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Musical Composition, Theory and Songwriting/Questions Answered by Expert Chuck
| Subject | Date Asked |
| Familiarizing With Note Sounds | 2/6/2012 |
| Q: I'm Ciara, and I'm extremely desperate and hope you can be of some help. It said in your description ... A: Ciara: You are wanting a skill that took me years to develop. If I could give you the ... | |
| songwriting | 10/20/2011 |
| Q: I have composed a blues melody, and played it and taped it on a small recorder. (clarinet) ... A: Dick: Thanks for your question regarding ''finale'' a music program> I have friends that use this ... | |
| arrangments for beginners | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: We are a family of 5 and each of us dabbles in several instruments. It feels wrong to me for each ... A: Jill: Your question is a valid point. The easiest answer to your question is for you to go to ... | |
| Chords | 4/1/2011 |
| Q: I'm trying to teach myself how to play the piano. I am currently trying to teach myself how to read ... A: Claire: You are asking the most involved question one can ask. I'll respond to each part or your ... | |
| A question about Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein | 3/23/2011 |
| Q: I would like to ask a question related to the history of musical theatre. According to an article I ... A: Liam: I understand there is much information on the internet about any topic and any person ... | |
| Accidentals & Key signatures | 3/19/2011 |
| Q: How many accidentals does there need to be on sheet music for piano to change the key signature? ... A: Sterling: A piece of music must always contain (at the beginning of the piece) the complete ... | |
| Music Education or Performance? | 2/21/2011 |
| Q: I have a question concerning which major to choose. First of all, I am a college student attending ... A: Marina: Whatever your choose, will have a direct bearing on your ability to be a composer. I ... | |
| Claire De Lune: timing of duplet in Bar #41 | 8/24/2010 |
| Q: Regarding Debussy's Claire de Lune - in the middle of measure #41 there's a duplet with 2 quavers ... A: Carol: My computer went down last night, and today I'm borrowing a laptop to answer your ... | |
| Choirs to sing with | 7/26/2010 |
| Q: Is there a BARBERSHOP Choirs In Paris???? ANSWER: Tim: This is a challenging question, since I ... A: Tim: Very interesting to learn that you are a bbshopper also. My good friend George McCay (used ... | |
| Too many sing the song and ruin it? | 7/21/2010 |
| Q: Normally, I think the fact that a song is covered by many singers is the sign that the song is good ... A: Adrian: YOU pose an interesting question and certainly one that is honestly answered: it all ... | |
| Terrible sound when I connect my keyboard to my laptop? | 7/5/2010 |
| Q: I have this question regarding playing and recording music via a Midi keyboard. Mine is a Yamaha ... A: VICTOR: I HAVE ONE of the biggest yahama keyboards, and i have a good music program, but i found ... | |
| Software to help you arrange the songs? | 6/28/2010 |
| Q: Could you pls let me know if there are computer softwares which make it easier for amateur musicians ... A: Victor: I have been using MUSIC TIME DELUXE' for many years now it is easy to use, and not too ... | |
| Songwriting-Question 2=followup | 6/9/2010 |
| Q: Chuck, In the past 2 years I have written about 20 songs. Some of them I feel are great and others ... A: People have co-written famous music, (rogers/hart, rogers/hammerstein, even the disney song writers) ... | |
| Songwriting | 6/8/2010 |
| Q: Chuck, In the past 2 years I have written about 20 songs. Some of them I feel are great and others ... A: Kathy: Well beginning songwriter, :-) nice to hear that you have written music. That is a ... | |
| How To Write Music | 5/21/2010 |
| Q: I am writing to you to ask how do you write music? What are the appropriate chords for all the ... A: Nathaniel: Your many facited question is very vague and too broad. How do ''I '' write ... | |
| composition software using vocal input | 5/9/2010 |
| Q: I am a writer and have written a full musical. I have the melodies (in my head) and can ... A: Michael: I understand your frustration, and yes there is a solution. However because of the ... | |
| I'm having difficulty understanding certain concepts | 3/22/2010 |
| Q: I have been learning a lot about various scales and modes, and music theory in general. I have a few ... A: Brian: You have four questions here as I see it. It is interesting how you think like a ... | |
| Vocal Problems | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: 1. I have a bad habit of sing with a covered voice sometimes - how do I sing through the mask of my ... A: mariah: It would be good to have a PERSONAL VOCAL COACH, (TO listen and watch ONLY YOU)DONE IN A ... | |
| Vocal Problems | 3/17/2010 |
| Q: 1. I have a bad habit of sing with a covered voice sometimes - how do I sing through the mask of my ... A: Mariah: Im going to answer your no. 2 question, (since there are three questions and it is t oo ... | |
| Counting 7 16th to a beat | 3/15/2010 |
| Q: I would like to know how would you count 7 16ths in 4/4 time signature. A: Mbudi: Your example helps clarify the nature of your question, thanks for including that. This ... | |
| The difference between 2-3 sus. and 2-3 ret. | 2/24/2010 |
| Q: please read this and correct me if I am wrong. A 2-3 suspension is NOT when the 2nd of a chord ... A: Jacob: Im not sure why there is a need to compare apples and oranges in music terminology. The ... | |
| The key of this song? | 2/11/2010 |
| Q: I just have a quick question, I am a beginning singer and I was wondering what key this song is in? ... A: Haley How lucky we are- song- is being sung in ''c'' Key, (as it comes through to me) sometimes ... | |
| Voice | 1/26/2010 |
| Q: I'm a beginner in music theory and got stuck at some terms. What exactly is a head voice ? And what ... A: Sahon: Head Voice: is a 'reference to where the sound 'feels' like it originates. People refer ... | |
