Preparing For An Instrumental Exam

The thought of entering an exam can stir up a whole mix of emotions. Joy, excitement, nerves and fear are just some of these stirrings.

Most students reaction to entering an exam is sheer delight and huge enthusiasm. However, enthusiasm alone is not going to pass your exam.

First rule is: 'if you fail to prepare, prepare to fail'. When it comes to entering a music exam this is one hundred percent true. There is nothing worse than sitting an instrumental exam (or any exam) knowing/feeling that you are not prepared. If you organize yourself, there will be no need to worry about your preparation.

Some people enter themselves into exams and are self-taught. However, it is advisable that you at least get some advice from an instrumental teacher regarding your exam. The more you know, the better prepared you will be.

Read, re-read and re-read your exam syllabus and then re-read it again! This will be your musical bible until after you have sat your grade.

Write a list of what is required from the syllabus, for example, a guitarist sitting a Debut Rockschool exam would write the following:

• Technical Exercises - E and A minor pentatonic ascending and descending scale 80 beats per minute.
• Chords: G, C, Am and Em.
• Sight Reading - 4 bar piece.
• Ear Tests: Rhythmic recall using only bottom E string.
• Melodic recall.
• General Musicianship Knowledge.
• Three pieces from the book, to be played with cd.

Make a copy of the list and put it somewhere you will regularly see it. It acts as a good reminder of what you need to prepare and will reassure you that you are on the right track.

Now you have the list, prepare a practice schedule and stick to it. Discuss this with your teacher and let him/her guide you. Everyone has their weak areas - work on them more.

Listen to your teacher! If you are told you need to concentrate on a particular section - do it.

Practice all areas of the exam in front of a family member/friend. Not only will this help you gain experience in performing in front of others, it will also give you confidence.

The day before your exam - rest as much as you can. Be sure to have all the music, equipment, spare strings etc that you need.

Hopefully, all these tips will help you worry a little less and prepare you more. Remember to try and relax and enjoy your exam.

Good luck.

What Is Your Rock Instrument Personality?

Everybody’s personality is unique. If you’ve ever met a musician, you will know that many have quirky personalities.

However, have you ever wondered what your choice of instrument says about your personality? Below is a list of characteristics I have noticed over the years in different musicians. It is just a bit of fun and no offence is intended.

Drummers:

You are crazy and always full of energy. You possess an undying stamina, are hyperactive and have a childlike quality. Living a fast paced life, you can at times be a little dim – oops(joke)

Some famous drummers include - Keith Moon, John Bonham and Ginger Baker.

Bassist:

You are generally shy and laid back. You like to stay in the background and tend to be quiet. You may play a wide range of instruments and have a broad musical knowledge. You are multi-talented and intelligent.

Some famous bassists include - John Paul Jones, Flea and Paul McCartney

Guitarist:

You are at times very extravagant (purchasing unusual items), extremely determined, flamboyant and fast thinking. You may also at times be very moody!

Some famous guitarists include – Jimi Hendrix, Jimmy Page and Jack White.

Vocalist:

Don’t forget the vocalist (well they wouldn’t let that happen!) You are arrogant – although you may refer to it as confident! At times you can be highly egotistic, are always a complete show off. You can be selfish and loud. Generally, you enjoy taking care of your appearance and consider yourself good-looking. Up to date in the fashion department, you like to treat yourself.

Some famous vocalists include - Robert Plant, Mick Jagger and Bono.

The Djembe

The djembe is a member of the membranophone musical family. Membranophone is a musical instrument, which generally only produces sound by way of a vibrating stretched membrane. A West African instrument, the djembe is a skin-covered hand drum and meant to be played with bare hands. The main notes are referred to as bass, tone and slap, however, it is possible to achieve a mix of different sounds.

It is a hard instrument to learn, it takes many years of practice and performing in ceremonies and festivals with a master to produce an authentic sound from the djembe. Once this is achieved you can be known as a djembefola – a djembe player.

The body of the djembe is carved from a single piece of a hardwood tree. Whereas the head of the drum is made from goatskin or in rare cases from a zebra, deer, antelope or calfskin.

Originally used as a form of communication (although all music is a form of communication), the djembe drums are considered very spiritual and said to contain three spirits: the spirit of a tree, the spirit of the animal of which the drum-head is made and the spirit of the instrument maker.

Several Western artists have used the djembe as a key instrument in their pieces/songs. The Beatles, Paul Simon, Incubus, Grateful Dead and Peter Gabriel are just a few of these artists incorporating the djembe in their songs.

Keeping Your Voice Healthy - A Singer's Guide

Keeping your voice healthy is essential for best performance and vocal longevity. To a singer a sore throat can be detrimental, not only for a performance/exam/practice, but also in the long run.

