Saturday, April 28, 2012

Best Approach To Caring For Your Newborns With Classical Music

Classical Music For Newborns
The great Martin Luther once said "Music makes people more gentle and meek, more modest and understanding." The classical music on FirstWhispers CDs unequivocally calms newborn babies - but it has an equally important effect on parents. There probably isn't a single moment when a parent of a newborn is a little worried or apprehensive about being a first time or second time or even third time caregiver. Classical music has such a soothing effect, that when it's played in the background of a stressful situation, we're able to change our apprehensions and our perspectives so that we may calm down. And a calm approach to care giving is undoubtedly the best approach to caring for newborns.

Music has the power to transform any situation to one that invites singing and dance - pleasure and comfort. We've all experienced this magical transformation and those who are exposed to this magic at an early age (like newborns) are lucky to discover this shift, which happens to be one of life's most intriguing moments. We can stop doing everything in an instant just to hear a pleasing combination of notes or to enjoy a hypnotic rhythm. In doing so, we begin to change our behavior - we slow down, we change our breathing, and we succumb to its power.

The human condition is one that affords wondrous appreciation of such power no matter what age we are. Whether we're aged and all knowing or whether we're fresh from the womb - classical music captures us all and ultimately creates an environment conducive to peaceful moments and a shared emotion of happiness. These are the ingredients for an instant bond between parent and child because classical music - a time cherished genre - enters the hearts of those who listen to it. And there could be no better instrument for bonding than that which prompts the hearts of mother, father, and child to beat as one, in sync to beautiful sounds.

There are a few things that you can do to maximize the results of playing classical music for your newborn. When you exercise this type of child rearing, you want to do so in a manner that will facilitate its effects rather than minimize them or eliminate them altogether. One of those things is to play a little of the classical music on FirstWhispers CD when your newborn is rested (not asleep), dry, and fed. Things like a lack of sleep, a wet or soiled diaper, or hunger may distract your little one from fully absorbing all the wonderful sounds that classical music has to offer.

You can also monitor how you react to the music that you play. Babies are well known for being some of the world's greatest imitators. So while you may or may not be aware of it, your newborn will not only watch your behavior and mood toward the music you hear, she may even copy it. Your newborn may learn wonderful lessons from the classical music playing in the background, but she will also learn a few other unintended lessons from your own reaction!

In addition, you don't want to saturate your newborn with the music either. Some parents get a little obsessed with pushing their children into things that they believe will give them a push or an extra advantage down the road. They compete with the Jones's next door. They buy their children expensive computers before the kids can even read or they enroll them in high priced preschools for a hopeful academic edge.

You don't need to carry your efforts that far because it's highly probable that those extremes do more harm than good. Instead of perceiving the above as helpful, young children may perceive them as pressure and when they don't meet the expectations placed upon them, they get discouraged. Keep your efforts light and fun instead to see healthy results - not pressured results.

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Find Out The Right Way To Learn Indian Classical Music


Indian Classical Music
India is known for its diverse culture and heritage. Music has always occupied a significant position in the Indian culture. The oldest Hindu scripture: Vedas also mentions about music. Samadeva, one of the four vedas describes music at length.The basis of Indian music is "sangeet". Sangeet is a combination of three different are forms, namely: vocal, instrumental and dance. Raag and Taal form the two most important pillar of Indian music. "Raag comprises of the melodic part of Indian Music while Taal forms the rhythmic aspect.

 The rendition of a khayal recital is typically divided into two parts: Bara (great) khayal and Chhota (small) khayal. During bara khayal, the artist is expected to cover a range of subjects, ideally giving importance to all musical elements such as melody, rhythm and technique, with a slow and contemplative beginning to invoke the very mood of the raga. The lyrical as well as melodic content of bara khayal compositions are devotional or romantic, and they are set in vilambit laya (slow tempo).
Bara khayal is followed by a madhya or drut laya (fast tempo) in chhota khayal. Here the artist carries the mood created during the earlier part of the recital to its crescendo. The acceleration is maintained during the performance with increasing complexity of taans and interplay with rhythm. The compositions written for chhota khayal have syllabic text settings appropriate for the faster tempo. The performing ensemble for khayal consists of a lead soloist, an accompanist on a melody producing instrument such as harmonium or sarangi (bowed lute), a tabla (drum) player and one or two tanpura players to provide continuous drone. A possible addition to the basic ensemble would be a supporting singer. The role of the accompanists is to complement the lead vocals by repeating ends of phrases during short breaks.

The other forms of Indian classical vocal music include dhrupad, dhamar, tappa, tarana, thumri, hori and bhajan. Of all, dhrupad is considered to be the oldest classical vocal form. It is generally accompanied by tanpura and pakhawaj. Dhrupad compositions are set in a 12 beat rhythmic cycle. Dhamar compositions are akin to dhrupad and enjoy an identical status. They are set in a 14 beat rhythmic cycle. Because of their structured style of singing, both dhrupad and dhamar do not allow as many elaborate and extempore improvisations as khayal. Tarana is a style consisting of particular syllables woven into rhythmic patterns as a song and it is usually sung in the faster tempo. The creation of this style of singing is believed to have originated to bring out the tantrakari, or the discreteness of instrumental music, in vocal music.