| singing | 1/23/2010 |
| Q: i am a 15 year old and love singing, but i cant seem to be able to write a song. can u suggest ... A: Nadine: Hi, this is a typical question I get over and over. I'll share with you what other ... | |
| my singing key? | 1/17/2010 |
| Q: Can you tell me what key I sing in if my high note is the A above middle C and at the low end it is ... A: Jim: The question is ''vague'' since we can't suggest a ''KEY'' without the name of the song- ... | |
| teaching myself cello | 1/6/2010 |
| Q: I have had my cello for a little over half a year. I've had to teach myself how to play and was ... A: Cody: Well, yes, there is a bit of general maintance and care to be doing on your cello. First ... | |
| teaching myself cello | 1/5/2010 |
| Q: I have had my cello for a little over half a year. I've had to teach myself how to play and was ... A: Cody: You are in a tight spot, not having access to a ''cello teacher''. Yes I do have some ... | |
| music composition | 12/14/2009 |
| Q: hallo sir, I have a question. how can you convey hope in music? iknow how to compose sad or happy ... A: Akin: I understand the complexity of making music put a 'feeling'' into the minds and hearts of ... | |
| improvising with a drummer | 12/13/2009 |
| Q: I have started improvising my own reasonably skilled lead and rhythm guitar playing along with a ... A: james: Your question of how to professionally improvise is a subjective concept. This solution will ... | |
| Time Signatures | 11/16/2009 |
| Q: Iam taking an introduction to music class and I've been asked to convert the song "Try to Remember" ... A: Carlos: First of all, the IDEA of a professor GIVING you the assignment is for you to do the ... | |
| developing stylishness | 11/8/2009 |
| Q: I compose average sounding r&b and pop, but keep giving up on songs because I'm not satified with ... A: James: As I understand your desire to compose music that is good R & B or Pop, you wish to know ... | |
| My music | 10/5/2009 |
| Q: this is rafi from afghanistan i hope you heard about afghanistan and i really interested to learn ... A: Your interest is learning music theory (?) or Music Related Skills from a course outline>? AT ... | |
| Free shaped note sheet music | 8/26/2009 |
| Q: i am wondering if you can help me out :-) i sing by shaped notes and am always interested in more ... A: Shape note - Wikipedia, the free encyclopediaShape notes are a music notation designed to facilitate ... | |
| piano notes and vocal | 8/20/2009 |
| Q: I've got this problem of not knowing what piano notes fit a vocal. Please, i will like you to teach ... A: Tayo: Let me see if I UNDERSTAND your question. You want to know which notes on the piano are ... | |
| Transitions | 8/6/2009 |
| Q: I'm having a small problem. I am trying to write a song and I am going from minor to major. But I ... A: Philip: This is an interesting question, sounds like SOMEONE gave you a puzzle to solve, rather ... | |
| Shostakovich symphony 5 | 7/13/2009 |
| Q: I'm Laurens Price-Nowak, and I play cello in the national childrens' orchestra of GB, in the under ... A: It is such a wonderful age of ENLIGHTENMENT we live in now with internet information at our ... | |
| Playing guitar by ear | 6/10/2009 |
| Q: i am very interested in playing guitar by ear but i dont know how and where to start off. Can you ... A: son: Yes, I purchased all four volumes (in binder format) written by John Mehegan (a jazz ... | |
| transition from key to key | 5/30/2009 |
| Q: I play keyboard in church. Have a song for tomorrow (oops hope I hear from you today) in the key ... A: Yes, i have ideas. There are ''charts'' for the church organist, that are like 'math' ... | |
| Song writing | 4/15/2009 |
| Q: First of all I have to tell you I appreciate all music teachers. I love music. I play trombone ... A: Matt: The question of '' how do i write a song?'' is pretty much on the same order as how do i ... | |
| Counterpoint | 4/14/2009 |
| Q: I play electric guitar in a band. I am the only musician with any knowledge of theory out of the ... A: Zach: Thanks for the great question. I know you are aware of how important it is to ''know the ... | |
| transposing notes | 4/13/2009 |
| Q: At my school I am the new student director and I need some help.My big question is are all notes ... A: sara: Hi Sara: As a new student director of an orchestra or band <I assume you are speaking of ... | |
| violin tuining | 4/9/2009 |
| Q: what is playing listening(by ear) A: If I'm understanding your question about what is playing by ear? It refers to the idea of ''an ... | |
| a classical song... | 4/6/2009 |
| Q: I recently found a beautiful instrumental song that's about four and a half minutes in length which ... A: KATRINA: Well, if I were in your spot, I'd start by asking the musicians I know in my orchestra, ... | |
| parts of harmony | 3/19/2009 |
| Q: I would like to know what the parts of harmony are in order, example; soprano, alto, etc. A: An interesting question you have for me. This VERY MUCH sounds like a question that would be asked ... | |
| GCSE Composition | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: I'm a GCSE music student and are presently composing a piece in rondo form in the key A minor for a ... A: Rebecca: This is a vocal duet with piano accompaniment. You are wondering about making the ... | |
| HOW TO BECOME A SINGER AT 12 YEARS OLD | 2/17/2009 |
| Q: iM 12 YEARS OLD ABOUT TO BE 13 iN AUGUST && i LOVE TO SiNG i GO AROUND SCHOOL SiNGiNG ALL MY FRiENDS ... A: Sidney: I sing as well, I've been singing since I was young, and I'll give you the ''American ... | |
| Singing for the beginner | 2/12/2009 |
| Q: I have read a lot of your answers regarding singing, but still feel a need to ask this question ... A: Sarah: YOU have many issues you address, and many questions to be dealt with . I'll try to cover as ... | |
