|
|
|
|
When I first started playing the piano I wanted to learn how to compose. The idea that I could create something tangible really appealed to me.
So much so that I read everything I could get my hands on to learn the great art of musical composition. The problem was that these books assumed that you knew certain things like form, structure, harmony, and counterpoint. What a disappointment! It was hard trying to take the feelings I had on the inside and put them down on paper.
The real problem was that I had it backwards. Instead of trying to learn composition first, I needed to learn how to improvise - how to free the inner voice from criticism and judgement so I could be free to create the music that was inside of me.
And so I began to read about how to improvise, Again, I was disappointed. I couldn't find good books on the subject, or books that would show me how to play in the New Age style - the style I loved. Eventually, I stumbled on a simple book that showed how to play using chord changes with 8-bar phrases. Now, here was something I could do! All I had to do now was learn chords. Once I knew how to play a few chords I began to see that in order to really be creative there had to be a set of limitations. An irony, yet one that works!
By playing chord changes within a set framework, I was learning how to create within limits. Even so called "free improvisation" has certain rules. For example, you may decide that you'll improvise using the chords and scale of D Major. That's creating within limits. It's not necessary to use limits to create music, but it definitely helps one to focus in on expressing yourself. Instead of thinking about what to play, you've already made that decision and are now free to create.
Edward Weiss is a pianist/composer and webmaster of Quiescence Music's online piano lessons. He has been helping students learn how to play piano in the New Age style for over 14 years and works with students in private, in groups, and now over the internet. Stop by now at http://www.quiescencemusic.com/piano_lessons.html for a FREE piano lesson!
 CTV.ca | Will the American Music Awards win the youth vote? Los Angeles Times, CA - By Geoff Boucher At rehearsals this week for the 36th Annual American Music Awards at the Nokia Theatre, one of the key executives for the show gushed that ... Performances pack American Music Awards show in Los Angeles Britney Spears to Perform at Sunday's American Music Awards? Britney's surprise appearance at AMA |
 ZDNet | Why the new Zune Pass should be irresistible ZDNet - The music industry has been stumbling and bumbling with subscription-based music services for years, and I’ve been experimenting with them since the very ... Microsoft Ups the Ante on Zune Downloads Microsoft Announces New Zune Pass Music Subscription Model Microsoft lets Zune music subscribers keep tunes |
 New York Times | Movement Mostly Minimal, With Music to Match New York Times, United States - I thought, “Couldn’t I at least listen to some music while I watch this?” Then we did hear music (drumming with rhythms far more complex than any of the ... |
'Music Center or bust!' by train and bus Los Angeles Times, CA - One of the truly Sisyphean tasks of LA living is trying to get to the Music Center from the so-near-but-oh-so-far Metro Red Line subway station. ... Classical Music/Opera Listings |
 Washington Post | Julianne Hough Wants To Focus On Her Music Career. kypost.com, KY - She tells Ryan Seacrest that she really wants to focus on her music and "be taken seriously." She says it's hard to be on "Dancing With The Stars" and be ... Julianne Hough 'Dancing' no more Julianne Hough Hangs Up Her Dancing Shoes `DWTS' pro Julianne Hough won't return next season |
Hard times demand good music, conductor Gergiev says Reuters - About to embark on a two-week tour of Japan at the head of the London Symphony Orchestra (LSO), Gergiev said that while classical music may be expensive, ... |
Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra delivers audience-friendly 20th ... Dallas Morning News, TX - By SCOTT CANTRELL / The Dallas Morning News FORT WORTH – The mere mention of the words "20th century music," sadly, will send many a concertgoer fleeing for ... |
 TheOnlinewire | Jets-Titans offer early AFC showdown in Music City The Associated Press - NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans feel they aren't getting the attention and respect that usually go with a 10-0 start. ... 100 Words: Jets (7-3) at Titans (10-0) The View from the Cheap Seats |
Music review: Fiery finale for Guarneri Quartet San Francisco Chronicle, USA - In the potent performance of the Mendelssohn Octet that occupied the second half of the program, a listener could witness the mantle of chamber-music ... West Coast premiere of Salonen composition, canceled at OCPAC ... |
 MTV UK | Kanye West's new album to debut on MySpace Music The Associated Press - NEW YORK (AP) — Add Kanye West to the list of artists previewing their new CDs on MySpace Music. The 31-year-old rapper's "808s & Heartbreak" doesn't come ... Kanye West examines real vs. fake, puppet vs. human on '808s and ... Kanye West: 808s and Heartbreak Kanye West's "808's & Heartbreak" album covers |
| Top of Page home Bookmark Us Now ctrl+d 1st 4 Music, shopping via 1st4music cost no more than going direct and can often save you money with special offers. with questions or comments about this website |