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The Muse's News |
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Issue 6.0 - March 2003
ISSN 1480-6975
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This issue sponsored by:
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I n T h i s I s s u e :
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@-- Editor's Musings
@-- Copyright & Publishing Q&A with Nancy A. Reece from Carpe Diem
Copyright Management
@-- Music Reviews - by Ben Ohmart, Stacey Board, Gian Fiero,
& David Lockeretz
@-- Songwriting Book Review - by James Linderman
@-- Musical Notes - Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
@-- Muse's Clues - Songwriting Web sites that inspire - brought
to you by singer/songwriter & teacher, Irene Jackson.
@-- Featured Article - BLUESPRINT - A Tribute to Black History
Month by James Linderman
@-- Message Forums In Spotlight - Here are some of the great
conversations going on right now.
@-- On Site Featured Article - An article (interview this month,
actually!) already online for your viewing pleasure.
@-- Classifieds & Useful Services
@-- Contact information
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ISSN 1480-6975. Copyright 1998 - 2002, Jodi Krangle. For more
contact information, see end of issue.
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LOOKING FOR A PIECE OF THE MUSE'S MUSE? :)
Visit http://www.musesmuse.com/musemerchandise.html for great
Muse's Muse products like mugs, mousepads, shirts, and even wall
clocks! Start your own store too - with no up front costs!
See http://www.cafepress.com/cp/info/storeref.aspx?refby=musesmuse
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
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SONGWRITERS! ENTER THE 2003 USA SONGWRITING COMPETITION NOW!
Win a grand prize of over US$50,000 in cash and merchandise and
exposure, making this the largest prize package in any annual
songwriting competition! Winning songs get radio airplay. Judges
include record labels such as Warner/Reprise Records, SONY Music,
Epic Records, etc.
FREE EARLY BONUS: First 1,000 entries will receive a free gift.
Hurry! Info: http://www.songwriting.net/mm.html
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E d i t o r ' s M u s i n g s :
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Wow. Can you believe this newsletter has been going on for FIVE
YEARS? Quite something, huh? You can see every single issue
online at http://www.musesmuse.com/musenews.html so feel free to
have a look through the archives and choose your favorites. :)
For those of you that have been here from the start, THANK YOU for
sticking with it! And for those of you that have just joined up,
welcome! I hope you'll be with us another five years more.
The raffle winners for this month are Andrew Robertson from
Indianapolis, IN, who has won a copy of Ed Roseman's "Edly's Music
Theory for Practical People" (reviewed below), Mark Fleming from
B.C., Canada, who has won a copy of IndieMusic.com's "Musician's
Toolkit" (for details on this package of useful indie
musician-related tools, see http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/
), and Adam "Pops" Nierow from Brooklyn, NY, who has won a copy
of VSS's helpful songwriting organization product (for a review of
Lyricist & information on a discount offered, see
http://www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html ).
For those of you buried in snow, good luck digging yourself out! I
know the feeling. We just got dumped on here in Newmarket too. :-/
Ah well. Winter wouldn't be winter without snow, right? (You folks
in California, be quiet. :) ) I could just do with a bit LESS of
it. Too much of a "good thing" and all that... ;) Blah.
Anyway, don't pull any muscles and keep writing.
All the best,
--Jodi
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LYRICIST! VERSION 2.2 HAS ARRIVED-INCLUDES ON-LINE COPYRIGHT LINK
Virtual Studio Systems, Inc. is proud to announce Lyricist V2.2 -
The Songwriter's Best Friend: the first-of-its-kind word processor
designed for musicians, songwriters, and poets. The software
includes a rhyming dictionary, thesaurus, album categorization,
chord charting, chord generator, song arrangement, On-Line
Copyright Link, and much much more - all in a user-friendly
package. Check out the review at www.musesmuse.com/vss-review.html
Muse's Muse visitors can take home the product for $5.00 off the
regular selling price just for purchasing through the form provided
off of the review!
For more information, visit the review url above or call us at
888.732.1176 inside the U.S.A. and Canada or 603.726-4499 outside
the U.S.A.
