BAGPIPE - Music-Instruments of the World

Bagpipe - Music-Instruments of the World

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CELTIC MUSIC - The Tin Whistle

Photo  by chidorian 

The Tin Whistle (sometimes called a pennywhistle) is a simple and cheap instrument. It's simply a metal tube with six fingerholes and a mouthpiece (much like a recorder); it has a range of about two octaves. Costs range from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars -- although some of the best players play only the cheaper brands.

The tin whistle is a simple instrument -- and it's simple to play, and simple to play easy tunes. But -- it's not simple to master! The instrument may be cheap, but you'll have to pay for mastery ... by practicing! The haunting whistle tunes from the movie "Titanic" illustrate the deep soul found in this instrument.

This instrument is commonly made from metal (usually brass) with a molded whistle mouthpiece. By playing it open (not covering any of the six fingerholes), then by covering each fingerhole in turn, you can play the 7 notes in a diatonic (a simple Do-Re-Mi scale -- essentially the white keys on a piano) scale. Blow a little bit harder and you'll play the same note, but an octave higher. While it is a diatonic instrument, you can achieve sharps and flats by half-covering fingerholes.

Since there are essentially only two open notes -- a note, then the note an octave higher when you blow harder -- each tin whistle is said to represent a certain Key signature. For instance, if the open note sounds a "D", then the whistle is considered to be in the key of D. Many players carry a small set of whistles in the most commonly used keys.

Some people don't realize you can actually tune a tin whistle! You do so by sliding the metal barrel of the whistle in and out of the mouthpiece head. Some whistles have the head glues securely to the barrel. You can usually loosen the glue by holding the joined portion under hot running water. Don't use boiling water -- this may melt the plastic whistle head!

Key signatures commonly found in Celtic Music are "D Major" and "G Major". By default, all tin whistles are in a Major key (since they play a diatonic scale). However, if you begin your scale with all the fingerholes covered (instead of all fingerholes open), then you're beginning one step higher than a diatonic scale -- which results in a minor key signature! For instance, a tin whistle in "D" can play in E Minor if you begin your scale by covering all the fingerholes. Interestingly enough, the chord sequence "E Minor" and "D Major" is commonly found in Celtic Music. (This is the same chord sequence used in "What Would You Do with A Drunken Sailor".) A whistle in "G Major" could easily play in A Minor (A Minor and G being another commonly found chord sequence).

Joey Robichaux operates Celtic Sheet Music at http://www.celtic-sheet-music.com where whistle players can freely download over 3,000 Celtic fiddle tunes!  Article Directory: EzineArticles

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How to Buy a FLUTE

So you've decided to play the flute.  Terrific decision!

Now you need an instrument.  If you're completely new to the flute world, this may be a hard decision, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.

First, develop a budget.  Just like any major purchase, your wallet should guide you.  The more money you have to spend, the higher quality instrument you can acquire.

Romantic 14 keys flute (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The biggest factor in determining the price is the metal your flute is made from.

Student flutes are made from plated silver, where higher end flutes are built out of solid silver.

It is also possible to "split the difference" and get a flute with a plated silver body and a solid silver head joint.  This is a good option for those on a limited budget because the head joint contributes more to the tone quality of the flute.

If money is no object, you can buy flutes made from gold, yellow gold, rose gold, and even platinum.

There are a number of features that can drive up the price of a flute.

The traditional flute extends down to a low C, or middle C.  With a B-foot joint, you can play the B below that C.

Is this a necessary option?

No, not at all.  It's kind of a status symbol among flutists and some argue that the increased length of tubing improves the tone.  This is highly subjective, however, and that low B is hardly ever played!  You can do just fine without the low B-foot joint.

Another popular flute upgrade is the "open hole" flute.  On this type of flute, the keys look like little donuts; that is, there are holes in the middle of the keys.

The benefit of this?  Proper finger placement is one.  The fingers must cover these holes in order for the notes to sound, so sloppy fingering can't be tolerated.

Improved tone quality is also a purported benefit.

For those flutists that are into "extended techniques," lots of cool effects can be obtained with open-hole keys, such as sliding the fingers off the keys for "smeary" sounds, playing half tones, or even playing Irish-style or penny-whistle style music.

