Archive for the ‘Instruments’ Category
The Gift of Music
The holidays are here and that means it’s time to head out and get our shopping done. If you’re like me then you’ve probably got a long list of friends and family to shop for. And you’re probably not looking forward to sitting in traffic, fighting crowds and standing in long lines. I know I’m not. That’s why I’ll be doing more online shopping this year. With lower shipping costs and faster delivery times, it’s easier than ever before to do our holiday gift shopping online.
Music is no exception. Young or old, everyone loves good music. When you give the gift of a musical instrument you’re helping the people you care about find self-expression and satisfaction through music. Therapeutic, rewarding and fun, learning how to play a 5 string banjo could be just what the music-lover in your life is looking for. Be a gifting superstar this year and give the gift of music. You’ll be glad you did!
With the holidays come a time of camaraderie and kinship with our family, friends and loved ones. No matter who you are or where you are, we all experience the holiday spirit at its best when we’re sharing it with the people we care about. And if your home is anything like mine there will be plenty of celebrating. With celebration comes music and that means singing and instruments. So this year, before you start playing, make sure your instrument is in top condition so you can avoid those unsavory notes or off-key tones.
Top-quality banjo strings are more affordable than what you might think. And since the holidays have finally arrived there’s no better time to get some new ones. New strings can make a world of difference when you’re playing for your friends and family this year. They can even keep you from having to worry about broken strings. There’s nothing quite so frustrating as truly enjoying the music and having a string break. So do yourself a favor this year and don’t subject yourself to the pitfalls of an out-of-shape instrument.
The bass fiddle, also known as the double bass, string bass, upright bass, bass violin or contrabass, is the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra. The bass fiddle is a staple of Western classical music. Jazz, blues, bluegrass, country, and folk music genres also utilize the deep sound of the bass fiddle. Though many people are familiar with seeing a bass fiddle plucked, usually as part of a walking bass line in jazz music, the bass fiddle is built for bowing.
It is unclear if bass fiddles are descended from the viola de gamba or the violin, but traditionally are associated with the violin family. If you think that a bass fiddle looks like an oversized violin, you would be correct. Bass fiddle construction is nearly identical in construction to other violin family instruments. The bass has a bridge, f-holes, tailpiece, scroll, and a sound post just like a traditional violin. Despite the similarities to a violin, there is no set standard way to construct a bass fiddle, so the sound and look can vary instrument to instrument.
Music has evolved throughout the centuries. Right now there is no western or eastern music, as the walls that have distinguished them are no longer there. What used to be western music has found its way to far-flung countries. Music has been a way to bridge the gap among nations. Through music, the world has become closer than ever.
One music genre that has entered the mainstream and has been getting a following is Cuban music. Cuban music has African and European influences. Perhaps the more popular would be the rumba, mambo, and reggae. The tempo is mostly upbeat and happy, with the use of drum beats and the sound of maracas and resonator guitar strings.
Let the familiar sounds of pennywhistles, fiddle strings, bodrans and Gaelic words bring you back to your Celtic roots even if it’s just in your imagination. Traditional Irish music will soothe your senses and evoke wonderful memories of growing up in, or maybe visiting your beloved Ireland. You have much to choose from with the varied artists of Celtic music.
Listen to the hauntingly beautiful voices of Enya and Loreena McKennitt. Jam with the wonderful sounds of the most popular Irish band made up of the Corrs siblings. Dance to the merry tunes of The Chieftains, and tap your feet to the popular Irish jigs courtesy of Lunasa. Irish music is a blend of wonderful melodies created by talented artists. You will be glad to bring home one or more albums to listen to.