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C o p y r i g h t & P u b l i s h i n g Q & A :
With Licensing executive Nancy A. Reece
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Nancy is taking a break this month - but if you'd like to see some
of the great Q&A's she's conducted over the years she's been with
The Muse's Muse, you can drop by her previous listing of Q&A's at
http://www.musesmuse.com/pubq-a.html .
Her new page contains some of her newest Q&A's along with
information about her upcoming book at
http://www.musesmuse.com/realarealq.html . And as per usual,
you're welcome to ask questions!
*****
ABOUT NANCY A. REECE:
Since 1998, Nancy Reece has been providing a question and answer
forum for Muse's Muse readers. Now all of the articles, forums and
Q&A's are being compiled into a book. Nancy is wanting to be sure
that you have the opportunity to receive a copy of the book as soon
as it is ready. If you are interested in getting an E-mail
notification to indicate that the book is ready for purchase,
please send your request to RealARealQ@musesmail.com .
How to Ask a Question:
If you have a question for Nancy about publishing or copyright
administration, you can e-mail her at nreece@musesmuse.com. Please
indicate in the subject of your e-mail that your submission is for
The Muse's Muse guest forum, Real Answers to Real Questions.
Thanks!
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M u s i c R e v i e w s :
by Ben Ohmart, David Lockeretz, Stacey Board, & Gian Fiero
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Kenny Camacho – "Long and Overdue" (by Stacey Board)
When I popped in this CD and started listening, I was surprised to
hear a cover tune as the first track. But then I was immediately
impressed with Kenny's quite superb singing chops. He's got a great
tone, control and expression in his voice. Not overtrained schlock
– there's a big difference!! He's an outstanding singer.
The choice of "Lady In Red" really showcases his voice's range from
subtle to powerful. As a bonus it also slips in some Spanish
language lines and a somewhat different arrangement of the tune
that I really liked. I think it also plants the seed that this guy
is as good as any singer out there in radioland, by showing how
well he sings something we are already used to hearing sung well.
The second song is entirely in Spanish and reminds me of a Ricky
Martin-ish pop song – he does what he does very well. It's quite
danceable.
The production on all the songs on the CD is rich and layered and I
could hear any of these tunes on the radio standing right up to
anything on the Pop stations.
"Never Give Up" is soulful R&B, and reminds me of something very
Marvin Gaye, but with a few electronic updates. There aren't any
instrument credits on the CD liner notes and I get the impression
that the music is arranged with programmed drum and keyboard loops.
Kenny's got big-league chops as a singer, and some very good
soulful radio ready songs on "Long and Overdue". Fans of power pop
will enjoy this new find to add to their CD collection.
http://www.kennycamacho.com/,
Fan Club C/O Dream makers, P.O. Box 848, Poughkeepsie, NY 12602
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OTHER NEW MUSIC REVIEWS SINCE LAST MONTH INCLUDE:
Amateur God (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000422.html
Richard Shulman (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000427.html
Drumming Planet (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000428.html
The Yardbirds (by Ben Ohmart)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000418.html
Soulthieves (by David Lockeretz)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000426.html
Trikus (by David Lockeretz)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000431.html
Jondi and Spesh (by David Lockeretz)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000432.html
Wonderful Johnson (by David Lockeretz)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000423.html
Chris Yarchuck (by David Lockeretz)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000424.html
Rob Bodle (by Stacey Board)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000420.html
Robin Eye (by Stacey Board)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000421.html
Pete Leary (by Stacey Board)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000419.html
Kenny Camacho (by Stacey Board)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000434.html
Laura Massaro (by Stacey Board)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000433.html
Boo-Ray (by Gian Fiero)
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000437.html
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******
For bios on each of the reviewers, see
http://www.musesmuse.com/musicreviews.html . If you're considering
sending in your own CD for review, you can also view that page to
find out which reviewer reviews your genre. Thanks!
