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About Bill Pere
(Top Expert on this page)

Expertise
Can answer questions on : Technical aspects of lyric and music compostion; How to give and receive objective critique; Arranging and production; Concrete vs abstract imagery; Use of metaphor; Rhyme techniques; Song Structure; Collaboration; Songwriter Associations; Promotion; Guitar technique;

Experience
President of the Connecticut Songwriters Association; Named Independent Artist of the Year,by the 2003 national Independent Music Conference; 30 years as a professional singer-songwriter; 13 original CD's released;
Have had songs placed on other artists' CD's. Twice named Connecticut Songwriter of the Year.
15 years as Executive Director of the LUNCH Ensemble. Have attended more than 200 presentations by top industry professionals and have critiqued thousands of songs. Have written and produced dozens of stage plays and hundreds of concert events; Have coached hundreds of aspiring songwriters, and collaborated with several award winning writers. Have written commissioned songs as an Official Connecticut State Troubadour. Music Director of youth choirs and music camps.

Organizations
Connecticut Songwriters Association (President); LUNCH Ensemble (Local United Network to Combat Hunger -- Exec, Director); CMEA (Connecticut Music Educators Association); Folk Alliance; Association For Psychological Type; Songsalive;

Publications
Songwriters Market (2001, 2002); Connecticut Songsmith; Contemporary Songwriter Magazine; Songwriters Musepaper;
Songcrafter's Coloring Book;   Strategies for Teaching Guitar;

Education/Credentials
Masters Degree Molecular Biology; Certified MBTI Practitioner (Myers Briggs Type Indcator); Connencticut Secondary Public School Teaching Cerftificate;

Awards and Honors
Independent Artist of the Year, (2003 national Indie Conference); Official Connecticut State Troubadour, appointed by CT Commission on the Arts, 1995 ; 1982 and 1992 CT Songwriter of the Year; 2000 Award for 20 years of Outstanding Service to Songwriters;
2002 CSA Award for Outstanding Contribution to Education through Music; Numerous awards for outstanding community outreach through music; 1997 Citation from Connecticut Legislature for exemplary dedication to community outreach through music. 1995 Renaissance Award for multiple music achievments in a single year.   Invited Presenter and Mentor at various Music Conventions

   

You are here:  Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musicians' Exchange > Musical Composition, Theory, Songwriting, and Singing

Questions Answered By Expert  Bill Pere 
In Category  Musical Composition, Theory, Songwriting, and Singing

SubjectDate Asked

notes versus half tones conversion8/21/2008
  Q: I am experimenting with computer generated music, but I have no musical background. I am confused ...
  A: <<My question referred to notation and practical usage - e.g. a major triad is always the base note, ...
notes versus half tones conversion8/19/2008
  Q: I am experimenting with computer generated music, but I have no musical background. I am confused ...
  A: <<I am experimenting with computer generated music, but I have no musical background. I am confused ...
Music Theory7/21/2008
  Q: I used to take piano as a kid, when I was 6 years old, up until around 15. During that time, I ...
  A: <<...... My question is, what's the best way I can go about re-learning music theory. I learned ...
advertising and promoting music for other musicians and students7/7/2008
  Q: My question is regarding the promotion and making available the music we have for students and other ...
  A: <<Our cello trio music is arranged music of songs that most people know and love today. It is ...
advertising and promoting music for other musicians and students7/6/2008
  Q: My question is regarding the promotion and making available the music we have for students and other ...
  A: << My question is regarding the promotion and making available the music we have for students and ...
Chord sequences7/1/2008
  Q: I imagine you have been asked this a trillion times ... therefore sorry for the old question again: ...
  A: John, <<.... after years of Rachmaninov, I would like to switch over to the basics of songwriting. ...
counterpoint5/18/2008
  Q: I am an artist, and I make videos in collaboration with musiccians etc, normally working with ...
  A: << I wanted to do a singing project with over 50s, what I wanted to do was write a one minute poem ...
