tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12662865314559428552024-03-13T10:45:28.993+00:00My Piano JourneySeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-47058938186598364902009-02-11T23:35:00.004+00:002009-03-17T15:23:51.491+00:00This Blog has now movedHi Folks<br /><br />If you have been reading or subscribed to this blog, thank you for sticking with me the past few years.<br /><br />I have decided to move this blog to a new provider<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://seasidelee.com/pianojourney/">The new blog can be found here [click]</a><br /><br /><br />Sincerely<br /><br /><br />Seaside_LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-46565700534531042832009-02-09T18:16:00.002+00:002009-02-09T18:18:35.571+00:00Its nearly recital time again!Well its getting very near to pianoworld recital time and as usual I'm procrastinating. I'll get it done I know I will! I have sat down 4 times at the bench today and said "right Lee c'mon lets do it" and every time either the phone has rang or something has distracted me and today was going to be the day (grrr!)<br /><br />So, I have decided I'm going to do it before I go to bed tonight so by tomorrow I will have it done<br /><br />And then I can sit back, put my feet up and relax!<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-66698706399761319022009-02-03T20:31:00.005+00:002009-02-04T00:27:25.026+00:00I really like this new piano course I've just bought!Hi there folks<br /><br />As you know I've been with Mike at <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">pianomagic.com</a> for over 5 years now. I've tried other things but, anyone who knows me or has read the previous post will know they all gather dust on my bookshelf!<br /><br />Well there has been a lot of discussion about an amazing and relatively cheap piano course over in the Adult beginner forums at <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/forum/32.html">Pianoworld.com</a> and what with me being a sucker for a new piano course an' all I just couldn't resist! however, I must admit to being rather skeptical before I clicked purchase because it seemed a bit too good to be true for the money?<br /><br />I have had this course for a week and I have to say that along with pianomagic this is already shaping up to be one of the best courses I have ever seen and I recommend it to any of you reading whether you are just starting out, want to add a course to your pianomagic study or are interested in getting into jazz and blues (like me) its bloody fantastic!!<br /><br />I wrote at pianoworld that I liked it and Robin Hall (the author) sent me a lovely email to thank me for recommending his course and even said he would be happy for me to link to his course from here so if you are interested :-<br /><br /><a href="http://seasidelee.piano4all.hop.clickbank.net/" target="_top">Click Here!</a><br /><br />Along with pianomagic this one comes "Seaside_Lee Approved" (in other words it does what it says on the tin!)<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-70730179169360097962009-01-12T15:12:00.006+00:002009-01-12T19:01:06.064+00:00Jan 2009 - Heather asks...Hi Folks<br /><br />To save me time writing this out ever again a member called Heather over at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Pianoworld</span> asked me these questions:-<br /><blockquote><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">"Hello Seaside Lee -</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I was hoping you could answer a couple of questions for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Did you use Piano Magic exclusively for the type of playing you do?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Did you have any previous piano training?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">How long have you been at it?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">How long did it take you to see results using Piano Magic?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">If you have used other methods, please let me know what they are.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Thanks so much for taking the time to answer!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">I like your playing</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">-Heather</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">"</span><br /><br /></blockquote><br /><br />and this was my reply to her:<br /><br /><blockquote><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Hi Heather </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">1. Yes (although I own other courses and watch </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">youtube</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> for tips just like everyone else but, in the main Piano Magic is what I always end up doing) I'm comfiest playing that way and we are getting into deeper more tricky stuff as the membership is getting more advanced so the advanced discussions are too (which is once again bringing me on [Smile] )</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">2. yes I had a couple of years of lessons when I was a child. I tried traditional lessons for 6 weeks or so in my early 20's because I got the urge again but, I just couldn't stick to it (out of frustration) and that was where my mind was at with the piano (i.e. that it was something in life that I should have stuck with as a child but, didn't and therefore it was going to be a life long regret of mine!) until I googled 'play, piano by ear, lessons' 5 years ago and the rest as they say is history! </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">LOL</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">3. I joined up in October 2003 so a little over 5 years</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">4. If you go to my blog and click on "Seasides Piano Journey" in the right hand column (</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">thats</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> my first blog post) In that post you will find my "hello" message to Mike at </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">pianomagic</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> dated Oct 01 2003 and the first piece that made it into the "recital hall" so, that was how I sounded after 4 months of </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">pianomagic</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> under my belt, take a listen and see what you think (</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">aint</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> as good as now but, not bad for 4 months I guess)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">It took me a few weeks to start making progress but, my struggle with finding melody and trying to cure my </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">inabililty</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> to do it, is well documented in my blog and in my hundreds of questions to Mike that, you can read in the forums over there if you decide to join that is? (it was so bad that I named it "Seaside_Lee Affliction" and that is now a trade mark!! </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">LOL</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">5. I have tried other methods but they mainly gather dust on my bookshelf (even though I still cherish all of them and would never sell them because one day I'll get back to them I always promise myself) off the top of my head:-</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">Sudnow</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> (love it gets you playing cocktail sounding lush full songs off the bat but, you really have to stick to it or it just gets forgotten. </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_10">Swingin</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Barb has stuck to it and Markham too and they are brilliant!) doesn't help to play by ear though IMHO</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Play Like Me - similar to </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_11">Sudnow</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> (kinda like </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_12">Sudnow</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Lite) doesn't help to play by ear either IMHO</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Pattern Piano - I can't sing so found it useless - probably great if you can sing and want to accompany yourself (which I would love to be able to do)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Pattern Piano Blues Licks - fun but drove me </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_13">nutz</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Hear and Play, Gospel keys, the jazz one and others - heck they never stop offering me new stuff! </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_14">LOL</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> I have no idea how anyone learns to play by ear off of this stuff or learns to play off of it at all but, there are some fans so, its probably just me?