By Paul Tobey
The secret to playing Christmas sheet music is to make the melody prominent, get some rhythm happening underneath and bang out some chords to support the harmony of the song. And, while that may seem like a fairly simple concept, for most pianists it takes some practice. Here are some ideas that may help you.
First let's start with the melody. I think for some reason many musicians forget that the melody is the most important thing. I'll never forget this one time early on in my career when I got a gig with some prominent local jazz musicians. It all started out ok, but eventually we got into some tunes where I didn't know the melody very well. I was playing all kinds of way out improve and the bass player turned to me and said, "Hey man, just play the flippin melody!"
It was kind of embarrassing that's for sure. Anyway, I never forgot that and to this day I always put the melody before anything else. What does that mean? It means to get the melody right and make it the most prominent part of your playing.
The next thing to go along with your melody is rhythm. It's so important that your playing has some feel to it. So often, pianists focus on getting the notes right and therefore lack the rhythm and feel of the music. If you can, play your music along with the radio or a recording. That will help you develop some feel.
Feel comes from playing with others. It comes from bassists, drummers and other instrumentalists. Even now when I'm playing solo piano concerts I can hear the drums and bass in my head and that will be very evident in my left first and sometimes in the right hand as well with rhythmic chords.
And, speaking of chords, you cannot forget to add a good dose of rich chord structures to your playing. Very often Christmas sheet music has chord symbols on it and you can take your lead from those symbols.
If you don't know how to read chord symbols here's a simple rule. If you see a simple triad chord symbol such as "G". That means it's a G major triad or 3-note chord. First plunk down a G then a major third above which is a "B" then a minor third above that which is a "D."
For minor chords the intervals are inverted. A minor interval first then a major interval on top of that. Then if you want to get really fancy add sevenths to your chord voicings. For example; if you see a G7 chord symbol that mean a major triad with another minor third stacked on top. In others word the chord would be in order from bottom to top; G, B, D and F.
If you see a Gmaj7 chord symbol it's the same as a G7 chord except the top note is an F# instead of an F. Or, think of it as a G major triad with another major third stacked on top.
The only other chord symbol is a minor seventh chord or G-7. This would be played as a G minor triad with a minor seventh stacked on top or; G, Bb, D and F.
While this may seem like a fairly simple approach to playing chord symbols it covers at least 85% of all Christmas sheet music. There are other chord symbols which you may come across from time to time but, like I said, that's pretty much it.
So, when practicing Christmas sheet music play the melody prominently and correctly in the right hand, add some rhythmic feel to it and drop in a good helping of chords to back up the harmony of the song. Christmas sheet music will never sound the same again.
When you are looking for gifts for Christmas, you want something that they haven't seen before. You can always go get cologne or something else that you have seen before in the store. They have all sorts of things that have been given before and come in sets. There is nothing special about them. This is why many people are trying hard to search for something more. They want gifts that stand out from other things that they get.
When you are looking for that right gift, you will need to learn that the homemade gifts are usually a bit more in price. This is because the person has to make them individually, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to order this. This will then assure you that you will get it in time. When you order gifts online, you also have to pay close attention to when you order this as the closer it gets to Christmas time, then the more people are going to be ordering. They too are like you. They are looking for something different.
It's important that when you are searching for these gifts that were created by hand that you get something that fits in with their motif or their life. When you do this, you are thinking about the individual and showing that you understand their sense of style. Some people might have a thing if you were to pick clothing out for them as their style might differ just a little bit. So, be sure that when you are choosing gifts, you are thinking about their style and their preferences and stick to those things that you know best.
The other thing that you have to do when you are buying Christmas gifts like this is that you need to wrap them in style. You don't know how many people we have seen who were gift giving something that was hand crafted that they just threw it in a bag. You want the person to be totally surprised. That is something that you like about this gift. It's something new and hasn't been given before. So, you have to treat it as that.
When you bare these things in mind, you are sure to find something that represents the person that you are buying for. The one thing you will learn when searching at Christmas time is that you can get some good deals because crafters know that this is when people are really searching for a fine present to give. They also have more of a selection of things to choose from.