Song Structure5/10/2008
  Q: If it sounds fluid to the ear, is there anything wrong with an ABCABCAB song structure where A is ...
  A: <<If it sounds fluid to the ear, is there anything wrong with an ABCABCAB song structure where A is ...
Chord theory, vocals and song writing4/27/2008
  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: Lennar, Hi - thanks for your questions - I'll answer those that can be dealt with in the short ...
Music..4/15/2008
  Q: I have a couple more questions for you..if you can give me a good guess on this, that is all I ...
  A: Sarah Thanks for your follow-up question. <<If I played a few out of key chords(regular and power ...
Music..4/13/2008
  Q: Just wondering, would I be able to play a couple outside scales in a song, and still remain in the ...
  A: <<Just wondering, would I be able to play a couple outside scales in a song, and still remain in the ...
song writing and band name2/17/2008
  Q: Me and my friends have formed a band and we want to write song lyrics that mean something to people, ...
  A: <<Me and my friends have formed a band and we want to write song lyrics that mean something to ...
Melodies2/8/2008
  Q: I have a question on how to compose or come up with catchy melodies. I write a lot of poems,essays, ...
  A: Ryan-Maurice, Thank you for your question. The important thing to keep in mind here is that ...
writing a first song1/29/2008
  Q: bill, for a while now I've been trying to write a song and i cant seem to find any good topic to ...
  A: Rory, Thanks for your question. You bring up a very important topic - that of "Aboutness" For some ...
My living room to your radio?1/22/2008
  Q: I have written many songs and recorded about ten of them. My wife and friends suggested I "send ...
  A: Andrew, Thanks for your question. What you are asking is a very common question I get from ...
Next step1/20/2008
  Q: I have been "writing" songs since I was 15 and am now 33. I have no musical training and very ...
  A: <<I have been "writing" songs since I was 15 and am now 33. I have no musical training and very ...
Lyrical Composition12/4/2007
  Q: Bob, i need to know the basic structure for composition my main genre is rap and hip-hop, i have ...
  A: <<i need to know the basic structure for composition my main genre is rap and hip-hop, i have been ...
collaboration9/21/2007
  Q: Are you aware of any sort of guidelines in terms of allocation of ...
  A: Jeff, Hi - thanks for your question. <<Are you aware of any sort of guidelines in terms of ...
Lyrics9/20/2007
  Q: I desperately want to write intelligent, heartfelt, bigger than life lyrics. For me great lyrics ...
  A: Writing good lyrics takes practice but is easily the valuable skill in all the music business, as ...
music publishing and licencing9/14/2007
  Q: Bill Pere, I have a university assignment regarding music publishing and licencing. with your ...
  A: Bill Pere, <<I have a university assignment regarding music publishing and licencing. with your ...
a question for an expert9/7/2007
  Q: Pere, Can you tell me some rhyme techniques or common rhyme patterns in songs. I like r&b and ...
  A: <<Can you tell me some rhyme techniques or common rhyme patterns in songs. . I want to make my own ...
help, please8/18/2007
  Q: bill. I am 16 years old and have been playing guitar for about three years. while my friends would ...
  A: Omar, Hi - thanks for your question. You're correct that a knowledge of chords and melodic ...
Keys6/24/2007
  Q: First of all, thanks for the help you offer to all those who need it! Much appreciate it! My ...
  A: <<My question is regarding the tonality in modern songs, from beatles onwards, anything really. What ...
reading music6/13/2007
  Q: How can I tell which part is written for which instrument, i.e. which is for singing, guitar, drum ...
  A: <<How can I tell which part is written for which instrument, i.e. which is for singing, guitar, drum ...
Music6/7/2007
  Q: Bill, being an expert on musical composition, I have a question for you. Which, in your opinion, is ...
  A: <<Bill, being an expert on musical composition, I have a question for you. Which, in your opinion, ...
keeping listeners interest5/3/2007
  Q: I rarely see this topic even touched on in books on arranging, etc. After you learn about theory, ...
