The Napster company had quite a rocky start as the location where music enthusiasts could find each other and, using Napster’s amazing technology, exchange their music collections over the Internet.   No money ever changed hands.  In a way, it was just like selling bootleg compact discs except that nobody made any income from it.  In fact, it was the free part of the model that perturbed the recording artists and record labels.  Eventually Napster settled with the recording industry, with a huge financial award.  They learned their lesson well enough to completely change their business model.  Read more... (441 words, 0 images, estimated 1:46 mins reading time)

Playing a musical instrument often entails uninteresting tasks such as playing scales that can become boring. Scales are a necessary evil, if you will and if applied properly can be a path to better playing, no matter the instrument. If you can remember why you are playing scales you can receive the best result from their use.

How Do Scales Help?

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Playing the guitar in front of people may seem easy when it’s just a few friends or family, but when it’s a crowded room full of strangers waiting to be entertained it’s a different story. Standing in front of a large and live audience can be a scary experience, especially if you are a performer.

It doesn’t matter if you are completely new to performing on stage or you are a seasoned performer, there are a number of things you can do to make the very best of your performance. These tips have been taken from the experts – those who get up and perform with stability and amazing talent every week – we have compiled them here to make sure you perform at the best of your ability every time you go on stage.  Read more... (780 words, 0 images, estimated 3:07 mins reading time)

Stage fright is much the same anxiety as public speaking, a phobia of being humiliated in front of an audience.  One of the most common anxieties we all have as performers is stage fright.  Performing must be learned by most people and is not a natural inclination or talent.  There are certain people that love attention and are natural performers.  The list of idolized performers that have to manage stage fright is exhaustive and sometimes surprising.  Barbra Streisand is one example of a well known performer that has a problem with stage fright.  With help and study you can learn to manage stage fright and all of its complications.  Read more... (322 words, 0 images, estimated 1:17 mins reading time)

© Norine Peardon, 2009

Over and over again, I have heard someone say, “I don’t like classical music!”  But did you know that all music evolved from classical music? Some of the early music can hardly be recognized as a sound, let alone music!

Most of the early music resembled what we now term “chant”.  The chant is still used in protests, religious services, sports games and other ways.  The early musicians used composition of new music to practice and contribute to their religion. Music evolved through the periods of medieval, renaissance and baroque styles. Some of these styles were not very melodic.  When the classical period was borne, music was exceptionally creative and drew listener interest and respect.  Read more... (543 words, 0 images, estimated 2:10 mins reading time)