Sheet Music: Its Purpose And Use

What is sheet music? Is it a magical piece of writing that only musicians can read and that allow them to play their instruments like experts? No, sheet music is just a form of musical notation, be it written by hand or printed. Normally sheet music is like its other printed kin in that it is usually found printed on paper. Before paper was a readily available medium parchment was the medium of choice. Now in the computer age "sheet" music is also readily available online as well. One of the reasons that sheet music is called "sheet" is so that it can easily be differentiated from standard music which is a presentation.

When used in everyday language the term sheet music simply refers to a printed piece of music whether it be intended for use on a show, an album, or for a movie
. Another rather generic name for sheet music is score. There are several different of sheet music which can be used in many different ways. Whether it is meant to act as a means to perform a piece of music or is just a record of this music sheet music is not meant to actually replace the performance itself. It is merely intended to be used as a way to help study the music itself so that it can be performed to its utmost.

By doing so musicians can elicit responses from their audiences that would never have been possible had the piece been played straight through. By studying the different sketches and notes that a composer has created before the finished product can help one to understand the creative process that the composer was going through. Some of the notes that may be used for this are the many proofs as well as any marks left behind on printed scores.

There are some special skills that are necessary for reading sheet music. This is the ability to read musical notation. While it is not so for all people to be able to do so the majority must still be able to read thusly. Those who do not have to depend on reading sheet music have the ability to learn a piece of music just by listening to it. This is usually called "playing by ear." There are very few people who can do this however.

The ability to read and play a piece of sheet music the first time through is called sight reading. This ability is expected of skilled musicians as well as serious beginners who will be playing both classical and contemporary music. There are a few very talented individuals who have the ability to look at a piece of written music and hear all the parts played out in their head. This can be a very handy skill for musicians that are aspiring to write their own pieces.

Sheet music is normally carried to all performances by classical musicians. With so many different movements and key changes it could get extremely difficult trying to memorize a whole symphony. Solo performances however are usually right the opposite. The musician following this route will often memorize the pieces they will be playing. Another form of use would be jazz players. They will often have a basic piece of sheet music. This might indicate chord changes and melodies but will still be able to improvise the piece.

About the Author

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music, guitar tab, and home theater audio. You can find the best marketplace at these sites for guitars, drums, keyboards, sheet music uses, guitar tabs, and home theater audio.

Finding Good Quality Mp3 Music

When it comes to downloading mp3 music it can be a difficult choice about which digital music provider to trust. You don't want to be ripped off with low quality music or find yourself being hauled up for doing something illegal. The best way to ensure good quality, up to the minute mp3 music would be to find a reputable company that does not promise anything illegal but will provide good, honest music at a reasonable price that you can comfortably download without fear of being caught doing something dodgy.

Napster is one such digital music company who have become known globally as a trusted source of mp3 music. They own one of the worlds most popular on demand music companies and this can be seen in the fact that they have reported an income of over $127 million from a competitive online subscription service.

For this subscription you will get access to an mp3 music store that is 50% larger than any other online digital music shop. They have the largest library of independent music and are compatible with any mp3 player or music phone, including iPod and iPhone.

Of course these days, all new music comes in an mp3 music format but that hasn't always been the case and it has taken time to convert backdated music for use on personal music players. However, Napster are pleased to announce that they are now able to offer the whole back catalogue of Abba music in mp3 music format. Abba were a top band in the Seventies but have enjoyed regular revivals of the type of music that seems to be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Of course, there is a huge market for downloadable music and, not to be beaten, Richard Branson got in on the act. For a relatively small subscription, you can freely download a huge catalogue of mp3 music. Virgin's new Music On Demand facility launched last year has proved immensely popular. Particularly among the Leona Lewis fans! Leona's hit single Bleeding Love has hit the one million mark for downloads which sees her conquering another milestone.

Search the Google rankings for digital music and you don't have to scroll down very far to find mbop megastore. This is another chart topping music provider who supply a plethora of downloadable music covering every genre from stuff for your granny to tunes for your teenager.

It's been an amazingly quick leap from CD collections to downloading music that takes up no space whatsoever. The digital age is most definitely upon us and has taken over at lightening speed. Piracy was, and still is, a bit of an issue where people would download music and share it with others - file sharing . This is, in effect, stealing. This generates absolutely no revenue for the music industry and if not stopped, the industry would eventually close down and this would be a loss to us all. There will always be those people that find a way round any preventative measures that are put in place but in the main, it has been found that most people would prefer to legally download reasonably priced music than to risk being barred from their favourite sites.

The digital age is a revolution that has made all music genres accessible to all people. Let's not abuse the system and lose it.

About the Author

Musical expert Catherine Harvey looks at the way mp3 music is available to suit all ages and tastes.