  A: <<Thanks for the great answer. Now I'm curious about how you figured out to go to those other ...
keeping listeners interest5/3/2007
  Q: I rarely see this topic even touched on in books on arranging, etc. After you learn about theory, ...
  A: << It seems to have to do with knowing WHERE to put stuff in the song to keep in interesting. I ...
Minor Scale Chords4/26/2007
  Q: My question is about the minor scale. I wanted to know what chords make up a minor scale, because i ...
  A: <<My question is about the minor scale. I wanted to know what chords make up a minor scale, because ...
Is it too late for me?3/6/2007
  Q: My name is Ryan Maurice and I am 22(turning 23 on wednesday). I am currently taking opera lessons ...
  A: <<My name is Ryan Maurice and I am 22(turning 23 on wednesday). I am currently taking opera lessons ...
chord progressions2/19/2007
  Q: Hey there Bill, Um,I suck at making chord progressions.They sound so cheesy.Got any pointers? thnx
  A: <<Um,I suck at making chord progressions.They sound so cheesy.Got any pointers?>> Joe, Thanks for ...
Piano Sheet Music1/31/2007
  Q: Perhaps you've experienced this same thing. You hear a great piano track and you desperately want to ...
  A: <<Do you know of anything like this, any pianist who writes sheet music for unknown songs? I'm ...
musicals1/3/2007
  Q: Im interested in musicals, but Im quite confused on the structure of songs in them. Talking about ...
  A: <<Im interested in musicals, but Im quite confused on the structure of songs in them. Talking about ...
SONG COMPOSITION12/30/2006
  Q: .i just wanted to ask what should i do..i play electric guitar and bass guitar in field of ...
  A: Domagoj, Thank you for your question. It would take far too much time and space to cover all the ...
Songwriting12/12/2006
  Q: I've been writing lyrics casually for about ten years. Lately, I'm taking it more seriously and I'm ...
  A: Doug, Hi, and thanks for your question. <<Hello, I've been writing lyrics casually for about ten ...
lyrical composition12/2/2006
  Q: Bill, I have a collection of roughly 100 short poems which have a similar cadence and rhythm; I ...
  A: Laura, Hi, and Thanks for your question. It's important first to be clear that there is a ...
help with notation question11/13/2006
  Q: please could you tell me what is the longest musical note in common use, with the tim value of 2 ...
  A: Below is a table of all the official note names, both US and British. US ...
One last question! (ASCAP)11/2/2006
  Q: I will keep in mind all of your suggestions. I wanted to ask you about ASCAP (an association of ...
  A: Miguel, ASCAP. BMI and SESAC are the three Performing Rights Organizations in the U.S. (PRO's). ...
Musical Vocals11/1/2006
  Q: I usually compose instrumental pieces, however after playing in many orchestra pits for local shows ...
  A: Shawn, Thanks for your question. I also write musicals, and as long as you understand basic ...
obtaining lyric critique9/25/2006
  Q: hey bill my name is pete im frome a small town in ontario canada,ive been wrighting songs since i ...
  A: << A problem i've consitantly had is obtaining basic constructive critisisim on my lyrics>> Pete, ...
how to pull emotions from chords-followup9/23/2006
  Q: answered where he stated "if you are writing chords and melodies to existing lyrics (your own or ...
  A: << i understand a little more now from what you said. do you have any reference songs for other ...
how to pull emotions from chords9/23/2006
  Q: answered where he stated "if you are writing chords and melodies to existing lyrics (your own or ...
  A: Jonathan, Thanks for your question. This is an important part of effective songwriting. << ...
I was wondering what type/style of singer I am.8/11/2006
  Q: I was wondering what type/style of singer I am. I can sing songs like: sting "shape of my ...
  A: Craig, Thank you for your question - sorry it took so long to get back to you as I was traveling ...
Arrangements for Saxophone Trio8/9/2006
  Q: A couple of friends and I recently started a saxophone trio and have just bought "The Lone Ar-Ranger ...
