I have always wanted to learn to play the piano but have , until now, been unable to afford the lessons. I can’t even read music though. Do you think it is even worth the effort. I am also interested in the violin. Does anyone know how difficult learning it would be?
One of the best things that you can decide to do to prolong the life of your guitar is to clean it. Of course, you might be very conscious of how you store it and whether it can become damaged, but when dirt and dust come into play, sometimes you have no choice but to clean a guitar.
Once you get into the groove of keeping the dirt and dust away, you should realize that once a month is usually sufficient for keeping your guitar clean. Check out these easy tips that are used to clean a guitar and preserve its natural shine and ability.
1. Get the grease off the back of the neck.
As long as your fingers are resting on those frets, your thumb is smudging up the back of the guitar neck and that can get messy. Get a rag and a bottle of Windex to really wipe away those smudges and create a drier platform to place your thumb again.
2. Brush out those cable inputs.
Along with all of the other things that need to stay clean on a guitar, the cable inputs are no exception with their tendencies to wear out and create unwanted noise distortion. If you want to clean a guitar’s inputs pretty good, get a q-tip or thin brush to wipe around inside.
3. Keep the sweat off your guitar by having a towel.
In the summertime, you might have shows that are just blazing hot and cause you to sweat more than you would like. It’s times like these when it’s good to have a towel nearby to wipe the sweat from your poor guitar that usually gets the worst of it.
4. Your guitar case should have a rag inside.
Most of the grime and dust that accumulates on your guitar comes with age and time, but sometimes it can be from the fan that decides to whip his beer onto the stage. For events like this, it’s nice to have a rag nearby to clean a guitar when you really didn’t want to.
5. Your guitar can’t stay clean if your guitar case is open.
You may have realized that keeping your guitar on a stand in your room allows it to get dirty faster so you put it in a case. Just remember to close the lid and latch it to preserve the guitar’s shine, keep the dust away, and keep it safer in general.
6. Take your damaged hardware in for a repair.
People who repair damaged guitar parts are usually required by their place of employment to wipe down the instrument and make it shine for appearance reasons. If something isn’t working properly on your guitar, take it down for a repair and a spit shine.
It’s some rough upkeep sometimes, but keeping a clean guitar makes a big difference in how long your guitar lasts, and how it can represent you on stage. When your axe starts to get dirty, try a few of these tips, and get your guitar shining bright again.
WAIT! Before you buy any sort of expensive guitar course online, check out Kyle Hoffman’s valuable tips to beginning the guitar the right way at How To Guitar Play as part of his well-known guitar blog, How To Guitar Tune
Please Rate Comment and Subscribe to see more piano lessons go to my website at derekpianolessons.tk Check out the 2nd lesson for the rest of the song. LINK BELOW www.youtube.com Also check out and join my Keyboard Lessons group, to see more Keyboard lessons and to add your own lessons. www.youtube.com
Belly dance can simply be defined as “a solo dance performed by a woman with hip and abdominal movements.”
General information:
Many believe that belly dancing is an oldest form of dances taking origin from India to the Middle-East countries. It is a type of dance usually performed, when a woman is being prepared for her marriage. It is usually danced barefooted.
Belly dance can be called as a Western term being used for a traditional Arab dance form. In Arabic language, it is known as “raqs sharqi,” (oriental dance), or “raqs baladi,” meaning dance of country. In Greece, it is called as “tsiftetelli.” Raqs baladi is performed by both men and women of any age group for fun and celebration. Raqs sharqi, popular in America is also performed by both men and women.
Belly dance costumes:
The costumes used in belly dancing are quite colorful. In early days, the use of jewelry especially the belt of coins was thought to be a symbol of wealth. Other accessories used include the swords, snakes, and huge flaming candles. In Arabic, the costume used for this dance is called as “bedlah,” meaning suit, which was adopted by Egyptian dancers in 1930s, later spreading to the rest of the countries.