Friday, September 2, 2016
Tips and Suggestions for Christmas Gifts With a Twist
By Sam Paul Edelman
While it might seem far away for some of you, others of you are already thinking about what you are going to get people for Christmas. Many of us tour the aisles as they start setting things up on display in stores. The same old things get rather boring. This is why some go the homemade route. There are all sorts of home made things that are wonderful ideas for Christmas time.
When you are looking for gifts for Christmas, you want something that they haven't seen before. You can always go get cologne or something else that you have seen before in the store. They have all sorts of things that have been given before and come in sets. There is nothing special about them. This is why many people are trying hard to search for something more. They want gifts that stand out from other things that they get.
When you are looking for that right gift, you will need to learn that the homemade gifts are usually a bit more in price. This is because the person has to make them individually, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to order this. This will then assure you that you will get it in time. When you order gifts online, you also have to pay close attention to when you order this as the closer it gets to Christmas time, then the more people are going to be ordering. They too are like you. They are looking for something different.
It's important that when you are searching for these gifts that were created by hand that you get something that fits in with their motif or their life. When you do this, you are thinking about the individual and showing that you understand their sense of style. Some people might have a thing if you were to pick clothing out for them as their style might differ just a little bit. So, be sure that when you are choosing gifts, you are thinking about their style and their preferences and stick to those things that you know best.
The other thing that you have to do when you are buying Christmas gifts like this is that you need to wrap them in style. You don't know how many people we have seen who were gift giving something that was hand crafted that they just threw it in a bag. You want the person to be totally surprised. That is something that you like about this gift. It's something new and hasn't been given before. So, you have to treat it as that.
When you bare these things in mind, you are sure to find something that represents the person that you are buying for. The one thing you will learn when searching at Christmas time is that you can get some good deals because crafters know that this is when people are really searching for a fine present to give. They also have more of a selection of things to choose from.
While it might seem far away for some of you, others of you are already thinking about what you are going to get people for Christmas. Many of us tour the aisles as they start setting things up on display in stores. The same old things get rather boring. This is why some go the homemade route. There are all sorts of home made things that are wonderful ideas for Christmas time.
When you are looking for gifts for Christmas, you want something that they haven't seen before. You can always go get cologne or something else that you have seen before in the store. They have all sorts of things that have been given before and come in sets. There is nothing special about them. This is why many people are trying hard to search for something more. They want gifts that stand out from other things that they get.
When you are looking for that right gift, you will need to learn that the homemade gifts are usually a bit more in price. This is because the person has to make them individually, so you need to give yourself plenty of time to order this. This will then assure you that you will get it in time. When you order gifts online, you also have to pay close attention to when you order this as the closer it gets to Christmas time, then the more people are going to be ordering. They too are like you. They are looking for something different.
It's important that when you are searching for these gifts that were created by hand that you get something that fits in with their motif or their life. When you do this, you are thinking about the individual and showing that you understand their sense of style. Some people might have a thing if you were to pick clothing out for them as their style might differ just a little bit. So, be sure that when you are choosing gifts, you are thinking about their style and their preferences and stick to those things that you know best.
The other thing that you have to do when you are buying Christmas gifts like this is that you need to wrap them in style. You don't know how many people we have seen who were gift giving something that was hand crafted that they just threw it in a bag. You want the person to be totally surprised. That is something that you like about this gift. It's something new and hasn't been given before. So, you have to treat it as that.
When you bare these things in mind, you are sure to find something that represents the person that you are buying for. The one thing you will learn when searching at Christmas time is that you can get some good deals because crafters know that this is when people are really searching for a fine present to give. They also have more of a selection of things to choose from.
7 Tips for Decorating Your Child's Room
By Liz Hekimian-Williams
If you're not sure where to start or how best to tackle updating your child's bedroom, you're not alone. In a lot of families, the baby nursery takes a lot of planning and decorating time but there's often less thought and energy put into decorating the same child's room as they grow older.