Tappa has its origin in Punjab. Its beauty lies in quick and intricate display of permutations of notes. Thumri is believed to have originated in Uttar Pradesh. It is the lighter form of Indian classical music. Its most distinct feature is the amorous subject matter that picturesquely portrays the play of Lord Krishna with Radha. It can be viewed as an unconstrained form of khayal singing. Hori compositions are mainly sung in the style of thumri and are associated with the festival of hori (the festival of colors). The mood is joyous and playful, illustrating the divine leela of Lord Krishna. Bhajan literally means pray (bhaj) the lord (narayan). Bhajans are devotional songs based on light classical music. It is a popular form of singing today.

However, in the wake, there is a new trend, which has come into existence. It is related to music learning, especially involving the Indian Classical Music. As it has been felt, and rightly so, that the base of any form of music is textual music, Indian bollywood industry acknowledges the same with due respect to it.

Light Music has its base in Indian Classical Music
This is why we witness the stalwarts of light music on our television sets appreciating the Indian Classical Music. No matter it is Daler Mehdi, Sonu Nigam, Shreya Ghoshal, Alka Yagnik, or Hariharan, they all firmly believe that it must be understood thoroughly in order to master the basic techniques of music to strengthen ones light music. Now, that is something, which must be taken with due respect and seriousness as it is something, which leads to consolidating ones singing and musical abilities.

Go for the Right Teacher
However, the biggest question arises to identify the right music teacher. Now, that is something, which is challenging. Believe it or not, music basically comprises of various subtle technique that can only be learned in the company of professionals. In fact, there are many music teachers available in the market, however there is dearth of serious and experienced music teachers. It is sad that in many prestigious music institutions the way of teaching is confined to rot and not the understanding of music. Even if you wish to become a ghazal singer, pop singer, Bollywood singer, learning the fundamentals of music is essential.

Do not Flout the Fundamentals of Music
For example, the fundamental tenet of Indian Classical Music is taal, the rhythm, which is often ignored by the teachers when it comes teaching. Students feel bewildered as they learn compositions but unable to render them in accordance with the taal. One of the primary reasons is that are not told the basics of rhythm or the adjustment of notes in accordance with it. Therefore, the result is that even after years of training they find themselves hesitant when it comes to performance on stage. They even succumb to the various different patterns played by the Tabla player and finally give up the training altogether.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I Will Always Love You My Favorite Singer

Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston arrived on this planet in Newark, New Jersey, the daughter of gospel singer Cissy Houston, the cousin of 1960s pop diva Dionne Warwick, the goddaughter of Aretha Franklin. She could hardly have had a better passport into the world of music. She started with the blessings of a revered sisterhood, with their belief in her and assistance, but all that would have been so much dross without The Voice, the voice that gave her the world and all its glittering prizes.

Whitney is the first female artist to enter the Billboard 200 album chart at number one (her second album, Whitney, 1987); and the only artist with seven consecutive multiplatinum albums (Whitney Houston, Whitney, I'm Your Baby Tonight, The Bodyguard, Waiting to Exhale, and The Preacher's Wife soundtracks and My Love Is Your Love ).

From her first two albums and beyond, Whitney Houston became one of the most successful female singers of all time. She has won seven Grammy Awards and been nominated 26 times.

She knew what we wanted knew what we needed and she delivered it to us with a dance beat that took us beyond care and worry, to a divine moment with the one we cared for and in whose eyes we glimpsed forever. And so it should have gone on until she met the quintessential bad boy, every mother's nightmare, every good girl's secret dream, the man who asked for everything, demanded everything... and with each thrilling step changed everything to the point of devastation, despair, degradation. And at last she understood what fulfillment meant and its terrible costs.

Now her pain is over, but The Voice, her great gift from God, abides leaving us the best of her, every soaring note a eulogy for the lady who loved not wisely, but too well.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Classical Piano Music Online Can Describe The Mood Of The Individual

Listening to classical music in the privacy of your own home, without distractions from either the players or the audience, is far more satisfying for beginners, rather than attend a concert. Furthermore, there is no cost involved.

Here in Israel we do enjoy a very full program of classical music. There are numerous orchestras and choirs in all the major cities and regional towns. Young Israeli composers are recreating history by composing contemporary works to biblical themes. The abundance of historical ruins from ancient times are the ideal setting for early music from the 15th to the 18th century. There is no shortage of variety for every taste or preference.

'Living in Harmony' is a classical music newsletter about concerts in Israel, published monthly and e-mailed to registered subscribers. The newsletter contains stories, anecdotes and items of interest about concerts to be played in the following month.

