Percussion Instruments Throughout History

By David Zed

While the human voice was unquestionably the first musical instrument known to humanity, archaeologists and anthropologists agree that percussion instruments followed quickly on the heels of this discovery. Percussion was first made with feet and hands, followed by sticks, rocks and whatever else happened to be available. With the invention of tools for use in hunting and agriculture came more advanced drums, as the same cutting tools could be used to turn a hollow log into a slit drum for louder sounds and a set of logs to be cut into a primitive ancestor of the modern drum kit.

With time, percussion instruments became more complex. By the 10th century, the kalimba (aka the thumb piano) was in use in Africa. In the Americas, maracas and other percussion instruments were known at least three millennia ago; Australian and Micronesian seed rattles have been in use for thousands of years, as have chimes, gongs and xylophones in Asia. Percussion instruments were used as part of religious ceremonies, for practical communications and simply for enjoyment.

Percussion instruments that are displayed in orchestra first came from Asia Minor. In the 15th century, people began migrating east and brought with them numerous instruments. Our percussion instruments got their initial stages there, when the Crusades took back the drums that they found in the Middle East. From then on, evolution of percussion and drums kicked up a notch and assortments of percussion instruments came into being.

Percussion is categorized by a variety of criteria at times depending on their cultural origin, construction and function within musical orchestration. It is generally referred as 'the hearbeat' of a musical ensemble, often functioning close collaboration with bass instruments if present.

Drums and percussions as well as bass are known as the rhythm section of the most popular music genres. Most classical pieces written for an orchestra since the time of Mozart and Haydn are schemed to put emphasis on strings, brass and woodwinds. However, time and again they include a pair of timpani (kettle drums) although not played continuously. But moderately, they serve to offer additional accents when needed.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, more percussion instruments (like the cymbals or triangles) came to being and frequently, again moderately and cautiously played in general. The massive uses of percussion instruments become more recurrent in the 20th century, on classical music.

Although not always the center of attention, percussion instruments are indispensible to almost every modern musical genre. Military and marching bands use percussion to provide the rhythm not only for the music being performed, but for the pace of marching soldiers. Jazz is in the minds of many synonymous with the sound of the ride cymbal, the brushed snare drum and the hi-hat " and its hard to imagine rock music in any style without percussion. From rhythm and blues to heavy metal, hip hop, country and other genres, percussion is the backbone of popular music.

Because of the mixture and wide assortments of percussive instruments, it is not unusual to find large musical gathering composed wholly of percussion. Rhythm, harmony and melody are all evident and alive in these musical factions, and in live performances they are quite a spectacle to see. - 18418

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Britney Spears Womanizer - May Have Just Redeemed Her From Lackluster Comeback

By Shane Bascome

Listeners can only have two reactions to Britney Spears' Womanizer single. You can either love or hate it. And for this writer, the reaction is definitely not the latter.

For years, fans have missed the kind of music only Britney Spears can give. And with the release of Blackout the album, the pop superstar announced to the world that she is back after a couple of tumultuous years. Her comeback was made official by a lackluster (and oftentimes lambasted) performance at the MTV VMAs where she did not appear to be in her element.

After the release of Blackout, which turned out to be her most unsuccessful album to date, she released Womanizer, a single from her upcoming album. This song seemed to hit the mark. It has all the elements that make a Britney hit: nice lyric, catchy and funky melody, and upbeat tempo. Fans loved it immediately. Just like the other hits, this one will make you get up and want to dance to its electro-pop feel.

Fans will be able to connect to the song easily. The words, penned by Nikesha Briscoe and Rapheal Akinyemi, were relatable. It tells the story of a womanizer who's trying to score but he's been found out and the girl is not giving him a chance to even reach first base. A lot of young girls will connect to this one. The chorus cannot be any catchier: Womanizer, woman-womanizer You're a womanizer Oh womanizer, Oh you're a womanizer baby You, you, you are You, you, you are Womanizer, womanizer, womanizer.

In this song, composers have adapted an electro-pop punk feel. This added to the appeal of the single because it's something new and different. However, it would also seem fit if the song stayed true to Britney's signature sound which is bubblegum pop. It would still have the same effect and appeal to the fans.

But despite that, the song still sounds great. You can't deny the fact that it is a hit. Britney has her elements in the song: nice lyric, phrasing, the distinctive vocals and tempo.

While most artists would like to come out with new and better songs, Britney seemed to have went back to basics with this song. Even though she has had more mature-sounding (technically and creatively) songs like the Madonna collaboration, Womanizer sounded like what she would record during her first two years in the business. However, it was a good decision because it allowed listeners to see and hear the true Britney Spears.

Womanizer is a great song. Nothing much can be said, really. If you expect a great song from Britney Spears for her upcoming album, then this one really raised the bar. - 18418

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Get Unlimited Quality iPod Music Downloads

By Dana Goldberg

When you want to download the latest movies games and music and keep them with you always; you have to take advantage of the many free iPod downloads available online. There are many sites which provide these and they are dedicated services. In other words they only provide free downloads, that is their business.