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S o n g w r i t i n g B o o k R e v i e w : by James Linderman
Edly's Music Theory for Practical People - By Ed Roseman
http://www.edly.com/mtfpp.html
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The originality of this book, as a scholarly resource, starts at
the cover.
Dr. Seuss style characters in vibrantly coloured costumes prancing
around, quoting accolades for the book by such music luminaries as,
Windham Hill artists Alex de Grassi and the late Michael Hedges.
Jack Perricone of Berklee College fame and Dr. Lampl from Julliard
are the creatures representing the world of the scholarly.
Between the covers, the culmination of whimsical humour, back porch
sensibility and legitimate academia blend together to produce an
effect similar to being at a wild costume party and having your
closest friends dressed as smurfs, perhaps, endeavouring to teach
you music theory. That is... if this seems actually funny to you
and they could still be deemed sensible, and only if they were
actually qualified to teach music theory and they were actually
really smart. I know it's a big reach.
If you are the kind of person who needs to see serious academic
credentials from an author of a theoretical text, especially one
this offbeat, (and I do,) it's relevant to note that this author
studied at Wesleyan University, Berklee College, and at The
University of Michigan. That's a lot of learning... and a lot of
tuition. I feel like buying a copy just to help him pay down his
student loans. If you are like me, and thought the name Ed Roseman
sounded familiar, he's also a guest columnist for Keyboard
Magazine.
For anyone who finds all this education and credentials a little
intimidating, relax. This is the first theory book I've ever seen
that is written like the author knows that we are not all born
knowing this stuff and that we are not to be treated like we are
idiots for not knowing it.
The tone of the book is relaxed but efficient, as the author seems
really keen to share his information and is very, very respectful
of the learner. I hate intellectual snobbery so this is quite
important to me.
Highlights for me: The Charts! There is a reference chart for
almost everything in this book and I'm a chart fanatic. "Show me
the big picture" and let me explore it and if I get confused, then
I'll go back and read the instructions... and they'd better be
there... and they'd better be good. As dysfunctional as this
sounds, this is how I learn, and how I see lots of other people
learning. This book completely delivers on all counts to every
kind of learner or anti-learner of music theory.
From teaching notation, to showing a fresh approach to improvising,
from demystifying the circle of fifths to providing lots of very
cool chord materials. It's all presented as "applied" theory not
just "stare into a book and watch yourself become compost" kind of
music theory that we've all seen before.
All of the materials in the book are written to be suitable for
exploration on any instrument, but it would be helpful to have a
keyboard or guitar within arms reach to produce all the harmonic
stuff.
This is an especially good read for those who gave up on music
theory because they figured out how dreadful it is... but need it
desperately to progress with their song craft and musicianship.
I mean, you just have to love an academic theory text that has a
quote by the author recommending that this would make great
bathroom reading, in that it is entertaining and informative enough
to compete against all the other bathroom reading materials revered
by musicians. Hmm... I wonder if my keyboard will fit across the
top of the toilet tank.
You can find out more about Edly's Music Theory for Practical
People and even buy yourself a copy at http://www.edly.com/ .
******
ABOUT THE REVIEWER:
James Linderman lives and works at theharmonyhouse, a music lesson,
songwriting and music pre-production facility in Newmarket,
Ontario, Canada. He is the Songwriters Association of Canada
regional coordinator for Newmarket and leads a music workshop
program for Life 100.3 Christian radio. James writes songwriting
articles for The Muse's News web magazine, Canadian Musician
Magazine and Professional Musician Magazine.
Contact James at: theharmonyhouse@rogers.com
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S p o n s o r M e s s a g e :
(Please support the sponsors that support this newsletter! Thanks!)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
THE GALARIS MUSICIANS DIRECTORY - 2003 EDITION
is a comprehensive resource on CD-ROM with over 1200 PAGES of
verified business listings sorted for easy access. It makes finding
music related services and products easy - users are just a click
away from the contacts they need. Designed for musicians and music
professionals, at a price every musician can afford.
Find new opportunities to perform and promote your music and
make the right business connections in 17 different industry
categories.