Today you can find many genres of music around the world, such as Hip-Hop, R&B, Country, Gospel, and many more. Yes, it is true that music is an important aspect of every culture. In this case, classical music is one type of music that can be a great choice for anyone who enjoys relaxing sound. Listening to this music can soothe the soul, help concentration, and give a pleasant feeling for its listeners.

Even, armed with only a CD player and speakers, police units in the United States and the United Kingdom were fighting crime with this music. As the result, in 2004 in England, robberies were cut by 33 percent, staff assaults were decreased by 25 percent, and vandalism went down 37 percent. Meanwhile, in 2001 in West Palm Beach, Florida, shootings, thefts, loiterers and drug deals decreased after playing this music - mostly Mozart, Bach and Beethoven - 24 hours a day for about three months.

No wonder that hospitals are also considering the use of this music for patients, surgeons and visitors. This music makes for a relaxed, efficient operating room and it can reduce stress and anxiety, too. Living in the age of information, buying, sharing, and listening to this music are as easy as turning on the computer. With all the resources available today like iTunes and Napster, you can get this music to your ears without leaving the comfort of you own home. You can choose any classical music you want from Mozart, Haydn, to Beethoven.

Classical music has its own charm and there are many who just love playing those notes on their favorite instrument-The Piano. Unlike traditional times today we can get to know more about classical music online. Technology has enabled the lovers get to listen to the music of their favorites online. As the demand is on the rise, many companies offer classical piano music online that can help customers download and play the songs on the computer or in any other device. Several browsers look out for appealing melodies that can impress the audience. There are several piano professionals who have released albums that have a classical touch and can describe the mood of the individuals. The classical piano music online if observed has a more intimate and personal context when compared to western tunes.

The classical music lovers always wish to hear tunes that can render personal touch than the demanding technical music that is being played these days. When professionals play such tunes they touch the heart and soul of the individuals and relieve them from the stress of routine life. The aspirants keep searching for classical piano music online and when they listen to one they feel more comfortable and feel good. Several websites offer free classical piano music online that can be downloaded. These free downloadable music sites might not come for free as it might have some viruses that could spoil the hard disk drive of your computer. So, it is always advisable to download music with reputed organizations at the right cost which can be dependent.

Many individuals listen to classical music that helps them in their meditative approach. They feel more relaxed and they are able to unwind from the hectic daily life while listening to such music. This subtle music helps in keeping their mind and body away from stress. This helps them to recover fast and there are plenty of institutions that encourage playing such classical music to their inmates for a restricted period of time. The romantic style classical music is the most popular among the classical piano music online and the compositions goes well beyond the classical scene. They really make lovers feel out of world while they listen to such music and make them more active on listening to such romantic classical music. These compositions express the feelings of the individuals and make the mood apt for lovers.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Enjoying Free Online Classical Music Is Easy

The advent of the internet has created hitherto unimagined changes in many aspects of society, especially on the commercial front. One of the areas where the effect of the internet was more vibrant, and controversial too, was the music industry. The facility to convert recorded music into easy-to-transfer computer file formats has created a sort of anarchy in sharing of music over the internet. A particular software package called Napster caused a stirring controversy, which pitted the giants in the music distribution industry like Sony and BMG against the creators of the software. These companies argued that Napster in effect enabled users to create pirated versions of their branded music releases. The case was solved later. Napster is no longer in use. But sharing of music files remained one of the most common activities over the internet.

For too long, classical music has been regarded as the domain of instrumentalists, composers, academic musicologists and, typically, anyone over 40 years old. But while the majority of today's youth would rather listen to Britney Spears' greatest hits or watch My Chemical Romance on MTV, the view that young people are completely uninterested in classical music is not just erroneous - it's simply not grounded in historical reality.

There are plenty of websites that provide all kinds of songs and music for free, including free online classical music. One can easily find several of such websites by using a search engine like Google. By searching with a simple keyword like "free music download," one can access a number of websites that provide a gold mine of songs and other kinds of music.

Each website works in different way. Some websites allow the users to download a particular music files to the computer of the user. The file stays in the computer of the user. This activity sometimes violates copyright issues. So, a majority of websites allow the user to play and hear the music. The user will need continuous internet connection. Once the internet connection is disrupted, the playing of the music will stop.

Another source of free online classical music is web radios. There are a good number of online radio stations. Some of which are free to use. Some radio stations give prominence to classical music. The advantage of radio stations is that the listeners will get a chance to enrich their knowledge about the music and a golden opportunity to hear previously unheard music.

Since a majority of the classical music files are beyond the copyright jurisdiction, one can safely download the classical music files into the computer. While searching for free online classical music, it is better to be specific about the geography of the music. By simply searching for classical music, you are likely to reach the cyber shores of Western classical music that contain the timeless works of Beethoven, Mozart, Bach, and the like. If you want eastern classical variety, it is better to be specific about it. Or if you want Indian classical music or classical Hungarian opera music, you are unlikely to reach the desired destination unless you search using specific and accurate keywords.