Firstly, make sure you are using your voice accurately. It is advised that a singer get some vocal lessons (if not permanently at least temporarily) to insure they are using their voice in an effect and safe manner. Try to go with a teacher that has been recommended. I cant tell you how many students have come to me after singing in bands/solo for years and have not used their voice 'correctly'. Once you learn the accurate way to express yourself vocally, your range will improve, your stamina will improve and overall sound will improve.

Breathing is one of the most (if not the most) important element to a voice. You need breathe to produce a sound/note. If your breathing is in any way hindered i.e. if you smoke, your breathing will be affected, which directly affects your singing voice. Yeah, so, many famous singers smoke, but some also drink copious amounts of alcohol, does that mean you should? Of course the answer is NO! Keep your lungs healthy by exercising. The best form of exercise would be something cardiovascular, ideally swimming. Healthy body = healthy voice, this should be a singers mantra.

Singing is very psychological, stress, anxiety, nerves can all affect (and they do) the voice. Stay happy! Exercise has also been found to increase the serotonin levels in the brain, which act as a mood lifter.

Water, water, water! This clear super liquid is the best way to soothe your voice and keep it fighting fit. Aim to drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day.

Finally, if you do get ill, which we all do - rest. Try not to sing too much, as you will need to put more energy into practice to stay safe (vocally). Limit your caffeine intake, eat green vegetables, drink water and warm liquids to stay hydrated.

The voice is a beautifully instrument, completely unique. Look after your instrument, by looking after yourself.

Writing A Blues Song

Feeling ‘blue’ – sad, unhappy, miserable, down, these are all words associated with the style/genre of blues.

Jimi Hendrix put it poetically: ‘blues is easy to play, but hard to feel’. This is so true. Some of the greatest blues musicians had the hardest of times, Bessie Smith, Howlin Wolf and Robert Johnson being a few out of many truly ‘blue’ artists.

It is important to note that there are many styles of blues, what will be discussed here is what I like to refer to as ‘Raw Blues’, back to basics blues.

So here we go. ‘Raw Blues’ lyrics have much repetition. Your opening line should repeat itself.

For example, taken from the great Crossroads by Robert Johnson here is the opening verse:

I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.

I went down to the crossroads, fell down on my knees.

Asked the Lord above for mercy

"Save me if you please."

Your lyrics do not need to be complicated to be great. But remember, you are writing a blues song – stick to the genre.

Ok, so you may not have experienced real hard times. But everybody has experienced some form of pain, try to express this. Depressing, I know, but this is blues!!

Moving onto the music, the chord structure for blues is usually I, IV and V. For example in the key of C the chords would be – C, F and G. However, when writing blues it is best to use dominant 7^th chords: C7, F7 and G7 (in the key of C).

This article is aimed at helping you to write a blues song. Adding the essence/soul/feel/heart (or broken-heart) to the song is down to the performer – you.

Benefits Of Learning An Instrument

Your child is asking for music lessons, but you think it will be a waste of time and they should concentrate on their grades. Think again, learning an instrument may just help them with their school - work.

There have been many serious studies conducted on the effects of music on the brain.

The Center for New Discoveries in Learning claim that baroque music and pieces composed by Mozart activate the left and right brain, helping improve memory (if played at 60 beats per minute). The study also revealed that playing an instrument/singing makes the brain more capable of processing information.

In November 2005, Stanford University research also found that musical training makes the brain more capable of processing information. Particularly how the brain processes words – this may lead to improving reading problems such as dyslexia.

Other studies have also found that music may help a child's reading age, IQ and brain development. Adults can benefit too, music has been found to help the mind stay alert and memory active. Playing an instrument may help relieve stress and calm the body.

Learning to play an instrument teaches you discipline and may help children with their school - work. Studies show that most children who play an instrument do better in school than most children who do not play an instrument.

Playing an instrument is a brilliant way to express yourself creatively.

Most importantly, playing an instrument is fun and a truly wonderful skill to have. Music brings people together socially and is a universal language.

A Music Review - Fleet Foxes

Another Myspace success story, by 2007 Fleet Foxes Myspace page had reached over a quarter of a million song plays, just by word of mouth, their popularity was soaring. Soon after they were rightfully given a record deal with music label Sub Pop.

Having scrimped and saved they raised enough money to record Sun Giant in 2008 - as they call it - 'a CD to sell while on tour'. The band soon after recorded and released the highly successful Fleet Foxes.