Despite an active time just over a decade, Led Zeppelin is often hailed as the greatest rock band of all time. Like most bands, Led Zeppelin had a humble beginning, starting out as four friends who wanted to create original music and incorporate different styles like reggae, soul, and funk. The band’s four members included Jimmy Page on guitar—playing everything from classical guitars to his trademark double-neck model—, Robert Plant on vocals, John Paul Jones on bass guitar and keyboard, and John Bonham on the drums. These four members were true masters of their craft whose musical style is well recognized today. Led Zeppelin composed dozens of original songs, and sheet music for their more well known ballads, like Stairway to Heaven, remains some of the top selling sheet music of all time.
In 1980, drummer John Bonham died, and the band subsequently broke up and wouldn’t collaborate again until 2007. In December of 2007, Led Zeppelin reunited for a benefit honoring music executive Ahmet Ertegun. Jason Bonham took his father’s place on the drums, and the concert was well received, proving that the legendary band could still perform at the level that made them famous.
If you’re looking to learn a skill that is entertaining, soothing, and expands your mind, you can learn to play banjo. Learning to play banjo stimulates your mind and encourages you to come up with new songs, fostering endless creativity. Banjos for kids are the perfect way to get your child interested in the arts and develop valuable math skills. All you really need is a banjo and a way to learn. You can try to teach yourself, but you’ll learn much more quickly and efficiently if you use one of the following methods.
A banjo teacher is the best way for many people to learn to play banjo. A trained teacher has an organized way to teach the skill, and they can help you avoid bad playing habits before they form. You can also have a friend or family member teach you, and this is even more beneficial if they have learned from a teacher or if they have taught before. You can also learn from banjo books or banjo instructions online, but you really need to focus on this self-driven method. You also lack the advantage of getting personalized feedback and correction from a real person. The final method is to learn from a DVD, which can almost be like having a real teacher with you, without the real-time mistake correction. This is a great option for those who are visual learners.
Blueridge Guitars are well known for their spot-on reproductions of iconic American guitars, but now they get to be known for a little something extra. With the release of their new 12-string, Blueridge has reinvented themselves, opening up a whole new opportunity for the company to continue exploring the limits and defining itself.
Acoustic Guitar recommends the 12-string as a great way to pull yourself out of a musical rut, or to just work on something new. Charles Saufley, an Acoustic Guitar columnist says, “In the past, inexpensive 12-strings often developed playability issues. But modern manufacturing techniques have improved build quality at all price levels, and with the debut of the vintage-inspired jumbo Blueridge BR-16-12, the accessibly priced 12-string field is even stronger.”
The author goes on to offer a glowing review of a deserving brand.
There are a number of theories about the origins of the word banjo. Some folks believe it’s derived from the Kimbundu language. Kimbundu, also known as North Mbundu, is a language spoken largely in the south-central region of Africa. In Kimbundu the banjo, in its older incarnations, may have been called “mbanza.” Other people believe it derives from the Portuguese word “bandore.”
Other theories include such Americanized words as “banjar,” “banjil” and “banza.” Regardless of where they got their name, however, banjos have a remarkably distinct sound. With an unmistakable musical character these unique instruments represent a rich cultural history, both in the United States and around the world. From Africa, to Europe and even Asia and the Middle East, banjos are a truly global instrument with derivations existing in almost every known human culture. Not many modern instruments can say that.
One thing you will find that is popular in the Irish capital is traditional folk music. By going around the streets of Dublin like the Whelan’s in Camden Street, you will surely find traditional and folk music. This is one exciting spot has the best of Ireland’s talented folk performers.
A vast array of instruments are utilized in Irish folk music; and while fiddles and flutes are the first that come to mind, the banjo and guitar are now commonly used as well. Some famous Irish bands who have been very successful in taking traditional Irish folk music to the world are the Clancy brothers, The Dubliners and The Chieftans, Tommy Makem and Altan. These bands were even given tribute by the Irish post office by means of coming up with stamps of these iconic bands. Because of the distinct and mesmerizing sound of traditional Irish folk music, The Chieftans music, as well as The Dubliners’ and Clancy Brothers’ has been very popular all over the world.