</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Scott The Piano guy, tips tricks 1 & 2, the </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_15">christmas</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> song, and Xmas special and subscribe to his you tube...gets you playing off of lead sheets love it but, he never digs in enough with his guests for long enough for me to pick up what they are doing!! </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_16">grrrr</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Barry Harris 1 & 2 (I just don't get these videos at all they are beyond me and most stuff is teaching a full band how to do stuff??? but lord I love the way he plays - so frustrating to me</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_17">Quiescience</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> music - joined never gave it a proper go so can't comment</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Jamie </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_18">Aebersold</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> - Anyone can improvise, and various jazz play a longs watched briefly never dug in though to be honest</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Patsy </span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_19">Carlsson</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);"> Play piano overnight - gets you playing nice sounds overnight [Smile] doesn't get you playing songs though [Wink]</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Rocket Piano - my worst buy (</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);" class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_20">grrr</span><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">!) I have no idea what is good about this? or why it gets voted as being so good?</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">How's that?</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">Lee </span><br /><br /></blockquote><br /><br />If you want to go to the thread <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?/topic/32/7860.html#000003">here is the direct link (click)</a>:<br /><br /><br /><br />That should save me having to type that lot out again <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_21">LOL</span><br /><br /><br /><br />regards<br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-23640449981199499412008-12-30T18:00:00.003+00:002008-12-30T18:13:14.261+00:00Last 2 videos of 2008Hi Folks<br /><br />Hope you all had a wonderful Xmas <br /><br />Here's a couple of new videos (and they are going to be the last 2 of 2008)...expanding a little more on how I improvise and this time I'm trying to show how you can use your noodling/improvising to play through mistakes and how to make mistakes sound creative:-<br /><br />Video 1<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9_bISR8ijWg&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9_bISR8ijWg&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Video 2<br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wkbluqepws&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2wkbluqepws&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Hope y'all have a lovely New Year<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-58118531250764963732008-10-01T20:07:00.003+01:002008-10-01T20:39:12.518+01:00Adding Auto Rhythm To Our Noodling/ImprovisationsHi again folks<br /><br />Okay it seems there is a small amount of interest with this stuff and a few of you are enjoying have fun with it?<br /><br />If you have a digital keyboard then you can have some fun with your auto-rhythm, built in drum machine.<br /><br />Video 1<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZKujxBO7JNY&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/ZKujxBO7JNY&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Video 2<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/r3fZH56u_e8&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/r3fZH56u_e8&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />Video 3<br /><br />Mixing 2 different chord progression together to give 2 sections to our song<br />Apologies, the keyboard was transposed up a half step!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/_mbs3KOI9gs&hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/_mbs3KOI9gs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />To read some discussion about these videos please click this link to the:- <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/32/7189.html"> "Pianoworld Adult Beginners Forum" [click]</a><br /><br /><br />take it easy<br /><br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-64876980074805366462008-09-21T12:31:00.008+01:002008-09-24T12:33:47.511+01:00Noodling for Beginners - video lessons part 1 and 2Hi Everyone<br /><br />After posting my recent noodling session .mp3 I have had quite a lot of mail. One person even reckoned I was some sort of "freeeky genius" but, of course this is not true! LOL<br /><br />I have had a few requests to explain how I do it so, I have bought myself a new video recorder this week and decided to make a video for y'all which I had to split into 2 parts as "youtube" only allow 10 minutes maximum.<br /><br />These 2 videos are for those that wanted to know more and learn how easy it is to do<br /><br />I hope you enjoy watching them and that they help you to spend more time having fun at your keyboard/piano.<br /><br />DISCLAIMER: The singing isn't very good so don't be alarmed and keep young children away from the computer whilst watching this! LOL<br /><br />I have checked with Mike over at <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">pianomagic.com</a> and he is happy that there is nothing in the videos that would tread on his copyright material (even if he is much better at teaching this kind of stuff as a small part of what he teaches over there)<br /><br />Video 1:-<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/zouey51D03M&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/zouey51D03M&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Video 2:-<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dNnpSt8Q1BA&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dNnpSt8Q1BA&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />For me this is a way to effortlessly practise my pedalling, control of velocity and rhythm and yes I know Mikes already told me its still a little patchy in places (slipping from 3/4 to 4/4...grrr!)<br /><br /><br />Hope they give you some ideas and of course if you'd like to learn more on how to do this kind of stuff and how to play piano by ear you can always come and join Mike, the gang and I over at <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">pianomagic.com</a><br /><br />EDITED TO ADD: A few more videos<br /><br />These 2 are just for ideas and to try and get some feedback as to where I could explain things deeper or clearer for you<br /><br />Video 3:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EYcubytaRTE&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EYcubytaRTE&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Video 4:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nA_j0gjTIfs&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nA_j0gjTIfs&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br />In these 2 videos I mention the "Circle of Fifths" just to prevent confusion here is a picture of the Circle of Fifths:-<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.tikiking.com/images/real_circle_of_fifths.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px;" src="http://www.tikiking.com/images/real_circle_of_fifths.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />If you take a look at the outside of the circle notice how the chords go E to A to D to G to C anticlockwise<br /><br />Hence<br /><br />** Eminor > A minor > D minor > G7 > C **<br /><br /><br /><br /><br />These last 2 videos are because Lenny over at Pianoworld pointed out that the angle wasn't helping him to see clearly enough what I was playing so hopefully this new angle is a little clearer for him and for you? however, its about the best I'm going to get off of this tripod without getting my big head in the way!