| Guitar chords from written musical score | 2/9/2009 |
| Q: I have a general question on determining guitar chords from written music. I am looking at ... A: david: I'm happy to help, since it didn't take me long at all to analyze the chords- (10 min). I ... | |
| theory/composition | 2/5/2009 |
| Q: My son's band teacher asked this question, however, I'm not sure if he remembered the question ... A: Your question sounds like the band teacher is trying to teach some basic concepts of what parts ... | |
| strict order? | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: My name is Rob and I am wondering if there is a strict order that should be followed when writing a ... A: Rob; Hi again, well, nothing HAS TO BE TAUGHT, AFTER ALL, MOZART WAS 5 in his writing piano ... | |
| strict order? | 12/5/2008 |
| Q: My name is Rob and I am wondering if there is a strict order that should be followed when writing a ... A: Rob: HI, well, I'll do my best to answer your question. There are soo many people in the music ... | |
| String Arrangements | 11/25/2008 |
| Q: Is there a How to Orchestrate book for dummies? I am making Violin, Viola, Cello, Bass,& Flute ... A: Philip: Your question is a good one and the one I own is from my days in college music ... | |
| viola | 11/12/2008 |
| Q: I am arranging a song for the orchestra class at my son's school. Hoe do I write the part for viola? ... A: Wayne: So glad to hear you are doing that. I also did that for my boy when I got him an Eb ... | |
| Help with a gospel walking bass line | 11/10/2008 |
| Q: I have a favorite song which has a walking bass line. I listen and listen and cannot figure out how ... A: Alan: Typically, a ''walking bass line'' (as you must know) is merely notes 'walking' up and ... | |
| Barbershopping a Minor Key | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I know barbershop songs are primarily in Major keys because minor chords don't lend themselves well ... A: Joe: The song you're working on (to my knowledge) is a ''popular'' song, and has a snappy, ... | |
| Barbershopping a Minor Key | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: I know barbershop songs are primarily in Major keys because minor chords don't lend themselves well ... A: Joe: Well, first thing that comes to mind(without knowing the song- the words, the style of ... | |
| re | 10/23/2008 |
| Q: how do i convert musical notes from bars to do re mi fa A: Ashween: How do notes get labeled 'solfege'? Well, this is a simple conversion- from musical ... | |
| transition chord for key change | 10/18/2008 |
| Q: My question is probably a simple one but I do not know the answer. I need a transition chord to ... A: Kandas: Your question is about HOW TO ''transition'' TO A NEW KEY, usng a process called ... | |
| musical exam | 9/24/2008 |
| Q: Going for a musical exam and half the notes confuse me. what is an easy way to remember THE NOTES!!! A: Rhianna: I assume if you are taking a music class, the basic info. on remembering the notes on ... | |
| a songwriter's program... | 9/23/2008 |
| Q: I work at a performing and visual arts school where we offer art, dance, drama, musical theatre, ... A: Conny: Maybe I DO Have something to offer in the way of ''IDEAS'' regarding this question. I have ... | |
| Music Composition Software question | 7/25/2008 |
| Q: I am an amateur composer. I have a question about computer software use in writing music. I ... A: L. Well, Here is what I do know about music programs. I have been using Music Time (since it ... | |
| composing a symphony | 7/23/2008 |
| Q: This may sound to you ridicuolus but in some nights I see great symphonies in my dreams with unique ... A: Aydin: Not a ridiculous experinece to dream grand dreams, and experience moments of ... | |
| Theory | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: I can't seem to understand scales, wheenever people try to explain them, I can't follow what they're ... A: CHRIS: I understand the intriguing desire to compose music and create music that rings in the ... | |
| Songs | 7/17/2008 |
| Q: I wrote this song and I would like an opinion and I want to know if It's good and that It's on the ... A: I'm pretty certain, that a ''hit'' song is different for every single person alive. The ''creators'' ... | |
| Theory | 7/12/2008 |
| Q: I can't seem to understand scales, wheenever people try to explain them, I can't follow what they're ... A: Chris: Music Theory is not the easiest system to fathom, but if you are good at math and puzzles, ... | |
| Contemporary songs for a Baritone/Bass | 7/10/2008 |
| Q: Hey Chuck. I was wondering if you could recommend some contemporary and classic songs to sing ... A: Andrew: Well, that is a wonderful question and right up my interest level. I sing bass, and my ... | |
| Music | 6/24/2008 |
| Q: my name is Kim. I just finished grade 9 and I'm really into music. My dad taught me guitar chords ... A: Kim: IM glad THAT YOUR PARENTS are letting you be in charge of your musical growth. I have ... | |
| Music | 6/22/2008 |
| Q: my name is Kim. I just finished grade 9 and I'm really into music. My dad taught me guitar chords ... A: kim: There are many answers to that question (''how much do lessons' cost") and I"ll tell you what ... | |
| Music | 6/21/2008 |
| Q: my name is Kim. I just finished grade 9 and I'm really into music. My dad taught me guitar chords ... A: Kim: Hi, so glad to have your enthusiasm and interest in keeping music as a part of your life, ... | |
| barbershop singing in France? | 6/9/2008 |
| Q: Chuck, I was happy to see in your description that you sing barbershop as I had a question. A ... A: susan: you were at a concert near me, one that I had wanted to attend, but had a performance ... | |
| Diaphragm | 5/11/2008 |
| Q: Well how to start.. I'm a high baritone, 16 years old, and I used to sing, but never really got into ... A: Donald: This is a very good question, especially for any, and all singers. The diaphragm is ... | |