The bedlah costume consists of a fitted top, (with a fringe of beads/coins), a fitted hip belt, (also with a fringe of beads/coins), and a skirt (straight or circular). In the western world, “veil” is used which is a 3.5-4 yard fabric, prominating the arm movements throughout the dance.
In Egypt, the dancers normally use full beaded dresses, designed according to the type of dancing. This type of costume is especially meant for folk dancing and is popular among the European and American countries.
Generally, the costume in belly dancing varies with the dance style. The cabaret costume in belly dance usually consists of a hip belt, bra, skirt, with one or more veils. Other jewelry accessories like neck bands, arm coverings, face veils and shoes are considered as optional for the dancers.
Popularity:
It is believed that the belly dancing in America got popularity in about 1893, when for the first time, famous dancer little Egypt performed his dance in Chicago World’s Fair. Since 19th century, the belly dancing got much popularity across the U.S and thus whole world. Many belly dance shows are organized all across the world.
Belly dance history: The exact origin of belly dance history is debatable.The history of Belly dancing is very old. The accurate information about belly dancing is not available, but there is a mixture of speculations about its history. Belly dancing is a mixture of various cultures including Lebanon, Egypt, Arabic Gulf, Turkey and North Africa. Morroco is thought to have several oral references for its origin, but lacking the fact of true origin of the dance. Some suggest Roma to be its origin, who are thought to spred the dance while traveling, picking up the dance and spreading it around.
Wherever is the origin, this dance has a long and old history in the Middle-East countries. The Middle-East countries have two popular belly dance styles as the “city dance,” (including stage, cabaret), and the “country dance,” (the regional folk dances), while the western countries use an umbrella form of belly dance, famous for the hip movements. The rhythm used in belly dancing, also varies from one area to the other.
Belly dance Technique:
Most of the basic steps and movements in belly dance are circular in motion, usually confined to one part of the body. Like, the movements made by hips would be a “hip circle,” and the use of rib-cage will be called as a” chest circle.”
Raqs Sharqi:
In raqs sharqi, the main focus lies on the hip and pelvic area. Raqs sharqi or “oriental dance, is one of the oldest dance forms in the world. The most important body part used in this style is the “hips.” Although this dance is thought to be a female’s dance, but men also do perform this dance.
Egyptian style Raqs Sharki:
In Egyptian style, although the basic steps remain the same, there is incorporation of ballet into raqs sharqi. In Egypt, there are three main forms of the dance being popular, Baladi, Sha’abi, Sharqi.
Turkish style:
Turkish belly dance often called as”tsiftetelli,” is more a form of wedding folk music, not actually connected to oriental dancing. Turkish dancers are famous to be more energetic, using finger cymbals known as “zils.”
Western belly dance:
Belly dance in Western world gained popularity in 1893, when “Little Egypt,” performed her dance at the World’s Fair. The classical Raqs sharqi is still popular in the western world; many dancers have created other forms known as “American Tribal dance.”
Belly dance in United States:
The popularity of belly dance in the United States dates back to 1950-1960, when the Americans became familiarized with belly dancing. Initially, the dance was performed by the Turkish and Greek dancers, but later on Americans also started learning it. Their interest in belly dancing gave rise to many styles, one of which is the “American –Tribal belly dance.”
Male belly dancing:
The role of men in belly dancing is debatable. The trend of male performers in this dance started in 60s-70s, by performers in the United-States.
Belly dance styles:
There are two main categories of belly dancing being practiced today;
· Western belly dance. · Eastern belly dance.
Western belly dance styles:
Following are the few Western belly dance styles practiced:
1. Classic American belly dance:
This is the original American belly style also called as “cabaret” or” night club” dance. It differs from the Eastern belly style in that; it has more freedom of movements, with more use of veils, props and zills. It has evolved new steps and concepts, thus giving rise to a Modern American belly style with more advanced moves.