  A: A Sax trio is a bit unusual (that's a good thing -- but it does make it hard to find arrangements). ...
Song Construction5/23/2006
  Q: My music theory knowledge is pitiful to say the least but it is something i am in the process of ...
  A: <<its in the kety of E but what chords or progressions do i use to construct the verses and chorus ...
non chord tones4/25/2006
  Q: I was surfing the web and stumbled upon your web site and wondered if you could answer a nagging ...
  A: Joe, Thanks for your question. In contemporary pop music, there is only one true suspended chord, ...
seven elements of music3/29/2006
  Q: I am just learning about music and the different elements and I am interested in finding a piece of ...
  A: <<I am just learning about music and the different elements and I am interested in finding a piece ...
Composition Technique3/23/2006
  Q: i've been studying composition. One of my favorite composers is Bach. I was wondering do you know ...
  A: Chris, <<One of my favorite composers is Bach. I was wondering do you know exactly what were his ...
Arranging Studio Productions.3/22/2006
  Q: I am a young music producer specializing in many genres of music. The ability to make music came to ...
  A: << I want to know exactly what I am doing that is right. I do not have any formal education in ...
Production and Formulas3/10/2006
  Q: Bill, I've got two questions for you: 1. My recordings sound empty. I've been recording songs ...
  A: Hans, Thanks for your question. I've got two questions for you: << My recordings sound empty. ...
What makes a song last?3/7/2006
  Q: (This is a school project. The answer can be technical or your expert opinion--anything!) What is it ...
  A: Kyla, Thanks for your questions. <<Are there elements that these enduring songs and artists have ...
hooks & bridges2/23/2006
  Q: I am recording a song and have a problem with the bridge a) in the prehook I already made a jump ...
  A: <<I am recording a song and have a problem with the bridge a) in the prehook I already made a jump ...
advice regarding composing music for lyrics2/13/2006
  Q: I wanted to know whether composing music for lyrics had anything to do with the syllables and metre ...
  A: Jibran, Thanks for your question. This is an important area. << I wanted to know whether ...
Song structure & lyrics2/8/2006
  Q: metaphor, rhyming techniques and song structure which you have expertise on. Many Thanks David ...
  A: << i was interested in improving my lyric writing and song composition and would be grateful if you ...
hello2/2/2006
  Q: hello i wonderd if you could give me adivce on singing i dont go to no singing lessons but people ...
  A: Jessica, Thanks for your question -- The best thing for you to do depends on your goals. You ...
Music Theory: Tied notes2/2/2006
  Q: Please clarify the rule(s) regarding tied notes. In several measures of a popular music piece I've ...
  A: <<Do I play the tied eigth note? This may seem silly, but I was taught to hold notes that are tied ...
contest1/28/2006
  Q: Bill I heard that entering a song contest can be a good way to get exposure. I also heard to watch ...
  A: <<I heard that entering a song contest can be a good way to get exposure. I also heard to watch ...
Common Practice Period1/17/2006
  Q: In part writing, why can't you use parallel fifths or parallel octaves when writing in the common ...
  A: Melissa, Hi - thanks for your question. The simple answer is that there actually no reason that ...
Lyrics1/16/2006
  Q: My brother writes amazing poems (Lyrics) which he has been told would be perfect for songs. I would ...
  A: << My brother writes amazing poems (Lyrics) which he has been told would be perfect for songs. I ...
Transposing lyrics to a different language12/30/2005
  Q: Recently transposed lyrics written by Roberto Carlos in Portuguese to English. Should I register my ...
  A: <<Recently transposed lyrics written by Roberto Carlos in Portuguese to English. Should I register ...
song writing steps11/22/2005
  Q: I would like to be able to follow a list of steps to keep in mind for songwriting. Would you have ...
  A: Andrew, Thanks for your question. There are indeed specific steps to follow when writing a song, ...
songwriting11/12/2005
  Q: How do I make effective key changes? Do I just change to any key I want whenever I want or are ...
  A: <<How do I make effective key changes? Do I just change to any key I want whenever I want or are ...