Are open holes necessary?  Not at all.

The lip plate on head joints can be engraved with a floral or scroll pattern.  This not only makes the flute more beautiful but prevents slippage of the flute against the chin.  Necessary?  No.  Fun?  Of course!  I have this option on my flute and I really love it.

So where to buy your flute?

A music store is the obvious answer.  In addition to purchasing outright, stores usually have a very reasonable rental program available to students who aren't sure if they will stick with the band program.  Ask the store if this is available to adults as well.

Flutes that come back from the rental program can be a good deal for purchase.  The store's repairman will overhaul the flute and then it is offered at a reduced price from new.

You can also find a flute for sale in the classified ads in the newspaper or just by asking around.  Stop over at a local university and you will probably find notices of flutes for sale on bulletin boards in the music department.

In these instances, have a professional look at the flute first and give you an opinion.

You can find flutes for sale on eBay, too.  Be sure that you have the option of trying the flute out first and sending it back if you aren't happy with it.

There are many instrument sellers online, probably the largest is The Woodwind and Brasswind, http://www.wwbw.com.  You can get a great deal from this company and they will send the instrument out to you to try first, even more than one at a time.

Take your time, decide carefully, and get lots of opinions.  Your flute will become a friend to you and if you buy it right the first time, it will last a lifetime.

Kathy Ferneau has been a passionate flutist for 40 years! Her web site contains the most extensive collection of flute figurines on the Internet. Check them out! http://www.cyberflute.com/ Article Directory: EzineArticles

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CLARINET MOUTHPIECE Basics - Choosing a CLARINET Mouthpiece

Your choice of clarinet mouthpiece will largely affect the quality and type of sound that you will produce. After all, the mouthpiece is where sound starts and clarinet players have to use the right mouthpiece according to their level of expertise. Choosing a clarinet mouthpiece according to your specific needs and expertise is important to avoid problems while playing.

The mouthpiece has several purposes. First of all, it allows the user to get air vibrating through the clarinet in order to produce sound. And second, the mouthpiece works to hold the reed in place. A lot of things go into the decision on the type of mouthpiece that you should use. These include the material, interior and exterior design and the mouthpiece facing.

In a clarinet, facing on a mouthpiece is also referred to as the lay. This is the part where the reed sits in the mouthpiece. The size and length of the facing can affect the timbre of sound that the clarinet produces but it's not a focus of concern when choosing a clarinet mouthpiece.

Mouthpieces can be made of various materials. Most are made of plastic. Pieces made of wood or glass are rare. Even the material can affect the quality of the tone produced although many beginners cannot even tell the difference. As such, it's better to base your decision on your budget. You want to assess the practicality of purchasing a mouthpiece that is made from a specialty material in relation to the sound that it produces at your particular stage of expertise.

When choosing a clarinet mouthpiece it's also a good idea to look at the mouthpiece bore. If you want to produce a focused and compact tone, opt for a clarinet mouthpiece that has a small bore. A larger one is required if you want to create a dark and mellow tone.

By Ilse Hagen More information on Choosing a Clarinet Mouthpieces is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information. Article Source: EzineArticles

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NATIVE AMERICAN FLUTE - Music-Instruments of the World

Native American Flute

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Adjusting BASSOON REEDS

Are you collecting musical instruments since you have this dream to learn to play as many instruments as you can? Well, you have an extremely unique goal in your life and if you are really determined to do it; you'll definitely reach it the end. All you need to do is to apply your patience and do it with proper timing. Each step must be taken one at a time. Do you already have a bassoon? Is it still functioning well or can you sense some problem for it can't achieve or hit perfect notes? The pitch is wobbling, isn't it? Your bassoon reed is probably a problem now. But, what really are bassoon reeds and how can you adjust them?

Bassoon Reed - Photo by sigurdga 

Bassoon reeds are important parts that make up your instrument and they are frequently made out of two pieces of thin wood and they must be made for good and satisfying performance. However, the natural variations of the materials and your personal technique in playing the instrument can greatly affect the overall sound produced by the reed. Sounds very right? Thus, a player's style of playing the bassoon and the reeds are among the two main reasons for these differences.

