EIN Presswire: Music Featured Press Releases

TakeLessons Reveals Fool-Proof Methods to Avoid a Creative Slump

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:06:31 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares some tips for students to avoid the creative slump a full-time job may cause.

OK Go are known for their creative music videos, and their most recent release is definitely on par. In their newest video, the band members use a car with retractable arms to play over 1,000 instruments installed on the side of a desert track.

Musicians are usually creative by nature. But sometimes - especially if music is set on the backburner instead of a career - it can be all too easy to get caught up with the routine of life. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to shares some ideas for avoiding the inevitable creative slump when music isn't placed as a top priority.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. Surround yourself with creative people. Hang out with writers, musicians, poets and artists. Often, just being in a creative environment will inspire you and refresh your creative mind.
2. Start somewhere. Whether it's creative writing in Word or sheet music, the brain will eventually loosen up and it will be easier to break through the barrier and come up with ideas.
3. Expose yourself. Expose yourself to new art - books, music, paintings - all the time. If you're a rocker, listen to funk. If you're a crime writer, read fantasy. If you're a productivity writer, read something about slacking off.
4. Do something new. Play chess. Read a book if you usually watch television and watch television if you read. Go outside. Sing in the shower.
5. Meet new people from different walks of life. Gain insight into their perspectives on life. Strike up a conversation on the bus.
6. Shut out the world. Instead of sucking in new information, sit quietly, go to sleep or meditate. Stop thinking and clear your mind so that the clutter doesn't get in the way of your thoughts.
7. Don't be a workaholic - take breaks. Your mind needs a chance to wind down so it doesn't overheat and crash.
8. Experiment randomly. What does a flanger sound like on a vocal track? Like Lenny Kravitz, of course.
9. Exercise every day, before you sit down to be creative. If you exercise afterward, you'll get the creative burst - just too late.
10. Spend time with your children. Or someone else's."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read about the causes of stage fright, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/zGg8aM

Portland Real Estate Agent David Somerville Says Low Interest Rates To Make Homes Affordable in 2012

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:04:45 +0000

Continued easing from the Federal Reserve is driving historically low interest rates for Portland OR real estate buyers says local REALTOR(R) David Somerville

/EINPresswire.com/ PORTLAND, Ore. - Continued easing from the Federal Reserve is driving historically low interest rates for Portland OR real estate buyers says local REALTOR(R) David Somerville.

According to Somerville, the Fed's attempts to revitalize the economy with low interest rates should be seen as a gift for anyone wanting to buy a home right now, because low interest rates significantly lower the cost and risk of buying a home.

"I know from experience that some buyers won't decide to purchase Portland real estate until interest rates start to rise again. By that time, prices are likely to have already started to rise as well."

He says that means buyers who wait too long may get neither the lowest rates nor the lowest prices.

"I've never seen the national average for interest rates this low at only 3.85%. Someone who buys a $200,000 home can have a mortgage payment of less than $1000. You can buy a lot for $200,000!"

Somerville sees more first time homebuyers and investors entering the market for Portland homes for sale as a result of lower interest rates.

"This is a great time to get into a new home, in my opinion. No matter what the Fed does in the future, I think we'll look back on this period as a great opportunity for buyers."

About David Somerville

David Somerville is a full time REALTOR(R) with an extensive knowledge of the entire Portland Oregon metro area. His knowledge of local neighborhoods proves valuable to Portland real estate buyers and sellers alike, whether they are in the Downtown area, or suburbs such as Lake Oswego real estate (http://www.maxwellsinclair.com/lake-oswego.php), Hillsboro real estate (http://www.maxwellsinclair.com/hillsboro.php), West Linn, Beaverton, and Tigard.

David Somerville
5 Centerpointe Dr. Suite 150
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
503-789-7633
http://www.maxwellsinclair.com
dave@maxwellsinclair.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/zZICLJ

TakeLessons Explores the Hidden Causes of Stage Fright

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 05:04:37 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares the hidden causes of stage fright, and how performers can learn to take control.