2. Tribal belly dance:
Tribal belly dance, which started in about 1960s, is a dance style performed by a group of dancers. In this style, the veil work is not used to an extent as in American style; however there is more use of finger cymbals and swords.
3. Gypsy belly dance:
This style of belly dance is the interpretation of the folk dance of the “Gypsy,” originating from Spain, Turkey and Egypt. The dance is famous for its energy and passion, based on folk steps.
4. Spiritual belly dance:
This dance style is believed to have a connection with the goddess of ancient times. In this style of belly dance, props are commonly used.
5. Fusion belly dance:
Fusion belly dance consists of both the belly dance movements and the steps derived from outside. 6. Fitness belly dance:
This style of belly dance is thought to be popular since 1970s. It is not an artistic dance, but usually done for exercise purposes. It has a wide variety of moves including, aerobic techniques, sit-ups etc.
Eastern belly dance styles:
1. Egyptian belly dance (raqs sharqi):
Egyptian or “oriental dance,” uses belly dance moves which are more artistic and describe emotional interpretation of the music into dance style. These dancers rarely use veil or floor work.
2. Turkish belly dance (Oriyantal Dansi):
Turkish style of belly dancing is thought to be bolder with use of finger cymbals. Floor work is also quite common in this style, with use of props as well.
3. Lebanese belly dance:
It is one of the ancient forms of belly dance, which is thought to be a mixture of both the Turkish and Egyptian belly dance. It is generally considered to be more energetic, but softer at the same time. In this style, use of props and finger cymbals is common.
4. East-Indian belly dance:
It is believed, that the Romani people started originating the belly dance moves in India long ago. Bollywood belly dancing is a fusion of core belly dance moves, with classical Indian dance. As it contains majority of the non-belly moves, so it is not an authentic belly dance.
Core moves in belly dancing:
Belly dance steps and moves:
It is said that there are 12 basic belly dance steps and moves. By practicing these 12 basic steps, one can become master of belly dancing.
a. Basic Hip moves:
There are 3 basic hip movements usually performed by the belly dancers. For performing these three hip movements, a good posture is required by the dancers. Stand on your feet with slightly apart from each other, and distribute your weight between two feet. Slightly bend your knees. Shoulders are in a relaxed position, with the rib cage slightly moved up. Hold your arms in a comfortable position.
1. Hip Twist:
In standing position, isolate and twist the right hip forward, and the left hip will swift back. 2. Up and Down hips:
Standing in the same posture, right hip bone is moved upward and then down and vice versa. The leg muscles help to pull the knees up and down, so the knees should be kept relaxed.
3. Hip Thrust:
Standing in the basic position, thrust the right hip to the side and slightly up. The feet are kept flat.
b. Rolling Hip moves:
There are three basic hip rolling moves.
1. Belly dance hip figure 8’s:
There are 2 basic figure 8 hip moves.
Back to forward version:
A large figure 8 is painted on the floor and the dancer stands in the middle of it, with one circle of 8 on one side of the dancer and the other circle of 8 on the other side. First isolate your hips, and twist the right hip back, slide it to the side and thus twist it forward. Now, the left hip is moved in the same manner, as upon completion of one side of hip, the other hip is automatically positioned for the same movement.
Forward to back version:
For a forward to back, the direction of figure 8 is reversed. Isolating the hips and twisting the right hip forward, sliding it to a side and then twisting it back.
Down-Up version:
Push your right hip down, slide it to a side, lift up and then pull it back to its starting position.
Up-Down version:
Reverse the direction of the hip move as in down-up version to make it up-down one.
Belly dance hip circles:
In this type of belly dance, hips are used to draw from small-medium sized circles. Isolate the hips, sliding them to the right side; push them back and to left side; pushing them forward and to the right side to complete a circle.
Vertical belly dance hip circles:
A vertical belly dance is also called as “bicycle hips.” Isolating the hips, lift the right hip up, roll forward, push down, push back and then up to the starting point, tracing a circle which is vertical to the floor.