Save 10% by buying through musesmuse.com!
Visit http://www.galaris.com/muse.html?musesmuse for more details!
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M u s i c a l N o t e s : Songwriting Contests & Market Info.
In the interest of conserving space, I will only be including
changes to this listing in this newsletter. All other contests
and market information that have already been listed here, are
displayed at http://www.musesmuse.com/contests.html &
http://www.musesmuse.com/markets.html . Please check there
regularly for updates!
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THE "SECRETS OF SONGWRITING" SEMINAR HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR
SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2003, IN NASHVILLE, TN.
This seminar continues the successful series founded by author
Susan Tucker. Renown writers sharing their secrets on the art &
craft of writing hit songs include Tia Sillers ("I Hope You
Dance"), Jill Colucci ("No One Else On Earth"), Stewart Harris
("I'm Gonna Be Somebody") and event closer Jeffrey Steele ("When
The Lights Go Down," "These Days" & "Cowboy In Me"). Tucker,
songwriting teacher/mentor Kim Copeland and manager/publisher John
Dotson, who will address organization of the creative process and
insights on pertinent business issues facing songwriters, will join
them.
In a feature unique to "Secrets of Songwriting," registrants will
be offered the opportunity to join the circle of stars at the
Bluebird Café that evening. Two winners will be chosen to perform
two songs each which they have written. The anchors of the round
that evening will be Jill Colucci, Tia Sillers, Michael Garvin
("Waiting For Tonight"/Jennifer Lopez, "Tell It like It Used To
Be"/T. Graham Brown) and Mark Selby ("There's Your Trouble"/Dixie
Chicks).
For more information on the seminar go to:
http://www.secretsofsongwriting.com/, or call Journey Publishing Co., Inc
at 615-952-4894.
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UK SONGWRITING CONTEST
This prestigious international event is staged by the BRIT Trust
(of BRIT Awards fame), Roland UK, The World Music Foundation,
MusicAid.org and other well known and respected industry names.
Prizes include the latest digital home recording equipment,
publishing deals, career development, subscriptions to Taxi.com and
the GISC and more.
Full details and an entry form can be found at
http://www.songwritingcontest.co.uk/
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NEW LABEL LOOKING FOR ROCK/POP SINGER-SONGWRITERS!
Tonos hosts many songwriting contests and Industry Opportunities
specifically for songwriters every month. The newest contests
include:
* New Label Looking for Rock/Pop Singer-Songwriters! - A new label
with major distribution is looking for young singer-songwriters in
the rock/pop genre. Please keep these points in mind when
submitting: You must have strong writing skills and raw vocals and
you must play instrument and sing.
* Female Artist Needs Songs for Album! - A label distributed
through Universal Music in the U.K. is looking for songs for one of
its female artists, who they describe as a cross between Sarah
McLachlan and Shawn Colvin; with a tender but tough soprano voice.
Her A&R team is looking for songs that are "empowering" or even a
bit fun and humorous. They DO NOT want to hear songs with lyrics of
"breaking up" or "being dumped." Rather, they are requesting
rock/pop songs with a fun feel.
* Publisher Guarantees Licensing Deals for 5 tonosPRO Members! -
Flagship Music Online Licensing is the Internet's one-stop source
for industry professionals to license great songs from talented
indie artists and songwriters. Now the folks at Flagship are going
to GUARANTEE that 5 tonosPRO members will join their musical
library where your song can get considered for film/television
projects and other media outlets.
See http://www.qksrv.net/click-793658-8152068 for details on these
opportunities and more!
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BERKLEEMUSIC.COM WEBSITE LAUNCHED
After nearly two years in development, Berklee College of Music has
launched its Berkleemusic.com web site. This ambitious new offering
provides songwriters opportunities to take online music writing
courses and explore new music career directions. Users can create a
personal or band web page containing bios, MP3s, images, reviews,
news, and links that are useful resources to potential employers,
collaborators, and students.
