Friday Freebie: Interactive Websites

 List of Interactive Websites:

Flashmusicgames.com games for piano, drums and guitar

Little Amadeus

Live Binders for teachers and musicians who want to organize files and stuff.

Melodystreet.com world of instruments

mgslyon.wikispaces.com for brain games and fun stuff

Music Ear Trainer

music-teacher-resources.com

Oceanhousemedia.com for tons of apps

SFSKIDS.org fun music lab for kids

SMART Music Teacher

Sphinxkids.org classical music fun interaction

Wildmusic.org

These are a few of the fun places I like to visit in my free time.
Hope you find them helpful!






"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

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Glissando and How To Play It

I recently wrote an article about the  Glissando. It's an Ezine Article  How To Play A Gliding Glissando


What I remember most about the glissando was hearing my song end in the high register, like the Disney song, "A Whole New World." The song ends well, we have peace and closure to an ending that either uses broken chords (arpeggiated) or a glissando.


My music dictionary defines glissando (glees-SAHN-doh) as a rapid scale produced by sliding the fingers or hand from one note to another. 

Here's my article:

"Hearing a smooth rise in tones going up or down in pitch is wonderful to hear on the piano. However, producing this gliding effect on the keys can be quite challenging for some pianists.

The funny thing is that when I hear a car skidding on a road, I immediately think of the sweeping sound of a glissando and Jerry Lee Lewis comes to my mind with the song, Great Balls of Fire.
Glissando has a specific mark or notation in written sheet music. It sort of looks like a quarter rest lying on its side, turned horizontally. Also, you'll find the word gliss written above the squiggly line.

 You'll find my post on Great Balls of Fire at How-to-play-great-balls-of-fire

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when playing the glissando.

1. Hold your wrist as high as you can and over the middle of the keys.
2. Use a slightly bent thumb
3. Once curved and in position, play all the notes descending until you've reached the octave.

I have rather small hands so in the beginning I would practice glissando in sixths. That way I would reduce the tension in my arm and fingers. If you are fortunate to have large hands and a wider hand span, then by all means jump right in and practice the octave glissando.

Now, I've never played an ascending glissando in any written classical music that I can recall. If you see one, then use your left hand for ascending glissando tones. Some pianists prefer using their third finger in the right hand ascending also. Don't forget to use the damper pedal.

It takes lots of practice and constant motion of the hand and arm to achieve the sound you are looking for. At first, your thumb or finger may hurt a bit. I would suggest using a gauze bandage with a rubber band, or use a band-aid or perhaps scotch tape to protect soft skin.

I have played glissando occasionally sprinkled throughout a song in classical music or going into the chorus but I prefer a blues or rock song having a smash buckling ending with a descending glissando. What a great way to end a song. It sounds so professional and everyone loves to hear it."

I think one of the best sites I have researched involving added decorative type endings to blues or rock and roll can be found at http://www.netplaces.com/rock-blues-piano/riffs-embellishments-turnarounds-and-endings/embellishments-and-decorations.htm

Do you have a favorite blues song where you wrap it up with a fancy glissando ending?

More resources at GospleKeys Master Class and


Take Your Piano Playing To The Next Level With These Courses




All the best,

"The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you." B.B.King

George Winston- Sea

Being Greek, I am especially fond of the sea. I love ocean fishing and sailing. I am a big fan of George Winston. One particular song that comes to mind is The Sea. This song was particularly influenced by The Doors. (interesting, huh?!) The introduction is inspired by the late, great guitarist and composer John Fahey (1939-2001). Composed in 1973. Read more about George Winston
http://www.georgewinston.com/notes/01934-seasons-2.php
Here is a list of a few attributes that catalogues this song:
new age influences
classical music influences
solo piano performance
lyrical melodies
interesting harmonic progressions
interesting part writing
strong melodies
minor tonality
For more reading and sampling
http://www.pandora.com/music/song/george+winston/sea
This song has a luring effect that draws you into a serene rest and contemplative peace. Enjoy!


Sounds and looks like this song has lots of broken E minor chords. Sometimes it's easy to hear and recognize the key of a song, sometimes it's not. A great resource knowing that songs are moved of chords that you might want to view
http://www.hearandplay.com/441295/hpchords.html

http://www.LadyDpiano.com