| Cornet Mouthpieces | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: I purchase a Cornet in 1937 and played it for over 20 years. Now, I want to give it to my ... A: Charles: Cornets and Trumpets are the 'same ' instrument but the 'dimensions' are different. ... | |
| Chord theory, vocals and song writing | 4/27/2008 |
| Q: 1)Is there such a thing as the best key for your voice, What is the correct to find that? 2)How do ... A: Lenner: HI< usually I get ONE question and take a page to answer, but you have a PAGE of ... | |
| Music.. | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: It also sounds like I could change keys if I have a bunch of out of key chords and out of key scales ... A: Sarah: (my last two replies are on Monday- i was out of town for the weekend with my son's ... | |
| Music.. | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: Ok, so it sounds like I could play the A# power chord and the F# power chord, and still remain in ... A: Sarah: Yes, I do believe you are on the right track. Yes, the need to '' change keys'' is ... | |
| Music.. | 4/18/2008 |
| Q: if you can help with these questions that would be awesome! Just simple answers is fine.. Just ... A: Sarah: Well, honestly, this is the first time I have been asked this question, and I'm not sure ... | |
| Pitch | 4/13/2008 |
| Q: I am a singer using an audio production software on a track. There is a a certain background pitch ... A: Aaron: Well, there is ALWAYS a possibility to erase, minimulize or amplify any sound on your ... | |
| scales | 4/7/2008 |
| Q: I wanted 2 know how I can tell the difference between a major and a minor scale? A: Jennifer: This question of IDENTIFYING a major scale from a minor scale, sounds very much, like a ... | |
| Re: Question | 3/18/2008 |
| Q: Which part of a song stands out more to the listener or the artiste, in other words what makes a ... A: Nickesha: I think your question is asking what ''part'' of the ''song form'' is remembered ... | |
| restringing an old cello | 3/13/2008 |
| Q: I haven't played cello in a long time, and I never learned how to restring it. I borrowed an old ... A: Emily: (FIRST THINGS FIRST, read this all through first before you do anything at all to your ... | |
| Learning the language of music. | 2/21/2008 |
| Q: I have a couple questions. I have all of these songs going on in my head and i am trying to ... A: Jaime: You asked about learning the language of music, and like your example of learning a ... | |
| Question Chords in the Key of C Major | 2/7/2008 |
| Q: I play a song in the key of C major and it has a Bb/D chord in the progression. I this particular ... A: Victor: You have asked a very logical question. You are right, about the key sense, and the ... | |
| Figuring out the chords | 12/31/2007 |
| Q: I play the fiddle and have recently been trying to write songs of my own. My biggest problem ... A: Chuck here. I have read your question, and this is what I can offer you> I learned my CHORDS from my ... | |
| sheet music | 11/25/2007 |
| Q: When I was in 12th grade in 1984, I was in the choir and we song a 32 page piece that was a ... A: Michelle; I have also looked for favorite songs that I did in my youth, check this out to see if ... | |
| music for a special event | 11/22/2007 |
| Q: please could you tell me if there are any typical devices/elements which are included in ... A: Pimms: Your question is 'any typical devices to include in compositions for royalty" and that ... | |
| I was wondering if you could tell me how to do this | 11/14/2007 |
| Q: Some guys in my high school choir have decided to make a Barbershop quartet and put me in charge. I ... A: Logan: What a great question you have for me. :-) This is the first time I've had a bbshop ... | |
| I think it's called "mode mixture"? | 11/9/2007 |
| Q: Suppose you were a self-learner interested in writing chord progressions beyond the circle of ... A: Ray: That is a wonderful question, and the first time being asked about this, considering all ... | |
| Questions of Bb major | 10/16/2007 |
| Q: I recently bought a C.D. by a band called the Raveonettes who play the entire album in the key of Bb ... A: Dion: Thanks for considering the ALLEXPERTS forum to ask your question. My first response to a ... | |
| Writing vocal arrangements? | 8/27/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you know of any books out there that focus on writing a cappella arrangements and ... A: Jamie: I learned my music theory knowledge from my piano teacher and from my music classes in ... | |
| Electronic Compositions | 7/3/2007 |
| Q: I've been working for several years composing with finale and sequencing with fruit loops. I can ... A: Trevor: I have been in the music teaching field all my life. I am a retired public school ... | |
| time signature | 6/13/2007 |
| Q: I desperately am trying to find out the time signature at the end of a particular song. Its a long ... A: Bob: An interesting question, esp. since I am not familiar with this artist. His records (i ... | |
| need help bad | 6/11/2007 |
| Q: But im having trouble trying to get the right words to put into it i know what i want to say. I just ... A: Matthew: Let me start this request with a few questions and concerns of my own. 1) What is ... | |
| Decoding piano notes and guitar chords from recorded songs | 6/7/2007 |
| Q: I am interested in any software available that will allow me to play a song and decode the melody ... A: Marie: I know the old addage of '' GIVE A MAN A FISH, HE EATS for a day, TEACH the man to fish, he ... | |
| Minor Scale Chords | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: My question is about the minor scale. I wanted to know what chords make up a minor scale, because i ... A: Elijah: My carnegie hall experience was great, mostly a sentimentally emotional experience. ... | |
| Minor Scale Chords | 4/26/2007 |