Season Two of The Voice debuted last night on NBC, with the usual hype and over-the-top antics of today's talent-based reality shows.

Even for practiced performers, the idea of auditioning in front of music industry veterans like Christina Aguilera and Adam Levine may be nerve-wracking.

TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share some words of wisdom for musicians who allow performance jitters to hold them back. Most of the time, performance anxiety stems from three main roots: the individual person, the task at hand or the performance situation. By learning how to handle each of the causes of stage fright, performing in front of others will get easier and easier.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. Person
Our personalities and beliefs strongly affect our experiences on stage. For instance, self-assured, extroverted people who view performing as a rewarding challenge are generally less jittery than those who are shy and dread being the center of attention. Our performance histories then multiply our natural tendencies.

Timid musicians who have endured repeated episodes of shakes, dry mouth and butterflies, let's say, will probably be extra worried before concerts; outgoing ones who have regularly enjoyed and succeeded at performing have reasons to look forward to making music for audiences.

The good news is that with well-directed effort, even anxious musicians can replace negative thoughts and experiences with positive ones.

How to take control: Take a moment to consider which of your personal qualities and past experiences enhance or interfere with your ability to perform. Write the positive memories down, and focus your energy on these before you perform.

2. Task
Needless to say, exceedingly difficult tasks are more stressful to perform than easy ones. Similarly, insufficient practice can leave us feeling on edge when we step under the lights. Two less-obvious but vitally important factors that affect our security are our practice and performance skills. In particular, students who don't practice their music deeply but depend on automated types of learning will feel their control drain away under pressure.

Likewise, when musicians aren't skilled at basic performance tasks, such as speaking to audiences, performing can be extra nerve-wracking. All musicians can increase their task mastery and therefore their stage power by choosing accessible repertoire, practicing it deeply and learning performance skills.

How to take control: Make note of the task-related actions you've taken that have supported or undermined your success on stage. Supportive actions include selecting manageable music and practicing it regularly. Remember these as you prepare for your next performance."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read tips on how to write jingles, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/xoqM4Z

Music of the Super Bowl: TakeLessons Provides Jingle-Writing Tips

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 12:54:30 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares a few tips for musicians to get started writing and selling jingles.

This Sunday marks Super Bowl XLVI, with the New York Giants and the New England Patriots playing for this year's title. For many, however, it's all about the commercials. This year many companies are even releasing their commercials early via YouTube and social media, in order to get people talking early.

Sometimes, all it takes is a few notes or a simple jingle to get the consumer's attention. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share a few tips for musicians hoping to work their way into the industry and pen their own Super Bowl-Bound jingle.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog:

1. Research Other Jingles
"Listen to everything," says Richard Leiter, a California-based composer who has created jingles for Walmart, Tropicana, the American Red Cross, and Microsoft, among others. "When it comes to the quality of your work, you need to match what's on TV."

Lloyd Landesman, a New York-based musician and jingle writer who has worked with Budweiser, Capital One, Dr. Pepper, Ford, and many others, agrees. "Pay attention to commercials and watch channels that are more youth-oriented, like MTV and Fuse," he says. "What kinds of music are being used in those commercials? Are they dance tracks and electronica, or more quirky, acoustic songs from artists like Ingrid Michaelson? Watching and listening to what's out there can give you an idea of what the industry is looking for."

2. Understand Your Role
"Jingles are custom-written works for specific companies that have both words and music," says Leiter. "Your goal as a jingle writer is to understand what a company's message is and to translate that into a song. In other words, it's their message, but your illumination of it."

Landesman echoes the point, emphasizing that aspiring jingle writers need to be open to suggestions and compromise. "You're providing a service," he says. "You want the client to be happy with what you've done, so if within the 30 seconds of music you're writing there are 10 seconds that the client isn't thrilled with, it's your job to find out what's wrong and correct it. Don't be married to anything you've done and be very careful about picking your creative battles. Will changing this guitar part to make your client happy ruin your spot? Probably not — and sometimes listening to your client's ideas can actually make your work that much better.

