GIVE YOUR SELF-CONFIDENCE A BOOST BY LEARNING A MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Although learning to play a musical instrument can be one of the most difficult undertakings you have ever attempted, it can also be one of the most rewarding. If you are a lover of music, and have the sincere desire to learn, you will get a great boost of self confidence and a feeling of accomplishment by learning how to play an instrument.

If you have never tried to learn to play before, you may wonder what the whole point is about learning to play a musical instrument in the first place. If you aren’t totally committed you may even think it isn’t really a big deal to you. The truth of the matter is that by learning to play music you are also learning a universal form of communication that all people enjoy and understand.

If you are suffering from a lack of self esteem or need a confidence boost, learning a musical instrument can provide those things for you. It is the satisfaction in doing something well that makes us feel better about ourselves. It is one of the greatest forms of therapy.

It is important that you identify the reasons that you are learning to play music in the first place. Even though playing an instrument well allows you to express yourself through music and be heard it is important to realize that not everyone may appreciate the style of music you play or how you play it. This is why I feel it is important that you learn to play music for yourself first, if others like and appreciate it then great.

You may also be one of those who have decided to learn to play music for a living. There is good money in the music business for those who learn to play well and if you have the discipline and resolve you may be able to be a professional musician putting on your own concerts and maybe even recording your own music CD.

Even if it is on your mind to earn money from your music you will still be more successful if you truly love music and would play for free than if money is your number one goal. I think this is true for any vocation and it is obvious to all when someone really loves what they do.

If you have decided you want to learn to play an instrument you definitely should think about taking some coaching lessons in addition to playing on your own. Usually you can add one hour weekly coaching to hone the skills you are learning plus it allows for someone else to be able to help you and evaluate your progress.

Regardless of whether your ambition is to become a professional musician or just to learn to play for the pure enjoyment and self satisfaction, you will feel very good about yourself for taking the time to learn to play.

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anyway, my definition of happy is the “feel good” kind of music that you’d want to listen to while out on the road, playing with the kids, or simply taking a walk on a sunny day. so here’s the list that i came up with:

1. GRACE KELLY by MIKA

2. LOVE IT WHEN YOU CALL by THE FEELING

3. SPIN by LIFEHOUSE

4. MY WORLD by AVRIL LAVIGNE

5. THE REMEDY by JASON MRAZ

6. LOVE SONG FOR NO ONE by JOHN MAYER

7. ANSWER THE PHONE by SUGAR RAY

8. YOU’RE MY NUMBER ONE by S CLUB 7

9. UNWRITTEN by NATASHA BEDINGFIELD

10. LOVE SONG by SARA BARREILLES

11. SUPERNATURAL, SUPERSERIOUS by R. E. M.

12. WHY DON’T YOU AND I by SANTANA and ALEX BAND

13. CHEMISTRY by SEMISONIC

14. PUT YOUR RECORDS ON by CORRINE BAILEY RAE

15. BE THE ONE by THE TING TINGS

16. CRAZY IN LOVE by BEYONCE and JAY-Z

17. ALL YOU WANTED by MICHELLE BRANCH

18. OH! GRAVITY by SWITCHFOOT

19. CLUMSY by FERGIE

20. ACCIDENTALLY IN LOVE by COUNTING CROWS

21. THAT’S WHAT YOU GET by PARAMORE

22. GLORIOUS by NATALIE IMBRUGLIA

23. ON A HIGH by DUNCAN SHEIK

24. VIVA LA VIDA by COLDPLAY

25. BREATHLESS by THE CORRS

if there’s anything else that you have in mind that i missed, feel free to add to this list by leaving your comments below. thanks!

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1. jimmy eat world – the middle
2. no doubt – sunday morning
3. gin blossoms – as long as it matters
4. oasis – wonderwall
5. splender – the loneliest person i know
6. greenday – time of your life
7. one republic – mercy
8. lifehouse – you and me
9. live – selling the drama
10. vertical horizon – everything you want
11. santana feat. michelle branch – i’m feeling you
12. foo fighters – best of you
13. collective soul – shine
14. soul asylum – runaway train
15. leigh nash – need to be next to you
16. american rejects – swing, swing
17. toad the wet sprocket – all i want
18. fuel – shimmer
19. dave matthews band – crash into me
20. switchfoot – learning to breathe

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if you’re in a band and would like to make it in the music industry, it is always recommended that you have some original tracks to perform in order to make yourselves known. why? because a lot of people are already able to sing, play guitar drums, and other instruments. but not everyone can perform your original pieces in the way that you do! there will always be something UNIQUE to it that no tribute bands can ever mimic and this is what would make you stand out from the crowd of musicians.

having trouble writing an original? according to writer richie gilbert, MELODY IS KING. read this full article about song writing:

Write Music That Appeals To Peoples Emotions

Whether you write music first or lyrics first, please remember this one thing. Melody is king!

