Do you always need to have the sheet music to play a song?
Do you wish you could sit down at the piano and just play like your favorite performers do?
Well, you are not alone.
Most pianists feel the same way as you do.
But don’t give up just yet:
There is an easy way for you to conquer this problem, and it’s guaranteed to work.
The 3 x 5 Method
Part 1: Creating Your Tool In 5 Simple Steps:
All you need is a 3 x 5 index card to get started.
1. Mark off 4 empty measures evenly spaced across your index card (from left to right)
2. Place the chords for each measure between the bar lines.
3. Continue doing this for the entire song: always staying with 4 measures per line.
4. Use repeat signs as well as 1st and 2nd endings to save space as well as to simplify.
5. If the song has a bridge (middle section), draw a horizontal line below the verses and then place the chords in the same way as you did for the other measures.
Note: Many songs have 3rd verses that are the same or nearly the same as the 2nd.
No need to write these chords on the card.
Part 2: Using Your Index Card as Your Ticket to Success
1. Put the index card on the piano and play the chords with your left hand in time (slowly) as you look at them on the card instead of on the sheet music.
2. Next, focus exclusively on the first 4 measures. Look at the index card as you play the chords with your left hand and the melody with the right hand. You will surprise yourself at how easily you’ll be able to play the melody without music after a few minutes.
3. Repeat step #2 without the index card this time. Even if you need to refer to the card a couple of times, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll be able to memorize this section.
4. Every time you practice, review the part of the song that you have already memorized. Once you can play this with confidence, follow the same process to memorize more of the song—always concentrate on 4 measure sections.
5. Carry your index card with you in your pocket or purse at all times. Anytime that you have a free moment—standing in line at the grocery store, sitting traffic, waiting for your meal to be served—pull out the card and review the names of the chords in order.
Remember to focus on 4 measure sections before moving ahead.
Part 3: Free at Last
1. Once you have the first song memorized, play your newly memorized song on as many pianos and keyboards as possible. You may need to refer to the index card occasionally. That’s okay. You’ll still be building up your confidence.
2. Start working on another song and follow this same method. This will actually help you play your first memorized song better, because you’re now developing this habit.
3. Set a goal such as: “I play 5 songs beautifully and confidently from memory by…pick a date.” Review this goal 2 or 3 times every day.
4. Use visualization to help you: picture yourself playing the piano effortlessly a concert stage, as the center of attention at a party or just sitting in your living room alone.
The instrument is clear of all traces of music, and you are smiling from ear to ear.
5. Listen to recordings of your memorized song by great performers to inspire you.
Action Exercises
Here are three things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.
First, spend part of your daily practice sessions working on your songs to be memorized.
Your investment of a few minutes every day will yield powerful results.
Second, copy the chords onto an index card for each song you want to memorize.
The act of writing alone helps to imprint the chords into your memory.
Third, review the chords on your 3 x 5 card every time you have a free moment.
Your time away from the piano will become a turbo charger for your time at the piano.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Tips For The Solo Musician
Here are some tips for the solo wind musician. If you play, woodwinds, brass, strings, or any single line instrument. You can make a substantial amount of money using your play-a-long library.That's right!...Your play-a-long library can be a goldmind of income.
I know it works because I've done it. If I can do it, anybody should be able to do it. Here's the plan.
First: You have all of these wonderful play-a-longs that you use to practice with. You have spent many, many hours learning these songs, and perfecting your talent. A lot of these play-a-longs are really great accompaniment, and some are recorded by professional musicians.
Well!...Why not put together a nice sounding PA, or sound system, (what ever you can afford)use all of those wonderful play-a-longs you've had for years, put some song sets together, go out and target all the venues in your area that would be great for a solo musician as yourself to perform in, and make some easy money. Sound crazy?...think again, you will be surprised to find out just how many places want live entertainment, but dont have the room, or the budget to hire a full band.
Here's an example from my real experiences. I have played a restaurant in early afternoon, a coffee shop after work hours, and played with my regular band that night. The result,...Three times the income that I would have normally made that day.
I charge $50-$100 for small venues, $100-$200 for larger establishments, and parties, $200 and up for high dollar fundtions. You have to be the judge as to how much you need to charge per gig. Also keep in mind your expenses.
Oh!...I forgot to mention the tips. That's extra bravy , or icing on the cake.
So go ahead!...Make that money! Put those old dusty play-a-longs to work.
Since I play mostly jazz, I use this source for my play-a-longs:
THE SOLO MUSICIANS TOOLBOX
If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you should know about, and have in your tool box. It is best to be prepared for whatever comes your way in the form of gigs, and musical opportunities. In this article I will go over some of the general things in the form of gear, hardware, and software, that will give you an edge in this competetive, and demanding world. Keep in mind that these are all suggestions, and it depends on your personal circumstances as to what you are, and are not able to obtain.