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read about the connection between yoga and singing, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/xfcqzQ

TakeLessons Explores Singer-Yogi Connection

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:47:10 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, America's premier music lessons provider, explores whether practicing yoga can improve singers' vocal technique.

For months now, the Billboard chart has looked pretty similar each week, with Adele perched at the #1 spot with her hit album 21. Adele has maintained that spot for 18 weeks now, needing only 3 more weeks to pass previous records made by the Bodyguard soundtrack and Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii.

Most singers have heard about the importance of proper breathing. Many even propose that yoga - and the deep breathing that is involved in the practice - can help singers improve their vocal technique. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), America's premier music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share a few guidelines that singers need to be aware of when practicing yoga, as originally published on SingerUniverse.com and written by speech pathologist Joanna Cazden:

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog:

"First, the singing breath does not use the balanced, equal-in-and-out rhythm common to most yoga teaching. Voice production requires a very swift inhalation followed by a long, slow exhalation. You do this automatically when you talk, but it takes practice to quickly inhale enough to sing and then exhale very gradually. Try occasional cycles of breathing in fast and out slow during your asanas, with a relaxed throat, to reinforce this asymmetrical rhythm.

Second, some yoga teachers train a particular sequence of inhalation, such as drawing air into the belly first, then the waist, then the upper chest. These techniques are not harmful, but when singing, you don't have time to inhale in stages—the whole breath system must open simultaneously. Again, just being aware of the difference can help you switch gears from yoga practice to vocal rehearsal.

Third, the vocal cords are vulnerable to dryness and fatigue when vigorous forms of audible breathing, sometimes called ujaya, are focused in the throat. The louder the breath sounds and the longer such practice, the greater the risk of vocal cord irritation. If you do this type of pranayama, place the friction higher, near the soft palate, and allow at least half an hour of rest before vocalizing."

By sharing the guidelines with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read how to support children in music studies, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/xRQNbT

TakeLessons Shares Guide for Supporting Children in Music

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 06:27:25 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares a guide for parents on supporting children throughout their musical endeavors.

The Associated Press announced today that the Country Music Association is donating $1.4 million to a campaign aimed at supporting music education programs in Nashville. Since 2006 the CMA has donated more than $6 million to public schools, using the money to build music labs and purchase more than 4,000 instruments.

With many schools still cutting music and arts programs, the initiative gives hope to students and teachers alike. For parents whose children participate in their school's music program, however, it can be hard to know exactly how to provide support - especially for parents not familiar with music. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share some tips for parents to support their musical child.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"Practice Tips for Elementary School Kids
- Help your child set up a special place at home to practice.
- Establish a time each day to play. Some children are at their best in the morning, before school. Others may do better right after school, or later in the evening.
- Consider using the phrase "playing time" rather than "practice time."
- If possible, be a positive part of your child's playing time. Sit with your child while he or she plays and ask, "Show me what you're learning." Or, consider learning to play the instrument with your child.
- Praise your child for each step forward.
- Never make negative remarks about how your child's playing sounds. It takes time and effort to produce musical sounds.
- Provide positive role models. Bring your child to hear amateur or professional musicians perform, or take your child to movies that show musicians in a positive light.
- When seeking private lessons, find a qualified teacher you can talk to easily and make sure your child is comfortable with the teacher.

Practice Tips for Middle and High School Kids
- Help your child set up a regular time every day to practice, and help establish a routine. This may require some consultation with your child's teacher.
- Explain to your child that learning happens in stages. Sometimes a student will work on something for a long time with no apparent improvement, and then discover a sudden leap in ability. Other times, learning happens very quickly. The important thing to stress is that consistent practice will yield results.
- Help your young musician set practice goals. Keeping a journal, not just a practice chart, helps track the peaks and valleys of learning a new piece or improving fundamental skills.
- As a parent, don't make judgments about the musical quality of your child's practicing. Learning an instrument requires lots of squeaks, scratches, and wrong notes."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read reasons for performing live, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/w1GVWn

In a Band? TakeLessons Shares What to Learn from Bob Dylan

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 07:58:52 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares why musicians and bands need to perform live more often.

