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Four Of The Greatest Classical Pianists To Tinkle The Ivories In The Modern Day

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As a piano student you will typically be introduced to the music of Mozart, Beethoven and Bach. However, there happens to be many more modern day classical pianists who displayed just as much talent and musical ability as these geniuses. Classical piano playing has given way to the modern tones of jazz and even eventually the electronic keyboard, although there were a number of greats who featured throughout the 20th century and maintained the melodies of years gone by.

Glen Gould

Glen Gould hailed from Canada and spent much of his time in the recording studio, as opposed to on stage. He was well-known for his eccentric behavior and favored the music of Bach. He could most commonly be heard playing his own versions of classical works and toured extensively up until the age of 32. He took to the studio rather than concerts from 1964, but unfortunately a stroke some 18 years later ended the life of possibly one of the greatest modern pianists at the mere age of 50. However, his legend lives on as many of his recordings have been re-released and are heard to this very day.

Arthur Rubenstein

Born in Poland in 1887, Rubinstein’s early life was more of a worry than anything else to his parents. He didn’t speak until the age of three and displayed some very unusual behavior as a youngster. In fact, he was prone to tantrums and outbursts from an early age. However, he first performed in New York at the age of 19 and his talent was obvious for the world to see. He continued touring up until the age of 89 in 1976, but his failing eyesight and hearing eventually put paid to his musical career. He passed away a few years later in 1982, but Rubenstein is still well remembered among the musicians of today.

Sergei Rachmaninoff

Rachmaninoff was not only a classical pianist, but also a conductor and composer. He was known for his huge hand span and even more imposing frame. Technically he was a superb pianist and this probably had much to do with his 12 inch hand span, which allowed him to easily reach across the keys. He also stood at an extremely intimidating height of 6 foot and 6 inches. Rachmaninoff wasn’t much of an academic, but showed an extraordinary talent for the piano, which was no doubt further inspired when he met with Peter Tchaikovsky. He moved from Russia to the United States in 1918 and performed regularly in concerts for the next 25 years until he sadly passed away from cancer.

Myra Hess

It’s great to see a female pianist in what was often considered a male-dominated instrument. Hess hailed from the UK and started playing the piano aged just 5. Even then she displayed extreme talent and even toured throughout Europe from the age of seventeen. She also later toured America and her talent was plain for everyone to see. Hess played in a number of free concerts in London for the public during the Second World War and these were received with much appreciation and warmth. In fact, this will probably explain why there is still so much interest in Hess’s career.

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James Holden works for Affordable Piano Movers & Storage, which is a company offering piano and moving services at the best prices.He is an enthusiastic and happy go lucky person and also a huge movie bluff. Visit www.affordablepianomovers.com for more information.





How To Develop Yourself Through Music

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A lot of people aspire to be part of the music industry in some way. The more creative pathways are often dismissed, or looked at as being unrealistic. When someone asks what you would like to do with your life, it may be hard to be comfortable replying with “I’d like to be in a band” or “I want to be a famous pop star.” However, just because dreams are big, it does not mean they cannot be achieved. When someone doesn’t try to reach their aspiration, the biggest goals go from being improbable to impossible.

Becoming a Musician

Learning, developing, or mastering a talent can be difficult, but fortunately, there are many experts who provide services and teaching that allow people to reach their full potential. Within music, there are many skills and teachings on offer. Those include, musical instrument tutoring, songwriting tutoring, vocal coaching, music theory teaching, and performance coaching.

Many providers offer specialized subjects. Some offer an all-round music teaching experience, focusing on how to create a well-rounded musician. For those who are interested in specializing in a particular interest within music, those specialist subject tutors will be most beneficial, for example, Pro Music Tutor offer guitar and saxophone techniques. You can simply visit the Pro Music Tutor website and purchase lessons in the form of video tutorials, taught by professional musicians.

The Benefits of Music

MusicMost people view music as serving only the purpose of enjoyment. However, studies have shown that music has a number of other benefits, for people of all ages. The UK Government website provides a whole file on the advantages of music. This addresses a specific section dedicated to progression and excellence, highlighting the ways in which children and young people’s development can benefit through music.

Do Something supports this information with their comments about studies taken that show brain development increases and quickens in elementary level children involved in music lessons.

Music is also used as a therapeutic tool in vulnerable people of all ages. Music therapy creates sensory development, and encourages physical, mental and emotional responses.

Adults may benefit from music as using it as a tool for stress relief, relaxation, and social experiences.

Music Teaching

Learning music may not always be for those wishing to become musicians. People often wish to take those skills and teach them to others, as do the specialist tutors on Pro Music Tutor. People can also take their musical skills and acquire other necessary qualifications to be music therapists, composers, or school teachers.

Music plays an important role in personal development; although people may have a main objective and agenda in learning a musical skill of some kind, for example, the sheer fun or it, or to be part of a famous girl band, there will be additional benefits that people may not even be aware are happening. These contributing benefits are even more reasons as to why people should be encouraged to learn music in some capacity. There are a number of career opportunities within music, but you’ve got to be in it to win it.

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Nidia Guerrais an avid music lover and has tried his hand at learning a number of music instruments. Robert has found each experience enjoyable and beneficial.

Home Studios – The Best Way To Demo Your Band!

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 Home Studios – The Best Way to Demo Your Band!

If you’re in a band you’ll know that you will only get so far without demos. After a bit of live gigging you’ll be feeling match fit and that’s the time to start thinking about getting some demos done. If you have already spent some time looking into this then you’ll know the costs involved. Hiring a studio for the day is expensive and that’s before you add on the extra costs for example an engineer and producer. Assuming you can get it all done in a day (which will be a battle in itself) you’ll then have to pay for the track or tracks to be mixed and mastered and finally produced. It’s a big exercise and one that not many bands can afford without financial backing.

The way forward is to do it yourself! Your set up costs won’t be anything near as much as getting it done professionally. Ok it may be flawed but the people who are going to listen are going to know you’re on a budget so they will make allowances for that. The beauty of doing it this way is that once you are set you can record as much as you like at a pace that suits you. You’ll be far more relaxed when you’re not on a deadline. Here’s how to get started:

What You’ll Need

You’ll need some audio recording software such as Cubase or ProTools. If you’re on a real budget you can find free downloads of similar software without as many bells and whistles. Then you’ll need some decent microphones. The drum kit will need to be mic’d up (with a bass mic in the bass drum) and any instruments without Direct Inputs will need ambient microphones. The one thing you should really invest in is a really good quality vocal condenser mic, as the clarity of your vocals is really important. Guitars can be plugged into a mixing desk (which you probably already have if you have your own PA). Once you’ve got all this you’re pretty much good to go!

The Room

There’s another thing to think about before you start though. You’ll need to record in a room that is suitable. Some people use garages or rooms that aren’t used much – the last thing you want is loads of people coming in and out. Lock the doors so you are not disturbed and it’s really important that you get some insulation foam up on the walls. This will act as a sound-proofer so your neighbours won’t get too angry, and it will also soak up any echoes meaning you will get a much dryer sound to record with.

Once you’ve got your room and all your gear ready it’s time to get that epic album down on record! Start by laying down the drums, bass and guide vocals. Add in the guitars once by one and when you’re totally happy then throw the proper vocals (making sure you remove the guide!). Get it mixed, mastered and produced and start selling it (and start paying off the gear!).

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The contributor of this post, Sam Wellback, is a music producer and likes to reach out to his audience through his blogs. He likes to write about ways to record demo songs at home. He also shares factors that should be kept in mind while recording, such as insulation of the recording room and prerequisite audio recording software like Cubase or Pro Tools etc.

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