<br /><br />Video 5:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/n0nox6Vm-80&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/n0nox6Vm-80&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Video 6:<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/fKBXfzbroTw&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/fKBXfzbroTw&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Till the next time, take care<br /><br /><br />Lee :)Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-30958724523522791812008-09-18T12:30:00.004+01:002008-09-18T12:59:00.018+01:00An example of My pianomagic noodlingHi Folks<br /><br />I often see asked over at <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/">the pianoworld.com</a> forums questions that talk about "exercises" and "how to stop getting bored of practising" and how to "make ones playing more emotional"<br /><br />I have to confess I don't do any exercises such as Hanon or any scale work of any significance either unless I'm working on a new key (which I am admittedly very lazy with)<br /><br />No, for me I "noodle" its a technical term LOL<br /><br />When I get fed up I often noodle around the 1,6,2,5 pattern<br /><br />In the Key of C this would be the chord progression of C, A minor, D minor and G (G7)<br /><br />This is a cool chord progression as all the notes in the chords are from the C scale so that almost any melody note played on the white keys sounds good (this is good to know because you can just make things up as you play)<br /><br />I can noodle like this for hours and go to place in my mind where time just doesn't exist<br /><br />There are other chord progressions you can use and the other day I recorded myself freely noodling on a major to minor change - for about 20 minutes!!<br /><br />So, if you've got loads of time on your hands (and no life LOL) you can always take a little trip into the weird and wonderful mind of Seaside Lee when he's noodling - In the first minute the recording drops out a couple of time - dunno why? darn computers! so apologies for that - but, then it seems to be okay<br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/ajas40y7tx"><br />Seasides major to minor practise Noodling [click to hear]</a><br /><br />The chords I mainly used were C, Em F and G for the major section<br />and A minor, F, B diminished and E for the minor section<br /><br />All I'm doing is playing around with textures, volumes and rhythms, I may throw in the odd 1625 here and there too. Sure, Its all a little repetitive but, it doesn't matter when you are noodling, just keep your headphones on and who hears it anyway! LOL<br /><br />Nobody ever asks any questions (that's if anyone still reads this stuff?) but, if you want to ask something please feel free to ask away.<br /><br />This was played on my Casio PX-320 keyboard and recorded using Audacity straight in to my computer from the line outs.<br /><br /><br /><br />"Happy Noodling"<br /><br /><br />regards<br /><br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-35046185700200499992008-09-13T02:59:00.005+01:002008-09-13T03:28:55.986+01:00Chatting With Rickster at pianoworld<span style="color:#000099;"><span style="color:#000000;">Hi Everyone<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">There's</span> a member over at <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/">pianoworld</a></span> called "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Rickster"</span> and he plays by ear all by himself (which is rather cool in my humble opinion - because I had to be taught!)<br /><br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Anways,</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Rickster</span> posted up a video of himself playing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" which was quite amazing because he hasn't been playing piano for too long<br /><br />here is the video:-</span><br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/OdZlCe7fqgM&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/OdZlCe7fqgM&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">Just fantastic but, I was thinking maybe with a little help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Rickster</span> could make this even more F*A*N*T*A*S*T*I*C</span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">And with this in mind I decided to try and help him (its aways a little scary offering advice because you may offend someone)</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">This is what I posted to try to help <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Rickster</span></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"Hi <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Rickster,</span></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error"></span></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error">Really</span> really nice - loved watching you play</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">You say you want some feedback?</span><br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Its beautiful as is but there are a couple of things you can work on to make it totally awesome</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">1. Play with more contrast same notes just a little softer in places then coming in with a splash of louder - think passion when you play try and talk to my soul and you may astound yourself</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">2. the left hand pattern is lovely but just change it in places maybe just some simple block chords or some tenths should do it</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">3. One last thing try and add little pauses and speed ups to emphasize the emotion in your playing</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">As I say its pretty as is - play around with those ideas for a few weeks and hey someone may be hiring you for $$$$'s - try and bring a tear my eye with the next video</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Would you like me to record something for you to give you some ideas to chew on?"</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I then went on to record a version of "Somewhere over the rainbow" with some ideas for Rickster to chew on</span> :-<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/mhz79u8zyb">Some Ideas for Rickster to chew on [click here]<br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span></a><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I was hopeful that because Rickster plays by ear that he would be able to hear what I was trying to show him.</span><br /><br />He did post me a very nice reply:-<br /><br /><span style="color:#000099;">"Hi Seaside_Lee,</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Wow, your version of “Somewhere over the RB “was great! I doubt if I could mimic that anytime soon. It does give me some good ideas for improvement though.</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Thanks a lot!</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;">Rickster"</span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000099;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">I do dearly hope that my friend Rickster takes some ideas with him.</span><br /><br /><br /><br />take care, til next time<br /><br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color:#000000;"></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-86944718667299553902008-09-02T14:12:00.004+01:002008-09-02T14:37:25.033+01:00For-chan and "Hear and Play"Just like a bus you wait around for ages and then 2 come along at once!! LOL<br /><br />Every so often someone asks about playing by ear over at <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/category/1.html">pianoworld</a> and I end up chatting about how I learned to play by ear as an adult beginner with <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">Pianomagic.com and Mike Anderson</a><br /><br />Anyhow, a member called 'For-chan' was asking for advice because he was finding that <a href="http://www.hearandplay.com/">Hear and Play by Jermaine Griggs</a> the Number one play by ear course (guffaw) wasn't helping. Sorry Jermaine I love your stuff and nearly always end up buying all your special offers - its cool but, how the heck anyone learns to play by ear off of it? I have no idea!<br /><br />This is what 'For-chan' wrote:-<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">"Is there anyone that has had success with hear and Play and is completely happy with their purchase? </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">Anyway.. I'm really interested in PianoMagic because I like how scales aren't the main focus, more on chords. "</span><br /><br /></span>Here was my first reply to his question<br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Hi For-chan<br /><br />I have hear and play infact I usually end up buying every new thing that they come out with, I never get anywhere with any of it but, I would say that down to the fact I don't really dig in properly. Would I sell any of my hear and Play DVDs? (no way - they are always on my to do list - I like to watch them from time to time just to see if I can glean anything new)<br /><br />I can never quite put my finger on why I don't connect but, on the whole I just don't - but, I'm always thinking "one day I'll get it"<br /><br />Check my blog for my story about pianomagic if you like - it works like magic but, it doesn't work for everyone and you really have to ask questions in the forums when you get stuck.