The Beginner Thread!

[mutant!]

Heh, np dude, I enjoy helping people out. Gives me a sense of satisfaction that almost (but not quite) makes up for my inadequacy as a songwriter. >: |

You should know that weighted keys make an instrument considerably more expensive. Also, most instruments with weighted keys will not have fewer than 61 keys, which again pushes up the price. About the cheapest usable weighted synth workstation (which means an instrument that has high-quality, editable patches of most instruments, as well as synth capabilities; an all-rounder keyboard) that you are going to find is a Korg TR-88, which isn't very cheap to be fair. If you're not prepared to spend that much on a proper first instrument, then I suggest you go for some sort of a stage piano. I am a fan of Yamaha action and sound... Try for a secondhand P-70.

[AnyoneWithEyes]

I play a few instruments already, but I recently bought a violin and would be grateful for a little advice, since I have a few questions that I couldn't find answers to...

1st, is the rosin for the bow supposed to be rock hard? Also, how can you tell if you really have enough rosin on the bow?

2nd, I have no trouble making a decent sound if I'm playing fast, but as soon as I try to play a long, drawn-out note the violin just seems to go quiet. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?

3rd - Once I get close to the tops and bottoms of the bow, the violin also goes quiet. Is this a rosin issue or a pressure issue?

Thank you... I realize not a whole lot of people play this instrument, but I figured I'd throw this out here and hope someone can help...

[uwpro]

i've ony just started the violin and experience the same problems, and help would be useful. I'm starting lessons soon so that should help out but as far as i've heard it can take up to a year before you produce a decent sound from a violin.

[descendents1]

I played the violin for about 3 years when I was younger and remember a few things about the instrument. I feel that some of the knowledge I gained never left and have decided that I want to play again. I'm just wondering if anyone has suggestions for brands or certain violins that would be a great value for less than $400. Any assistance would be very appreciated.

[0_1_1_2_3_5_8]

One, where can I get a free online metronome.

Two, what exactly is the pattern to the bass notes on an Accordian? Is the pattern the same as what it would be on a keyboard?

[Kreator2112]

I wanna buy a MIDI Controller and run it through my laptop. I was looking at the M-Audio Oxygen 61. It's higher priced, but apparently you can store sounds on the keyboard itself. Correct me if I'm wrong.

So if I could store sounds on the keyboard, can I just plug it into a keyboard amp without lugging my 17 inch laptop around? Did I understand the description correctly?

Any other suggestions? I don't want to pay a lot, but I want something that I won't regret buying in 2 months. I want to program sounds, can I do it with the software they provide? I'm really feeling like a n0ob right about now.

Anything will help, thanks.

[cometuesday]

1st, is the rosin for the bow supposed to be rock hard? Also, how can you tell if you really have enough rosin on the bow?
As far as I remember, yes it is supposed to be hardened, and you should be able to effortlessly produce a full sound if there is enough on the bow. If it sounds grainy or doesn't feel fluid, you may need to apply more.
2nd, I have no trouble making a decent sound if I'm playing fast, but as soon as I try to play a long, drawn-out note the violin just seems to go quiet. Does anyone know what I'm doing wrong?
I'm not sure how long of a note you're thinking but if we're talking whole or dotted whole notes you should be able to easily sustain the pitch throughout the duration with the length of the bow. Practice vibrato and finding the right amount of pressure needed to carry out the note in its entirety. If its not something you can sustain in one bowstroke, also try practice making the change in direction seem near seamless. edit: also, make sure that you're not playing with the bow laying flat against the strings, but rather at an angle. that may help some as well.
3rd - Once I get close to the tops and bottoms of the bow, the violin also goes quiet. Is this a rosin issue or a pressure issue?
It may be a bit of both. The very ends may not have as much rosin, yes, but the sound is always going to diminish as you move closer to them. It's just a matter of getting used to using the bow effectively and, if I can remember correctly, its best to try to avoid getting to far down either way.

Granted, I haven't played in years, much to my dismay, so I may be forgetting or just making things up without realizing it. Just practice practice practice and you'll get the sound you're wanting eventually.

I'm just wondering if anyone has suggestions for brands or certain violins that would be a great value for less than $400.
I may be wrong, but unless you get really lucky, I don't think you're going to be able to find a half way decent violin for under $400 unfortunately. edit: nevermind, I probably am wrong... I jumped on sam ash just to get an idea and you might be in luck.

Check out this: http://www.samash.com/catalog/categorysub.asp?CategorySubID=252&departmentid=8&sourcetype=categorysearch

That might give you an idea of what you can and or want to buy. :thumb:

[Varian Beck]

What are some good songs for beginner piano players? Any links would be appreciated.

[Yield]

I'm working on euphonium right now; I can already play tuba, so I have somewhat of an idea of what I'm doing. Any book suggestions?

[inktvis]

since i can't make new threads because i just signed up i guess i will post this here....
i'm looking into buying an accordion and a melodica, but i know nothing of brands and different styles.
i'm looking at these melodicas right now, one a hohner (which seems to be the most popular) and the other has no name brand
http://cgi.ebay.com/Hi-Quality-37-Key-Melodica-Hard-Case-Blue-Free-Recorder_W0QQitemZ380004318220QQihZ025QQcategoryZ1 289QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
and
http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-Hohner-32-piano-key-Student-Melodica-w-Case_W0QQitemZ370029733836QQihZ024QQcategoryZ47079 QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
i guess i want the most amount of keys as possible, but does anyone think getting a noname or a lesser brand will matter?

and if someone knows anything about accordions i'd really appreciate it if you would pm me because i've got even more questions about those

(i've been playing piano for 12 years by the way)

[willy57]

You can try to learn to play through books, or you can try to play by watching someone else do it. I did a search and found a site that has videos on how to play different songs, so maybe they'd help you to get to know the keyboard faster. Here's what I searched for:
http://www.howvids.com/Search/results.ad2

and here's some for the guitar:
http://www.howvids.com/Search/results.ad2

[xDJamiexD]

Okay so I was wondering how i'm doing, i've been playing piano for just under a year. I'm currently playing things such as Moonlight Sonata and Prelude in G - sharp minor (rachmaninoff) so is this a decent level to be at or should I be at a higher level?

[mutant!]

Haha, wow, nice one. I've been playing for over a decade (with classical training and everything) and I struggle with the G#m prelude, so, I'd say you're doing pretty well for yourself. :D

[jeromethebone]

I've been playing trombone (duh) for three years, so I'm not really a beginner, but my first music teacher didn't get me into it or teach me much until my last year with him. I have a pretty decent range, but it's simple notes that I have trouble starting and sustaining a good tone on. Any tips on improving my tone in general?