Proper adjustments of the bassoon reeds are really necessary because it will affect the way you play the instrument and if you don't know how, this article will reveal to you some important considerations in doing the adjustments. You need tools and a bit of trial and error in the process so you can determine the defect. Gather the tools first, such as plaque, knife, needle nose pliers, small flat file, mandrel, electronic tuner, and lastly the 35-400 grit sandpaper.

After you've completed those materials you need, moisten the reed and test by playing different notes. Be attentive in hearing the notes and note any problem. Then, adjust two wires with the use of pliers and clip the end of the reed to maintain it and so to increase the pitch if it is flat. Clipping of the reed will enhance the ability of playing high notes.

After which, put the plaque in between two halves of the reed and file down the back area of the reed for you to lessen the buzzing and shard effect of notes when played. End the process by doing again the testing. If you need more adjustments, consider an expert or search for more information online.

By Adam Hermann - Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Medieval Sounds of the RECORDER

Soprano Recorder (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The recorder is a type of flute that belongs to the woodwind musical instrument family, and is more specifically a fipple flute. The recorder is a long tube with a wide mouth piece that the musician blows directly into. It has seven holes for fingers, one hole on the back of the instrument for a thumb and the tube tapers a little near the end of the recorder. This particular instrument has not changed much since it was popular in medieval times, which is when it was fairly popular until people appeared to lose interest in it during the 1700s.

During the 1700s, when interest in the recorder started to decline, people were beginning to favor other woodwind instruments like the flute, clarinet and the oboe. The reason for this change of interest could be that the recorder was a fairly simple instrument that was not overly complex and did not have a wide range of sounds. The other instruments offered a wider range of sounds that were quite possibly more appealing to people at the time. It could also be that people did not have much use for recorders anymore. The sound of the recorder was often associated with the sounds of birds, funerals, marriages and even shepherds when played. In fact, Vivaldi and Bach, too noted musicians, often used the recorder in their music. 

Even though the recorder may have lost popularity at one time, it was still being used. The use of the recorder would also become a little more popular during the 1900s. The biggest reason for this could be that this woodwind instrument is fairly easy to learn how to play. It is also inexpensive and easy to supply to students in schools. For this reason, many elementary schools will introduce the children in a certain grade to the recorder. For most, this will be the first instrument they will have learned how to play. It will also be the first time that many of them will see and learn how to read simple sheet music.

The instrument may not have a large range or variety of different sounds, but it is simple to play and its sound can be fairly calming and soothing. Some people don't like the sound of it, but when played right the sound can actually be quite nice. Many will not choose to play the recorder for the rest of their lives. Many would prefer to choose more complicated instruments that offer more variety in the different sounds they can make.

The recorder, however, can be the perfect first instrument for anyone who has never played an instrument before or ever seen sheet music; it is a great instrument to play when trying to learn simple sheet music. When people get comfortable with the basics, changing to a more complex instrument will be a lot easier. In the end, it may not be the instrument to choose when looking for something to play throughout your musical career, but it could be a good backup instrument that could add to the song. It may be simple, and it might not be very dynamic, but it does have a sound that is unique to its own.

By Victor Epand Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Do You Want to Learn the BASSOON?

The bassoon and contrabassoon are the lowest or bass members of the oboe family and hence the woodwind family which consists of flute, clarinet, oboe and bassoon. Bassoons developed from the Curtal which was an earlier instrument in England and they came into use in the 17th century.

The bassoon is generally made of maple eg sycamore maple and sugar maple,although polypropylene and ebonite are used to create a cheaper instrument which is great for students and outdoor use. It consists of tubing nearly 2.5m or 7-8 feet long which is bent double to allow the bassoonist to play it. A small piece of bent metal shaped like a crook is fitted to one end and to this crook is set a double reed.

The Bassoon - Photo  by     stephanie.lafayette

The bassoon has a distinctive sound and listeners often compare its warm, dark reedy sound to that of a male baritone voice. The sound is produced by blowing through the double reed which is made from two pieces of cane.The air vibrates through the reed and down the tubing. The various sounds are created when the player presses down the keys or covers holes in different configurations or finger patterns. The bassoon can play a large range of notes. The contrabassoon is bigger than the bassoon and sounds one octave lower.