<br /><br />So many people don't ever make one post not even to say hello which see-ing as the forums is the key to getting really good and understanding everything that never makes sense to me but hey?<br /><br />I have Sudnow too which starts you right off the bat playing big lush chords from dot sheet notation (Misty and As time goes by and there are many more) and teaches you the way to voice your own choice of songs from lead sheets as you progress.<br /><br />Its probably not the easiest way to learn how to play by ear but, its a great way to learn to play jazzy cocktail style voicings of the tunes you love - check out swinging barb in the jazz thread she plays like a dream and she is a 100% Sudnow-a-holic <img title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><br /><br /><br />Hope this helps a little</span><br /><br />Then For-chan asked:-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >Could you tell me what the Piano Magic course starts off with?</span><br /><br />To which I replied:-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >It teaches you in the beginning to see (and hear) how chords and melodies follow a very logical path through most of the tunes you know, It teaches you how to hear simple chord changes and their relationships with the melodies you know.<br /><br />You will work on the songs that you know, the songs that you can whistle, hum or sing and you will learn to play them by ear starting with your simple stuff first.<br /><br />You will be taught how to add basic rhythm patterns to the songs that you know and from which you will grow into playing erm "For-chan style"<br /><br />From the basics you can take it wherever you want to go, you will learn about cousin chords and hidden chords, how to resolve accidentals, the C of 5ths and much much more <img title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><br /><br />There are many many many videos about playing styles whether it be boogie woogie or latin rhythms that all start out from a basic foundation.<br /><br />I've been there nearly 5 years and am still only touching the surface of what there is to glean but, you have to participate. I have posted more questions than any one else I may not be the best player there but, I'm the best ME - I still thirst for more knowledge and I still keep asking (only you can have the desire to want it)<br /><br />Some people thrive on having a weekly lesson and being given strict instructions I'm not like that you might be or you may not? only you can know<br /><br /></span>Then I provided a couple of demos for him as to how I sound and how pianomagic works taking a simple melody and chords and making it sound...erm...prettier?<br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/klzre4anog"><br />Demo 1 {click here}</a><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/bvykhuviki"><br />Demo 2 {click here}</a><br /><br />To read the entire thread over at pianoworld <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/32/7051.html">{click here}</a> I think its an interesting discussion if you are considering joining pianomagic.<br /><br /><br />regards<br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-81431990190952787102008-09-02T14:01:00.002+01:002008-09-02T14:11:56.143+01:00Pianoworld Recital Number 11Hi Folks<br /><br />I seem to have been to hell and back these last few months - lost my business, my home and family and going bankrupt! well as they say "things can only get better" and I hope they are right.<br /><br />I must apologize for not posting much here recently but, hey I hope y'all understand.<br /><br />Anyway, onto the August Recital over at <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/ultimatebb.php?/topic/32/7029.html">Pianoworld</a> I submitted a piece maybe not the greatest thing I've done but, I still think (hope) my playing is improving. I have had some nice comments so that always helps to keep my chin up.<br /><br />Here is the direct link to it :- <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/f52jmbhj8g">How Deep Is Your Love (Bee Gees) with a little Seaside twist {click to Hear}</a><br /><br /><br />thanks for listening and for sticking around<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-57851603007543995562008-04-21T15:38:00.006+01:002008-04-21T22:35:07.589+01:00A Concert pianist arrives at “pianomagic”<p class="MsoNormal">Hi Folks</p><br /><p class="MsoNormal">I am so excited about this post and hope some of you find this interesting<br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">As many of you know I have learned to play the piano by ear with Mike at <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">pianomagic.com</a> and over the past four years there has been some exciting times for myself and for many of the other members over there.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">However, about 4 weeks ago a quite famous “Classical concert pianist” joined! Yikes a proper, for real, living, breathing, walking, talking! CLASSICAL CONCERT PIANIST…what? join pianomagic? why????<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I am sooooooo excited about this guy, I wrote to him to ask him if “it was okay to write about him in this blog?” and if "he would mind if I quoted him too?”<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Itzhak wrote back and said it would be a pleasure for him to feature in this blog and quote whatever I wanted to.<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">So…<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">First, he said hello to us all:-<br /><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;color:midnightblue;" >“Hello everybody!! I'm Itzhak Solsky, a classical concert pianist from <st1:country-region st="on">Israel</st1:country-region>, currently living in <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">France</st1:place></st1:country-region>”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.answers.com/topic/itzhak-solsky-plays-piano?cat=entertainment">Click here to read a little about one of his CDs </a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Why would he join pianomagic? (Heck, we’re the ‘children of the corn’ LOL)<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">This is why in his own words:-<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >“I've been teaching piano for the last 12 years or so, and I've always been frustrated by a certain gap between my ability to play and my ability to teach. You see, I started playing the piano when I was 4. I could read music very well by the time I was 5, and on the other hand, at the age of 6 I could play by ear most everything in my father's vinyl library, and most everything that came up in the radio. </span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><br /><br /><span class="spnmessagetext">Later as an adult I won international prizes and played in many countries (I still do, of course), while amusing myself and many friends in parties and other occasions, playing and singing songs - which recently I also started doing in formal, paid performances - it's simply fun :-) I make my own arrangements, of course. </span><br /><br /><span class="spnmessagetext">BUT - with my students, I was still more or less stuck with old, 'orthodox' methods.”</span></span><br /><span class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;color:midnightblue;" ><o:p> </o:p></span></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Alrighty then, this is exciting I thought. Ah yes but, not as excited as our new concert pianist was becoming about his new journey:-<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >“Exactly 12 days ago, in the introductory part of <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/" target="_blank">www.pianomagic.com</a> I found the answer. I consequently did a pilot on all of my students here - 100% success!!!! Everybody was so happy to learn 'the truth' about chords, to learn to play by ear, I found myself teaching many more things that I know, but never really knew how to teach, in short - the experience was so inspiring!!”</span></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana;color:blue;" > </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style=""><span style="color:black;">He then goes on to say, </span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >“I had a BIG PROBLEM with beginners – especially with beginning adults who didn’t want to necessarily major in classics, but who wanted to learn to play songs. PM solves this problem with a vengeance!!!