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The saluang is a wind instrument that is traditional for the Minangkabau people of West Sumatra, Indonesia. It is a type of thin, bamboo flute that is played blowing on the edge or the corner to produce notes. Good saluang players have developed breathing techniques that allow them to play while inhaling and exhaling so that they do not need to pause during a song.
The bouzouki is an ancient middle eastern instrument that has origins in Egypt, Assyria and with roots in China as well. It was reintroduced to Greek culture in the early 1900s from Asia Minor and Turkey. The bouzouki is a pear-shaped instrument that is similar to the mandolin. It is played with a small pick or plectrum. The popularity of the instrument in traditional Greek folk music led to its inclusion in Irish folk music in the late 1950s and early 1960s. It is now an essential instrument in Irish as well as Greek music. The essential difference between the…
Learning to play an unusual and historical instrument such as the bouzouki can set you apart from other musicians. The bouzouki originates from Greece and is often lumped in with other stringed instruments with pear-shaped sound boxes under the name "tambouras." The six-string bouzouki has a long neck with a pear-shaped sound box. The six strings are paired in twos, like the strings on a mandolin or 12-string guitar, and are tuned to D, A and D. Understanding how to play notes and chords on the bouzouki enables you to start learning most songs.
The bouzouki's roots and origins are Greek. It was introduced to traditional Irish music in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Since that time the bouzouki has become an integral instrument in Irish music. The bouzouki is similar to a mandolin. Its strings are grouped in pairs and it is played with a pick. The Irish bouzouki is used for chordal and rhythmic accompaniment and also to play melodies and solos.
Traditional Irish music often has varied references to Ireland, featuring legends and Irish counties. Themes include drinking, farming, inspiration and religion. Some traditional music is upbeat and inspires singing along while other songs may tell a story or tale in a more solemn tone. Some may be sung in the traditional Gaelic language. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of bands and artists that perform music with a distinct Irish touch.
The shortest poem on record is "The Antiquity of Microbes" by Strickland Gillilan, which only contains the words "Adam had'em." The longest is "The Blah Story" by Nigel Tomm at 98,728 words. Traditional poetry comes in all shapes, styles and lengths and can be extremely rigid or experimental and free flowing.
A capella is a genre of music which uses only the sounds of the human voice. The lack of instruments and its relative simplicity make it an intriguing and powerful genre of music. The 1980s was the most prominent decade for the release of a capella music, and contained more popular a capella one-hit wonders than any other decade.
China made in Japan can hold many bearings. According to Japanese ceramics historian, Jan-Erik Nilsson, common identifiers are "Good Luck," "Made in Japan," "Happiness," "Nippon" and plain, "Japan". However, in the absence of these marks, Japanese china can be identified by experts according to embossed names which may represent a Japanese factory, importer, exporter, designer, potter or even customer. One company may be responsible for over 400 marks. To know the marks is to know the origin of and time frame in which a piece of china was made.
In a lecture accepting the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1923, the Irish poet William Butler Yeats said his verse had "a quality of speech practised upon the stage." He frequently wrote for the theater, and the "Two Songs From a Play" were written as choral pieces for his play "The Resurrection." According to The Poetry Foundation, Yeats was fascinated by the rise and fall of great cultures, studied them and published his theories in a 1925 book "A Vision." These theories helped form the main ideas of "Two Songs From a Play."
When most people think of traditional African music, drums and rhythmic instruments tend to be first things that come to mind. However, African folk music traditions have developed a number of pitched instruments capable of playing as few as two and as many as dozens of distinct pitches. While some pitched African instruments may not be well known in the west, many have found their way into the European and North American music tradition.
The streets of South Africa have heard a rich symphony of varying and unique sounds over the centuries. South Africa has a long tradition of a variety of music styles. These styles are at times unique, but many such as the popular gospel music are borrowed from the West. Each flavor of music has left its mark on the society of South Africa that can still be heard today.
Bollywood pop, Chilean rap, Celtic jam sessions and Congolese Trance Dance-tronica may be sounds from other ends of the world. Yet in the sunny southern California area all of these acts are presented to the public, and most are free. With such a large variety of musical events hosted in such a relaxed atmosphere, anyone could find an act or three to interest them.