Are there areas of knowledge in music theory that can significantly help the individual songwriting process for small groups.10/24/2005
  Q: BACKGROUND INFO: My long held belief or approach has been instinctive and as honest to my own ...
  A: <<The process of writing music on my own is so foreign to me. Writing on my own has been very slow ...
finding compositions10/18/2005
  Q: I would like to firstly say what an honuor it is to be writing to a man such as yourself. I would ...
  A: Lawrence, Thank you for your question. There are many sources of music on the internet for ...
writting lyrics10/10/2005
  Q: can you recommend a book that could teach about metaphor and rhyme schemes, I feel my lyrics are ...
  A: <<can you recommend a book that could teach about metaphor and rhyme schemes, I feel my lyrics are ...
Lyrics composition10/5/2005
  Q: I'm trying to create emo/rock music, but not in the typical pop-punk manner. How can I create good, ...
  A: <<What I want is: Splintered piece of glass falls, in the seat, gets caught These broken windows, ...
songwriting, and the history of it10/4/2005
  Q: what are some of the technical structures to songwriting and composing that are most common and what ...
  A: <<what are some of the technical structures to songwriting and composing that are most common and ...
keyboard arrangement9/27/2005
  Q: How does one start teaching oneself how to play keyboard with a band? since most pop music is ...
  A: <<How does one start teaching oneself how to play keyboard with a band? >> Ky-Van Thanks for your ...
composition9/26/2005
  Q: can you recommend an online resource to help me teach composition to a group of young people on a ...
  A: Robbie. Writing good contemporary songs (music or lyrics) is generally more complex than people ...
writing a song9/22/2005
  Q: i need really good ideas on how to right a really good rock song that sells i don't want it to be ...
  A: Gretch, Thanks for your question. Writing a really good song in any genre is very difficult -- if ...
Musical Forms9/13/2005
  Q: Do you know where I could find a complete list of the musical forms and their definitions and ...
  A: James, Thanks for your question. It is unlikely that you would find one single listing of ALL ...
Music theory for songwriting guitarist8/29/2005
  Q: I am a highschool senior that has a Christian rock band. I play electric guitar and sing. My band ...
  A: Joel, Hi -- thanks for your question. There is not one single book that will give you all the ...
My granddaughter is taking...8/26/2005
  Q: My granddaughter is taking band at school and was instructed to find the 4 aspects of music 1 being ...
  A: <<My granddaughter is taking band at school and was instructed to find the 4 aspects of music 1 ...
Promotion of your songs8/18/2005
  Q: How does anyone get that newly written songs out to potential performers/band or their publisher. Is ...
  A: << How does anyone get that newly written songs out to potential performers/band or their publisher. ...
Defining a fee (compensation) for singing at a music festival8/10/2005
  Q: What are a few methods which a singer can use to estimate the fee she should charge for singing at a ...
  A: <<What are a few methods which a singer can use to estimate the fee she should charge for singing at ...
psychological history of music....7/27/2005
  Q: basically what i want to write about in a paper im doing is: the psychological history of acoustic ...
  A: Steph, Thanks for your question -- this is an interesting topic. I would love to read a copy of ...
Music7/27/2005
  Q: I have always wanted to write and play songs that are in my head, but have no musical training ...
  A: Mike THanks for your question. <<What would be the easiest way for me to begin to learn how to ...
Inspiration7/3/2005
  Q: What do you use to inspire you to write music and is it bad that it sometimes sounds like something ...
  A: <<What do you use to inspire you to write music and is it bad that it sometimes sounds like ...
Help! Music is too cluttered? Organization?6/28/2005
  Q: I am relatively new composing, and with that said I may not know or understand what to call certain ...
  A: Elizabeth, Thanks for your question. Lots of folks ask about this. There really is no right or ...
who sang6/27/2005
  Q: what group sang the song "JOEY" in the early 90's
  A: Marianne, Thanks for your question. <<what group sang the song "JOEY" in the early 90's>> Since ...