</span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" > </span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><span class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >But now, I also take the classical experts and lead them into a little ‘adventure’ of learning to understand and figure out music from within – everybody likes it, and I’m happier – and incidentally a lot busier as a teacher! :-) </span></span><o:p></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" class="spnmessagetext"><span style=";font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" >In teaching, I like very much a light-hearted, simple approach. Also, playing should sound like that. Behind that, there are a lot of things to learn – and it’s up to the teacher to make it seem [easy] to the student who simply wants to acquire an easy, fun hobby. I’ve never seen it done before as convincingly as Michael puts it, and I really like it. :-)</span></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana;font-size:10;" ><br /><br /><span class="spnmessagetext">Michael takes music theory (which he never learned formally, but which he actually knows way better than many ‘formalists’ whom I know) and puts it under a highly critical microscope. He carefully eliminates anything which may confuse or complicate someone too early, and either dispenses with it altogether, or postpones it until a more fitting moment, when the student knows and can do more.”</span></span><o:p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I have been reading along with Itzhak for the past 4 weeks and the way he is discovering things, the way he is seeing things so quickly and so clearly, the way pianomagic has opened up his eyes to see and understand how he played, the way he loved that Mike had found the simple secrets to learn to play by ear, how Mike could teach the pure basics and get people playing by ear straight away, the depth of Mikes knowledge was quite literally blowing his mind!<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">The way Itzhak writes so eloquently about the discoveries he has made so quickly himself and the discoveries he is making through interaction with his students has suddenly made me aware of something bigger too! I am not ready yet to share what this is in words but, you are going to hear it in my playing over the coming months so hold on to your hats because I’m having revelations by the day!! And you my friends are going to hear it here first<span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style="">!</span></span><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">In the mean time Itzhak recorded 4 short improvs for us all to hear over at pianomagic and he has kindly said that I can post them in my blog for y’all to hear too</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">ENJOY – the pure MAGIC of Itzhak Solsky playing by ear<span style="font-family:Wingdings;"><span style=""></span></span>!:-<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">1. <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/x9v26magws">Improv 1 {click to hear}</a><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">2. <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/40jrcrps8o">Improv 2 {click to hear}</a><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">3. <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/mylo0j6as8">Improv 3 {click to hear}</a><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">4. <a href="http://www.box.net/shared/9yzsmfe804">Improv 4 {click to hear}</a><br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">One day I’m going to play this good</p><p class="MsoNormal">I like them all and hope you do too but, my favourites are 2 and 3 (or maybe number 4?) let me know if you enjoyed listening and I'll pass your comments on to Itzhak<br /></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Finally <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/PMMOcourse/tradvsnontrad.html">{click here listen to Itzhak speak and play}</a> in a new audio demostration regarding classical music and chords provided at pianomagic.com - this guy is amazing!</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.judaicultures.info/Le-pianiste-Itzhak-Solsky-en.html?lang=en">For more info on Itzhak and his tour dates {click here}</a><br /><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Take care<o:p><br /></o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Lee</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-76415209115649795892008-04-16T16:43:00.003+01:002008-04-16T17:23:41.957+01:00The support of my online friendsHi Folks<br /><br />I am proud to be a member of two on-line piano communities. If you are new to this blog they are the forums at <a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/">pianomagic.com</a> and <a href="http://www.pianoworld.com/">pianoworld.com</a> that I have mentioned previously.<br /><br />I have to admit to spending quite a lot of time on both forums and have found myself sitting here many a time laughing out loud, smiling, sometimes crying whilst reading and joining in with threads at these places.<br /><br />I am unfortunately going through a split with Sharon and have moved out back to my Dads house. It has been a mutual decision because the arguments and bickering between the two of us had just spiralled out of control these past few years and it was decided that for the sake of everyone especially the children it was best we separate.<br /><br />I'm doing okay on the whole but, worry about the boys so much and the whole thing is really quite sad. The thought of dating again or meeting someone else is quite daunting and I think its going to take a while for me to find my way back to be honest.<br /><br />Anyway, I find the best way for me to chill out is just to play my piano and sometimes I record myself playing, you know just let it run and forget about it. Sometimes something comes out of me and its only when I listen back I think "WOW...did I play that?"<br /><br />Anyhow the other night I played 'The Way We Were' and I think it captured my feelings perfectly, its like therapy for me.<br /><br />Please feel free to take a listen:-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/w09gpeeisk">The Way We Were {to hear click here}</a><br /><br />What amazes me though is the support of people that I only know as user names, have never met but, somehow feel so close to. Just when I'm feeling a little sad and sorry for myself they listen to me play and chip in with words of such kindness and enthusiasm (even if they are just being kind it gives me strength somehow) if you are reading this folks you know who you are and I'd like to thank you all personally in this blog.<br /><br />Its comments like these...<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Very beautiful, sensitive playing Lee"<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"I was close to tears (seriously), given the song you chose and the situation around it."<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Wow... Lee...I am in awe at you talent. You played with such depth of feeling... Thank you for sharing your beautiful music."<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Wow Lee. You literally portrayed a story through the melodies and the way you played this tune."<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Lee, Thanks for sharing this. It is very moving. I don't know what you're going through"<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Holy cow, Lee - this is an example of music being a window into someone's soul. So elegant, melancholy, and beautiful. Delicate, but confident. I'm impressed with (a) your playing and (b) your willingness to express your emotions through music."<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"So beautiful, so deep, so brave."<br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"Hi Lee, It may be your "therapy" but a gift for us"</span><br /><br /></span>...that mean the world to me, somehow make me stronger, makes me even more determined to get through this and to take this "piano journey" of mine wherever it wants to lead me.<br /><br />To all those members who have posted and are maybe going to post in the future I dearly treasure your support and kindness so thank you once again.<br /><br />The idea of this blog was to inspire fellow adult beginners like me that you can achieve your dreams! Okay, so I've had a little blip in my personal life but my DREAM carries on...