The three forms of traditional Jewish music are Ashkenazi, Misrachi, and Sephardi. Each form is a fusion of Israeli music with the music of the countries where the Jewish people fled following conquests of Israel by invading armies. Each form is culturally and lyrically unique and includes both devotional and secular songs.
American folk music expresses the lives of humans, often telling the stories behind real events. It entices the senses with emotion. Folk songs are classified into different types, such as ballads, spiritual songs, songs for children, and songs that are for celebration or dancing. The instruments used in American folk music can be as varied at the music itself. Some of the original instruments include fiddles, banjos, accordions and guitars.
American folk music dates back to the oral traditions of early cultures. A popular genre for centuries, American folk music encompasses the likes of bluegrass, gospel, country and blues.
Both China and Japan have music cultures that can be traced back more than a thousand years. Each country has a long list of instruments, compositions, styles and composers, so to effectively compare them, you must first learn about each country.
Irish music has a long history, ranging from traditional ballads and folk music for dancing to classical music and today's contemporary styles. Irish choir music became popular in the late 20th century as did many fusion music acts that meshed traditional with pop and rock music. The fiddle, harp and flute are some of the instruments used in Irish music of all genres.
It seems that every culture of humans has forms of art that are distinctive as a part of its culture. The Berber people are no exception to this rule. Music, perhaps, has played a more important role in their culture than it has in many others. Understanding the Berber people and their culture goes hand in hand with understanding their music.
The traditional music of Spain was heavily influenced by surrounding countries, creating a fascinating blend of Jewish, Moorish, Gypsy, Visigothic, North African and Greek music. Many of the different types of Spanish music are inherently rhythmic and percussive, and are accompanied by guitar and dancing. As with many traditional forms of ethnic folk music, accompanying lyrics are often historical, political and ethical in nature, creating a means of preserving cultural heritage from generation to generation.
Ghana has a multitude of festivities and celebrations where traditional song and dances are very important. Ghana has many different ethnic groups, tribes and communities, each with their own distinct style and characteristic instruments. Drumming is a key element of Ghanaian music; however, string and wind instruments are also important, particularly in the southern regions.
According to the All Music Guide, traditional gospel music is Southern, Christian-themed music, usually sung by large choirs, although the term can also be applied to soloists and small groups. Although nearly gospel music would be appropriate for performance in church--perhaps its defining characteristic--there are a number of different styles of the genre.
The entertainment phenomenon that is Riverdance has resulted in a plethora of fans who are keen to be able to move just like the fleet-footed dancers on stage; however, the fact is it is impossible to learn how to Riverdance---because it is merely the name of a show, not a type of dance. It is possible to learn the type of dance that inspired Riverdance. Stepdancing is a traditional form of Irish folk dance that is centered on brisk movement of the feet accompanied by high energy Irish music of fiddles, guitars and drums.
Spanish music, better known as Latin music, has a rich history and many styles. The instrumentation may be a signifier of Latin music, but the lyrics generally are sung in Spanish. This music is most popular in parts of the world where Spanish-speakers live, including Mexico, Latin America, and parts of South America.
Spanish culture is rich with meaningful traditions flavored by individual regions. More than just folk music, Spanish music has developed intricate regional flair throughout the world. From the Cuban rhythms of salsa to the passionate Andalusian flamenco, Scottsdale's night life includes a wide variety of music and dance.
From songwriting to making instruments to meeting local musicians, the world of music is full of fun for youth of all ages. Musical activities teach children physics, music theory, instrument production, folk and traditional songs, and how to work together. Best of all, musical activities can be highly satisfying and a great outlet for excess youthful energy.
Roots music has experienced a genuine revival since the turn of the century. This has produced a growing awareness and appreciation for all kinds of folk and cultural traditions. Folk music venues have sprung up in major and smaller-sized cities, record labels dedicated to folk music have expanded, and the Internet has open the door to radio sources and online sites dedicated to music. The result is that there are many opportunities to listen to traditional Swedish music. It just takes a little time and effort to find them.
Folk music originated in the Appalachian areas of the United States after the mass migration of Europeans in the early 1800s. Influenced largely by Scottish and Irish traditional songs, the creators of this music often made their own instruments to play because money was short and few commercially built musical implements were available. Instruments were often made from glass jars or animal skins stretched over pots. In modern times, musicians mimic these instruments using more modern materials.
