| Subject | Date Asked |
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| How can a young violinist find work? | 10/27/2009 |
Q: My son has a master's degree in violin performance from a major conservatory. He has worked in ...
A: First of all, I wish your son good luck in his endeavors. It sounds like he's doing much of what all ...
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| Pop Jazz Theory vs Classical Theory | 9/17/2009 |
Q: Does taking pop jazz theory conflict with attained classical theory knowledge. If your goal is play ...
A: I don't think learning =anything= could be detrimental; still, unless your orchestra does pops ...
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| Pop Jazz Theory vs Classical Theory | 9/12/2009 |
Q: Does taking pop jazz theory conflict with attained classical theory knowledge. If your goal is play ...
A: Sorry for the delay in answering, Dianne. "Pop jazz theory" overlaps greatly with classical music ...
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| Sheet music notation (Songwriting | 8/13/2009 |
Q: Steven Let's say I were writing and composing a song in the key of C minor, the chord is C minor 7 ...
A: Using Cm7 or Cm9 can go either way; I've seen it both ways. It depends on the context and the person ...
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| Songwriting | 7/11/2009 |
Q: I just wrote lyrics to a song that just popped into my head. But they kinda have the same pattern as ...
A: Writing new lyrics which follow the pattern of an existing set of lyrics is a time-honored ...
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| How long should an overture be? | 5/24/2009 |
Q: I hope you can help me. I have written a musical (book, lyrics, music, orchestration) and it is ...
A: Congratulations on getting your show "on the boards"! To answer your questions: The obvious ...
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| composition term for layering of parts | 5/19/2009 |
Q: To make up for my lack of specificity: we are doing hand drumming with children in grades K-5. We ...
A: My apologies. I did not know of your musical education and had to assume (based on, well, all of the ...
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| composition technique--term? | 5/19/2009 |
Q: I am currently working with a drummer in my classroom and we have a musical term that is eluding us. ...
A: It's tricky answering your question, as you haven't accurately described what it is you are both ...
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| Background Music | 5/7/2009 |
Q: My name is Nathan and I'm a compose using Finale. I can't play any instruments so I just used ...
A: You offer a lot of questions--good ones. I'll do what I can to answer them. 1. I get that you don't ...
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| Background Music | 5/7/2009 |
Q: My name is Nathan and I'm a compose using Finale. I can't play any instruments so I just used ...
A: It's not unusual for someone to write songs without knowing music theory; the Beatles are just one ...
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| songwriting | 5/3/2009 |
Q: There's a clarinet player named Aker Bilk who wrote a song called Stranger on the Shore. It's ...
A: Using copyright-free loops as a starting point for a composition is certainly one way to start ...
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| composition using modes | 5/1/2009 |
Q: How would it be possible to compose a piece that conforms entirely to a single mode, such as Dorian ...
A: Yes, you =do= wind up with the same set of chords at different degrees of the scale. It's still ...
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| Music theory | 3/18/2009 |
Q: I have made up a melody that uses notes from the scale D minor. But I've realised that the same ...
A: I'm out of town on business for the moment, so I'll have to be brief in my answer. Look at the ...
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| music arranging | 3/2/2009 |
Q: I have written a Cristmas song for my Church and would like to get it published. I feel the song ...
A: Congratulations on writing the song for your church. Good Christmas songs are surprisingly difficult ...
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| Arranging strings | 2/12/2009 |
Q: Within the course of writing and midi-sequencing some orchestral pieces, I'm trying to educate ...
A: I'm glad you're taking the time to learn about traditional string writing. It will, as I'm sure ...
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| Performing Orchestral Music | 2/5/2009 |
Q: How can I get some of my orchestral music performed? I have written a symphony and a violin ...
A: Not to be (too) flippant, but if I knew the answer to that question...(grin) Seriously though, ...
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| theme and variation | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I'm an A level music student and i have recently developed an interest in Theme and Variation. I'm ...
A: I gather you're writing from the UK (I'm in the US), so let me just say "hi"! To answer your ...
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| how do I market my lyrics? | 1/2/2009 |
Q: I am a lyricist. I have so far written 72 song lyrics so far. I am trying to get them in front of ...
A: You've chosen a rewarding but extremely difficult career path, and my metaphorical hat is off to ...
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| transposing | 12/26/2008 |
Q: How do i transpose sheet music for flute into sheet music for the trumpet?
A: To transpose music for flute into music for trumpet--I assume you mean a B-flat trumpet--do the ...