Free material from a genuine download site can ensure your iPod always has the latest stuff on it. Keeping up with iPod trends can only be done if the site you use regularly has their material updated. A site with outdated material is useless and you will end up paying money for bad service. The best thing to be is informed about what these sites should be offering and why.

For example software applications for each purpose you use your iPod for is essential. This can be costly to purchase, but if the site where you get your free downloads from has these applications, it is another saving for you. And they should provide these software applications free of charge also. Every application works in a different way, so this material is also necessary.

Games, movies and music from free download sites can be obtained legally, very cheaply or even completely free of charge. The site has all the correct principles in place to ensure your downloads are completely risk free. The legalities have been taken care of on your behalf and you won't be stealing copyrighted material. Just make sure that the site you choose has all the necessary legalities in place.

Virtually every kind of game you would ever want or need is available for download to your iPod. So you can play these any time from any place you happen to be. You can have hours of entertainment fun with the use of an iPod and everyone has these devices today for precisely this reason. Whether you are on the beach, traveling or in the dessert, you are still able to take all your favorite entertainment with you. - 18418

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Make A Beat

By Jackson Trudde

Beat making is enjoyable and whilst something is fun it feels easier. Beat making is an art form, other than that is no reason for a beat maker to be broke. Beat making is a ascetic job and with no exclusion, venturing outside only for vital things like pizza intake. Beat making is an art form originating from the time of early hip hop.

Beat making is the means of making a song with the intent for a rapper or singer to vocalize over. Beat making is not my life, it is just a hobby which stems from my inherent blessing of musical inclination. I take pleasure in spending my nights on the processor coming up with novel beats and who knows perhaps one day I may perhaps be the guy whos beat you are listening to.

Capturing stimulation when beat making is like mining for gold it is buried so don't miss the opportunity. You will become aware of it and having good software is imperative. With the right tools you have the ability to do anything. It may look as if basic, but the essentials of ALL beat making are there nevertheless now that beat making is so sophisticated because of the music software out there you may as well just dub it producing. More to the point, the process of Fantastic beat making is really, really complicated (all one has to do is look at Dre in his studio or someone like him). While computer-based beat making is my own individual preferences, you may possibly want to know that there are alternatives although much more knotty.

It takes a lot of time and fortitude to do this beat making and it is not simple, you have to experience the music and take note over and over, turn out to be one as well as the sound track and look deep within. Take into account it is comparable to digging for gold, look for and you will locate. In fact, if you be looking to get even more definite, you could say rapping/beat making is kind of a talent but I will say it again having the right apparatus like Sonic Producer will make life a hell of a lot easier and you will in fact find yourself producing some mad beats in a very quick time.

I hope that you like this straightforward overture to construct your own music beats. Unhappily, like with most other products, with the success of this technology a quantity of publishers have released impostor products out there hoping just to exploit on its victory and make a buck. Take the guess work out and take a crack at something that people are raving in relation to. Sonic Producer is an first-rate example of this and will have you mixing beats in a extremely quick time. - 18418

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Can Any Accomplished Piano Player Teach Me Piano?

By Michael Mickey Charles

When you first research into hiring a piano instructor it is easy to say to yourself, if they can play, then they can teach me piano right? but this isnt necessarily the case. Just because someone can play piano doesnt mean that they will be a worth while instructor. In fact, in reality the opposite is more commonly true.

Most experienced pianists struggle to return to the basics long enough to teach them to someone else. They feel as though theyve worked hard to be able to play at their current level and find little pleasure in reliving their beginnings as a novice musician. Unfortunately some pianists that feel this way are not aware of it until they are already hired as an instructor and are trying desperately to conclude their first few private lessons. When you are looking to hire a piano teacher whether for yourself or for a member of your family it is important to remember to consider both the individuals experience as a pianist and as an instructor.

The best way to determine a piano instructors effectiveness is to ask for references and phone numbers of previous students. You can interview these former students and quiz them about their previous piano experience before receiving instruction from this particular teacher. Ask them about whether they were new to the piano and whether they thought the teacher would be effective in teaching total novices basic skills. Based on the answers received by the former students, you should be able to come to some informed decisions about whether the piano instructor is right for you. If the answers you receive show that most students had basic knowledge of piano before receiving instruction from this teacher, perhaps you require the services of someone who has experience in teaching totally inexperienced students. If there were only a few interviewed students who achieved average to exceptional success, there is likely a reason or two such as a difficult teacher personality or inability to verbally communicate.

The irritations encountered when seeking a good piano instructor is the reason why more and more people look to high-tech solutions from their computer. The internet provides a wealth of options in the form of online piano lessons. There is also piano lesson software and movie DVDs too. These high-tech options are quite safe and have proven to be an effective way to learn a new instrument such as the piano. Computer based instruction is easy to follow and fits perfectly into most peoples schedules. - 18418

About the Author:

Michael 'Mickey' Charles taught music in the public school system for many years before giving private lessons. His years of experience in teaching piano gives him unparalleled insight into what piano teaching software works and what doesn't. Don't buy anything before you read what Mickey thinks of the top piano lesson software at his website: http://www.piano-lesson-software.com/