I want to explain why I believe that statement to be true.

I know when it comes to songwriting all of the elements must fit together just so. There has to be a perfect marriage of lyric, melody, structure and feel. That is the hallmark of a great song.

But I have heard too many songs that seem to focus primarily on the lyrics. The writer has poured out his or her soul to create a truly touching and beautiful story. Then those wonderful lyrics are paired with a mediocre, or even (gasp!) boring melody.

The result? A mediocre, boring song!

Those lyrics might work wonderfully on their own. But a monotonous unimaginative melody drags them down.

Appeal To The Emotions

As a songwriter, writing melody that appeals to the emotions of your listeners should be your top priority.

Why?

Because it’s the melody that our brains latch onto first. A melody on it’s own can make you cry, laugh and everything in between. It truly can be a direct communication to the soul. An interesting mood-evoking melody commands our attention. It makes us sit up and take notice.

Only then do we start to pay attention to the storyline. To the lyrics. And if those lyrics are top-notch: Bingo! You’ve hit the jackpot.

Write Lyrics As Good As Your Melody

Now, this scenario can also be looked at from the opposite side:

You write music that is truly inspiring. You then settle for the first lyrics that pop into your head. You don’t bother rewriting those lyrics. You figure that since they fit the melody and tell the story they are good enough.

I did this for years! And I was always secretly embarrassed by my lyrics.

As songwriters, we must strive for that perfect balance. And it takes time and effort to master. (I’m still working on completing my apprenticeship!)

Work On Your Weakest Skill

If you only want to write music or you only want to write lyrics, that’s okay. Collaborating with writers who excel at what you do not is a great way to write songs. If you love to write melody, find yourself a great lyricist. Or vice-versa.

Most of us are better at one aspect of songwriting than we are at others.

For me, it’s always been writing melody that seems to come naturally. As a lead guitarist I usually opted for the slow, melodic, soulful lead over the fast shred. Through the years I’ve written quite a few instrumentals that I am proud of.

Lyrics have always been a struggle for me. That’s why I tend to spend a lot more time working on the words to my new songs than I do the melody.

But I spend quite a bit of time on writing melody too! Because I understand how important a great melody is.

Listen To Your Melodies

Listen to the melodies you are writing. Are they as strong as your lyrics? Perhaps more importantly, can they stand on their own?

A melody should be able to stand on it’s own. It should be moving, interesting, somewhat predictable and a little surprising at the same time.

I say somewhat predictable because we all need familiarity. If every line goes off in a completely different direction you will lose most of your listeners.

People must have something that they can grasp immediately. Especially in the chorus.

So go and write music that moves you. If it moves you, you can be pretty sure it will move others too.

Happy melody writing!

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anyway, here’s an article by Linda Dunkelberger that you may find helpful if you’re looking for something to rock along with at your wedding day:

20 Top Wedding Dance Songs & Ideas

Your music makes your moments. Work with your Wedding Dance Band to choose the wedding dance songs, and the memories you want to have forever.

The first dance is reserved for the bride and groom, and this music is “their” song (first choice of the wedding dance songs). There is also a choice for the father/daughter wedding dance songs, the wedding dance songs for mother and son (mother and groom), and a wedding dance songs for both sets of parents (with the bride and groom dancing with their new in-laws before reuniting).

The last dance, like the first, belongs to the bride and groom alone. The music is usually the one used for the first dance, but choices for the last wedding dance songs of the night may be chosen. For your reference, see list below:

Top 10 Newest Wedding Dance Songs

1. “Lucky” by Jason Mraz featuring Colbie Caillet

Who will like it: The bride and groom and the rest of the lovebirds.

When to play it: For the first wedding dance song.

2. “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay Top

Who will like it: Everyone.

When to play it: During the cocktail hour or between dinner courses.

3. “Good Time” by Alan Jackson

Who will like it: The country-music lovers.