| Q: My question is about the minor scale. I wanted to know what chords make up a minor scale, because i ... A: elijah: there is the simple answer and the long version,basically all the chordds are the same ... | |
| Larynx relaxation | 3/1/2007 |
| Q: Actually, I never said that I pushed down my larynx with my hand. I meant I forced it down with the ... A: michael: IM glad you desire to improve your singing, but I am not there to watch you and make ... | |
| Larynx relaxation | 2/28/2007 |
| Q: I've been learning to sing for a few years, though with very little professional training. For the ... A: michael: This much I do know about the care of my voice, that if i am doing something that I am ... | |
| vocal voice | 2/22/2007 |
| Q: I'am 16 becoming 17. I feel like my voice is not strong enough to reach high notes. Also I practice ... A: Arvin: Your concern is quite normal. I should think that if you want to improve your voice, ... | |
| vocal voice | 2/21/2007 |
| Q: My voice is pretty normal. Almost everyone in my family can sing and can hit the high note. I'am the ... A: Arvin: Your ''voice'' is ''normal''? I really don't know what that means, since everyones ... | |
| basic chord progression help | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: I was wondering if you could give me any pointers on how to make basic chord progressions and how to ... A: Joe: Sure, glad to help, there are many aspects to this question about how to ''FANCY'' up the ... | |
| How to memorise a tune and repeat it correctly | 2/19/2007 |
| Q: Chuck. Many thanks for your instant reply. I hope that by now your computer is fixed. English being ... A: ERIK: yes, ERIK, you got my meaning, I WAS REFERRING TO having something to relate to when YOU ... | |
| How to memorise a tune and repeat it correctly | 2/18/2007 |
| Q: Greetings, Chuck. I would appreciate your help. Many thanks in advance. I am 24 years old and have ... A: Im sorry for the delay, in reply. My computer has not let me get on the web for the last two days, ... | |
| notation | 2/10/2007 |
| Q: I now understand that sometimes the accidentals are put in as courtesy accidentals to remind us to ... A: Jon: First of all, DOWNLOADING music off the web, isn't as if it were PRINTED from a ... | |
| notation | 2/9/2007 |
| Q: I learned to play the piano as a child, but am only now (at age 19) starting to learn more advanced ... A: Jon: you said you started as a child. How old were you? Some children start before 5 years of ... | |
| Increasing vocal range | 12/30/2006 |
| Q: I've got a big problem. I'm 16 years old. My voice has changed and I lost my high tones. Can I ... A: Well, it only SEEMS like a problem, because what ONCE came easy for you, is now more difficult. The ... | |
| compose | 12/28/2006 |
| Q: may i know how to compose a song? -----Answer----- Carin: This is a good question. This question ... A: Carin: To answer your question what do you do first? 1)what style do you want to have for this ... | |
| promenade and great gate of kiev | 12/27/2006 |
| Q: I was listening to the promenade and The Great Gate of Kiev by Mussorgsky and wanted to know your ... A: Jeff, I have seen the actual video of the total work, adn the pictures that are supposed to be ... | |
| compose | 12/19/2006 |
| Q: may i know how to compose a song? A: Carin: This is a good question. This question has been asked many times, because many people ... | |
| Singing | 11/25/2006 |
| Q: I've always been good at singing. Ever since I was in elementary school and had to sing in front of ... A: Jalen:" I think i might have a thought for you about your concern. first of all, you ... | |
| When to start piano lessons | 11/17/2006 |
| Q: Chuck, I want my son to learn to play the piano. I was wondering what a good age is to start ... A: Ana: The suzuki students learn to HOLD the violin at preschool age, and mom starts to teach ... | |
| Mood composition | 11/15/2006 |
| Q: Do you have any suggestions or options that I could explore - such as tutorials to get me ... A: robin: Im afraid there isn't a source to go to for this type of quest. The BEST source of ... | |
| Mood composition | 11/14/2006 |
| Q: PLz could you assist me with advise as to how to create specific emotions or moods in music. Besides ... A: robin, A very interesting question, you are asking, and one which is not as cut and dry as you ... | |
| Help On Singing Technique | 11/9/2006 |
| Q: my name's Dan. I don't sing professionally or anything, just for fun with friends' bands and ... A: dan: your question is an interesting one, adn certainly not within the range of advice i normally ... | |
| how can i think of wierd chords while composing? | 11/4/2006 |
| Q: i have been listening to pink floyd for some time and tried to figure out the chords.the chords like ... A: this is the first time i have had this question - and i'll do my best to give you some idea of what ... | |
| playing by ear | 9/23/2006 |
| Q: i can figure out melodies rather easily but i have been having some trouble figuring out chords do ... A: Johnathon: HI, thanks for the quesiton, it is the first time, i have been asked about ... | |
| the tenor voice | 9/19/2006 |
| Q: I am a senior in high school. My voice never really changed even after some of the biological ... A: Cody: Thanks so much for this question, it is a surprise to me that you said your voice was ... | |
| Songs composition | 9/16/2006 |
| Q: Timelessly I tried arranging a song or songs but never successful , how do I go about it. I play the ... A: Sony Uwa: Hi, thanks for the question. This is one topic that there are many answers for, ask ... | |
| Changing voice | 9/9/2006 |
| Q: I'm 12, and my voice is changing (or so i think). When I sing, sometimes notes crack. This happens ... A: Allison: Thanks for the great question , and yes, all your worries are normal, and a ''changing ... | |
| music | 8/24/2006 |
| Q: I can whistle a song, but I have a hard time playing any instrument. Why is this? Is there an ... A: Larry: Thanks for the question, and for the many years I have been teaching, that is the MOST ... | |