For more information visit: http://www.berkleemusic.com/
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WIN, PERFORM, NETWORK, AND LEARN AT THE SONGWRITER’S FESTIVAL ON
KAUAI, HAWAII
The Kauai Music Festival will be held from June 1st through June
4th, 2003. Win a guaranteed spot in a BMI showcase, a beautiful
Gibson guitar, free event attendance and much more. Network with
top producers and music attorneys. Learn from Lisa Loeb, Lamont
Dozier, Dweezil Zappa, Hugh Prestwood, and more.
Get all the details at http://www.kauaimusicfestival.com/ or call toll free
1(877) MUSIC22.
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GREAT ARTICLES TO CHECK OUT COURTESY OF GALARIS INDEPENDENT MUSIC:
http://www.galaris.com/
* BLENDING THE BACK-UPS - Part 3
http://www.galaris.com/articles?id=214
* Your Own Music Library Can Make Dollars & Sense
http://www.galaris.com/articles?id=203
* Capitalizing on High-Profile Gig$
http://www.galaris.com/articles?id=204
Sign up for the Galaris Independent Musicians Newsletter. Simply
send a blank email to mailto:addmuse@galaris.com and Twice monthly
you will receive FREE, direct to your email box, articles
containing: Promotion tips, Career advice, Recording tips,
Practicing tips, Legal advice, Musician's health, Radio promotion,
Songwriters tips and much more.
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FINALISTS SELECTED FOR PETER WHITTINGHAM AWARD FOR SONG CREATION
The Peter Whittingham Award for Song Creation is a new award for
2003 of £4,000, administered by the Musicians Benevolent Fund in
collaboration with the University of Westminster. Young songwriters
on undergraduate courses were nominated by: Universities of
Westminster, Leeds, Salford, Newcastle, Paisley; Liverpool
Institute for Performing Arts; and Bath Spa University College.
Seven applicants have been short-listed to take part in a showcase
final at the Kashmir Klub, 6 Nottingham Place, London W1 on Monday
10 March at 9pm before an invited audience including pop industry
specialists. The winner(s) will be announced following this
showcase: The finalists are: Philip Charles (24), University of
Newcastle; Kirk Ensor (23), University of Leeds; Ian Peacock (22),
University of Salford; Anthony Ward (21), University of Salford;
Daniel Whitehouse (23), University of Westminster; Jez Wing (21),
Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts; and Jamie Woon (19),
University of Westminster. The showcase final will be broadcast
live on the web at http://www.kashmirklub.com/ . For further information
please contact education@mbf.org.uk , website: www.mbf.org.uk .
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SONGWRITING AND THE BUSINESS OF MUSIC
Through demonstration and exploration of a range of song styles,
you will discover how to break through limitations in your
creativity. Techniques learned will assist you to understand and
express yourself more effectively in your music. Additionally, you
will develop an appreciation of the many sources of musical
inspiration, learn to work collaboratively and will have the
opportunity to take advantage of constructive critiques from your
peers and instructor. In addition to songwriting techniques, you
will learn how to save time and money in the recording studio;
"network" with other songwriters; get your music played on the
radio; receive funding/grants; and market your CD.
Instructor: Gregg Lawless
Location: Haliburton School of The Arts, Haliburton Ontario
Starts: July 7 to 11, 2003
Day/Time: Monday-Friday, 9:00am - 4:30pm
Cost: $215.65 (on-line registration available!)
Contact:
Sir Sandford Fleming College's Haliburton School of The Arts
http://www.haliburtonschoolofthearts.ca/
Telephone: 705-457-1680 Email: info@flemingc.on.ca
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CONTEMPORARY CHRISTIAN SONGWRITING CONTEST - DEADLINE SEPT. 1
The Contemporary Christian Music Network International is hosting a
songwriting contest. The proceeds of this benefit contest will be
used to support missions. This contest is endorsed by Twila Paris
and Russ Lee. For complete details, go to our website at
http://christiansongwriting.com/ .
Feel free to contact us through our website with any questions.