When to play it: Right after dinner.

4. “The Way I Am” by Ingrid Michaelson

Who will like it: The romantics and nostalgics.

When to play it: The cake cutting.

5. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyonce

Who will like it: All the single ladies.

When to play it: The bouquet toss.

6. “Beautiful” by Akon

Who will like it: Couples and hip-hop enthusiasts.

When to play it: As one of the first slow songs after dinner.

7. “So What” by Pink

Who will like it: All the single guests.

When to play it: Following a slow song to get everyone back out on the dance floor.

8. “Just Dance” by Lady GaGa

Who will like it: Your guests who like to dance.

When to play it: Once the elderly guests have left and it’s time to get the party started.

9. “Green Light” by John Legend

Who will like it: Couples and any singles who may have paired up at the end of the night.

When to play it: Toward the end of the evening.

10. “When the Night Comes” by Dan Auerbach

Who will like it: All the couples.

When to play it: As the last slow song at the end of the night.

Top 10 Most Requested Wedding Dance Songs

“Nothing Compares To You” by Sinead O’Connor

“Close To You” Maxi Priest

“Power of Love” Jennifer Rush

“Love Me Tender” by Elvis Presley

“Can’t Help Falling in Love with You” by Elvis Presley

“Just the Way You Are” by Billy Joel

“When You Say Nothing At All” by Ronan Keating

“From This Moment On” by Shania Twain

“You Made Me Love You” by Al Jolson

“How Deep Is Your Love” by Bee Gees

Whatever your age or taste, you’re sure to make the memories last with music. Remember, the first place to start is to ask your Wedding Dance Band to help you with a list of their wedding dance songs. Use resources like this to become familiar with wedding dance songs and work together to have a list of music. If you are prepared and coordinated with your band, you’ll be making happy music for the rest of your life.

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in my opinion, organization is essential. a writer has to get his emotions out through organized words so that it could be conceivable by others or even by himself when he’s no longer INTO that emotion.

same goes with melodies. there are certain organization and combination of notes that could sing of anger, disappointment, heart break, happiness and hope. no organization? it would be hard to play the piano if the keys are in random order!

what i’m trying to say is, there are no rules in wanting to express one’s self. you can write, paint or play anything you want if you don’t have plans of sharing your stuff. BUT if we want to be HEARD or UNDERSTOOD, we have to consider some order, or in this case, TIPS and GUIDES.

need a guide for what song to cover? read on.

we have always heard Simon Cowell say “wrong choice of songs” whenever there’s a really good performer in front but he/she’s not able to show much of her skill or standout from the crowd. what’s wrong?

a few things i’ve noticed:

1. any music performed by an artist that shows BOTH his SKILLS (playing guitar, violin, singing) and ONENESS (emotion, personality) to what he’s playing simply sells.
example: summer breeze by jason mraz.

2. anything same old, but brand new and unique; meaning, something that is attractively DIFFERENT from what the society has heard before, sells.
example: boyz II men’s yesterday, original by the beatles.

3. anything that gives people some chilly goosebumps during the first few seconds or althroughout the song, sells.
example: adam lambert’s rendition of MAD WORLD.

4. any song that relates to the majority of the audience (whether it speaks of their language, culture, history, faith, emotions, occupation, or lifestory) sells.

5. basically, anything tolerable even when played over and over again, SELLS.
example: mostly relaxing songs that don’t hurt one’s eardrums in one play.

6. an original by a male artist covered by a female artist and vice versa, sells.
example: always be my baby by david cook, i’ll be there by mariah carey.

7. an artist from a specific genre covering a song from another genre and making it his own, SELLS.
example: lily allen’s version of everybody’s changing by keane

what does NOT sell or what is completely FORGETTABLE (in simon’s terms)?

1. any cover song that doesn’t differ from the original. same arrangement, same instrument, and sometimes even the same voice!

2. any cover that sounds trying hard to be loud and heavy when the message of the song is completely on the contrary.

3. a cover song that don’t appeal or relate to the current audience.

TIPS on CHOOSING A COVER SONG

1. know your genre – where do you really belong? forget it, your stage presence will say it aloud anyways.

2. know your skills – know what complements your voice, your range and scope. show off your strength and hide your weakness.

3. know your audience – a performer is also an entertainer. sometimes the audience in a specific venue or event isn’t general so it’s a challenge for your to keep them entertained while you’re enjoying your music at the same time.

