese. Thomas Jefferson preceded him by close to two centuries.

Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the United States, happened to be (in contrast to the current US President) an intelligent man, amazing inventor and, as DNA tests have shown, most likely a randy advocate of miscegenation. We now may envision that when the Continental Congress celebrated Thanksgiving together, which type of meat ? light or dark - Jefferson put on his plate.

Now if you look at the tails side of a nickel, you can see a picture of TJ's Monticello home. But what the nickel doesn't show us is the unique interior of his Virginia manse. The inside of Monticello is much more eclectic: animal skins, Native American artifacts, painted floors the color of green grass. I'm certain that the &quot;design team&quot; of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition would appreciate it.

But the specific objet d'Jefferson that is of interest to the Gong Aficionado is &quot;The Great Clock.&quot;

Originally Jefferson designed it for a home in Philadelphia, but the ropes on the large weights that drive the clock were much too long for the client's home. So TJ brought it to Monticello and created a clock that could mark time across the entire plantation.

Now to fit this Great Clock and its lengthy ropes into his home, TJ did what any man would do who wasn't worried about selling his home in two years when interest rates went up, he cut a big hole in the floor, so the ropes could hang down into the basement.

So how does this all relate to Gongs? Well, the chimes of this clock were made from a large Chinese Gong! And according to his 'employees of enforced servitude,' the chimes could be heard over three miles away. I am certain many a slave work song was sung to coincide with the hourly gonging. &quot;Go down Moses, way down in Egypt land?Tell Ol' Pharoah, to let my people Gong. Let my people Gong!&quot;

The clock still tells time, and the Chinese Gong still rings. Here's to solid manufacturing!

Thankfully, there are no slaves using it to tell time anymore. In 1967 the Supreme Court ruled on Loving vs. Virginia and forced all states to allow interracial marriage. Too little, too late for Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings.

Andrew Borakove is a media writer and the proprietor of Gongs Unlimited, the only internet store devoted solely to gongs. <a target="_new" href="http://www.gongs-unlimited.com">http://www.gongs-unlimited.com</a>