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M u s e ' s C l u e s : by Irene Jackson
©1998-2003 Moonstone Productions All Rights Reserved. Used By
Permission
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Ear training is one of those elements I often take for granted
because I've always been able to play by ear. But sometimes I come
across a guitar student who really struggles with identifying the
difference between two notes: is this one higher or lower? Tuning
a guitar can be a real struggle for those who don't have natural
ear-ability :-), and recognizing intervals and chords is next to
impossible!
This month, rather than devoting my column to one particular
website, I thought I'd point you to a page that features a
collection of software, some shareware, all dedicated to ear
training, sight reading, sight singing and "groove training".
You'll find it at Harmony Central:
http://www.harmony-central.com/Software/Windows/ear_training.html
Harmony Central itself is a wonderful website dedicated to all
aspects of music, and on this particular page you'll find lots of
info on and links to various programs designed specifically for ear
training. Some of them have trial versions of the software that
limit you to a number of days of use, and others limit the number
of features until or unless you register. Most of them are
relatively small in size and can run on most computer systems,
almost all require some kind of sound card, and some use midi as
well.
For "Sight Singing Trainer", you require a microphone setup so that
you can sing a note into the program, where it will help you
correct your intonation and display your note as you sing it. It
features three levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced, and is
a fully functional demo for 10 times before you need to register.
I like the idea of being able to try software out (especially fully
functional!) so you can get a feel for how it works first before
registering it.
"Ear Power" is similar and one that I decide to download and try
out. It functions fully 7 times before you have to register. The
only thing I didn't like about this program were the voices telling
you "No! That's wrong!" in that kind of condescending-teacher tone
:-)
Two helpful software programs that are also included on the list
are "Guitar Calc 101", a little program that shows you how to play
a multitude of guitar chords, and "Groove Trainer" which is like
having your own drum tutor.
Some of these programs take a little time to figure out, but if
you're really feeling the need to get some ear training, why not
try one or two out on a trial basis and see if they can help you?
******
Irene Jackson is a performing songwriter from Victoria, BC in
Canada. Aside from writing, recording and performing, she also
maintains a website for songwriters that includes tips, articles
and more links of interest. Her eagerly anticipated CD "Catnip" is
finally here, and her earlier recordings have had attention
everywhere from Japan to South America.
Songwriting Tips: http://www.irenejackson.com/tips.html
Homepage: http://www.irenejackson.com/
Songs on MP3:
http://www.mp3.com/artists/20/irene_jackson.html
Back to Menu
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F e a t u r e d A r t i c l e :
BLUESPRINT - A Tribute to Black History Month by James Linderman
http://www.arsenalpulp.com/
© James Linderman, 2003 All Rights Reserved.
Printed with Permission.
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It is likely that the mere thought of Black History Month conjures
up individual images in your mind of Dr. Martin Luther King,
Malcolm X, perhaps Mohamed Ali, or possibly Duke Ellington, since
many of us are musicians...
Maybe you get a more corporate image in your mind regarding Black
History Month like the 1963 March on Washington where a quarter of
a million blacks converged on Lincoln Memorial or the thought of a
whole planet watching CNN coverage of the video tape footage of
Rodney King. Even our varied opinions, vindicating or condemning
O.J. Simpson, become a part of black history.
Whatever your perception, it is likely to be comprised of a blend
of personal experience, historical fact, the news of the day, and
Hollywood dramatization and it's mandate in molding public
perception.
Here in Canada, many of us, born in the suburbs in the '50s, grew
up knowing very few black people. There had been only one black
student in my entire school by grade 8. He played the bass in a
band that I played guitar in, which also happened to be deafeningly
loud and hideously unmusical. We were together 3 years... and 0
gigs, and I've not had more fun playing guitar since.
When I got to University I got to know a lot of black students and
began to perceive the Canadian black experience to be as much about
isolation and aloneness as it was about prejudice and racial
discrimination.
There are in fact, many "little known facts" about black people in
Canada that might have inspired and galvanized them as a people had
we not been so mesmerized by the American media and the making of
history taking place in The United States.