| rewriting time signatures | 8/22/2006 |
| Q: I’m currently trying to prepare my daughter for a music theory exam. We are currently having a ... A: chris: it is an interesting ACADEMIC exercise to rewrite music in diff, time signitures, but ... | |
| problems with my voice | 8/5/2006 |
| Q: but I was wondering does this happen to all girls or only some? ANd what do you mean I have to get ... A: julie: im sorry i made my answer confusing for you, i was trying to tell y ou that it is fairly ... | |
| V chords | 7/30/2006 |
| Q: I need a very simple way to teach and explain V chords. They still confuse me a bit so I am having a ... A: Janel: An interesting question, thanks for asking, i hope i can help. Well, i am very ... | |
| problems with my voice | 7/18/2006 |
| Q: as I understand you are a very experienced musician and I appreciate you helping me. And I have a ... A: julie: first of all, i want to appologize for the late response, becasue i was out of town, just ... | |
| Singing Help | 6/14/2006 |
| Q: Sorry to overwhelm you..... I have a lot of experience when it comes to terminology from reading, ... A: Amanda: There is only so much time and space to answer questions, and i usually like to give ... | |
| Singing Help | 6/13/2006 |
| Q: I am new to the world of vocal training and would really appriciate any tips for singing such as: ... A: Amanda: This question puzzles me Amanda, becuase if you are NEW to the world of vocal music, ... | |
| non chord tones | 4/25/2006 |
| Q: I was surfing the web and stumbled upon your web site and wondered if you could answer a nagging ... A: Joe: If you HAD music theory, you'd know that the 4-3 suspension is the forth degree of the chord ... | |
| composition - how to | 3/5/2006 |
| Q: My name is Geoff and i play the Cello. I'm in the process of writeing a song for my Cello,just to ... A: I play the cello alsol, and i have been writing and arranging music for the cello and my cello trio ... | |
| Hello, I was wondering... | 2/28/2006 |
| Q: I was wondering how do you find out what key a song is in? Say for instance if I put on a beatles ... A: BRYAN: You have an interesting question here. Yes the note of ''C#" might BE IN THE KEY, but ... | |
| Finding name of song | 2/25/2006 |
| Q: I have some lyrics and am trying to find the name of the song so that I can see all of the song's ... A: Rich: this is the best i can come up with check this out and see if it is what yoiu are looking ... | |
| Arranging music for brass quintet and solo voice | 2/19/2006 |
| Q: I am getting married in June and have hired a brass quintet for the ceremony. I am a musician myself ... A: Kristin: All the selections are wonderful for sure, but i think you have correctly assessed ... | |
| what does the italien term,... | 2/18/2006 |
| Q: what does the italien term, poco, mean? A: N? Italian terms are all over the music page in literature, and esp in the instrumental ... | |
| Composing | 1/23/2006 |
| Q: For violin, do you have any tips on composing a cadenza for Mozart's Violin Concerto in A major ... A: JAMIE: Are you serious? cadenza's are usually composed by the performer, to show off their ... | |
| Song Title? | 1/15/2006 |
| Q: I have this song that my friend gave me. I have it on a CD but it doesn't have the title or composer ... A: ryan: i can do a lot of stuff by ear, but if i have never heard the song before, i wont be ... | |
| Chritmas song | 12/18/2005 |
| Q: It was difficult to choose a category that fits my question. I have many collections of Christmas ... A: Jan: Personally I dont have any clue about a song with that title, but i suspect that is not the ... | |
| i need some inspiration please! | 12/14/2005 |
| Q: I am a singer songwriter and i have played at the nec and sang my songs in many places. However i ... A: Melissa: First let me appologize for this late response, I do check my mail daily, and this notice ... | |
| Vocal Harmony in Pop Music | 11/5/2005 |
| Q: I want to know more about writing vocal harmony parts in pop songs such as The Beach Boys, Queen, ... A: Nathan: first : let me appologize for the LATE reply, i didnt even know i had a question here ... | |
| How to become a Composer | 10/18/2005 |
| Q: Your profile caught my eye because you mention several things that we have in common. I am a ... A: Mr. James: I did listen to the music sampls you presented on your site, and they are enjoyable ... | |
| Confidence | 10/18/2005 |
| Q: I'm not currently studying music at GCSE level, but am interested in taking it for AS, but i'm told ... A: Eleanor: I not a phyche major, I am a musician, but we all (me too) have had to deal with the ... | |
| composition | 9/26/2005 |
| Q: can you recommend an online resource to help me teach composition to a group of young people on a ... A: robbie: I would like to be able to answer your question in a timely manner, but at this time i ... | |
| music theory | 9/1/2005 |
| Q: i m a biginer singer .could you please explain how to increase my vocal range?what procedure should ... A: Suneel: As a beginner in the vocal department, your question is a good one. This is ALWAYS a ... | |
| teaching rock music composition to middle schoolers | 8/11/2005 |
| Q: I teach strings(violin, cello, viola) and piano as well as music theory. I have middle schoolers ... A: how are you doing with the BLUES concept you asked me about? just wondering. yes, i am a ... | |
| Mozart | 8/10/2005 |
| Q: friend. No matter how cheesy this sounds; I'd still like to thank you for offering your services as ... A: Gerard: I have seen the movie on His life, and i have played, and performed much of his music, ... | |
| Music | 7/27/2005 |
| Q: I have always wanted to write and play songs that are in my head, but have no musical training ... A: MANY people have this same question with the same background, and with the same sense of music ... | |
| songwriting | 7/15/2005 |