It's common for baby toys and furniture like diaper disposals, pull toys and cribs to get removed, but other things often stay around for quite a bit longer than the growing child might wish. For instance a wall paper border with prints more suitable for your baby or young child's room, may not be as enjoyed by your now older child or teen.
Here are a few tips to help you get started with decorating your child's room. The best part about this is that your child can help you do it this time around. So this can be a fun project you can do together!
1. Select a new color to paint the walls, a color that your child likes. If you have a strong objection to it, though, negotiate with perhaps a lighter version of that color, or limiting their color choice to only one wall. (Or, encourage them to put up some nice posters to lessen the wall color's impact!)
2. Mood lighting! Kids of all ages enjoy mood lighting of one sort or another. Together, select either a night light, a small novelty lamp with a low-wattage bulb, or an interesting colored or black light bulb lamp. Other lighting effects kids enjoy include disco lights, dog statues, flowers with light effects, and glow in the dark items.
3. Bedspreads. Get rid of baby blankets and exchange for favorite cartoon throws or bed covers. When they're teenagers, they might enjoy sports, frilly, or even more adult taste bed coverings.
4. Personalize something for their bureaus or their walls, with their names and/or photographs. Photos can be made into a collage. Exchange those baby and stork photo frames with an upgrade to novelty photo frames. Try one with hearts, a sports theme or a safari look, for instance. Engraved stones with your child's name or an inspirational thought and personalized acrostic poem name prints are fun and unique decor ideas that kids enjoy. Engraved name stones become long-lasting gifts and keepsakes. Acrostic name prints use the letters of your child's name to start off self-esteem enhancing phrases that can inspire your child and highlight their special talents and interests.
5. Create a comfort zone area in the room, for cuddling up cozy and reading. You can use big pillows, plush or inflatable chairs, anything your child might enjoy to sit on and relaxing in. You'll also want to conveniently have some books placed within their arm's reach. You can also place some music equipment by that area for them to enjoy. And if there's room, add an additional seating space for you. Then together you can enjoy reading, listening to music, or simply chatting with each other. If you have a teenager, they'll likely want to have another seating space for you or their friends to use.
6. Together with your child, agree upon a wall paper border that you can use to decorate their room with. This idea can be in addition to or used instead of painting their room. Adding or changing a wall paper border can be a very simple and quick way to change the look and feel of your child's room.
7. And... here's an interesting idea my daughter suggested when I asked her for suggestions about decorating a child's room... She said, "tell them to get an extra thick room door so you don't hear your kids fighting!"
Can you tell that she shares her room with her sister and something about the noise level in their room at times?
Hmmm... she might have a good idea there after all!
If you're not sure where to start or how best to tackle updating your child's bedroom, you're not alone. In a lot of families, the baby nursery takes a lot of planning and decorating time but there's often less thought and energy put into decorating the same child's room as they grow older.
It's common for baby toys and furniture like diaper disposals, pull toys and cribs to get removed, but other things often stay around for quite a bit longer than the growing child might wish. For instance a wall paper border with prints more suitable for your baby or young child's room, may not be as enjoyed by your now older child or teen.
Here are a few tips to help you get started with decorating your child's room. The best part about this is that your child can help you do it this time around. So this can be a fun project you can do together!
1. Select a new color to paint the walls, a color that your child likes. If you have a strong objection to it, though, negotiate with perhaps a lighter version of that color, or limiting their color choice to only one wall. (Or, encourage them to put up some nice posters to lessen the wall color's impact!)
2. Mood lighting! Kids of all ages enjoy mood lighting of one sort or another. Together, select either a night light, a small novelty lamp with a low-wattage bulb, or an interesting colored or black light bulb lamp. Other lighting effects kids enjoy include disco lights, dog statues, flowers with light effects, and glow in the dark items.
3. Bedspreads. Get rid of baby blankets and exchange for favorite cartoon throws or bed covers. When they're teenagers, they might enjoy sports, frilly, or even more adult taste bed coverings.