<br /><br /><br />take care<br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.pianomagic.com/"> </a>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-37273416315535173172008-04-12T23:33:00.004+01:002008-04-12T23:56:07.550+01:00Discussing Waltz "bass chord chord" at Pianoworld with "koldo"Hi Folks<br /><br />Over at pianoworld a new member "koldo" was asking about Waltz rhythm played as "bass chord chord"<br /><br />This was part of his question :-<br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">"The question I have arises from the book "How to Play the Piano Despite Years of Lessons", which I saw on Amazon and seemed interesting. I've got to chapter 10, in which the authors describe what they call the basic skeleton arrangement (bass-chord-chord - if playing in 3/4 time). The right hand plays the melody an octave higher than written, whilst the left hand plays both the song's chords - tightly grouped around middle C - and the bass line- which is the root of the chord played from the piano's lowest possible octave - two notes an octave apart". </span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br />Then further advice was given thus :-<br /><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"><em>"This would be the "bass-chord-chord" you mentioned (it's often characterized as "om-pah-pah"). This is common practice for 3/4 time pieces at the beginning level."</em> </span><br /><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span><br /><span style="color:#000000;">A little further on koldo asks :-</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">"Having read ahead it seems that it's a technique that is quickly abandoned, and that it just serves to give the student a quick grounding in navigating the whole keyboard. I'll keep at it."</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">To which I replied :-</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;">"nope, its a technique and all techniques one can, will and should grow from...I use it all the time when playing waltzes"</span></em><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></span></em><br /><span style="color:#000000;">and then I continued to play a little demonstration for him using the song "Edelweiss" from the Sound Of Music :-</span><br /><br /><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/v5m838jcwg">Edelweiss with waltz "Oom pah pah" or "boom chuck chuck" as we call it at pianomagic {click to hear}</a> </span></em><br /><p><span style="color:#000000;">That was only a quick demo and a few people have commented on how much they like it so, I'm gonna work on it some more to see what I can come up with...stay tuned</span></p><p></p><p>take care y'all</p><p></p><p>Lee<br /></p><p><em><span style="color:#3333ff;"></p></span></em><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/v5m838jcwg"></a>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-6657993750911225522008-04-05T21:30:00.004+01:002008-04-05T21:43:35.162+01:00The Concert hall is open at Pianomagic to the general public!!Hi Folks<br /><br />Some exciting news Mike asked all of us to record something either in the public domain or something of our own creation to celebrate his birthday and 20 years of <a href="http://pianomagic.com/">pianomagic!!! </a><br /><br />I recorded an improvisation on my new Casio PX-320 which y'all will have heard below which fit the bill and is now proudly in the concert hall along with 19 other members and their music who joined in the task and have won themselves 2 extra months into the bargain (even though Mikey said "one"!)<br /><br />Just go to the front page of <a href="http://pianomagic.com/">pianomagic</a> and follow the link to the "Celebration Concert" to hear all of us, Sponge Bob has been there the longest and he's the bomb but, there are many performers from new starters to old hands and everyone is finally doing it playing by ear (how kool is that?)<br /><br />I submitted something else that didn't get in which was my version of "This Old Man/The Barney Theme" which you can hear below:-<br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/2nhfvxp8gk">To hear what a pianomagical play by ear pianist can do to This Old Man {click Here}</a><br /><br />Take a listen to the concert I hope you all enjoy it!<br /><br /><br />take care<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-53223318256995371922008-03-10T12:04:00.003+00:002008-03-10T12:22:55.968+00:00My First Paying Gig!!Hi Folks<br /><br />Finally it happened (with a bit of good fortune) I was booked to DJ a masonic do Friday and Saturday night and they needed a piano because the hotel didn't have one!<br /><br />I offered the use of mine and also offered to play background for them during the meals and the event organizer agreed....yippeee!!!<br /><br />For those that can't be bothered going back and reading how this journey of mine started out...<br /><br />Heres what I said in my first paragraph<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">"I am writing this journal in the hope that it inspires those who are later on in life (or come to think of it? at any age for that matter!) and still hold the dream that someday they can just sit right down at a piano and play for themselves, for friends or maybe one day for ££££'s!! (or $$$$'s for y'all over there)"<br /><br /></span>...and heres what I said when I joined pianomagic on Oct 1st 2003!!<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><em>Posted - Oct 01 2003 : 09:54:12 AM </em></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><em>I am a new member who is (I get the feeling) going to need some help. My story - I played the piano and started at 9 0r 10 and played until I was about 12 or 13. I was told many times not to give up and that I would regret it. I knew I would, but, I just got bored of practise.<br /><br />I was always frustrated as a young child that I couldn't play by ear and never really realised it could be taught. I always thought you either could or couldn't! I have always regretted giving up the piano, as I love entertaining people. I DJ in my spare time which only semi-satisfies me, I love the buzz you get from the applause, but, I am only playing other peoples work.<br /><br />My little boy who is 5 years old has started piano lessons in the last 6 months and to be honest it has given me renewed vigour to get back in front of the keyboard.This time there are no excuses I am going to do it!!<br /><br /></em></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /></span>...Well Mike and all at pianomagic and all my friends at pianoworld...<br /><br /><br />I DID IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />and here's a video that I recorded on my camera phone...it really needs editing but, I kind of like it as it is (makes it more real IMHO)<br /><br />Because my disco rig is playing background music too I mixed in my live playing in between Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble and Ella etc<br /><br />This fortunately gave me the opportunities to run through a song once before I played it out LIVE!!<br /><br />As I say because of the background music the first run through that you'll see is just a practise that only you and I can hear...then at 3:43 I fade the music out over to my side and play it LIVE!!<br /><br /><object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/NSV-yWhlY5M"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/NSV-yWhlY5M" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object><br /> <br />Let me know what you think of this rather cool little keyboard</span><br /><br /><br />take care <br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"><br /><br /></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-58767881204753816592008-02-10T23:28:00.000+00:002008-02-10T23:40:29.298+00:00"More" fun with the CasioHi Gang,<br /><br /><br />Boy, I'm loving this new keyboard<br /><br />I was playing around with the built in drum/rhythm machine yesterday, found quite a few rhythms I really liked especially the Samba one.<br /><br />Whilst I was playing around I thought to myself I bet "More" would go with this<br /><br />I haven't done much of this stuff in the past but, its such a blast and it sure beats a metronome<br /><br />Mak is right new toys are so much fun <span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/qr8hkofsww">MORE - Samba style {click Here To Hear}</a><br /><br /><br />take care<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-3085430221105409722008-02-08T14:11:00.000+00:002008-02-08T15:03:44.772+00:00Traded in my casio PX-100 for a PX-320Hi Everyone <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /></span><br /><br />If you've not been reading posts at pianoworld recently you'll be unaware that I have finally let go of the PX-100 for a new PX-320 and what a big difference this piano is, I like it a lot (almost as much as my Yamaha Motif rack)<br /><br />Here's how I let the folks in the digital forums know about it:-<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The casio PX-100 finally had to go...I've traded it in for a brand new casio PX-320 </span><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The PX100 has been a wonderful piano to learn on and its size and weight have always been a big plus for me.