Orchestra6/19/2005
  Q: I was just wondering if you know how i can go about starting my own orchestra? Thanks -mike
  A: Mike, Thanks for your question - There is no quick simple answer for this as there are many ...
MUSICAL COMPOSITION6/13/2005
  Q: im jonathan from peru, my question is aobut muscical composition, i know about, intervals and scales ...
  A: Jonathan, Thanks for your question. There are no absolute rules for composing music -- just ...
musical composition, theory, songwriting, and singing6/13/2005
  Q: ok. i have this book of poetry that i have been carrying around with me for about 7 months now, and ...
  A: Sarah, Thanks for your follow up question. <<Do you have any advice on turning emotional poetry ...
basic harmony5/24/2005
  Q: Just want to know this. Say you've got G major. The tonic is your most important. Fifth comes ...
  A: <<These are the primary chords. But now what? what's next? If V's the leading, dominant chord, IV's ...
Song Writer5/20/2005
  Q: I learn how to play piano by myself and I interesting in writing my own song one day. I would like ...
  A: Andy, Thanks for your question. When writing a song, the most important thing is that the words ...
composing Rock5/5/2005
  Q: I have a hard time composing a structure of a song. like the rythem. i have great ideas i could ...
  A: Valeriy, Thanks for your question. There are many people who have trouble with exactly the same ...
Melody Writing & Chord Progression5/2/2005
  Q: How would one go upon writting a melody. And, how would i come up with a chord progression. I know ...
  A: Anthony, Thanks for your question. There are two basic ways to approach this type of task -- ...
Writing a Compostion from scratch4/19/2005
  Q: I have to write a two-three page musical compostition. The peramiters of the piece are that I must ...
  A: <<Would you advise starting with the piano chords and building the melody around that? What is the ...
composition?3/31/2005
  Q: my names penny, and i'm in year 10 (Darwin, NT, Australia). i've been playing drums for a few years, ...
  A: Penny, Thanks for your question. Keep in mind that there are two major components to a song -- ...
composing/arranging fees3/22/2005
  Q: I have a small project studio where I do mostly demos and live recordings for local artists. I ...
  A: CJ, Thanks for your question -- it is not an uncommon situation, but it does have specific ways to ...
Question about 2 "negative" lines in a song of mine3/17/2005
  Q: Bill: My wife and I have been having 180 degree difference about 2 line parts in the chorus of a ...
  A: Bill, I understand what you are saying and it is sincere, but I do agree with your wife that there ...
symphony movements2/22/2005
  Q: what are the four movements in a symphony?
  A: Normally, there are four movements in a symphony, but there are some that consist of two, three, or ...
song writing2/13/2005
  Q: i am just curious. do we start writing the lyrics first or the rymthm?
  A: jie xin, Thank you for your question. The most important thing to remember is that words have ...
natural accents- lyrics and melody2/10/2005
  Q: I took a songwrting class and am now trying to improve my craft. I have a tough time when faced with ...
  A: Sara, thanks for your question -- it is one of my favorite topics and a question that lots of folks ...
Composition1/28/2005
  Q: I have started innumerable pieces, ranging from songs to symphonies to jazz band concertos, but, ...
  A: Phillip, Thanks for your question. This is not an uncommon situation. Finishing pieces is not a ...
principles in songwriting ...1/28/2005
  Q: principles in songwriting
  A: Grace, If you are interested in principles of songwriting, use the following references: The Craft ...
Timing1/21/2005
  Q: Is there such a thing as 5/5 time. If so, what note gets what beat? Thank you so much. Beck
  A: <<Is there such a thing as 5/5 time. If so, what note gets what beat? >> Beck, Thanks for your ...
basic techniques on pop composition1/20/2005
  Q: i need your help.. i want to know anything about composition specifically pop song.. im a music ...
  A: Karen, Hi -- thanks for your question. I'm glad to hear you want to teach your students about pop ...
Having trouble1/15/2005
  Q: I have been a writer for over 20 years I Write in poetry form, But I want to be a Songwriter I have ...
