1st Piano

By Darren W Chow If you're shopping for a new MIDI keyboard controller, you probably have done your research on what to look for in a good model. You also know what type of controller will fit your needs best. Before you head off to make a purchase, though, you should look into the most user unfriendly models out there. Knowing which models are widely considered unusable will give you a good starting place for things to avoid, as well as an idea of what to look out for in other models. Here are three models to definitely avoid and why you should steer clear of them. Edirol PCR50 The Edirol PCR50 is a compact, supposedly versatile keyboard controller. However, user reviews speak volumes to the opposite. This inexpensive model has been reported to have a toy-like feeling to it. From the keys to the knobs, the unit offers little in the way of sturdiness or stability. Aside from the fact that users report the unit feels like it will fall apart at any moment, it doesn&#

By Judy Rodman So you decide to take voice lessons. How many should you take? The short answer: as many as it takes to get you voice where you want it to be. The longer answer: it depends on your needs: * If you are looking for a vocal assessment as to how you are singing right now, one lesson should do it. At this assessment lesson (one or two hours is recommended), you should get a professional opinion as to how well you're singing right now, and what it might take to get your voice ready for where you want to go. You should also get help with your weakest area(s)at the first lesson... so no matter what, you will get real and immediate benefit for whatever money you spend on vocal training. * If you have vocal problems such as straining, weakness, breathing issues and/or performance communication disconnect, you should take as many as you need to conquer those problems. At the first lesson, major problems the vocal coach notices should be spelled out for you. * I

The proper placement and setup of your audio equipment speakers and home audio equipment is important. We all enjoy the sounds of the movie theater at home. When we can actually feel the thumping in our chest from low frequency sounds, or hear each one of a million pieces of glass hit the ground, it adds to our entertainment. If you setup and place your audio system and speakers improperly, you are not going to be able to enjoy all the features of the system you purchased. If you are like most people, you purchased an audio equipment system with as many features as you could get. These features are important for your enjoyment of your system, but do not guarantee great sound. Rather, you should take some time to understand some concepts of sound acoustics to get the most from your equipment. There are many different ways to setup up an audio system in a room. There is not just one way that is best. That is because each room where a system is placed has its own individua

The Djembe is a skin covered drum which resembles the shape of a large goblet and is made to be played best with bare hands and a lot of force behind it. Most Djembe Drums are traditionally carved and each have their own meanings and even stories behind them if you were to translate them. Djembe Drums are actually named after their original wood source, the Djem tree, which is mostly found in Mali, which is in West Africa, and was at one time used in the making of Djembe shells. Dating back to the 13th Century, the djembe is the drum of the Mandinka people, and the great Mali empire. The word djembe is pronounced (JEM-bay). It is sometimes called jembe, djimbe, yembe, or jenbe. In Susu it is called sanbanyi. (The Susu are descendants of the thirteenth century Mali empire, who mostly live in Guinea now, but are spread throughout west african nations.) The traditional way in Africa to play a Djembe Drum is actually by standing but in a lot of photos you will see someone sit

Lifting the soft palate is something that classically trained singers have to do to magnify their vocal sound richly and carry volume. But contemporary singers as well as speakers need to learn this inner lift as well. To 'lift your soft palate before you sound your voice is the only way to find your vocal 'sweet spot' where you experience full resonance without strain. So how should a singer lift the soft palate?     * First of all, you can use the 'inner smile', a time-tested vocal technique which feels like the beginning of the yawn. This is not to be confused with the tight, horizontal external smile. Think Mona Lisa.     * Imagine a ping pong ball on the back of your tongue. This will cause the soft palate to lift, as well as loosen the jaw and relax the base of the tongue.     * Get your eyes and nose into the act: Remember that the back of the nasal membrane goes on back behind the eyes and continues above the soft palate. Soft palate and nas

Choosing your prom entertainment is one of the most crucial decisions that you will make. The entertainment that you choose will literally make or break the event. It doesn't matter if the décor, food and venue are perfect, if the entertainment bombs, your classmates will remember how bad the event truly was forever. When it comes to prom's, like weddings, there are no do overs. These are once-in-a-lifetime events. Many prom committees make the mistake of hiring the entertainment last, after the decor, venue, and food have all been purchased. What is left is often left for the DJ, resulting in terrible or mediocre entertainment. Our recommendation is to spend wisely. The difference between a $500 DJ, and a $1000 DJ can vary greatly. Quality is everything. A $1000 DJ with 500 students in attendance comes out to a mere $2 per student. Would you rather get a great deal on entertainment and spend $500 only to have the night ruined by bad entertainment, or would you r

By Daisy Lindahl Introduction Step 1: Download and install this Video Converter Step 2: Run this Video Converter and select your input video file Step 3: Set up the conversion parameters Step 4: Set up a proper video output file path Step 5: Convert your DVD files Step 6: Transfer the converted video file to Apple iPod Introduction You have an Apple iPod and would like to watch your favorite home video DVDs using it? But you do not know how to convert your files into iPod compatible format? This Video Converter is just the program you need to solve this problem now. This simple yet powerful video converter utility enables you to transfer your home video DVD library to iPod (MP4/h.264) format with a few mouse clicks. What you need: All you need to transfer your home video DVD and video files to your iPod is: Video Converter iPod capable of video playback with a computer compatible cable Now this Video Converter uses Mobile Uploader included in the