Learning To Play Guitar Online

By Ian Sawyer

At some point, nearly all of us had aspirations of becoming a guitar god. One or two lessons later, most of us also gave up this dream due to time constraints, unrealistic expectations, boredom, lack of instant gratification, or incompatibility with our teacher. These days, the Internet has become a boon for not only entrepreneurs looking to provide online lesson programs, but also for those of us who would rather learn on our own time, at our own pace, and within our budget.

When you search on Google for online guitar lessons it will call up a surprisingly long list of websites that offer cutting edge guitar training technology and up-to-date methodology. In fact, nearly every learn to play guitar website claims to be the most immersive, easy, inexpensive, and revolutionary resource out there for people looking to go from zero to guitar hero in a matter of months, or in some cases, hours. It doesnt take a genius to assume that many of these statements are impossible to live up to. However, there is validity to the notion that one can learn how to play guitar relatively inexpensively and conveniently in the comfort of his or her own home with nothing more than an Internet connection. And a guitar, of course.

The fun part of online media is that there are many forms of content that one can download. In terms of learning guitar online, common elements include video tutorials, music tablature scales (TAB), MP3 lessons and jam tracks, job and gig listings, vocabulary glossaries, and even games that teach and test guitar chord knowledge. Research reveals that the most effective and common offerings are delivered in the video tutorial format. This seems to have taken the place of meeting with guitar teachers in person.

On the Internet, you have the luxury of taking all the time you need, revisiting difficult exercises without paying for more time, and being able to choose when and where you participate. Also common are MP3 jam track packages that most online guitar sites offer. In these cases, you are able to jam along with the likes of Van Halen, Black Sabbath, etc. with the original guitar tracks either totally faded out or at a reduced volume so that you can concentrate on your own playing during your favorite songs. This is not only educational, it is also exhilarating and fun.

Something to keep in mind when searching for the most appropriate online guitar learning website are: overtly false sales pitches, such as Sound like Slash in less than a day; to-good-to-be-true claims, like, The secret of learning perfect pitch revealed; and extremely low price points"youre going to get what you pay for, so dont expect to learn guitar for the bargain price of $19.99.

One search even brought up dozens of free online guitar lesson links, but most of these ended up being ad-heavy pages of disorganized clutter. Fortunately, many of the best sites offer free trial periods and money-back guarantees.

If you are a would-be guitar student out there, there will be the most appropriate mode of learning. For some, one-on-one time with a live instructor will be the way to go. For others, downloading an instructional guitar program will provide more convenience, less pressure, and a broader scope of genre and artist selection. Generally, online programs are also less expensive as there is a one-time download expense as opposed to continuous hourly lesson rates. In the end, the Internet is a great resource for finding exactly what you are looking for. If you have the passion, guitar stardom may only be a click away. - 18762

About the Author:

Ian Sawyer is a Freelance-Writer for YouMusic.com, the place for Musicians to Network with Fans and other Musicians Online via Music Chat Rooms, Music Forums, Instant Messaging, Music Blogs, and Music Groups. YouMusic.com also features Music Shopping, Concert Tickets and Other Shopping For a Variety of Guitar Courses Online Visit The YouMusic.com Education Section

Can Any Accomplished Piano Player Teach Me Piano?

By Michael Mickey Charles

When you first research into hiring a piano instructor it is easy to say to yourself, if they can play, then they can teach me piano right? but this isnt necessarily the case. Just because someone can play piano doesnt mean that they will be a worth while instructor. In fact, in reality the opposite is more commonly true.

The most accomplished piano players have a hard time backtracking to the rudiments of piano, simply because they passed that point ages ago. Many of these pianists feel that they are wasting their talents by getting back to the basics with a beginner when they could be practicing their craft and elevating their current status. These accomplished players usually find no pleasure or patience for newbies. What is so unfortunate is that some of these experienced piano players do not realize they even feel this way until they are hired on to teach new students. Looking for a piano instructor, whether for yourself or someone in your family, it is imperative that you ask about the individuals level of accomplishment as well as their experience as a private piano tutor.