Talented musicians can choose from many music colleges and conservatories; however, the oboe student's options are more limited. Programs for double-reed instruments such as oboe, English horn and bassoon are far less common than programs for piano, violin and voice. The number of students admitted into oboe programs is limited as well due to resources and faculty. Nonetheless, there are high-quality programs available to students who have the desire and diligence to pursue a degree in oboe.
The bouzouki is an instrument derived from the lute family. Similar in appearance to a large mandolin, bouzoukis are guitar-sized and use multiple-course (doubled) strings. Traditionally used in Greek music, the bouzouki is popular in folk music of the British Isles and the United States.
The term "drone" refers to certain strings on the mountain dulcimer as well as to the harmonies played on those strings. Although there are various designs of the mountain dulcimer---also known as the lap dulcimer or Appalachian dulcimer---all designs include two or more drone strings to provide the harmony accompaniment for one or more melody strings.
Mexico has a rich and diverse music culture, and music is an important part of many Mexican celebrations and daily activities. Regional differences are common and bring many local flavors to the music scene. Mexican music is also more than just notes---traditional music forms incorporate costumes and stories and thrive on audience participation.
Traditional Mexican music includes several band and song styles, the most famous of which is probably Mariachi. Songs range from moody ballads to fast-paced polkas, and include both instrumental pieces and songs.
A psaltery is a stringed musical instrument that is similar to the zither or harp family of musical instruments. Its design is a simple isosceles triangle with side-aligned hitch pins that are tuned to the chromatic scale (like a piano) and strings. It's played with a short bow for speed, or a longer bow for longer sounding tones. The instrument can be played by holding it or by placing it on a firm surface.
Irish music describes a wide variety of music originating from Ireland and using instruments indigenous to Ireland or commonly used there. The term encompasses multiple vocal and instrumental styles. Because the Irish diaspora is widespread, elements of Irish traditional music have been fused with non-Irish genres around the world.
Irish music is distinguished by pipes, fiddles, Celtic lyrics and the story those lyrics tell. Traditional Irish music is known all over the world and has always remained popular. Without traditional Irish music, many popular acts, like U2, out of Ireland would not have changed pop music as it is today.
Cajun music is Louisiana folk music primarily used for dancing. With its rich and wonderful patois and signature accordion presence, Cajun recordings sound far different from much of the pop music heard on the radio today. A thorough understanding of Cajun and its primary style, Zydeco, requires recognizing instrumental and singing techniques and having a familiarity with the genre's best artists.
Emerging out of the folk music traditions of the British Isles, early American folk music ushered in social change and set the groundwork for many dominant musical styles that endure to the present.
Founded in 1945, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization exists to enhance national and cultural institutions through global cooperation. One of its main priorities is the preservation of culture, including traditional music. UNESCO uses funding from its member states and private sources to support a variety of fellowships and grants made available through the National Commission of each member state. These prizes can be awarded to any citizen of a member nation. Properly identifying what grants you can apply for, as well as how to apply, gives you a great head start in being awarded funds for your…
The xylophone is a percussion instrument made out of wooden bars. This instrument has a varied and interesting history since versions of it developed in several different locations simultaneously. It is used today in bands and orchestras everywhere, and has even been adapted to be a popular children's toy.
Indonesian folk music has a long tradition that dates back to the third century. Performed in royal courts in Java and Bali, the gamelan employs a number of instruments, the most striking of which include Indonesian gongs. These gongs, which are suspended from wooden instruments, create a striking sound that is familiar to anyone well-versed in Indonesian folk music.
"A cappella" is a style of music that uses only voices to produce sounds. No musical instruments accompany a cappella music, though the voices are sometimes used to create instrument-like sounds. "A cappella" is pronounced "ah kaw-pel-la." The term is Latin for "in the chapel." A cappella music is closely associated with church music, but is also used in other musical genres.
If you have Internet access, it is fairly easy nowadays to look up some favorite William Butler Yeats poems and hear how they have been set to some beautiful Irish music, both old-fashioned and more contemporary. These performances can add even greater dimension to the original poem.
There are three basic kinds of harmonicas: the diatonic, the tremolo and the chromatic. Distinguishing the difference between each type of harmonics is important so that you may choose the right one for you. You should choose a harmonica for your playing style, the type of music you will be playing, as well as the effects you would like to create.