Download Free Music

The music industry was revolutionized by two major events, the first was the development of the MP3 format, and the second was the advent of P2P software like Napster. The easy availability of P2P software meant an internet user could easily download thousands of songs without having to spend a single dollar. Napster was just the beginning of the file sharing revolution (although Napster is now a legal music service), today there are P2P software available which allow users to download and share music files. Unfortunately, many people are unaware that P2P software like Kazaa and eDonkey are illegal and using P2P networks to share music is more often than not, a copyright infringement.
The RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America) is a fierce opponent of music piracy, and is using the Digital Millennium Copyright Act to find internet users that are using illegal P2P software. Every year, the RIAA settles thousands of copyright infringement lawsuits. However, there is software available which enables users to download MP3s legally without breaking any copyright laws. Here are a few tips to help you download free legal music.
The easiest way to find free music is by visiting an artist’s or music group’s website and downloading music from the ‘downloads’ section. Most artists and music groups allow visitors to download music and music videos from their website free of charge (you might have to become a member first). Another way to download free legal music is via online music stores; most music stores allow users to download popular music tracks as ‘samples’ for free. There is also specialized software available that allows users to search and share music that has been legally downloaded and is free to distribute. You can also use search engines like Google and Yahoo to find free MP3 files that are free to download.
There has been considerable criticism of P2P software but not all P2P software is illegal and there are paid services that charge a small fee to give users access to P2P networks. The legality of the software and websites mentioned above has been questioned, but software like the one available on unlimiteddownloadplace.com is still one of the most downloaded software on the internet. There is no law prohibiting the downloading of P2P software and this is why P2P software is perfectly legal and readily available online.
It is important to understand that as a user, you are obligated to respect the various copyright laws that apply in your country. In essence, the onus of using P2P software judiciously lies with you and not with the website that is offering the P2P software. If you are downloading P2P software, make sure you understand the legalities and copyright laws involved. Also remember, that not all websites claim they are allowing you to download free legal music. If you are not sure if the music you are downloading is legal, get in touch with the website that you downloaded the software from or better still go through the ‘read me’ file of the P2P software.
Websites and music stores that allow free downloading of music
The iTunes music store allows users to download free music tracks, every week the free music list is updated and a user can use the iTunes software to download music for free. In fact, iTunes is just one of the many online stores that allow free downloading of music. There are also websites like Amazon.com that allow users to download a music track as a sample from a music album. Unlike the iTunes music store, the quality of Amazon.com’s free music track is usually not as good as a high quality ‘rip’ from a music CD. In some cases, you are better off buying the CD or MP3 online, instead of downloading the ‘sample track’.

About the Author

Juan uflerbaumer is the author of this article on download free legal music.
Find more information about download music onlinehere.

Three Basics for Success in the Music Industry

The music industry is full of talent that may never find success. It is unfortunate that it may take years to get a record deal, even if you're awesome! And in the independent music world, it still takes hard work to succeed, even with the increased amount of opportunities for this group. The moral of the story is, "don't put all your eggs in one basket." Basically, you have to really know your stuff, network with music contacts and know your goals. You don't want to end blending in with the rest of the music industry hopefuls that don't succeed.

Let's be honest, we all know that too many demos and press kits end up in the trash. So, try stepping away from the idea of a record deal being your only way to success. The music industry is moving out of the traditional brick and mortar and into the digital realm. Independent music artists are finding more and more ways to get there music out of their sheds and into everyone's iPod. Up and coming artists looking for play time will get their name out there not by sending out hundreds of demos, but by getting their face and name on the web, getting their music played for the people who will listen, and building up a huge fan base.

When you have been at it for years or if you are just starting out, forget fame and fortune for a second, and get down the basics of the music industry:

1. Literally, you have got to know your stuff:
If you're truly devoted to making it in the music industry, then be committed to your music first. Practice and master your craft because we all know there is always room for improvement. This is the most practical yet significant recommendation you'll ever get. If you want to make a lasting impact and develop a steady, long term music industry career you should take the time to develop your own distinctive sound. Whether it's your voice or your piano, you should be unsurpassed at what you do. Only hard work and devotion will get you there.

2. Be Seen!

The key is to build a fan base and the only way to do that is to play live! Don't be a snob about it either. Play anywhere and everywhere you can. Broadcast your performance schedule on your website, in local papers or through your friends and family. Music contacts in the music industry are obtained at performances and gigs.

In addition to playing live, you have to get your music heard. The radio, Internet radio, on your website, MP3s, ringtones, podcasts and web videos are all usable outlets. Take advantage of all the options out there available to independent music artists.

3. Lastly, Be Available.

Four out of five times, the first thing people do when. Find a way to connect to your website visitors. Tell stories, blog, put up pictures, schedules, freebies and anything else you can think of. Talk about what your music means or where you derive inspiration.

The bottom line really whether or not you have talent and are marketable in the music industry. Next, you have to put the time and effort into actually marketing your independent music to fans, music contacts and to anyone else who will listen. Take the time and put in the extra effort and success will come your way!

About the Author

Owner of Platinum Millennium publishing, former record label owner & national music industry seminar speaker/panelist. Author/creator of best-selling music biz books, courses, audio products & "How to" resources that helped 1000s. Go to http://www.TheIndustryYellowPages.com for more info on music contacts, music industry & independent music.

Guitar Tablature Or Sheet Music?

Is it necessary to learn ordinary music notation for guitar or is it sufficient to know how to read tabs? Is it worth the price to learn to read ordinary guitar sheets?