References from past students are important; ask for their phone numbers so you can speak with them personally. Ask the students about their level of accomplishment such as what level they started at and what level they accomplished before discontinuing their lessons. Did they have previous experience or even had an inkling of what the piano entailed before they started? Ask the previous clients about what they believe the instructor could possibly teach you, especially if you have no experience whatsoever in piano. You should be able to make a sound, educated decision based on the answers of these references. If most of the references had previous experience before receiving instruction from this particular piano teacher, perhaps you need someone more versed in teaching total novices. If the instructor had just a few clients that achieved a moderate to high level of success, this might indicate they have a tough personality to work with.

These frustrations can be the reason why some aspiring pianists look to their computers for piano lessons and instruction. Online tutorials, piano lesson software and DVDs have become a less risky more user-friendly option for some and is quickly becoming the preferred way to learn many instruments including the piano. - 18762

About the Author:

Michael 'Mickey' Charles was teaching music in the public school system for 30 years before giving private lessons. His years of experience in teaching piano gives him unparalleled insight into what piano teaching software works and what doesn't. Don't purchase anything before you read what Mickey thinks of the top piano lesson software at his website: http://www.piano-lesson-software.com/

The Unforgettable Legacy Of Frank Sinatra And Nelson Riddle

By Scott Lovejoy

Frank Sinatra is now known as the greatest popular singer in history and canonized as 'The Chairman of the Board'. That wasn't always the case, however. It's easy to forget that there was a period of time when he was just another aging teen idol trying to stay relevant in the music business. He also had personal problems that are famous--particularly his tempestuous romance with actress Ava Gardner--as well as damaged vocal chords. There was a point after his 'bobbysoxer' success that he was in bad shape financially and professionally.

To make matters worse, the impresarios at Columbia Records were abusing his talent in an effort to revive his album sales. His pairing with producer Mitch Miller was particularly disastrous. The nadir of this unholy alliance was probably the recording of "Mama Will Bark", where the greatest voice of the 20th century shared the microphone with a buxom actress named Dagmar (sort of a Rhonda Shear of her day) and some other 'vocalist' howling and barking like a dog in the background. Not surprisingly, Sinatra's recordings with Mitch Miller were not a resounding commercial success and in 1952 he was dropped by Columbia.

His luck was soon to improve, however, as a number of his colleagues including former Tommy Dorsey vocalists June Hutton and Jo Stafford got him in the door at Capitol Records. This began a nine year relationship that produced some of the finest work of Sinatra's career. Initially, Frank worked with June Hutton's husband, Axel Stordahl. These sessions produced some decent music including "I'm Walking Behind You" but wouldn't last long. Frank wanted to go in a different direction, which became a necessity when Stordahl left to take a gig with Eddie Fisher in New York. After a lengthy search for a replacement, Sinatra reluctantly agreed to work with an experienced big band conductor named Nelson Riddle. The Capitol Records executives were excited about the matchup, but Sinatra had to be convinced.

The Riddle/Sinatra collaboration was an unabashed success. Their early sessions produced among other songs "I've Got The World On The String" which is something of a 'shot heard round the world' for Sinatra's career and popular music in general. The well known standard was given new vibrancy with Riddle's buoyant arrangement and Sinatra's new found vocal maturity. The song was only a modest commercial success at the time, reaching #14 on the single charts, but became a classic. It was also a favorite of Sinatra himself, and he continued to perform the song live, frequently as a show opener, for the rest of his life.