| Q: I play the guitar and Im a vocalist ,and is very eager to learn how to compose songs with it. I have ... A: Jake: the answer is SIMPLE: "TO BE SUCCESSFUL, DO WHAT SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE DO'" (COPY THEM) ... | |
| Composition Question | 7/13/2005 |
| Q: I have a few questions, if you don't mind please. My friend and I wrote this piano duet and I'm just ... A: first of all, let me tell you my email address (in case you have any further questions and want to ... | |
| Composition Question | 7/12/2005 |
| Q: I have a few questions, if you don't mind please. My friend and I wrote this piano duet and I'm just ... A: 1) getting a song analyzed? no problem, if you want opinions, analysis of 'form', chord progressions ... | |
| What is musicality? | 6/28/2005 |
| Q: My 14 year old grandson's piano teacher tells him she wants him to develop "musicality", in addition ... A: Doris: FIRST of all, let me congratulate you on having a young man take an interest and liking to ... | |
| MUSICAL COMPOSITION | 6/13/2005 |
| Q: im jonathan from peru, my question is aobut muscical composition, i know about, intervals and scales ... A: You ask how to use scales and intervals to make a song? This is an interesting question. Let me ... | |
| Arranging Music | 6/10/2005 |
| Q: I am working on a project and hope you can give me some advice. I play the harp. I am trying to ... A: Laura" this is a very involved question but there ARE ANSWERS. :-) You didn't mention what ... | |
| Composition | 5/28/2005 |
| Q: I'm sixteen years old...and i too can play music by ear. Ive been playing the clarinet for 5 years, ... A: I can tell you what I have always done, and that is: I bought a hand held tape recorder, and ... | |
| g7 | 5/19/2005 |
| Q: Could the define g7 (which note on the piano is that?) Thank you A: Lori: Hi, carefully note if the symbol is G 7 or g7 because if it is G7, - IT refers to a G ... | |
| An odd request | 5/17/2005 |
| Q: I have an odd request, and I'm not sure if you do things like this. I am getting married next ... A: Jessica: i am reading this message at 2;08 am on wednesday 5/18/05 i got home late from a ... | |
| cello tuning | 4/30/2005 |
| Q: I've recently refitted a friend's old cello w/ new strings...now it's time to deliver, and i don't ... A: sure Greg: This is an easy one ok? first of all the cello tunes in fifths top string is ... | |
| Singing question... | 2/11/2005 |
| Q: Good day to you. I just have a question about singing. I had taken classical voice lessons for a ... A: Ken: (the first humorous thought was 'inhale helium" -THAT WILL FIX YOUR TONE) but seriously, ... | |
| Working on new project! | 12/22/2004 |
| Q: Hey there chuck, this is zach a highschool student and someone who aspires to make it in the music ... A: Zach, First it is a long series of questions> Second there are a lot of 'unknowns' that would ... | |
| Hi, I'm beginning to get into... | 12/8/2004 |
| Q: I'm beginning to get into classical music and would like to know which are the most "essential" ... A: Dan: Music is like fine wine, or food,namely it is in the 'taste' of the listener. I have ... | |
| harmonizing and fillers | 12/6/2004 |
| Q: There is a christmas eve service at my church, which I will be playing with a choir and piano (song: ... A: Audrey I play the cello, and much church instrumental music is written nowadays with two lines ... | |
| Chuck | 11/28/2004 |
| Q: In reviewing your background I come to you in awewome respect for your accomplishments and your ... A: First of all, let me ask you to keep in touch with me, Email if you can, at my address ... | |
| songwriting basics | 11/28/2004 |
| Q: I write from Monterrey, Mexico. I will briefly describe my musical background before asking. I ... A: Arnoldo: I dont know what happened to the first response, but i was cut off and didn't get to ... | |
| I am VERY interested in singing. | 11/24/2004 |
| Q: my name is Ali. I am 15 years of age, and ever since I was about 5 I have been singing. Ever since ... A: Ali: Well, it all started when i was a kid, and my dad got me a violin, and piano, and i took ... | |
| bad transition | 10/22/2004 |
| Q: I've been writting a rock/alternative/punk/emo/whatever song lol. I have determined that these ... A: Chris: Yes, you are right, a lot of information and a lot of parts to answer. First of all, ... | |
| e sharb | 10/14/2004 |
| Q: ------------------------- I understand tempered tuning and enharmonic notes, but why is there no ... A: Steve: Did you UNDERSTAND the information i gave you about the Circle of Fifths and that there ... | |
| e sharb | 10/13/2004 |
| Q: can you explain why there's no physical e sharp/b sharp in western music? steve A: STeve: I suppose you are referring to the piano keys, and not to actual notes on the page? ... | |
| young singers | 9/13/2004 |
| Q: you are right, a day without music...... that is what leads me to this question. Music has been a ... A: Christi: You have a question that is dear to my heart. Namely, teaching the young to enjoy and ... | |
| Variations/Inversion | 9/11/2004 |
| Q: Variations on a Theme/Inversion of Melody Greetings. Let me preface by saying I neither read nor ... A: First of all, I am NOT familiar with the tune Tubular Bells 1 nor the composer Oldfield. Your ... | |
| Music Composition and Computers | 9/2/2004 |
| Q: I came across this website and figured I might as well make the best of it! I am currently a ... A: An interesting question, for sure. First of all, I have Music Time Notation program (now out of ... | |
| Choral music composition | 8/26/2004 |
| Q: i have an interest in choral music and have a basic understanding of tonic sofa. i would like some ... A: Yotamu: I will need more information in your question to know what it is you are wanting. ... | |
| variable speed CD player | 8/1/2004 |
| Q: Do you have any knowledge of the variable speed CD players? The portable ones that sell for about ... A: jim this is not my field of expertise but i can tell you this, i was attending a square dance ... | |