Fleet Foxes is the first full - length album by the band and it doesn't disappoint. Conjuring up images of forests, rain, snowy mountaintops, innocence and unconditional love, the lyrics are well written and highly thought out. It is not hard to hear the Dylan influence seeping through. Accompanied with memorable melodies and beautiful, heart-wrenching CSNY type harmonies, its difficult not to be seduced by Robin Pecknold's voice from the beginning.

Equally triumphant is the music, including just the right mix of acoustic and electric guitars and finger tapping drums, its clear these guys have worked really hard to get their sound.

Tracks that stand out include 'Tiger Mountain Peasant Song', 'He Doesn't Know Why', 'Your Protector' and 'Blue Ridge Mountains' and 'Ragged Wood' - but to be honest all the songs are of a very high standard. If you liked Sun Giant, you are sure to love Fleet Foxes.

All in all, it is a fantastic debut album. Something tells me we haven't seen the best of the Fleet Foxes yet......................

The Sitar and How It Has Influenced Western Music

Legend says that the sitar was invented by Amir Khusro himself an Indian poet, scholar and musician.

Mainly used in Hindustani classical music, the sitar has been around for over 700 years. Made with a gourd body (often carved out of a pumpkin), the sitar comprises of the basic elements of a stringed instrument. It has a neck, pegs, strings and a body. A sitar can have 18/19 or 20 strings, it also has 11, 12 or 13 sympathetic strings of which 3 or 4 provide the drone and these are located underneath the frets.

Up until the 1960s, the sitar had never been used in popular music. George Harrison was to change all that.

During a break filming Help, Harrison picked up a sitar (being used as prop) and attempted to play it. After this encounter he began getting lessons from the legendary sitar player Ravi Shankar. Soon after in 1965, the Beatles produced the first released Western pop song to include the sitar - Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown), in which George played the Indian instrument.

The Beatles would go on to further display their influence from the sitar, writing songs such as Tomorrow Never Knows, Across The Universe and many more. Following their success with blending the sitar and popular music, other Indian instruments were introduced in their compositions, such as the tabla and tamboura.

Creating a very psychedelic effect on the music, many artists followed The Beatles use of the sitar and Indian instruments. Musicians such as The Rolling Stones (Paint It Black), The Lemon Pipers (Green Tambourine), Donovan (Hurdy Gurdy Man) all found inspiration through the sitar.

Even to this day popular musicians are using the sitar to enhance their creations. Newton Faulkner being one of the more recent artists to include sitar on his tracks.

Undeniably, the sitar has had a profound effect on popular music as we know it. Fusing the Indian instrument with Western instruments has worked wonders and produced some mind - blowing classic songs.

Discovering New (and old) Music

When I began to seriously study music (at the tender age of 17) I met an eclectic mix of people. There were the long haired leather clad metal heads, the peace loving flower power hippies, gangster/hip-hop r&b rappers, bubble gum popsters and mods complete with Beatle haircuts. All had varied tastes, but with one thing in common - we were all undeniably in love with music.

It was during these years of studying, I discovered how narrow my music taste was. In my extreme ignorance, I thought listening to The Beatles and Jimi Hendrix was enough (of course they are amazing), I didn't think I needed to listen to any other bands/artists. A good friend of mine recommended I listen to Led Zeppelin, yes I'd heard the name before I said, but didn't think I would enjoy them. HOW WRONG I WAS!

After listening to Communication Breakdown and Babe Im Gonna Leave You, I was hooked. I bought every single Led Zeppelin album and played them religiously. My ears had opened musically and my ignorance began to fade away. Curiosity struck and I found myself wondering where Led Zeppelin's inspiration had come from.

Much research later and I had discovered several artists, previously unbeknownst to me. They included Robert Johnson, Willie Dixon, Otis Rush, Howlin Wolf and Bo Diddley. Tantalizing my musical taste-buds, my research stumbled across Jazz (I knew Blues and Jazz were related) and I soon became a fan of Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong.

Looking back, what's amazed me is how opened minded I became once I gave other bands/artists a chance. Had I been reluctant to listen to Led Zeppelin (or any other artist/band), I wouldn't have discovered such other wonderful music.

Since becoming musically liberated, I have discovered many songs/compositions that I really enjoy (some which I never would have dreamt of listening to before). Of course, it is not just classic rock, blues and jazz I listen to now, I will always give any piece of music a chance.

So my point in writing this article is to say don't just sit there and listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers (although they are pretty funky) find out who they are inspired by and give them a listen. Expand yourself musically, go to your local music store and buy a cd from a completely different genre that you normally listen to. Actively listen to the songs, if you enjoy them great, if not at least you gave them a chance.

Don’t limit yourself when you could be discovering much new (and old) brilliant music.