The influence of Bob Dylan has been well-documented by music critics, and now it's trickling down to younger generations. The new 4-disc Bob Dylan tribute album available, "Chimes of Freedom: The Songs of Bob Dylan Honoring 50 Years of Amnesty International," features covers by 80 different artists, including Adele, Dave Matthews and Kesha.

Throughout his career, Dylan shared his talents and influence with fans all over the world, appearing on numerous television programs, headlining several music festivals, and touring extensively around Europe, Australia, and the U.S. TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share a few reasons why performing live is necessary to the success of a band, using Dylan as a example.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. You'll Make New Fans
Fans - or your fans-to-be - can't get excited about your music when you're playing it for yourself in your rehearsal space, no matter how good it is. Recordings are good - and important - but there is nothing quite like a gig to really get your fans enthusiastic about your music. Think about your own experiences as a fan - are you ever quite as keyed up about music you love as you are when you walk out of a really great gig? A good live experience just makes your fans more loyal to you.

And what happens when your fans are loyal? They tell their friends. They bring their friends to your shows. Some of those friends will become your fans. And then they will tell their friends. And so on and so forth until you need to book a bigger venue to cram them all in.

2. You'll Hone Your Craft
First of all, don't shy away from playing live just because you're not 100% sure you can hit every note without a flub 100% of the time. It's fine to play when you're a little rough around the edges - in fact, in some genres, getting too slick will lose you fans.

But the more you play live, the better you will get at it. Your sets will become tighter. Your confidence will grow. Getting comfortable on the stage is a crucial skill for a musician to have, and no, it didn't just come naturally to all of your favorite bands. It's something that takes practice, just like everything you do as a musician. You will only get better from show to show.

3. You'll Open Doors
Live shows are the ultimate in networking opportunities for musicians. At every show, you have the chance of meeting (and making a good impression on) new bookers, promoters, music journalists, musicians, managers, agents and more. Even if, say, the local DJ you meet at your next show isn't the one to put your new song in heavy rotation, maybe the journalist they mention your show to gets curious, seeks you out and writes a story about you. Maybe the manager of another band on the bill passes your music on to a label. The possibilities are endless - and every new face at a show is potentially the face that will make THE difference in your music career."

By sharing the list with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read tips for switching chords on the guitar, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/ArAzXY

TakeLessons Shares 5 Tips for Smooth Guitar Chord Transitions

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:39:37 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares tips for guitar players to ensure smooth and efficient chord transitions.

Kenny Chesney led the Academy of Country Music (ACM) nominations last week with a total of 9 categories covered, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year, and fan-voted Entertainer of the Year award.

Fans of country music know that a country musician's best weapon is the guitar. But for beginner guitarists, there are often a few things that may hold new players back. First, the painful process of building calluses can drive many to stop practicing. Second, many have trouble learning to seamlessly transition to different chords. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share a list of helpful tips to make the learning process easier.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. Keep your fingers as close to the fret board as possible. When that pinkie and third finger start flying out in space it takes longer for them to come back down.

2. Build your chords from the bottom string up. For some reason a lot of us get in the habit of building our chords from the top down. Like in an open C major chord, starting with the 2nd string, then 4th, then 5th. The problem with that is your pick is going to hit the bottom strings first, so get those notes placed first. That extra split second will give you a chance to get the last top bits of the chord in place. I know it seems like a negligible amount of time, but you'll be surprised how it can improve your guitar playing.

3. When moving from one chord to the next, move the finger that has the farthest to go first. For instance, in moving from G major to C major in the open position, your first finger has to move all the way from the 5th string to the second. Lead with that finger and you'll find that your other fingers naturally pull along behind to end up close to their intended frets as well.