4. listen to a wide variety of music – and see a bigger, wider, wonderful world.

5. make it your own – your personal touch matters, not unless you have plans of being a tribute band or tribute artist for th rest of your life.

P.S. whatever you choose, DO IT JUSTICE!

i wrote this article as inspired by:

THE RULES OF COVER SONGS
Choosing and performing a good cover song can be tough for a band. Here are some general rules to follow.
http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/183983/the_rules_of_cover_songs.html

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These seven “must hear” albums really tell you a lot about what 1967 means in the history of rock music and it means quite a bit. The Beatles, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, The Velvet Underground, Pink Floyd, & Frank Zappa’s The Mothers of Invention are the bands that created these albums. These are without a doubt some of the most important rock bands ever.

Amazingly four of the seven albums I’m including in my list are debut albums by some of the most legendary bands in history of rock music. I think that’s a good indication of just what a breakthrough year 1967 really was. Who are those four bands? Pink Floyd (who were known as The Pink Floyd at the time), The Velvet Underground, The Doors, and The Jimi Hendrix Experience. Pretty amazing, isn’t it?

These great albums are listed by their title alphabetically. It was difficult enough to pick only 7 albums for this list, so I decided to just list those 7 albums by the alphabet rather than trying to put them in some sort of order of greatness!

1. Absolutely Free by The Mothers of Invention (Frank Zappa) – This album could be looked at as merely a “joke” (and sadly many people do dismiss Zappa’s music as just that) but the music is just too good to be dismissed in that sort of way. This the perfect album for anyone who is under the false impression that ‘67 was only about “flower power.”.” Zappa brought the weird with force, but he also brought sophistication and complexity. The music on Absolutely Free often referenced Stravinsky and other classical music.

2. Are You Experienced? by The Jimi Hendrix Experience – This was Hendrix’s debut album and what a way to start a career. It included the classic Hendrix tracks “Foxy Lady,” “Manic Depression,” & “Red House” (these are actually the first three songs on the album) along with “Fire” and of course the title track. While I don’t think it’s his best album, it’s definitely a great album. Without a doubt 1 of the 7 essential LPs of ‘67.

3. The Doors by The Doors – This is the band’s debut. It was recorded in 1966 and released in January of ‘67. It includes some of the band’s most well known like “Break On Through (To the Other Side)”, “The Crystal Ship,” “Light My Fire,” & “The End.” Many fans & critics consider it to be The Doors best album.

4. Magical Mystery Tour by The Beatles – Certainly not the masterpiece that Sgt. Pepper is, hell it wasn’t even really an album but an EP. But so what? It still contains a whole lot of incredible songs like “The Fool on the Hill” & “Blue Jay Way,” & “I Am The Walrus.”

5. Piper at the Gates of Dawn by The Pink Floyd – This was Pink Floyd before they got rid of Syd Barrett (due to his mental issues and erratic behavior) and the The at the beginning of their name. In some ways they were a completely different band than the one that would become hugely popular in the 1970s with Dark Side of the Moon. But while they do sound very different, the seeds for the ’70s Pink Floyd can be heard in this album which is brilliant in it’s own right. If you are interested in experimental psychedelic music then you must listen to this album.

6. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles – Sometimes people say Sgt. Pepper is “overrated.” I say nonsense! Any album that contains songs as great as “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds,” “With a Little Help From My Friends,” & “A Day in the Life” cannot be overrated. It was a big step forward for The Beatles, not so much in that the songs were better or even more complex (listen to Revolver after all) but because the songs all fit together in a new way. Sgt. Pepper was the arrival of the album as “art” and not just a collection of songs. To me it still stands up as an incredible work of art today.

7. The Velvet Underground & Nico by The Velvet Underground wasn’t a huge commercial success but it is arguably the most influential album on this list. It includes “Heroin,” “Sunday Morning,” “European Son,” & “I’m Waiting for the Man”" among its 11 tracks.

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I’m not interested in the many bands who come and go without much of a legacy left behind. What’s truly fascinating to me are those bands whose music remains vital to new music lovers many years later.

It’s with that kind of thinking that I’m writing this article on the bands from the ’60s whose music is still reaching new listeners today. Using the listening statistics on online radio websites as a guide these are the bands from that time period that are still attracting new listeners.