  A: Lisa, Thanks for your question. There is no one single answer to what you are asking, but here are ...
Song Composition1/11/2005
  Q: I've written lyrics to a song and I have an idea of what I want the song to be, but I can't seem to ...
  A: <<I've written lyrics to a song and I have an idea of what I want the song to be, but I can't seem ...
Using others music1/10/2005
  Q: How do I find out whether a composition is public domain or copyrighted. How do I find out if ...
  A: <<How do I find out whether a composition is public domain or copyrighted. How do I find out if ...
Random notes vs. scale patterns in guitar solos12/10/2004
  Q: I'm always challenged when it comes to writing a guitar solo for a song. I write mostly 70's-80's ...
  A: thye quick answer is that if it sounds okay to your ear, then use it. The pentatonic scale is a ...
Hi! I'm 18 and recently finished...12/9/2004
  Q: I'm 18 and recently finished composing a three-movement unaccompanied flute solo. I was planning on ...
  A: Morgan, Hi, thanks for your question. In this day and age, it doesn't really matter too much what ...
Film Music12/3/2004
  Q: Good morning. As part of my A-Level in Music I have opted to specialise in composition. I have ...
  A: Thoma, Thanks for your question. What you are asking is very broad and does not lend itself to a ...
I am studying fingerstyle...11/26/2004
  Q: I am studying fingerstyle jazz guitar, with the old standards as a main interest.My focus is on ...
  A: I couldn't say if there's a particular book that is better than any other as far as technique goes, ...
composition tips!10/28/2004
  Q: I'm interested in starting my very first composition. I would like to write a short operetta, but ...
  A: Meghan, Thanks for your question and I'm glad to hear you are going to enter the world of ...
Writing lyrics10/16/2004
  Q: I've tried to write lyrics, but there is something missing from them. I think that I find it hard ...
  A: Chris, Thanks for your question. By realizing that metaphor and rhyme are important, and by ...
Composition10/6/2004
  Q: Here is some more detailed info that can help you answer my question. Sorry I didn't send it the ...
  A: Scott, <<I have written many pieces but seem to struggle with finishing them. I also have a ton ...
Composition10/3/2004
  Q: I am a senior in high school and have been writing music for 3 years now. I would like to know what ...
  A: Scott, Thanks for your question -- the best answer for you depends on your specific goals, and the ...
question about music9/21/2004
  Q: I feel very imbarased to be asking this kind of question however, you dont know me and so ill ask ...
  A: Joshua Thanks for your question. THere are many others in similar situations. It is possible to ...
Slight Writing Problem9/12/2004
  Q: Hey mate! I have composed a peice of music for the piano and it is rather complex. I have worked out ...
  A: Lee, Thanks for your question. In the absence of seeing or hearing the music, I'm not sure what you ...
music7/25/2004
  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, Thanks for your question. To tell if a song is in duple or triple (tuple) meter, you have to ...
Accounting For Taste7/13/2004
  Q: What subconscious or physiological component differentiates consonance from dissonance?
  A: Shayde This is a great question -- what prompts you to ask ? (you can respond direct to my e-mail ...
how to sing higher notes?7/12/2004
  Q: i have some questions about singing to ask you.. when i sing a song along with the music..like clay ...
  A: Jack, Thanks for your question. What you describe is not unusual. Every voice has its own range, ...
musical composition7/7/2004
  Q: the question concerns to almost any style of music i guess. but i concerned here more about rock or ...
  A: <<how can i give my music the sense that it is MOVING? like passing from a stage of tranquility to a ...
writing6/21/2004
  Q: I enjoy listning to rock music like Metallica, Yes Queen ,Pink Floyd, Led Zep but i can't write ...
  A: Sam, You're asking a pretty big question, but I'll try to give you some direction: In general, the ...
Song Critique6/11/2004
  Q: I have a few songs I would like to get critiqued I have them in MP3 format do you know where I can ...