All the circular hip movements in belly dance can either be done in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
I can’t really afford to have private lessons with a tutor, learning the piano is something I have always wanted to do and I have finally got my hands on a decent one.
Anyway, does anyone know of any free sites that can help me along, such as telling me what the symbols on the staves, where the dots are, etc, mean?
Any other help would be greatly appreciated!
I will personally choose a best answer
Many thanks.
There is no expert technical “trickery” involved in becoming a great hip hop beat producer. All you need is talent, and the determination to work hard, and a deep underlying passion for the music. If you have all these three qualities, there is really nothing that can stop you from joining the ranks of Kanye or Dr. Dre as a great hip hop producer.
When you start off on your beat making journey, you might get a little overwhelmed with all the options that you have at your disposal. You can literally do anything with your beats, imparting any flavor or twist you might want to (that’s why it’s a creative and highly rewarding field). Of course, that’s not the way to really go about becoming great at beat making; a far better route would be to pick one style – say East Coast beats – and sticking with it until you learn all the tricks of the trade.
One obvious consideration for any aspiring beat maker is equipment. Too many wanna-be beat producers never let their dream materialize because of some deep belief that you need the best equipment and the most expensive software with the craziest set up to make great beats. This is, of course, untrue. You can start off with a little less than a hundred dollars and make beats that sound more than professional, provided you know what equipment to purchase.
The cheapest, and the easiest option is to purchase a beat making software. This software have been designed specifically to help you make beats and come with a huge library of pre-created beats and loops that you can tweak and modify to impart them your own flavor. Being in 2009 has its advantages; all those veteran beat makers you see on TV didn’t have access to technology like this, otherwise their journey would’ve been a lot smoother.
The key is to stay focused and dedicated. You might start off with a lot of energy when you want to learn the art of beat making, but fizzle out after a while. Keep practicing, keep making beats with your beat production software, and before you know it, you’ll be playing with the big boys in the big leagues!
You do not need to cry out in pain when it comes to learning the guitar, beginner or not; it does not make a difference. Many people that start, or should I say, “want to learn to play a guitar,” fail before they even begin.
If you are wondering why that is the case, you have every reason to. I mean, how can someone fail before they even begin? Have you ever tried to get something done only to waste so much time trying to perfect it before even starting? If so, I think you can relate that perfection hinders progress.
The main problem that I see with people wanting to learn the guitar is that they do things the wrong way. They start doing things that they should be doing only when they are intermediates, or they start trying to do the things that professionals are doing.
Let me let you in on a little secret that will make you a guitar player in less than 24 hours. Are you ready for this amazing secret? THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK! There, I have said it and don’t let anyone tell you differently.
Most of the people that that I’ve talked to, think that learning to play a guitar can be done in under a month. As true as that may be, it actually takes way more time to complete (there is actually no completion, it is an on going process) as there are quite a few things that need to be done.
Preparation for the adventure is exactly what one needs to do first. What is the very first thing that needs to be done, you might ask. Well, today I will put your heart at ease by answering that question. Obviously, the first thing that you are going to do is make a conscious decision that you want to play the guitar.
Now that you have decided that playing the guitar is exactly what you want to do, it is time to move on to the next thing. Go out and pick out a very nice guitar and start playing right; wrong! Actually, the next step has nothing to do with a guitar, guitar lesson, guitar instructor or anything like that.
Good news everyone, ANYONE can become a guitarist, because everyone has what it takes. The only thing that you have to posses is the desire to learn no matter what. With the desire comes the right conditioning.
You need to have the right mind conditioning which has to do with mindset. If your mindset is off; I can assure you that you will fail. How do you have the right mindset? Simple, by making the decision to start playing, and having the great desire to learn; you are off to a good start.
After that, you need to dedicate yourself and time to playing. Above all, positive attitude is what will make or break your guitar playing.
My only regret now is that I hadn’t found out about the Guitar Superstars lessons program when I was first learning to play, which would have made my life so much easier.