4. Stay relaxed and let the natural movement of your hands help you get to the chord. Believe it or not, the guitar is actually designed very well to accommodate the natural movement of the human hand. When you use tip #3 and lead with the farthest finger, your other fingers will follow along behind it naturally and you can get them to settle in the right place. If you tighten up they won't move as naturally, so stay loose.

5. Keep your right hand moving. The way your brain works has a lot to do with how your hands react. As a beginner, your brain is giving you permission to stop in between chords and rationalizes it as "we'll get it eventually." It's normal and happens on a subconscious level. You can easily change that by setting up a dissonance in your brain. That means presenting your brain with a problem it needs to fix. Here's the way it works: You brain loves when your hands are moving together. So if you force your right hand to keep strumming, no matter what happens in your left, your brain will want to solve that dissonance by making your left hand move faster to keep up with your right. Exactly what we're looking for."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read about important qualities of musicians, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/zkLI9U

More Than Just Music: TakeLessons Explores 7 Qualities of Successful Musicians

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:50:13 +0000

TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares 7 qualities that are essential for musicians to have.

/EINPresswire.com/Despite the Oscar snubs, music shared headliner status at this year's Sundance Film Festival. Several music-related documentaries premiered at the festival, which continues through this Sunday, including films about Neil Young, Paul Simon, and Ice-T. In addition to the films, an extensive list of music performances were scheduled around the city. According to the Associated Press, festival director John Cooper said organizers added more music to the festival this year to encourage relationships between independent filmmakers and musicians.

For anyone involved in the creative world - filmmakers, musicians, artists, teachers - one important part of surviving is being a great learner. TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shared insight into this idea with a blog post detailing the 7 qualities of great learners. The following is an excerpt from the blog post:

"1. Great learners see learning as pleasurable. Develop your passion through intensive learning that involves focused concentration and a sense of challenge. Recognize that failure is a huge part of the enterprise.

2. Great learners have learned that effort is more important than inborn ability. Kids with disabilities sometimes can deal with these through their other abilities and through persistence.

3. Great learners tend to have a strengths-based view of themselves and others. Figuring out what you excel at and practicing being satisfied with these traits can help you learn.

4. Great learners practice letting go of negative emotions, of flipping the script on what might be regarded as a failure. Let failure go—don't brood on it. Pick up where you fell and move on.

5. Great learners are unusual problem-solvers who know how to ask for help. These people are both supported and supporters of others in their quests.

6. Great learners don't let the institution define them. Although they take their educations seriously, they often question labels and define their own paths.

7. Great learners have passions. According to researcher and author Kirsten Olson, 'research literature describes the importance of passion, curiosity, and deep interests in dealing with challenges."

By sharing the list with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read tips for writing lyrics, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/Aj7jyh

Empower American Children Brings the Blues SchoolHouse to Nimitz High School

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:49:59 +0000

Nimitz High School beats the blues with a live musical presentation at the Dallas House of Blues to understand African American culture and history through music.

/EINPresswire.com/Empower American Children (EAC), a non-profit organization working to inspire youths in Dallas to follow their dreams, supported students from Irving ISD's Nimitz High School to attend the Blues SchoolHouse program. Students witnessed a live, interactive musical presentation at the Dallas House of Blues on the blues from its roots in African musical traditions to contemporary music, including jazz, R&B, rock and roll, soul, funk and rap.

The Nimitz High School visit to the Blues SchoolHouse program would not be possible without the charitable gift from Joy Goodrum, a graduate of Irving ISD that was inspired to give back. In addition, Annissa Macon, Vice Principal of Nimitz High, and her team of very dedicated teachers worked together with EAC to give their students a special learning experience.