When the phoenix-like rebirth of Frank Sinatra's career is put into a modern context, it becomes even more remarkable. Today one can scarcely imagine a 'teenybopper' idol--say, Jordan Knight from 'New Kids on the Block' or one of the Jonas Brothers-being able to sustain a serious musical career at all after their initial stardom among the adolescent set. Frank Sinatra not only revived his career, but left an imprint on America popular music--and its culture--that is unlikely to ever be equaled. "I've Got The World On A String" can easily be considered the 'big bang' in the creation of Frank Sinatra's world that we all inhabit. It is a celebration of the good life, of which the music of Frank Sinatra will always remain an intrinsic part. - 18762

About the Author:

David Glisan is a journalist covering MMA and boxing. He is also the music editor for The Savage Science, a website covering both MMA and music, and is a noted authority on many genres of music including heavy metal and jazz vocals. He contributes to many MMA news websites and provides UFC news for the broadcast and online sports media. He's also a published expert on show biz history and judo.

Billy and Elton: Feel the Pressure of the Yellow Brick Road

By James G. Pynn

What can you say about the Piano Man, the boisterous Billy Joel? And what his compadre Elton John? What can you say about that man that has not been said over the past four decades? Both men have been performing longer than most people have been alive; never mind combining their total years in music entertainment. If it's entertainment you want, there are only two men touring today that can stand, while pounding out a boogie-woogie beat, and deliver.

These fine gents are on their tour buses, bands in tow, looking to rock your local stadium. As the summer of 2009 looms, these powerhouses are roaming the continent, bringing with them all the thunderous power of the rock gods. Yes, to be sure, these men have not faded softly into that hazy classic rock night that enshrouds acts like Deep Purple or Fog Hat.

Not only are you guaranteed to have the tuna salad rocked out of you, but never forget these giants bring with them a formidable pyrotechnics display. Is it the Fourth of July? No, it's better -- it's Elton and Billy blasting the roof off of Wrigley Field. That's the kind of combined firepower legendary concerts are made of. Not since chocolate and peanut butter has there been a better combining of forces.

Buy your tickets, like the decent, law-abiding citizen you are. Get tickets now before you are left scrambling up to complete strangers outside the venue, hoping they are not undercover cops. Take a cue from MC hammer and go too legit to quit. That little mouse contraption you are holding is the key to the best tickets. Do you think Sir Elton and Mister Joel are worth it? You bet your sweet buns they are.

All the major cities are on the slate for these rock and roll generals as they bring in the noise to North America. The Rocket Man and the Piano Man are on the loose and who knows when anyone will have the opportunity to catch them both, on the same ticket no less any time in the foreseeable future. This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. Don't disappoint your grandchildren -- give them a great story and book your tickets now. - 18762

About the Author:

Step right up and start rocking out. The place to buy your Elton John and Billy Joel tickets is online. Avoid the crush and reserve your Elton John and Billy Joel tickets before they are all gone.

Top Tips For First Time Boat Charter

By Tom Binns

Vacations can become "times of your life" when you get aboard a boat. It can be a day to remember if it goes well. You will need to follow some simple rules to avoid problems. Here are a few basic tips to make your day trouble free.

If you have chartered a "bareboat" it means you do not have anyone to sail it for you. If you don't have the minimum qualification yourself you will need to hire a skipper if necessary crew. Check with you charter company who may be able to organise some salty sea dogs for you.

If you've opted for a power boat then you will need to take into account that the fuel is normally charged as an extra on top of the charter fee.

You can tan three times the speed at sea. But you have to be careful not to burn. Take lotion and a hat. You often don't feel the effects of the sun until you have reached land at the end of the day and then it's too late!

Make sure you take snorkel and goggles there's nothing like diving in off a boat into turquoise waters. Always check for jelly fish before jumping in.

When the weather is bad you will be required to wear a life jacket, especially if you can't swim. It's advisable for children to wear them all the times. Some boats will not be suitable for really young children. Always take the skippers advice and listen to his safety speech at the start of the journey.

It's a nice idea to tip the skipper and if you're going ashore for a meal ask him along you'll often get some good sea tales out of him. It's normal practice to tip the skipper at the end of the trip.

That's it! Have fun it should be one of the best days of your holiday! - 18762

About the Author:

Tom Binns occasionally skippers Ibiza Boat Charter