4. Personalize something for their bureaus or their walls, with their names and/or photographs. Photos can be made into a collage. Exchange those baby and stork photo frames with an upgrade to novelty photo frames. Try one with hearts, a sports theme or a safari look, for instance. Engraved stones with your child's name or an inspirational thought and personalized acrostic poem name prints are fun and unique decor ideas that kids enjoy. Engraved name stones become long-lasting gifts and keepsakes. Acrostic name prints use the letters of your child's name to start off self-esteem enhancing phrases that can inspire your child and highlight their special talents and interests.
5. Create a comfort zone area in the room, for cuddling up cozy and reading. You can use big pillows, plush or inflatable chairs, anything your child might enjoy to sit on and relaxing in. You'll also want to conveniently have some books placed within their arm's reach. You can also place some music equipment by that area for them to enjoy. And if there's room, add an additional seating space for you. Then together you can enjoy reading, listening to music, or simply chatting with each other. If you have a teenager, they'll likely want to have another seating space for you or their friends to use.
6. Together with your child, agree upon a wall paper border that you can use to decorate their room with. This idea can be in addition to or used instead of painting their room. Adding or changing a wall paper border can be a very simple and quick way to change the look and feel of your child's room.
7. And... here's an interesting idea my daughter suggested when I asked her for suggestions about decorating a child's room... She said, "tell them to get an extra thick room door so you don't hear your kids fighting!"
Can you tell that she shares her room with her sister and something about the noise level in their room at times?
Hmmm... she might have a good idea there after all!
The Best Christmas Gift For Your Loved Ones
By Jack Wogan
Christmas is quickly approaching and you are already thinking of the gifts you should offer your loved ones. In order to buy an appropriate gift, first of all, think of the receiver's personality and preferences; then decide upon the kind of present you would like to offer. Do you want to impress your fiance with something unique, a hand-made object, or a personalized gift? There are plenty of original ideas to choose from.
This time, you can offer the important people in your life something different than what you offered the past few years. For example, offering a watch as a gift might be a great idea, as it symbolizes stability, commitment and the promise of a beautiful future together.
And because nothing is nicer than a personalized gift, you can have a meaningful message engraved on the back of the watch, so that the receiver may always remember who gave them the watch and for what occasion. Just like a classic watch, engraving will never be dated.
Buy a nice feminine stainless steel watch for your mother, as a sign of gratitude, or impress your father with a gold plated bracelet wrist watch. Anyone will be glad to receive a beautiful watch on their birthday. Engrave the date you make the gift on the back of the watch. A watch is an intimate object in itself, but personalizing it with a message in a place that no one else can see, makes it even more personal.
As men are so interested in gadgets, a timekeeping companion is the best Christmas gift you could offer the most important man in your life. Also, a man who is in love with his lady will offer her a gift that makes each day special. A beautiful watch will accompany your loved ones everywhere, making them feel appreciated and cared for.
Children will also appreciate a watch gift for Christmas. On the one hand, they are always glad to learn something new, such as telling the time, on the other hand, they will be proud to wear a beautiful wristwatch appropriate to their age. Giving your child a watch symbolizes the long and happy life awaiting for your child and the quality time you spend together.
If you have to buy a gift for someone you have just met, a watch is a safe choice. You can never go wrong. You don't have to guess the perfect size, the favorite color or other details necessary when you buy clothes, perfumes, jewelry or other objects. A quality, classic watch will always make a nice gift.
Christmas is quickly approaching and you are already thinking of the gifts you should offer your loved ones. In order to buy an appropriate gift, first of all, think of the receiver's personality and preferences; then decide upon the kind of present you would like to offer. Do you want to impress your fiance with something unique, a hand-made object, or a personalized gift? There are plenty of original ideas to choose from.
This time, you can offer the important people in your life something different than what you offered the past few years. For example, offering a watch as a gift might be a great idea, as it symbolizes stability, commitment and the promise of a beautiful future together.
And because nothing is nicer than a personalized gift, you can have a meaningful message engraved on the back of the watch, so that the receiver may always remember who gave them the watch and for what occasion. Just like a classic watch, engraving will never be dated.