I’m confident that most of the people listening to these bands on online radio stations now are not the original fans of these bands because most of those people are in their 50s and 60s (or older) and are not in the demographic of people who commonly use these. That’s good because I don’t want to know about what people are listening to for nostalgia reasons, I want to know what ’60s music is still relevant enough to attract new listeners 40 years later.

#1 The Beatles: This is the most obvious choice of course. It’s now been 45 years since they first “invaded” America with “I Want to Hold your Hand” and they still remain just as relevant today, if not more so.

#2 Pink Floyd: While Pink Floyd is on this list mostly for their ’70s work like Dark Side of the Moon, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall they did get their start in the ’60s and I’m personally a huge fan of the Syd Barrett era Floyd.

#3 Led Zeppelin: Another band that was huge in the ’70s too but again they got their start in the late ’60s. Led Zeppelin’s monstrous sound remains vital.

#4 The Rolling Stones: After all of these years the Stones are still going. In some ways that may have tarnished their image with younger people whose first perception of them is of the old dudes still on stage today. But despite that, their late ’60s and early ’70s albums like Beggar’s Banquet and Exile on Main Street remain vital.

#5 The Doors: Even today, nearly 40 years since Jim Morrison’s death, it seems that most young classic rock fans go through at least one stage where they are totally obsessed with The Doors. While it’s become hip among some circles to dismiss The Doors, I think that’s nothing but a fad. They will remain a popular ’60s band for quite some time.

#6 The Who: The best live band of the ’60s, their studio albums probably aren’t quite as good as the other bands on this list but Live at Leeds definitely kicks butt.

#7 The Beach Boys: Pet Sounds is probably listened to more today than it was back when it was first released in 1966 (it didn’t chart particularly well back then.) Head Beach Boy Brian Wilson is probably more revered today than he was back in the mid ’60s when he was writing his biggest hits.

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so here is the list of the great cover songs they’ve included in some of their albums and performed unplugged:

1. who are you – the who

2. something in the way – nirvana

3. revolution – the beatles

4. sgt. peppers lonely hearts club band – the beatles

5. i’m only sleeping – the beatles

6. don’t let me down – the beatles

7. helter skelter – the beatles

8. how – john lennon

9. angie – the rolling stones

10. summertime – george gershwin

11. nothing compares to you – prince / sinead o’connor

12. first time ever i saw your face – roberta flack

13. positively 4th street – bob dylan

14. sunny afternoon - the kinks

15. best of you – the foo fighters

16. mama told me not to come – eric burdon

17. handbags and gladrags – chris farlowe / rod stewart

18. you sexy thing – hot chocolate

let me know if i missed something. by the way, you may want to drop by their official website too for more info and goodies about them: http://www.stereophonics.com

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1. mariah carey’s live/acoustic version of I’ll Be There with trey lorenz is MTV Unplugged’s first single to hit number 1 in the billboard hot 100.

2. mariah carey – merry christmas is the biggest selling christmas album of all time.

3. this year with her 18th number 1 single, Touch My Body, mariah surpassed elvis presley for the second most #1 singles in history. 3 more hits and she’s gonna beat The Beatles at the number 1 spot.

having followed mariah’s music for years now, i can say that she’s a natural hit maker who can make a simple song sound so good and almost original using her unique style and her powerful, “always immitated but never duplicated” weapon which is none other than her voice. so now here’s the list of her remakes along with their original artists:

1. without you – air supply / harry nillson

2. i’ll be there - jackson five

3. open arms – journey

4. i still believe – brenda k. starr

5. endless love – lionel richie

6. against all odds – phil collins

7. didn’t mean to turn you on – robert palmer

8. last night a dj saved my life – indeep

9. the beautiful ones – prince

10. it’s only make believe – conway twitty

11. hopelessly devoted to you – olivia newton-john

12. natural woman – aretha franklin

13. bringing on the heartbreak – def leppard

14. do you know where you’re going to – diana ross

15. God rest ye merry gentlemen – english traditional

16. oh holy night – written by adolphe adam

17. joy to the world – written by isaac watts

18. silent night – written by josef mohr, music by franz gruber

19. santa claus is coming to town – written by j. fred coots and haven gillispie

20. hark! the herald angels sing / gloria – written by charles wesley

21. christmas (baby please come home) – darlene love

22. the star spangled banner – national anthem of USA, written by francis scott key

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