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| Classical Music Orchestration | 12/14/2008 |
Q: I am sure there is a simple answer to this question but I don't know it and cannot find it. ...
A: In fact there is no "simple" answer to your question, but I'll do what I can.... Many (most?) ...
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| writing a musical? | 12/13/2008 |
Q: I've studied basic music theory and have written a lot of music on my own. I want to start working ...
A: The best process for writing a musical is to know your characters inside out, literally (their ...
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| Experimental Music | 11/20/2008 |
Q: I am interested to compose a piece of experimental/aleatoric music for my final exams in High ...
A: I appreciate your question, although it shouldn't be about what makes a piece "get good marks." ...
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| orchestrator royalties | 10/19/2008 |
Q: I work with an artist who is being asked to do the orchestrations for an upcoming musical theatre ...
A: I thought I had already replied to your question; if I haven't, my apologies. If I did, well then, ...
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| vocal arrangement | 10/8/2008 |
Q: I'm searching everywhere for the definition of vocal arrangement & vocal production. I would like to ...
A: "Vocal arrangement" means different things, depending on the situation. Usually though, it involves ...
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| How do i get my singing career stared and i'm only 12? | 9/22/2008 |
Q: H i,i'm sierra and i was wondering how do i get my singing career started? Um mean people tell me ...
A: It sounds like you have already started your singing career, or at least you have taken the first ...
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| Song | 8/24/2008 |
Q: I wrote another song and It's called "Falling Down" and I wanted to know what you think of it. This ...
A: I was glad to read your new lyrics. These are =much= better. They make sense on the first ...
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| Beatle Songs | 7/21/2008 |
Q: I'm a huge Beatle fan and I was wondering what style are their songs in? What made people like their ...
A: I'm a long time Beatle fan too. To answer your questions: 1. Styles, not style. That I think was ...
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| Songs | 7/20/2008 |
Q: I wrote this song and It's supposed to be a rock song. I can't think of a title so I would like to ...
A: Oh yes, writing songs can be =very= hard. It can also be very easy. It all depends. Sometimes a song ...
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| Songs | 7/19/2008 |
Q: I wrote this song and It's supposed to be a rock song. I can't think of a title so I would like to ...
A: Ava, About your first song's chorus: Wait, I've overcomed the pain I'll never be the same Now that ...
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| Songs | 7/17/2008 |
Q: I wrote this song and It's supposed to be a rock song. I can't think of a title so I would like to ...
A: You're off to a good start on your song, and with some editing it can be pretty strong. There are a ...
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| Piano Music Composition | 6/29/2008 |
Q: I don't play the piano, nor do I know anything really about how to compile music, but I love George ...
A: As a computer programmer, I'm sure you are familiar with the acronym "R.T.F.M."--"Read the ****in' ...
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| Direct Intervals, etc.; composing tools. | 6/22/2008 |
Q: Rosenhaus: Thank you so much for your answer to my last question. I now have 2 theory questions ...
A: I'm glad I was able to answer your previous question. Okay, let's dive into the new ones... Direct ...
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| accompaniment tracks | 5/27/2008 |
Q: I am reauditioning for a professional choir and am working on Handel, But Who May Abide. I ...
A: The only possibility I can think of is Music Minus One, which is likely to have what you're seeking. ...
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| Music.. | 4/16/2008 |
Q: I have a few guitar related questions..just simple answers is fine.. If I played a few out of key ...
A: "Simple answers"? Uh, okay, I'll try, but you didn't ask simple questions (grin). 1. How long you ...
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| How to start to compose music | 3/6/2008 |
Q: I'm starting to get interested in composing music, but I don't know where to start. Do you have any ...
A: "Where to start" depends on what kind of music you want to compose. If you want to write songs, the ...
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| half the string section of the orchestra | 2/29/2008 |
Q: How is it usually indicated when one wants only half the string section of the orchestra to play, ...
A: You sure know how to test my knowledge! (That's a good thing.) The answer to all parts of your ...
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| half the string section of the orchestra | 2/26/2008 |
Q: How is it usually indicated when one wants only half the string section of the orchestra to play, ...
A: I'm not at home at the moment--oddly enough I'm attending the American String Teachers Association ...
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| Musical Theatre Composition. | 2/20/2008 |
Q: For part of my Music course at college, I have to create a composition of my choice, as musical ...
A: There are a lot of misconceptions about writing for musical theater (I'm using the American spelling ...