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">But, this year I've promised myself I'm gonna start gigging and today I test drove the PX-320 (just this morning in fact) and a deal to part ex the PX100 was done. </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">This is a fantastic keyboard </span><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">128 note polyphony</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The weight and the feel of the new keyboard is in a different league to the PX-100</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">The piano sounds are just beautiful to my ears</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">and it has audio outs so straight into my rig without using the rack every time and straight into audacity for recording and a SD card record facility built in, to boot!!</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I like this piano a lot </span><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.casio.co.uk/Products/Musical%20Instruments/Privia/PX-320H5/At%20a%20Glance/">Casio PX-320 information</a><br /><br /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" href="http://www.casio.co.uk/Products/Musical%20Instruments/Privia/PX-320H5/At%20a%20Glance/" target="_blank"></a></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">If you are maybe considering purchasing one and would like to hear how my new baby sounds</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">I've just recorded a brief jam to show the dynamics of the whole keyboard:-</span><br /><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/r3jw3vk4ko" target="_blank">Practise jam with my new PX-320 {click to hear}</a><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/r3jw3vk4ko"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span></a><br /><br /><br /></span>Then a guy called Baz asked me:-<span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Hi Lee, you have a lovely grand piano sound there but I was wondering if it had a more upright/bluesy preset? Any chance of a quick demo of it if it has? <img title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" />"<br /><br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Can I hear the Rock Piano? I'm guessing that's going to be an Elton John type of sound but might be a useful compromise"</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span>Unfortunately he had to mention "Elton John" and the "blues" ...unfortunate for me because Elton is so good and I'm not too good at playing the blues!<br /><br />Nevertheless I had a stab at something for him to hear, here's what I said:-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >"Hi Baz<br /><br />Did you have to mention Elton John!! <img alt="[Help]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/help.gif" border="0" /> <img title="" alt="[Roll Eyes]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/rolleyes.gif" border="0" /><br /><br />Basically just ignore the playing (cause this aint nothing like him ! <img alt="[Ha Ha]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/LOL.gif" border="0" /> )<br /><br />And blues aint my strong point either so no laughing at the "bluesy attempt" at the end...okay?<br /><br /><br />Hope it helps<br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/u43f4ifoc0" target="_blank">I guess this aint what they call the blues !! LOL </a></span><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/u43f4ifoc0" target="_blank"><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ></span></a><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/r3jw3vk4ko" target="_blank">{click to hear}</a></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/u43f4ifoc0"> </a></span><br /><br /><br />Erm...Yes...exactly!.. I know what your thinking!! <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img alt="[Ha Ha]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/LOL.gif" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></span>Anyhow it seems that my piano sound would suit Baz perfectly despite the bad demo, the only drawback is getting his wifes approval for a new purchase!!! (Erm...Sharon just doesn't know about mine<span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img alt="[Ha Ha]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/LOL.gif" border="0" />)<br /><br /></span>So, just for a little fun and to cheer him up I played him a small sample:-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" >I guess you would call it the blues</span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);"> </span><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" alt="[thumbsup]" title="" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" border="0" /> </span><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/d900bo3tww" target="_blank">A small sample - Just to make you smile - LOL</a><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/d900bo3tww"> </a></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><a style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" href="http://www.box.net/shared/r3jw3vk4ko" target="_blank">{click to hear}</a></span><br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span>Oh what fun...I love new toys<span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /></span>regards<br /><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /><br /></span>Lee<span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><img style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);" title="" alt="[Big Grin]" src="http://www.pianoworld.com/ubb/ubb/biggrin.gif" border="0" /></span><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:85%;" ><br /><br /></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-62395230748668886082008-01-28T12:52:00.000+00:002008-01-28T13:55:59.748+00:00Ski Holiday - disaster!!Hi Folks,<br /><br />Flew back into England late Saturday night after my first ever ski trip<br /><br />here's what I told the folks at pianomagic :-<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">"Just got back from skiing in Austria, a holiday I didn't fancy at all (never have) but Sharon loves skiing and after many arguments I lose and off we go!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I have to admit I quite enjoyed it, got the hang of it (more or less)and on Thursday night went night skiing with Alexander (who had taken to it so well he ended up in upper advanced ski school, doing black runs, jumps and having a complete blast!!) and slipped going to the ski lift fell on my left ski pole and have partially ruptured my thumb ligament so my thumb is now in a very clever plastic removable cast for the next 5 weeks!! grrrrrrr!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Luckily I didn't fully rupture it which would have meant an operation to stitch it back to the bone or I would never have full use of my thumb again!!!!!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">However, worse was to come on the final day (we were flying at 20:40 and being picked up by a taxi at 16:30) Sharon was hit full on by a snow boarder at around 11:30 whilst slowly skiing down with Sebby and has ruptured both her cruciate and interior ligament on her right knee.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The boys and I are back home safe and sound she remains in hospital in Austria where she had an immediate operation at 17:15!</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The main damage was to her interior ligament which has been repaired and now will have to remain straight in some form of cast? but, unfortunately the cruciate has had to be removed and will need an operation to reconstruct it at some later date as that ligament when repaired has to be exercised and is the least important to knee stability.</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Her cartiledge was also damaged and has been cut and reshaped...she is in better spirits today now the boys are safe at home and the morphine is taking the excruciating pain away (in her words worse than child birth!!)</span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">I have tried to play the piano today a little and still can manage it to some extent"<br /><br /><br /></span>Just thought I'd let y'all know<br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><br />Here are some pictures of my hand in the clever plastic cast:-<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008167.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008167.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008166.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008166.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008165.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 320px;" src="http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e195/Seaside_Lee/ski%20holiday/28012008165.