http://www.artipot.com/authors/16/duane-shinn/ Latest articles by Duane Shinn from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/242569/practically-speaking-piano-practice-can-be-enjoyable.htm Like any other worthwhile activity in life, piano practicing demands a certain amount of discipline. This discipline produces the results we foresaw when we first decided to take up the instrument. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 06:06:26 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242569/practically-speaking-piano-practice-can-be-enjoyable.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242559/the-joy-of-playing-the-piano-songs-you-love.htm Playing the piano can be therapeutic. If you have had a stressful day, go home and pound those keys. Before you know it you'll be having such a good time you will have forgotten all about how bad your day was. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:55:06 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242559/the-joy-of-playing-the-piano-songs-you-love.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242557/10-top-ways-to-find-a-good-piano-teacher-thats-right-for-you.htm You've decided you want to tinkle the ivories. You have decided on a formal approach to your studies, instead of self-teaching. Therefore, you need a qualified piano teacher to help you reach your goals. What should you look for? Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:52:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242557/10-top-ways-to-find-a-good-piano-teacher-thats-right-for-you.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242553/i-hate-piano-lessons.htm Many people took piano lessons when they were growing up and a large percentage of them hated their lessons. Piano lessons can be enjoyable on a weekly basis. It just takes a proper attitude, a proper perspective, and preparation. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 05:49:46 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242553/i-hate-piano-lessons.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242478/how-to-quality-for-the-us-marine-band.htm The US Marine Band, also called "The President's Own" United States Marine Band, is the oldest such band in the USA. The US Marine Band was established by an Act of Congress in 1798. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:28:31 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242478/how-to-quality-for-the-us-marine-band.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/242477/art-tatum-the-virtuoso-of-jazz-piano.htm Being born blind never proved to go against the music in Arthur Tatum Jr's heart. One of the most technically sound pianists, his technique and compositions manage to boggle musicians even in this advanced day and age. Tue, 02 Dec 2008 03:24:03 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/242477/art-tatum-the-virtuoso-of-jazz-piano.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/238210/the-many-magical-musicals-of-rodgers-and-hammerstein.htm Mention the names Rodgers and Hammerstein and almost everyone knows a bit about them. Rodgers and Hammerstein are two of musical theater's best collaborators and the creators of Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel, and The Sound of Music. Sun, 23 Nov 2008 04:10:25 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/238210/the-many-magical-musicals-of-rodgers-and-hammerstein.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/236199/nature-music-new-age-piano-improvisation.htm What exactly is New Age music? You've probably heard the phrase bandied about in reference to specific artists, but few know what it actually means. In general terms, New Age music is organic; its main purpose is to soothe the spirit and fill the soul with calm. In many cases, New Age music tries to emulate the feelings or sounds of nature. Fri, 21 Nov 2008 01:14:27 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/236199/nature-music-new-age-piano-improvisation.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/235369/did-you-know-that-president-truman-played-the-piano.htm Clinton was not the first or only President of the United States of America with musical talent. Harry S. Truman was also a piano player, as was Teddy Rosevelt and Richard Nixon. Thu, 20 Nov 2008 00:42:04 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/235369/did-you-know-that-president-truman-played-the-piano.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/234099/the-life-and-songs-of-american-composer-stephen-foster.htm Stephen Collins Foster, the "father of American music," wrote songs in the nineteenth century that live on to this day. He was the forerunner of today's professional songwriter, though he died in poverty. He expanded the musical tastes of America like no other before him. Tue, 18 Nov 2008 17:09:06 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/234099/the-life-and-songs-of-american-composer-stephen-foster.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/224340/count-basie-the-count-of-piano-jazz.htm One of the all time greats of jazz is William "Count" Basie. He was an American jazz pianist, bandleader, and composer. Widely regarded as one of the most important jazz bandleaders of his time, Basie led his popular Count Basie Orchestra for almost 50 years. Sun, 26 Oct 2008 14:05:45 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/224340/count-basie-the-count-of-piano-jazz.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/224041/the-story-of-joy-to-the-world.htm Set to a score adapted from George Frederick Handel's "The Messiah," Joy to the World has taken its place permanently in the hearts of both Christian and secular society. This Christmas hymn remains a favorite no modern church would dare exclude during the holiday season. Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:12:11 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/224041/the-story-of-joy-to-the-world.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222933/the-song-from-heaven-the-story-of-the-great-christmas-carol-silent-night.htm It was a 'Silent Night' indeed when this beloved song was first composed. If not for a broken pipe organ, the world likely would have been without its most popular Christmas carol. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 19:02:48 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222933/the-song-from-heaven-the-story-of-the-great-christmas-carol-silent-night.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222350/dashing-through-the-snow-the-story-of-jingle-bells.htm Many people are surprised to learn that "Jingle Bells" was actually written for American Thanksgiving. The song was originally published under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh." Today there are few who can't sing at least the first verse of "Jingle Bells." Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:04:09 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222350/dashing-through-the-snow-the-story-of-jingle-bells.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/222000/will-you-become-smarter-if-you-play-the-piano-is-piano-study-good-for-your-brain.htm Will you become smarter if you play the piano? The question is whether there is a correlation between mastering a musical instrument and one's brain increasing in potential. Tue, 21 Oct 2008 03:56:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/222000/will-you-become-smarter-if-you-play-the-piano-is-piano-study-good-for-your-brain.