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| string | 2/4/2008 |
Q: What does the term "string" mean when written on a score? For example in Weber's Der Freishutz, bar ...
A: If that's "string." (with a period to show an abbreviation), then it means "stringendo," which in ...
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| songwriting | 1/18/2008 |
Q: I never wrote a song in my life. Can you give me advise on how to write a song?
A: I think the best way to get started is with writing lyrics (the words), and the best way =I= know is ...
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| Characteristics of a Musical | 12/4/2007 |
Q: I'm involved in a group project at my local college in a study of musicals. My area to cover is ...
A: Not to brag, but I have co-written a book that would be a very good resource. It's called "Writing ...
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| Music | 11/27/2007 |
Q: My roommates are looking for a few fun songs to play at my roommates wedding reception. We have a ...
A: I can't offer any specific recommendations. Your best bet would be to check out the catalogs of the ...
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| arranging | 11/25/2007 |
Q: I published a book and CD of songs for children that won the Latino Books Award for 2006. Now the ...
A: It seems that, since the publisher now owns the rights, you can pretty much treat things as if you ...
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| arranging | 11/22/2007 |
Q: I published a book and CD of songs for children that won the Latino Books Award for 2006. Now the ...
A: First of all, congratulations on winning the Latino Books Award in 2006 for your book/CD of songs ...
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| Composition | 10/31/2007 |
Q: I'm a frusterated amateur musician following the path of finacial security, I'm in a Maritime ...
A: Sorry about the delay in answering your question(s). To get started in composition I would suggest ...
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| fake book chord notation/piano | 10/21/2007 |
Q: I am trying to learn to use a Fake Book for pop rock N roll for piano. the question is if the key ...
A: * Yes, you sharp the C when you play the A7, no matter what key you're actually in. The best way to ...
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| songwriting: r and b | 8/14/2007 |
Q: well my name is georgiana ward i have beeen singing for a prettty long time now i am 12 years old ...
A: I'm glad you found that music is something you like and that you're good at doing. That is terrific! ...
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| 7th chords | 8/13/2007 |
Q: I know there are dominant, major, minor, diminished and half-diminished 7th chords but I'm wondering ...
A: The easiest way I know to answer your questions is to show you the make up of each chord with a ...
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| Writing for a band/multi-instrument | 8/4/2007 |
Q: Hey, I'm 16 and a rising Christian Contemporary songwriter. I have no problem writing lyrics, they ...
A: Good luck with your career as a songwriter. I'm glad you have the lyric-writing down already; that ...
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| Keys | 6/24/2007 |
Q: First of all, thanks for the help you offer to all those who need it! Much appreciate it! My ...
A: First of all, you're quite welcome. I enjoy answering the questions I get, especially when they're ...
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| 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: You are selling yourself short by saying that it would be difficult for you to count beats. If you ...
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| 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: It's a bit difficult to answer your question as I don't know the song, but I'll do my best to help ...
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| Writing a song | 5/31/2007 |
Q: When you write a song how do you put good words in it so it doesn't sound simple minded. Like how do ...
A: I know this will sound cliché and old-fashioned, but probably the best way to write a song is ...
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| West Side Story | 5/25/2007 |
Q: What intervals are predominant in West Side Story please? Thanks
A: I'm curious to know what prompted the question, but meanwhile, here is the basic answer: Bernstein ...
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| Opera and pop contrast | 5/22/2007 |
Q: I was delighted to find this site after all my trips to the library and googling till my fingers ...
A: Eileen, Glad you're enjoying it. Before we start, I have to say I'm confused. You quote "Yesterday" ...
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| Spanish Song Translations | 5/17/2007 |
Q: I'm what you might call a foreign language geek. I have at least an intermediate if not advanced ...
A: Timing is everything. I'm about to go to Germany to be a "show doctor" for a musical based on Part 2 ...
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| Film Music | 5/2/2007 |
Q: I was wondering if you can tell me how one enters the field of film music. How do you become a film ...
A: Your question is just a little outside my area of expertise--I've only done a couple of small film ...
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| What is the correct terminology for this? | 3/25/2007 |
Q: Could you tell me what the correct terminology for 2 songs of the same music, different lyrics but ...
A: The closest term would be "quodlibet" in which two (or more) tunes are presented simultaneously ...
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| Musicals | 1/3/2007 |
Q: I dont know if this is quite your field or if you had any experience in this sector, but Ill try ...
A: There are no set "rules" or structures in creating a song for a musical, although there are several ...
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