One great example is Viola Desmond, a black lady from Nova Scotia,
who one day in 1946, decided to sit in one of the "whites only"
seats of a movie theatre... 9 years before Rosa Parks took a front
seat on a bus and became an American symbol for the human rights
movement in the States. Taking nothing away from the beauty and
bravery of Ms. Parks' act and the rippling effect of her
contribution, Viola Desmond was instrumental in setting a precedent
that created new law and fresh perceptions that were clearly
...Canadian.
We can see in all of this the power of a well-documented history,
as resource text certainly, but also as literature, poetry and
orature. The elements of art in these forms can breath life into
facts, and make them seem more real then the mere reality of the
facts themselves could ever do.
In honour of Black History Month, I took the opportunity to read a
collection titled Bluesprint, Black British Columbian Literature
and Orature, edited by Wayde Compton as recommended by the
publishers at Arsinal Pulp Press. They thought it would be timely
and interesting... and it proved to be both.
In the introduction Mr. Compton provides an historical perspective
that I think is fairly necessary to fully appreciate the work in
this collection that features everything from turn of the century
poetry, through to some of today's trend setting oratory and prose
to some very poignant and contemporary hip hop lyrics.
One of the highlights for me was Joy Russell's 2002 poem,
"returning to the place where there were so few of us when I grew
up" because it's just beautiful, and deals with issues of racial
acknowledgment and racial connection in a way that captures a
snapshot of a moment in the lives of the people in it, and defines
them.
Rebecca Gibbs' poem from 1869 titled "The Old Red Shirt" is also
breathtaking in its simplicity and history, as is Tanya Evanson's
2000 poem "Bangkok Business." I particularly like poetry and there
is a real feast of language here that celebrates the goodness of
life and mourns it for it's harsh nature.
There is an excerpt from Truman Green's novel, "A Credit to Your
Race" that is a must read and I hope will lead you to the whole
book, as it did me.
Bluesprint is over 150 years of writing that portrays what's under
the skin of black culture, from a place where it could perhaps be
considered to be a collective, only within the covers of this book.
As Black History Month comes to a close and the media, including
this medium, turn our gaze back on other interests and the next
news and flavour of the day, it might be very gratifying to read
through Bluesprint. This is important if only to take a moment to
get a deeper sense of the culture of a people that created a body
of art to merely say. "I was here and I mattered and I have
something to share that will rock your perception of this life."
Bluesprint can be found at http://www.arsenalpulp.com/
******
James Linderman lives and works at theharmonyhouse, a music lesson,
songwriting and music pre-production facility in Newmarket,
Ontario, Canada. He is the Songwriters Association of Canada
regional coordinator for Newmarket and leads a music workshop
program for Life 100.3 Christian radio. James writes songwriting
articles for The Muse's News web magazine, Canadian Musician
Magazine and Professional Musician Magazine.
Contact James at: theharmonyhouse@rogers.com
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M e s s a g e F o r u m s I n S p o t l i g h t :
Here are some of the popular discussions going on right now on The
Muse's Muse Message Boards:
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* Who what where why how?
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* Cakewalk
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* A vocal question
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* It's the Music
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" O N S I T E " F E A T U R E D A R T I C L E :
Interview with Robin Krasny, Eddy Fischer and Denny Doherty:
Part One - Conducted by Leon & Sheryl Olguin
http://musesmuse.com/columnistsgreylogs/archives/00000425.html
In this relaxed and spontaneous interview, taken from Leon &
Sheryl's local TV show "Session 31," Central Florida folk duo Robin
and Eddy, along with Denny Doherty of the Mamas and Papas, talk
about their lives in music, and the creative process. We think
you'll find this interview great fun, and very insightful.
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C l a s s i f i e d s & U s e f u l S e r v i c e s :
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HEY SONGWRITERS! POP QUIZ. GIVE ME THREE RHYMES FOR "HEARTBREAK"...
Locate every song's lead sheet you ever wrote, their genre, and
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what you need? LYRICIST! It's the songwriter's best friend.