I will asume that you already have the musical instrument of your choice, and that you have already spent the thousands of hours that it takes to perfect your talent. There is no way around it!...You get out of it what you put into it. If you spend the time to perfect your talent, you will definatly reap the benefits.
So,...Lets get started. I will list all of the items that I have in mind for this article, and where to obtain them. In some cases, a brief discription on what to do with them.
1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA equipment, preferably something small and compact, but of efficient sound quality
2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the times when you are showing off that great voice of yours. You will also need a microphone stand.
3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for your speakers, to raise your speakers up above peoples heads when playing in restaurants, and coffee shops, ect... You dont want to drive people away, or blow anybodys ear drum.
4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you can use to place your promo material, your CD's, and any of your contact material for people to see, purchase, and take as they come, and go. This can be something that is portable, small and compact, but looks presentable.
5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again, looks presentable.
6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long library for all musicians, especially for solo musicians. As I have stated in my previous article, "Tips for the solo musician", you can make a living just playing solo gigs, and targeting small establishments.
7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or cassette player with a pitch control to play your play-a-longs through your PA.
8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a powerful enough computer to record your own CD's. You can also make your own Play-a-longs with your own style of music.
9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of recording software for your computer. I recommend, Cakewalk.
10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound card for your computer. I recommend, Sound Blaster Live.
11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some kind of keyboard. There are hundreds to choose from, according to your budget.
12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind of CD burning software. Again, there are hundreds of choices. Microsoft Media Player is free.
13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind of business card software for your computer. "Parabim Business Card Builder", is a very efficient one.
14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a website. I recommend, "Host Baby", everything you need in a musicians website is here.
15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help promote your music, and yourself on the internet. I recommend, "Musicians Power Promotion System".
These are just some of the things that will help you on your quest to be a successful solo musician. One thing to remember is,...Always Act...Look...and Dress proffessionally. That first impression can make, or break you.
Just click on the links provided in this article where indicated, and you will be taken to the particular website, were you can find the item.
For Romance Without Any Stress, "Sleepless in Seattle" Is the Cure
If you were celebrating Valentines Day with a candlelight dinner for two at home and settled in to watch a movie, "Sleepless in Seattle" would be a great choice because it provides a pleasant experience and is already becoming a romantic comedy classic.
Your parents or grandparents experienced a similar story line in the now classic "An Affair to Remember" that was released in 1957 and paired Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Their characters fall in love and agree to meet in 6 months at the Empire State Building in New York.
Sleepless in Seattle, released 36 years later in 1993, pairs Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin and Meg Ryan as Annie Reed. Sam is the recently-widowed father of 8-year-old Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger), who calls a nationally-broadcast radio talk show in an attempt to find his lonely father a partner.
A somewhat reluctant Sam talks to host Marcia Fieldstone and thousands of single women across America are suddenly drawn in to Sam's sense of love for his former wife, each wishing she could be as cherished as Sam's next special person. To wit:
Doctor Marcia Fieldstone: Tell me what was so special about your wife?
Sam Baldwin: Well, how long is your program? Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together . . .and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home . . . only to no home I'd ever known . . .I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like . . . magic.
If that dialog does not melt every woman's heart she would need to go straight to "The Wizard of Oz" and receive a new transplant. Soon Sam is getting thousands of letters from wannabe partners, all of which are read by his son Jonah, who decides that "Annie" is the best choice.
Annie is engaged to marry Walter (Bill Pullman). Should she do so she would be making the first great mistake of her life. Walter is a decent enough chap, but Annie is missing any sparks in their relationship because Walter has the personality of an ashtray.
Annie goes to great lengths to meet Sam, flying from New York to Seattle only to discover Sam with another woman, whom she mistakes for a love interest. She never mails a letter she has written to Sam, but her friend does. In it she proposes to meet Sam on top of the Empire State Building.
Sam is not interested in going, but his son Jonah is, so, with the help of his new friend whose parents own a travel agency, he is able to book a flight to the Big Apple and ends up on the observation deck of the Empire State Building looking for Annie. Sam, in a panic, to find his son, follows him to New York. The rest you will have to see.
Hanks is very convincing as a forlorn widower and Ryan was at her peak of being cute and innocent. The chemistry between the two, who only share approximately 2 minutes of screen time together, is great.
The role of Annie was originally offered to Julia Roberts but she turned it town. Kim Basinger, who was also offered the part, turned it down because she thought the premise was ridiculous. Just recently in the news, a youngster in Jonah's peer group did exactly what Jonah did, managed to book flight on a major airline and fly undetected. Life is indeed stranger than fiction.
The screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle was written in part by Nora Ephron, who also wrote "When Harry Met Sally" (another great romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal). Ephron directed the film.