The Blues Schoolhouse Program is a unique interactive program presented by the International House of Blues Foundation designed to foster multi-cultural awareness and promote racial harmony through educational outreach focusing on the social, spiritual and artistic legacy of the blues. The presentation inspires kids to consider the role of both individuals and movements in bringing about social transformation and musical innovation.

Teachers, parents, administrators, and community leaders are invited to create opportunities for kids to ignite their imagination and become dream builders with Empower American Children on visit us on Facebook.

About Empower American Children

EAC is a charitable organization bringing programs for life skills and character development to Dallas area High Schools. Empower American Children partners with community role models who share our vision of building dreams in the hearts and minds of young people. To learn more, please visit http://www.EmpowerAmericanChildren.org.

About International House of Blues Foundation
IHOBF reaches thousands of students, teachers and others annually nationwide with arts and cultural educational programming that promotes cultural understanding and encourages creative expression. IHOBF programs are primarily offered to 5th-12th grade students and teachers in IHOBF locations and are made available to other youth, adult and community groups. To learn more, please visit: http://www.ihobf.org.

Media Contact:
Candace Henry
Empower American Children
469-939-8462
http://www.empoweramericanchildren.org

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/ySVEPq

Lyrically Stuck? TakeLessons Shows Students How to Think Like Eddie Vedder

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:14:33 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares a few exercises to help inspire stuck songwriters.

Earlier this week, Eddie Vedder announced the venues for his upcoming solo tour, stopping in 13 cities to promote his 2011 solo album "Ukelele Songs." The tour begins on April 11th in Las Vegas, and then works across the country, ending on May 16th in Orlando. Pearl Jam embarks on its European tour just one month after.

Vedder's passion-filled lyrics, ranging in topics from personal to political, have made him one of the most prominent songwriters of the rock and roll genre, according to many music critics.

For musicians hoping to hone in on their own lyric-writing skills, TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, recently shared a few exercises for sparking inspiration.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. Location Inspiration: Find lyric-writing inspiration through location

Location is very important when writing, because atmosphere affects your creative energy.

For example, it may be difficult to write sad or painful lyrics in a park. At a park you'd probably feel relaxed and maybe a little content or happy. This atmosphere wouldn't work to channel sadness, unless you have a sad memory attached to the park (more on object inspiration next). In an empty and run-down apartment, you probably wouldn't feel happiness, so it'd be the best location to write a "painful" lyric or two. Even your kitchen is different from your living room in evoking creative emotion. Choose the best location to write your song lyrics.

2. Object Inspiration: Find lyric-writing inspiration through objects

Rarely does inspiration just come from within. Songwriters surround themselves with things that will inspire their next creative work.

- Open a photo album and reminisce on old memories attached to your target emotion.
- Read old letters and remember where you were and what you felt when you first read them.
- Visit friends or family member you haven't seen in a while, to get inspired.
- Watch a television show or film where your target emotion is prevalent.
- Go to a familiar place and think about old memories from there.

Use whatever object you need to channel your target emotion.

3. Topic Inspiration: Find lyric-writing inspiration through a topic or idea

Imagine yourself in particular situation. It could be a situation that's happened to you, someone close to you, a group of people, or someone well-known. Now put yourself there mentally and emotionally. How does it make you feel? Explore those feelings until you've found your target emotion. One way to make sure your lyric idea has the strongest inspiration is to brainstorm on universal topics - issues that large groups of people are experiencing. Successful topics are often ones that many people find relatable."

By sharing the exercises with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read practice tips for guitar, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Media Contact:
Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/yBMfYs

TakeLessons Students Learn Tips for Practicing Without A Guitar

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 09:20:02 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares strategies for fitting in practice time even without a guitar.

Former Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher can now add "Godlike Genius" to his resume. NME, a UK-based music publication, gives the award to one musician each year, to be presented at the annual NME awards gala in February.

What makes a guitarist a genius, exactly? With previous winners like Dave Grohl, the Clash, and the Cure, Gallagher has some big shoes to fill.