Buy a nice feminine stainless steel watch for your mother, as a sign of gratitude, or impress your father with a gold plated bracelet wrist watch. Anyone will be glad to receive a beautiful watch on their birthday. Engrave the date you make the gift on the back of the watch. A watch is an intimate object in itself, but personalizing it with a message in a place that no one else can see, makes it even more personal.
As men are so interested in gadgets, a timekeeping companion is the best Christmas gift you could offer the most important man in your life. Also, a man who is in love with his lady will offer her a gift that makes each day special. A beautiful watch will accompany your loved ones everywhere, making them feel appreciated and cared for.
Children will also appreciate a watch gift for Christmas. On the one hand, they are always glad to learn something new, such as telling the time, on the other hand, they will be proud to wear a beautiful wristwatch appropriate to their age. Giving your child a watch symbolizes the long and happy life awaiting for your child and the quality time you spend together.
If you have to buy a gift for someone you have just met, a watch is a safe choice. You can never go wrong. You don't have to guess the perfect size, the favorite color or other details necessary when you buy clothes, perfumes, jewelry or other objects. A quality, classic watch will always make a nice gift.
5 Movies to Enjoy This Christmas With Your Family
by John Newcomb
It may not feel like it, but Christmas is just around the corner. November is already upon us, and within two months, it'll be that time of the year again when the everyone gathers together to celebrate family and togetherness.
What better to spend some quality time with your family than by watching some feel-good movies that will get you in the festive mood? Here's a list of movies you can put add to your NetFlix queue or pick up from the nearest video store:
1. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Watch it for Arnold "Governator" Schwarzneggar, starring in one of his few non-action movie roles. As a bumbling father who tries to get the latest toy for his son while competing with other overzealous fathers, this movie packs a lot of laughs.
2. Elf (2003)
This 2003 film featuring Will Ferrell is a complete laugh riot. Will Ferrell (Talladega Nights, Anchorman) is at his absolute best here, playing the role of the titular "elf" to perfection.
3. Home Alone (1990)
This classic 1990 children's adventure featuring Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci is a favorite among kids and sure to provide you with a few feel good laughs too.
4. Santa Claus (1994)
Tim Allen plays the titular role of Santa Claus in this holiday classic. Watch Allen at his best as he lives up every kid's fantasy of seeing Santa Claus in flesh and blood, packed with toys.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This hilarious take on the Charles Dickens classic will have you in splits while delivering a powerful moral lesson for the kids. What better actor to play Ebenzer Scrooge than Michael Caine?
It may not feel like it, but Christmas is just around the corner. November is already upon us, and within two months, it'll be that time of the year again when the everyone gathers together to celebrate family and togetherness.
What better to spend some quality time with your family than by watching some feel-good movies that will get you in the festive mood? Here's a list of movies you can put add to your NetFlix queue or pick up from the nearest video store:
1. Jingle All The Way (1996)
Watch it for Arnold "Governator" Schwarzneggar, starring in one of his few non-action movie roles. As a bumbling father who tries to get the latest toy for his son while competing with other overzealous fathers, this movie packs a lot of laughs.
2. Elf (2003)
This 2003 film featuring Will Ferrell is a complete laugh riot. Will Ferrell (Talladega Nights, Anchorman) is at his absolute best here, playing the role of the titular "elf" to perfection.
3. Home Alone (1990)
This classic 1990 children's adventure featuring Macaulay Culkin and Joe Pesci is a favorite among kids and sure to provide you with a few feel good laughs too.
4. Santa Claus (1994)
Tim Allen plays the titular role of Santa Claus in this holiday classic. Watch Allen at his best as he lives up every kid's fantasy of seeing Santa Claus in flesh and blood, packed with toys.
5. The Muppet Christmas Carol (1992)
This hilarious take on the Charles Dickens classic will have you in splits while delivering a powerful moral lesson for the kids. What better actor to play Ebenzer Scrooge than Michael Caine?
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