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/219751/musical-theory-do-i-need-to-know-it.htm Aside from the academic study of music theory, which explores the theories surrounding music issues, such as whether or not a piece of music fits into one category or another, music theory is really the nuts and bolts of music. Fri, 17 Oct 2008 00:01:32 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/219751/musical-theory-do-i-need-to-know-it.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/219382/what-is-musical-syncopation-and-how-does-it-work.htm One of the most common music forms of musical syncopation is in ragtime music where the melody is often syncopated and the bass line isn't. Think of the music of Scot Joplin, and the memorable strains of "The Entertainer" and you've got a great example of syncopated music. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:55:30 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/219382/what-is-musical-syncopation-and-how-does-it-work.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/219154/what-piano-method-does-your-piano-teacher-use.htm Learning to play the piano is about more than learning the names of notes. Students and parents have a variety of different piano methods to choose from. All teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in their respective emphases and their suitability for particular age groups and learning styles. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 21:13:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/219154/what-piano-method-does-your-piano-teacher-use.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/219139/how-to-get-started-in-beginning-piano-lessons.htm Maybe you've always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the opportunity. Perhaps you're a parent with a child who has expressed interest in the piano. The question is: where do you begin? How to start depends on your age and your goals. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 20:39:28 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/219139/how-to-get-started-in-beginning-piano-lessons.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/218384/piano-playing-wonderful-nutricious-food-for-your-brain.htm If you're looking for a perfect way to keep your mind sharp, piano playing is the solution. It exercises several different parts of the mind and body, while providing you with years of musical enjoyment. Whether you play piano currently or are thinking about starting, playing piano is great brain food. Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:10:25 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/218384/piano-playing-wonderful-nutricious-food-for-your-brain.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/217377/oscar-peterson-jazz-pianist-extraordinary.htm One of the most influential players of jazz that the world has known, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson was born on the 15th of August, 1925 in Little Burgundy, Montreal. He is considered the dean of jazz piano players by most fans and critics. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:27:14 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/217377/oscar-peterson-jazz-pianist-extraordinary.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/216591/marian-mcpartland-the-grand-lady-of-jazz-piano.htm A born child prodigy, Marian Portland started playing the piano at the age of three. She is formally trained in both the violin and the piano. Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz radio program on which she interviews jazz pianists and plays duets with them is on National Public Radio and has been a favorite of jazz lovers for decades. Sat, 11 Oct 2008 03:43:11 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/216591/marian-mcpartland-the-grand-lady-of-jazz-piano.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/215864/do-music-presidential-politics-mix-you-bet.htm People were surprised to learn that the former President, Bill Clinton, plays the saxophone. But, several other Presidents of the United States of American were musically gifted as well, such as Harry Truman and Richard Nixon, both of whom played the piano. Fri, 10 Oct 2008 05:49:18 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/215864/do-music-presidential-politics-mix-you-bet.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/211201/how-to-start-tickling-the-ivories-again-as-an-adult.htm There are gazillion adults who took piano lessons as a child but stopped playing for various reasons. Some aren't the least bit interested, but many wish to return to piano playing at some point in their lives. Tue, 30 Sep 2008 12:02:18 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/211201/how-to-start-tickling-the-ivories-again-as-an-adult.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/208505/piano-instruction-formal-versus-informal.htm When you think of piano lessons, the mental picture you get might be of child sitting at a keyboard. The instructor is probably sitting next to the child, tapping out rhythm with a baton or pencil. If the idea of being scrutinized by a piano teacher makes you cringe, consider some other forms of piano instruction. Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:00:40 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/208505/piano-instruction-formal-versus-informal.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/207744/what-are-gospel-chords-how-do-they-get-that-sound.htm Gospel music stays alive by remaining relevant, taking various aspects of the musical culture of the day and bringing those aspects into the spiritual fold. In modern gospel, jazz has been introduced into traditional songs. This has sparked the musical term "gospel chords." Wed, 24 Sep 2008 13:10:31 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/207744/what-are-gospel-chords-how-do-they-get-that-sound.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/207057/music-scales-for-beginners.htm Most beginners in music are introduced to the concept of scales very early in their training. Despite this, it sometimes takes a few years of training to get good understanding of how scales work. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 14:28:27 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/207057/music-scales-for-beginners.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/207034/music-for-stark-beginners-how-to-read-notes.htm New pianists learn notes first. An understanding of musical notes and their values is the foundation for learning any instrument. That includes the piano. The values of the notes are easy to remember because their names denote their values. Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:25:10 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/207034/music-for-stark-beginners-how-to-read-notes.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/206626/contemporary-christian-music-the-real-deal-in-quallity-passion.htm Christian music has come a long way from the church-sanctioned melancholy chants of centuries gone by. It has rich history going back several hundred years. In fact, the earliest music manuscripts were of church origin. Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:20:05 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/206626/contemporary-christian-music-the-real-deal-in-quallity-passion.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/205803/piano-practice-tips-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-practice-time.htm Even the most avid of piano players sometimes dread practicing. Sometimes that dread can sabotage your practice time. Don't sit down at the piano feeling negative before you even begin. Sun, 21 Sep 2008 17:07:26 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/205803/piano-practice-tips-how-to-get-the-most-out-of-your-practice-time.htm