For the beginner guitarists who don't have hours upon hours to commit to practicing, TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), shared a few handy tips for enhancing guitar skills sans the actual guitar. The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. Learn The Fretboard
The better you know your fretboard, the better you know your instrument and the more easily you can move around it. Here's one technique to try: slip a small fretboard diagram into your wallet so you'll carry it around with you everywhere. When you have two spare minutes, you can pull out your chart and name notes to help memorize them. If you don't have the slip of paper handy, you can use visualization exercises. Picture a fretboard in your mind, pick some notes, and "see" where they occur on the fretboard image.

2. Learn About Chords
No matter how long you've been playing, there is always something new to learn about chords. Look around for sources of new ideas or information, find yourself some chord theory books, or study the chords used by great songwriters.

3. Visualization
Use visualization to work on all kinds of guitar skills. Visualization is the process of picturing a situation in your mind as if it were real. It has been proven that visualization stimulates the same nerve paths as actually performing actions, so it helps to reinforce your learning. Use visualization to practice chord changes and progressions, scales and licks, picking patterns, and whole songs."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read about how to handle stress, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/AE8Cdv

ConcertTour.org Promotion Offers Fans a Chance to Win Free Radiohead St. Louis Tickets

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:28:53 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Enter to win a pair of sold out tickets to the Radiohead concert at the Scottrade Center in St Louis, Missouri.

After a heady dose of breathless anticipation, Radiohead is finally set to embark on their 2012 American concert tour beginning February 27 in Miami, Florida. Radiohead is touring behind its 2011 release 'The King of Limbs.' The album was digitally released last February to critical acclaim and Radiohead has kept a relatively low-profile on the touring front since the album's debut. The upcoming tour will hit 13 US cities with indie rock band Other Lives providing opening support.

The 2012 Radiohead tour is the band's first extensive American concert excursion since 2008 and fans have been enthusiastically greeting the band with sell outs at each stop along the way. ConcertTour.org wants to help a couple of lucky fans see the band weave their tapestry of sound when they hit the Scottrade Center in St Louis, Missouri on Friday, March 9, 2012.

So what is the catch? Its pretty simple, in fact. They are looking to gather a few more followers for their Twitter feed and spread the word about this great promotion. To enter the drawing, entrants simply join the ConcertTour.org Twitter feed (https://twitter.com/#!/concerttourorg) and retweet the exact message below by February 5 at 11:59 PM CST:

Follow @concerttourorg for a chance to win sold out Radiohead St Louis Tickets. Contest details at ConcertTour.org http://bit.ly/z390CZ

That is it. They will draw one name at random for the pair of Radiohead tickets on February 6 and notify the lucky winner via Twitter. As an added bonus, by following ConcertTour.org on Twitter fans will be the first to know when their favorite bands are coming to town. Not to mention they'll have the jump on any future ticket giveaways for the hottest concerts across the nation.

ConcertTour.org is in no way affiliated with or endorsed by Radiohead, the Scottrade Center or any box office. Contests and giveaways are subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws, rules or regulations.

ConcertTour.org covers the concert industry, reporting on the latest touring news, band information, concert reviews and photography. They have the most up-to-date information on the hottest touring acts blazing a path to local arena as well as up-and-coming acts who are paying their dues before becoming tomorrow's superstars. Trust ConcertTour.org as the the source for concert dates and news.

Mark Runyon
ConcertTour.org
404-487-8687
http://concerttour.org

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/xnAZV8

TakeLessons Shares 3 Remedies for Musical Frustrations

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 10:28:46 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ TakeLessons, the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, shares a few helpful tips for dealing with the inevitable frustration of mastering an instrument.

The 2012 Oscar Nominations were released today, although only two songs ("Man or Muppet" from The Muppets and "Real In Rio" from Rio) are up for the Best Original Song category. This is the first time only two songs have been nominated, which came as a big surprise seeing as how 39 contenders were originally noted back in December.