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-67025554156205878612007-12-14T11:29:00.000+00:002007-12-14T12:13:43.833+00:00Sing-a-long-a fun!!Hi Everyone :)<br /><br />Hopefully, to spread a little sunshine today!<br /><br />Here it is, I have finally captured a sing-a-long on my phone camera...this to me is what playing that out of tune grand piano is all about!! and why I love playing on it!!<br /><br />Sadly, my phone battery went on me so you only get about 3 minutes to watch but, to be honest that is all that you need...when the phone clicked off I was praying that it managed to capture the video and save what little it had recorded! thankfully it did...YAAAAAAAAAAY!<br /><br />You are gonna love this, never mind the quality of the sound or the quality of the video just see what happens when you can walk into a room full of strangers, sit down and play a few things, pull a crowd around the piano and then...wham!! they are all singing at the tops of their voices.<br /><br />I get a complete and utterly amazing feeling inside that I cannot describe properly but, trust me it is probably more fun for me than them!<br /><br /><br />Please enjoy these magical 3 minutes that I captured last night:-<br /><br /><object height="350" width="425"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PeDpsevL3a4"> <embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PeDpsevL3a4" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="350" width="425"></embed> </object><br /><br /><br />have a wonderful Christmas everyone<br /><br /><br />regards<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-45878671880782985832007-12-12T15:20:00.000+00:002008-01-31T18:45:13.351+00:00You'll Never Walk Alone 24th Augst 2004Next one...<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/hybglae52e">You'll Never Walk Alone {click}</a><br /><br />This was recorded on the 24th August 2004 just over a month later<br /><br />Mike had quite a few helpful things to say to me about my continuing rhythm problems which you should still hear when listening to this piece<span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;font-size:85%;color:midnightblue;" ><span class="spnMessageText" id="msg"></span></span></span><br /><br />More pieces to follow...<br /><br /><br />take care y'all<br /><br /><br />Lee<span style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;"><span style=";font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica;font-size:85%;color:midnightblue;" ><span class="spnMessageText" id="msg"><br /></span></span></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-12733953466803373202007-12-12T14:14:00.000+00:002008-01-31T18:49:28.232+00:00The magic of Mikes guidance at pianomagic!Okay, now to hear some of my recordings posted at pianomagic<br /><br />This is a chance for you to hear how I have improved in my playing from recording to recording and a chance for you to read some of Mikes (aka pianomagic) comments on my pieces.<br /><br />This to me is the absolute value of pianomagic!! not only is it a pretty cool way to learn to play the piano (IMHO) but, you have Mike to listen to your music and help you through your struggles with some amazing feedback and guidance (just by listening to your recordings!)<br /><br />First one<br /><br />This was posted 1st July 2004 (I joined October 2003 so, this is...erm...around 9 months in!)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/069lenz4c9"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What A Wonderful World {Click Here}</span></a><br /><br />Mike always has helpful comments on our pieces to help us along :-<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);">He could tell I was making good progress and had many helpful suggestions to stop me tripping myself up with my rhythm problems<br /><br />The start of many similar conversations over the coming months as rhythm has been a real kicker for me! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"></span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><br /></span>More to come...<br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(102, 0, 204);"><br /><br /><br /></span>Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-19132678062891486112007-12-11T10:46:00.000+00:002007-12-11T15:07:05.953+00:00Playing on a Lobby PianoHi Folks :)<br /><br />As some of you may know already I am a DJ and at Xmas time I have a run of around 20 gigs at a Medieval Banquet Night.<br /><br />At this particular hotel complex there is a lobby piano (a very out of tune Yamaha grand piano) that I like to play just for fun!<br /><br />Late at night after the disco has finished it can get quite "hair raising" (people assume that I am the regular pianist - they want sing-a-longs and request loads of songs too!!!)<br /><br />It's a little like throwing yourself in at the deep end! but this is my 4th year playing on it and it doesn't bother me at all anymore.<br /><br />Sorry about the quality of this video, its the best that the secondary camera on my mobile phone can do. This was taken before the festivities of the night so there is no singing a long as they are not drunk enough yet!<br /><br />maybe the next one I'll take late at night<br /><br />So here it is...I've edited it down to just under 10 minutes...but, have left in "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas" which I hadn't played for a year and you may notice I got a little stuck remembering how it went...but, the key is to keep going and make the same mistake again if you can so it seems to anyone listening like a variation (if you are lucky)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/v64_UCPMZ6M"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/v64_UCPMZ6M" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="425" height="350"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />Have a wonderful Xmas everyone (especially to the members of my 'fan club')<br /><br /><br />Lee<br /><br />Edit to add:<br /><br />Someone has mentioned to me the video quality and all the background noise!...until I get a phone upgrade its the best I can do for video quality but, with regard to the noise? this is what I said about it:-<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br />"yes that background noise huh?..however, that's what I wanted y'all to hear...'cause that is exactly what it is like...the room is just chock full of excitement and expectation with regard to the night ahead at their office Xmas parties. I was hoping you would get a sense of it? Heck, you can hardly hear the dang piano! (in other words one can get away with murder at this joint...which is kinda kool)<br /><br />later on in 'sing-a-long territory' I have to really play it LOUD!!to get it going"</span><br /><br />Its been a great venue for me in many ways, a baptism of fire in others!! but on the whole its been a blast!Seaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-14248150057884890372007-12-06T13:59:00.001+00:002007-12-06T15:25:05.169+00:00Adding a minor section to the improv last nightHi Folks<br /><br />Anyone who knows me, knows my tenacity with this piano thang!!<br /><br />Man...I'm addicted<br /><br /><br />So last night I was kinda playing around with the improvisation below, attempting to take it into a minor key and back to major<br /><br />For those that just love listening to me fool around at the piano<br /><br />Feel free to take a listen :)<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/jru7vcp866">Improvisation with a minor section added - take 1 [click]</a><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/hocc3hvzlg">Fooling around with it some more - with bloopers - take 2 [click]</a><br /><br />[they are a bit long winded! so be warned ;)]<br /><br /><br />Best wishes<br /><br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1266286531455942855.post-24317826610876332522007-12-05T11:31:00.000+00:002007-12-05T12:20:58.275+00:00Using Cantabile Light and a VST instrumentHi Folks :)<br /><br />Following Matthijs Instructions over at pianoworld, I downloaded a free program called <a href="http://www.toptensoftware.com/cantabile/">'Cantabile Light'</a> and used it with my VST 'Steinberg the Grand'<br /><br /><br />This recording is for an improvisation challenge set by Matthijs over at pianomagic<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.box.net/shared/static/385ipjgkqh.mp3">Seasides December 2007 Improvisation</a><br /><br /><br />Please feel free to pass a comment if you like or don't like the piano sound, I'm pretty happy with it and the best thing is it saves me time converting the midi files (that I have recorded at home on my Yamaha CLP170) through the motif rack every time :)<br /><br /><br />take care<br /><br /><br />LeeSeaside_Leehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01044853842647235951noreply@blogger.com3