Includes Rhyming Dictionary, Album Categorization, Chord Charting,
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For more information, visit the review url above or call Virtual
Studio Systems at 888.732.1176 inside the U.S.A. and Canada or
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NEED TO BOOK GIGS & ADVANCE YOUR CAREER? ORDER THIS UNIQUE CD-ROM!
It is packed with essential tools to save you time and money, and
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Suzanne Glass, author, speaker, and founder of Indie-Music.com, the
ToolKit comes with nearly 50 articles, printable copyright forms,
templates for common music items like flyers, music fonts, musician
papers, software, and much more for only $19.95.
http://www.musicianstoolkit.com/muse/
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SONGCRITIC.com - Where EVERYONE's a CRITIC!
(Indie song reviews and critiques).
Sure, your friends and family may think your songs are great,
but what about the rest of the world?
Wanna find out........?
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THE 4th EDITION OF THE INDIE BIBLE IS NOW AVAILABLE!
The Indie Bible shows you where to get your music reviewed, your
songs played, and your CDs sold. Now in its fourth edition, The
Indie Bible has 310 pages of valuable contacts and music-related
articles.
The 4th Edition of the Indie Bible contains:
3500 publications from around the world that will REVIEW your CD!
2900 radio stations from around the world will PLAY your songs!
350 vendors and services that will help you to SELL your music!
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500 sites where you can UPLOAD your band's MP3 files!
39 articles that will help your career to MOVE forward rapidly!
For details and to order online visit:
http://www.bigmeteor.com/muse/
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MUSIC BOOKS PLUS
The Songwriter's One Stop Resource for Books, Instructional Videos,
CD-ROMs and DVDs. We feature over 5,000+ titles at
http://www.musicbooksplus.com/ - areas covered include: International Music
Directories, Music Business, Song & Lyric Writing, Music
Publishing, Rhyming Dictionaries, Theory & Arranging , Instrument &
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2003 UNISONG INTERNATIONAL SONG CONTEST OPEN FOR ENTRIES!
Unisong is THE opportunity for songwriters and writer/artists
around the world to have their songs heard and their careers
enhanced. Over $50,000 in Cash and Prizes! Grand Prize will win a
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professional songwriter!
Enter by Cassette, CD or MP3! Entry deadline is April 30, 2003.
Enter by January 31, 2003 to take advantage of our earlybird
rates! Visit http://www.unisong.com/muse for more details.
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MUSIC BUSINESS SOFTWARE FROM PATTEN SOUND
Record Company in a Box is complete independent record company
management software. Tour Manager allows the tracking of all
concert and tour specifics. Music Business Contracts contains
100 of the most necessary music industry contracts available.
Studio Business Forms is a collection of 43 recording studio
business forms.
For more details, point your browser to:
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GO GLOBAL WITH CDSTREET.COM
CDstreet.com is your secure source for credit card music ordering
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processing for global music merchandise distribution. Plus, low
setup fee and no sales equals no cost!
Check it out - http://www.cdstreet.com/signup/musesmuse
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contracts must be prepaid. Write to: editor@musesmuse.com
For Newsletter Sponsorship rates and other advertising
opportunities, please see http://www.musesmuse.com/media.html .
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C o n t a c t I n f o & C r e d i t s :
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Jodi Krangle ............................................. EDITOR
Kathryn Obenshain ...........................GRACIOUS PROOFREADER
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The Muse's News is a free monthly newsletter for and about
songwriters. Subscribers are welcome to recirculate or reprint
The Muse's News for nonprofit use as long as the appropriate
credit is given and the ENTIRE text of the newsletter is
included (including credits and information at the end of each
issue). Others should contact me at editor@musesmuse.com.
All articles copyrighted by their authors.
Back issues and other information will be available at:
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The Muse's News is part of The Muse's Muse, a web resource for
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For further information, send your e-mail to:
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SNAILMAIL: Please contact me first at editor@musesmuse.com
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Back issues of the newsletter can be read at the National
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