  A: Don, Thank you for your question. The fact that you are aware of the value of objective critique ...
Composition5/23/2004
  Q: well, I am trying to write a requiem, somewhat like Rutter's requiem, which I really liked the style ...
  A: Howard, Thanks for your question. Both my wife and I have directed church choirs. Since you ...
range5/6/2004
  Q: how to know that i am a bass,baritone or middle tenor or tenor?...i know there's a way to try by ...
  A: Jack, You can check against an instrument but you still have to have a knowledgeable person tell ...
range things5/5/2004
  Q: your answer is damn fast, i have to say...thanks! as a guy, i can sing songs performed by female ...
  A: elrohir, There is usually some overlap of male and female ranges. When you are sing, whether it's ...
everyone has their own range of voice?5/5/2004
  Q: .i like to sing so much,but i have a problem, and i don't understand it.. for example,i sing 'if ...
  A: Elrohir, Thanks for your question. Yes, everyone has their own range, and any song you sing must ...
singing4/29/2004
  Q: im searching for a practise method that is best suited for a beginning vocalist. The last 2 years ...
  A: Dan, Thanks for your question. Singing along with the radio is a good exercise, but you will need ...
Degree in Music Comp.4/28/2004
  Q: What kind of jobs could one get after earning a degree in musical composition? Is it hard to find a ...
  A: Matt, Thank you or your question. Assuming you don't want to teach, there is really no such thing ...
music composition in general3/29/2004
  Q: im doing a research paper on music composition, and i need webpages, do you have any ...
  A: Kristen, Thanks for your question. Since I don;t know exactly what your paper is about, I can;t ...
Getting "Midi" plus "words" downloads, free.3/25/2004
  Q: What web sites give "Midi" plus "words" downloads, free? Thanks, Bill
  A: Bill, I'm not sure if you mean SMF (standars midi files) and separate files for song lyrics, or ...
arranging3/15/2004
  Q: can you give me any tips on arranging a song from start to finish. Im finding the right sounds for ...
  A: Daniel, Arranging is a huge topic, far more than can be summarized in this small space. If you ...
pronounciation and posture3/3/2004
  Q: This might be a first for you. First of all I am a beginner. I have played live for bar crowds ...
  A: Greg, I am familiar with the artists you mention. If it is the nasal quality you dislike, that ...
pronounciation and posture3/3/2004
  Q: This might be a first for you. First of all I am a beginner. I have played live for bar crowds ...
  A: My wife is a vocal instructor and has worked with people who have various types of physical issues. ...
I'm interested in creating...2/18/2004
  Q: I'm interested in creating digital pop/experimental music. I don't really play any instrument ...
  A: Marie: Thanks for your question. I've done a great deal of digital music and worked with many ...
using music as metaphor2/12/2004
  Q: I came across this site while doing research on 'musical composition'.I am writing a poem in which I ...
  A: Marta, Thanks for your question -- interesting topic. Sheila Davis has done a lot of work on music ...
Brian Wilson2/11/2004
  Q: Here is some questions to change you. I am having some trouble with some things about BareNaked ...
  A: Matthew Thank you for your question. In order to answer what you are asking, I would need to have ...
songwriting2/1/2004
  Q: I write song lyrics. The problem is I have no experience with music. And I have no one around me ...
  A: I work with many folks who just write lyrics, and have someone else do the music, and it is a very ...
Songwriting1/15/2004
  Q: May I firstly say that I couldn't believe my luck when I found this site. This is just the thing I ...
  A: Sean, Thanks for your question. You're asking about the essence of good songwriting. A ...
key changes and song structure1/4/2004
  Q: chorus,verse or some other part of the song? Also do you know any good books(beyond basic level)on ...
  A: Mike. Thanks for your question. Key changes usually are most effective in three cases : 1 -- ...
Hi ! My name is Xavier...1/3/2004
  Q: My name is Xavier from France, I played the guitar for something like 10 years now and I would like ...
  A: Xavier, Thak you for your question. You are correct that songwriting is a very different process ...

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