Ephron, David S. Ward and Jeff Arch (who did write the story) were nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay, and the film received another nomination for Best Original Song ("A Wink and a Smile"). Sleepless in Seattle also got Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Tom Hanks) and Best Actress (Meg Ryan).
Sleepless in Seattle cost $21 million to film and grossed $227 million worldwide at the box office, adding another $65+ million in rentals.
Tom Hanks is the gold standard in acting. He has been nominated for 5 Best Actor Oscars (Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away) and won twice for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump". Hanks also has won 4 Best Actor Golden Globes for Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump and Cast Away.
His films have grossed more than $3.3 billion. He remains only 1 of 3 actors to have 7 consecutive $100 million domestic blockbusters; the other two are Tom Cruise and Will Smith.
Sleepless in Seattle is viewed by many guys as a "chick flick" but not by me. I consider it an outstanding relationship film with a great story line that proves to be a pleasant viewing experience every time I see it again. If a guy has ever been in love and felt the magic, he will appreciate this film a lot more.
Your parents or grandparents experienced a similar story line in the now classic "An Affair to Remember" that was released in 1957 and paired Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr. Their characters fall in love and agree to meet in 6 months at the Empire State Building in New York.
Sleepless in Seattle, released 36 years later in 1993, pairs Tom Hanks as Sam Baldwin and Meg Ryan as Annie Reed. Sam is the recently-widowed father of 8-year-old Jonah Baldwin (Ross Malinger), who calls a nationally-broadcast radio talk show in an attempt to find his lonely father a partner.
A somewhat reluctant Sam talks to host Marcia Fieldstone and thousands of single women across America are suddenly drawn in to Sam's sense of love for his former wife, each wishing she could be as cherished as Sam's next special person. To wit:
Doctor Marcia Fieldstone: Tell me what was so special about your wife?
Sam Baldwin: Well, how long is your program? Well, it was a million tiny little things that, when you added them all up, they meant we were supposed to be together . . .and I knew it. I knew it the very first time I touched her. It was like coming home . . . only to no home I'd ever known . . .I was just taking her hand to help her out of a car and I knew. It was like . . . magic.
If that dialog does not melt every woman's heart she would need to go straight to "The Wizard of Oz" and receive a new transplant. Soon Sam is getting thousands of letters from wannabe partners, all of which are read by his son Jonah, who decides that "Annie" is the best choice.
Annie is engaged to marry Walter (Bill Pullman). Should she do so she would be making the first great mistake of her life. Walter is a decent enough chap, but Annie is missing any sparks in their relationship because Walter has the personality of an ashtray.
Annie goes to great lengths to meet Sam, flying from New York to Seattle only to discover Sam with another woman, whom she mistakes for a love interest. She never mails a letter she has written to Sam, but her friend does. In it she proposes to meet Sam on top of the Empire State Building.
Sam is not interested in going, but his son Jonah is, so, with the help of his new friend whose parents own a travel agency, he is able to book a flight to the Big Apple and ends up on the observation deck of the Empire State Building looking for Annie. Sam, in a panic, to find his son, follows him to New York. The rest you will have to see.
Hanks is very convincing as a forlorn widower and Ryan was at her peak of being cute and innocent. The chemistry between the two, who only share approximately 2 minutes of screen time together, is great.
The role of Annie was originally offered to Julia Roberts but she turned it town. Kim Basinger, who was also offered the part, turned it down because she thought the premise was ridiculous. Just recently in the news, a youngster in Jonah's peer group did exactly what Jonah did, managed to book flight on a major airline and fly undetected. Life is indeed stranger than fiction.
The screenplay for Sleepless in Seattle was written in part by Nora Ephron, who also wrote "When Harry Met Sally" (another great romantic comedy with Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal). Ephron directed the film.
Ephron, David S. Ward and Jeff Arch (who did write the story) were nominated for an Oscar for Best Screenplay, and the film received another nomination for Best Original Song ("A Wink and a Smile"). Sleepless in Seattle also got Golden Globe nominations for Best Picture, Best Actor (Tom Hanks) and Best Actress (Meg Ryan).
Sleepless in Seattle cost $21 million to film and grossed $227 million worldwide at the box office, adding another $65+ million in rentals.
Tom Hanks is the gold standard in acting. He has been nominated for 5 Best Actor Oscars (Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump, Saving Private Ryan and Cast Away) and won twice for "Philadelphia" and "Forrest Gump". Hanks also has won 4 Best Actor Golden Globes for Big, Philadelphia, Forrest Gump and Cast Away.
His films have grossed more than $3.3 billion. He remains only 1 of 3 actors to have 7 consecutive $100 million domestic blockbusters; the other two are Tom Cruise and Will Smith.
Sleepless in Seattle is viewed by many guys as a "chick flick" but not by me. I consider it an outstanding relationship film with a great story line that proves to be a pleasant viewing experience every time I see it again. If a guy has ever been in love and felt the magic, he will appreciate this film a lot more.
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