Many guitar books available with tablature notation will also have a staff above with the guitar sheet music notation. It is also very common today that classical guitar books also have a guitar tab staff below.

This was not very common a few decades ago. Tablature has by some guitarists been considered cheating. Is it cheating or is it a help to have tabs at your disposal?

Personally I have as a guitar teacher experienced many instances when tablature has been a great help to my pupils. however, I would be very happy if young musicians would put more energy into the endeavor to learn to read sheet music notation.

It is a great advantage to have a working knowledge on how to read and understand music scores and the various symbols pertaining to it.

Let's take a look at the advantages of being able to read guitar music notation:

1. You will be able to play a piece of music the way the composer has intended without having heard it before. This is possible because music notation consists of descriptions concerning the pitch and also the length of the notes and other symbols telling you how to play the notes and performing the music.

2. You will have an enormous library of sheet music from various time periods at your disposal. It is possible to play music written for other instruments as well as music notation doesn't describe how to play the notes on a particular instrument but more which notes to play. This makes it possible for a guitarist to play violin exercises and vocal scores and so on.

3. You will as a guitarist be able to write and arrange music for other instruments in your band making it possible to shorten the rehearsal time and facilitating the use of more complicated musical arrangements.

4. Being able to read and use sheet music will help you as a composer to notate all your ideas in a way that you will remember and that you easily can share with your friends and others.

Let's look at the advantages of using guitar tablature:

1. Being a poor sheet music reader can hinder your from playing on the level of your techniqal skills. It's a pity that many guitar pupils play just a few boring sheet music melodies when they could really be playing melodies using the entire fretboard just by the use of tablature.

2. It is very easy to describe chords, licks and complicated riffs with the help of tablature especially if you have audio examples of the music.

3. Tablature notation is still as easy to read even when you use alternative tunings as the tab notation still tells you only how to put your fingers. Using sheet music notation with alternative tunings on the guitar is a bit difficult to say the least.

4. Internet is flooded with more or less accurate tablature renditions of popular riffs, songs and more.

Okey, but what is the best alternative, guitar tablature or guitar sheet music?

My opinion is that you can use tablature as much as you want but I recommend you to really learn to read sheet music notation because of the many advantages you will reap from it.

If you start by learning the names of the notes on the frets of the guitar you have already gained an important skill that

About the Author

Peter Edvinsson invites you to download your free sheet music, guitar tabs, ebooks, music lessons and read his music blog at Capotasto Music.

Rap Music

The history of rap music would not be complete without a look at the performers who make it all possible - the rap artists. Most rap music typically includes one or more rappers who often rap about their own personal life stories, important events in their lives, or social problems they wish to make a public statement about.
Rap music is a legend, Black people love rap music and there is a vibration in everybody whatever they choose. It is clearly a formidable mode of cross-cultural communication, rap music is a rhythmic talking style used to express one's point of view. These rhythmic styles are intertwined together by musical beats and lyrics to convey a message from the artists.


Rap is poetry, over cool & groovy beats despite what any other people say. It has survived the test of time becoming stronger and stronger in the music business. Many people believed when rap started it was just a passing faze, but the domination of rap has grown to superstar status with many rap stars now enjoying film careers and millionaire lifestyles that exceeded many famous sports men and actors . The new rap stars have millions and millions of die hard fans giving them huge potential earnings from advertising big company products.

Pop Rap: Known for its widespread, mainstream appeal, Pop Rap's first breakout star was LL Cool J. The Fresh Prince and MC Hammer quickly rose to the top of the Pop Rap scene and the music charts with lyrics that were less controversial than those of the Gangsta Rap genre, and thus were more likely to receive radio airplay.

Christian Rap: While HipHop was garnering a reputation for less than savory lyrics and artists for questionable activities, other artists were expressing their faith through HipHop. Christian Rap took off in the late 1980s and early 1990s with rap groups like P.I.D. and S.F.C.

Country Music

The music of country made its mark at the twentieth century early. It was at the popular beginning among the people in rural sectors of the west and south. This kind of the music developed starting from the ballades and of the famous airs people. Days of the music of mountain dweller, music of country indicated now simply under the name of country, Westerner or of the country and Westerner. The traditional music of country is a set of the airs of the cultures and various models of music.

The music of country is an amalgam of the popular musical forms which has its roots in the traditional folk music of the South. The music of country is a catchall for the noise of Nashville, the bluegrass, the ballades Western, the oscillation, Cajun, the tonk of honky, Appalache, rockabilly and the music of band of jug.

Developed like regrouping of various musical forms, the music of country has an enormous ventilator to follow through the sphere. Enthusiasts of music of country are divided loosely into two sects. The first contains these people who listen to this mélodieuse form the entertainment. The second and more are more serious those which follow the music of country like forms art.

Although it can seem that the music of country was around for always, it really only was around since the beginning of the 20th century. Although some can call it “music of cowboy” the roots of the music of country can be really found in the music of blue, of evangile, Celtic and folk. It started at the beginning of the 20th century in the Appalachian Mountains of the United States of south-east.