Still, the music industry has several other opportunities to shine throughout the year, such as the American Music Awards, the Billboard Music Awards, and the upcoming Grammy Awards. And for beginner musicians who dream of one day earning one of those awards, it requires a lot of hard work.

TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share a few helpful tips for dealing with inevitable frustration that often goes hand-in-hand with mastering a new instrument. The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"Tip #1. Give Yourself Credit - Before looking to improve something, look at the progress that has already been made. Appreciate and be thankful for that. Remember when you were a beginner and you couldn't play at all? You would have been happy to have the skills you have now. Appreciate this, and feel good about what you have achieved up to this point. Many people beat themselves up over their own playing when they are pretty good already. This does not mean that you should become complacent or lose motivation to improve, it only means be happy with yourself and your playing as you continue to improve and move forward as a musician.

Tip #2. Become Aware of That Which Empowers and Inspires You - There may be certain things, moments, scenarios, events, places or people that make you feel good about yourself as a musician. These things are different for each musician. Perhaps you become very inspired by going to see a concert. Or maybe you get very motivated by watching or jamming with musicians who are currently better than you. Or, maybe you become inspired by revisiting some of your old recordings and seeing how much you have improved. Being able to realize (and have tangible proof of) how much you have grown as a musician is a powerful inspirational force for some people. Whatever these things are, anything that gets you away from concentrating on the temporary frustrations and setbacks and focuses you on your motivation and inspiration is what you should surround yourself with.

Tip #3. Let Time Be On Your Side - Many musicians feel frustrated when big progress does not seem to come in a short period of time. As a result, time is perceived as an enemy. However, if you are making at least some progress over time and you are patient enough and let accumulated time work for you, then time in fact becomes your biggest advantage. Learning an instrument is much like investing money with a fixed rate of compound interest. In the beginning, the investment seems to grow so slowly that it seems like you are watching grass grow, but over the years, the growth will explode because of the exponential power of compound interest. If you know that time is on your side, you will be sure to feel much better about your musical future."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read tips for what to do after making a mistake, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/xqqKSu

TakeLessons Shares Tips for Handling Musical Mistakes

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 06:44:27 +0000

/EINPresswire.com/ Following Steven Tyler's criticized performance of the National Anthem, TakeLessons offers blog readers some helpful tips for handling mistakes.

Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler has been under fire since yesterday's questionable performance during the AFC championship game.

Following the criticism, TakeLessons (http://takelessons.com), the nation's fastest growing music lessons provider, took the opportunity to share tips for handling mistakes during performances. Although it can be frustrating and disappointing, the key is in the musician's ability to keep composure.

The following is an excerpt from the TakeLessons blog post:

"1. If the mistake is so bad that you need to start over, feel free to take a moment to breathe, adjust your positioning, or take a sip of water. Smile or nod at the audience if you feel the need to ease any tension, or simply get back into the music - you're more affected by the mistake than they are.

2. Set a comfortable rhythm in your head (or metronome).

3. Start again from the beginning of the song (if you're not too far in) or restart the page or line.

4. Stay calm. Your energy is better aimed toward playing and enjoying the song.

5. Don't worry about perfection; it's about conveying a feeling through music, and the opportunity to do so is never lost."

By sharing the tips with blog readers, TakeLessons hopes to continue engaging current students and help with any musical goals they may have. Readers are invited to share their thoughts by commenting on the TakeLessons blog, where they can also read tips for gaining confidence on-stage, and comments are also welcomed on Facebook (http://facebook.com/takelessons).

About TakeLessons
Headquartered in San Diego, CA, TakeLessons is America's full-service music and voice lessons provider. With private lessons taught by TakeLessons Certified™ instructors in cities nationwide, students of all ages can start living their dreams through music. Founded in 2006 to help people discover their creativity and pursue their passions, TakeLessons also offers turnkey music programs for schools and community centers.

Mary Brooks
TakeLessons
877-231-8505
http://takelessons.com

PR Courtesy of Online PR Media: http://bit.ly/ysRdV8