| music | 7/25/2004 |
| Q: Do you have any suggestions as to how I can get better at conducting(how I can figure out if song's ... A: Pat: Hearing the 'meter' is sometimes as hard as teaching a kid how to tell 'time' on a clock - ... | |
| Minor scales | 7/16/2004 |
| Q: it's me again. I would like u to set something straight for me. I am starting to learn theory of ... A: Jordon: If you are taking a 'class' in music theory, your teacher SHOULD be getting into the ... | |
| translating written music on the Treble clef staff to the guitar | 7/14/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know... If I am reading music from a treble clef staff, and I need to play it on a ... A: Jordon: You can certainly find middle C from the G string, but it is closest on the B ... | |
| translating written music on the Treble clef staff to the guitar | 7/14/2004 |
| Q: I would like to know... If I am reading music from a treble clef staff, and I need to play it on a ... A: Jordon: Your question is a good one> The notes for piano on the treble clef are THE SAME notes ... | |
| music | 6/24/2004 |
| Q: I played the piano for 6 years already and still can't play by ear.Do you have any tips for me.Thank ... A: Abraham: Interesting you mention that you have played piano for 6 years, as part of your quest ... | |
| Songwriting | 6/11/2004 |
| Q: Could you suggest any tips to me on how to write better melodys. I am a songwriter and write songs ... A: don: i got your mail (saturday morning=june 12)and it said that i have answered this already, but ... | |
| Holsinger's work | 6/1/2004 |
| Q: None of the experts are in the area of inquiry, but you are the closest. I was wondering where I ... A: sorry IF THIS question is coming to you twice, because i already responded to it, but the system ... | |
| Band | 6/1/2004 |
| Q: I am starting a band with a couple of my friends and we do not know where to start we cant even play ... A: Stephanie: I don't live in Florida, but I wouldn't mind helping you out if I did live there. ... | |
| vocals | 5/20/2004 |
| Q: hey Chuck As a man in the music business, you may be able to tell me something i cant figure out. ... A: Dan, This is a good question. When you refer to singers "using headphones", I assume you ... | |
| The fall and the lift? | 5/20/2004 |
| Q: I was recently listening to a song by Rufus Wainwright called "Hallelujah." In it he describes a ... A: Alan: I have not heard this song, or read these lyrics before. I wouldn't assume that the ... | |
| composition | 5/7/2004 |
| Q: I'm working on a gospel song. The song sounds beautiful in the key of e-flat, and I've thrown in a ... A: Jared: The key of E flat is a nice mellow key, esp. if the mood is for that effect (not a ... | |
| music composition | 4/19/2004 |
| Q: I have a Few more questions to ask of you, if you can not answer that is all right, but what ... A: Ashley, : colleges? to attend? Local colleges have basic credentials for teaching and training ... | |
| music composition | 4/18/2004 |
| Q: I am a young girl at Dacula Middle school and we are doing a project on a caree that we would like ... A: Ashley; Truly of all the questions I have had, yours is unique. I love the concept, and what ... | |
| composing rock songs on the guitar | 4/9/2004 |
| Q: im in a band and weve been trying to write our own songs but we have "writer's block". i'm the ... A: MIke: Good question, and a common one, everyone seems to want to write songs, and write their ... | |
| teaching four part singing | 3/5/2004 |
| Q: any pointers about teaching four part singing to people who can carry a tune, but have not sung in ... A: Julie: This is a good question. I know there are people who feel it should be easy to do that ... | |
| composition | 2/18/2004 |
| Q: In your experience, is composing a masterful piece of music something anyone can do, or does it take ... A: Carlene: By a 'masterful piece of music" i assume you mean a 'Symphony' or "concerto" or a ... | |
| Changing the Scale in a music | 2/15/2004 |
| Q: . i would like to know your professional idea and guides on how to change the Scale of a music piece ... A: Saleh: You are referring to Western culture music, I assume? You are mentioning "changing ... | |
Musical Composition, Theory and Songwriting
Answers by Expert:
Chuck
Top Expert on this page
Expertise
I am a professional musician, I can play by ear, I arrange music write music, teach music in the public school system, and teach privately. My father was a school music teacher, and I have written three volumes for teaching beginning string players, taking them from scratch to high school level. I have performed in a local production of Music Man (musical) with celebrities John Davidson/Susan Watson and have my masters degree in education. I retired from the classroom in 2004 with 38 yrs. experience-now still substituting for music- and writing arr. for my cello trio(with two audio cd's and one dvd of a performance)http://cellosound.blogspot.com I have directed church choirs and am principal cellist in our local community orchestra. I really love to arrange music for the groups I perform in and sing and have music in my life every day. A day without music, is a mistake, like having a day without sunshine.
Experience
Employment history: I have been employed by our local school district since 1967 as a music teacher from grades 1-12 Organizations: I play cello principal chair in the local community orchestra, and sing in a chorus,and perfom in a barbershop quartet
Education: My early life in high school and college was summer workshops in choral conducting with founder of Westminster Choir College (N.J.) Dr. John F.Williamson (in Who`s Who in Music) and summer workshops with Robert Shaw in San Diego Grad. of Sacramento STate Univ.and masters from Univ. of La VErne, ca
Awards: awarded the Bank of America award in my high school senior year for music
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