A bassoon is a large wind instrument and can not be held on its own like the flute, clarinet or oboe. Bassoon players can use a neck strap or seat strap for extra support. The bassoon is held diagonally in front of the player whilst being played.

Bassoons are used in orchestras and chamber groups. There are usually two bassoonists in an orchestra with a possible third player playing the contrabassoon. The first bassoon player often has solos. A popular chamber group which the bassoon takes part in is the wind quartet which consists of 1 flute, 1 clarinet, 1 oboe, 1 bassoon, 1 french horn. And it is combined with other instruments in various groupings. The bassoon is rarely used in jazz or popular music.

A couple of well known bassoon players are Bernard Garfield (born 1924) and Archie Camden (1888-1979) who was a soloist of international acclaim.

Now that you know a little about the bassoons with its shape, sound production and types of music it plays, do you want to learn the bassoon? If you like the thought of playing low notes in a group or even by yourself, and blowing air through a double reed and tube to produce the sound then the bassoon could be just what you need.

By Hilary Daglish Take a look at a Picture and Go Here to grab an instrument and sheet music. Happy Bassooning ( if you call this a word!) Article Source: EzineArticles

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The Mythical Sounds of the PAN FLUTE

The pan flute is an instrument that consists of ten or more pipes, which differ in length, that are closed tube. The tubes are placed in a row, from the longest tube to the shortest. Each length will then produce a different note, depending on its length. It is most often viewed as an old folk instrument and it is what preceded the harmonica and the pipe organ. It is believed that the different lengths of the tubes in the pan flute were the inspiration for the pipe organ. While original pan flutes were generally made from reed or bamboo, most pan flutes today are made out of metal, plastic and wood.

Pan Flute - Photo  by      Horia Varlan 

As the ends of the pan flute are stopped, the flute is not played by the musician blowing air directly into the tubes. Instead, the pan flute is played by the musician blowing air across the opening, much the same way as other flutes are played. While the instrument appears fairly simple in its design and limited in the sounds it can play, the musician playing the pan flute can actually play a wide range of musical notes that can make some pleasant music.

In fact, an experienced player can play both sharp and flat notes by tilting the flute a certain way and by how they blow the air across the mouth of each tube. Even more experienced musicians can have such a good handle on the pan flute that they can play a scale in any key and creating vibratos is little trouble for them as well.

While the pan flute has been around for a very long time, and it didn't appear to be overly popular in modern times, the pan flute really began to come back in the late 1900s, especially after a Gheorghe Zamfir, a Romanian musician, recorded many albums, toured and became well-known for his pan flute music.

Today, many people have chosen to play the pan flute and have continued to play for their love and enjoyment of the music and the instrument. In fact, there are other very well-known musicians who have used the pan flute in some of their music, including Aerosmith and The Beatles. It has also become quite popular in New Age music, perhaps for its light and soothing tone.

It might not be the first instrument that many will immediately choose when deciding on an instrument to play, though many who have heard the pan flute, and enjoy the genre it is typically played in, will choose the instrument. It can be a rewarding instrument to play and one that does not create a lot of noise when trying to practice at home. It is a quieter instrument, though its sound can attract attention because of its clear and soothing tone. It is a pleasant instrument to play, even if not for a career in music. There are many people out there who have chosen to learn the pan flute as a hobby because they enjoy the sound and they like to play on their free time for fun.

Victor Epand is an expert consultant for used CDs, autographed CDs, and used musical instruments. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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Your Search for the Perfect OBOE REED

This might sound crazy coming from someone that owns a reed making business, but the best reeds for you are the ones you'll make yourself. At MKL Reeds and Oboe:Space, we get many questions about finding the ideal reed and what we think the "best" scrape is.

As an oboist, you'll always be striving to make better reeds. But without sounding too zen... the answer is already in you. What you need in a reed is unique and depends upon you, your personality and the way you play. There is no "best" or "right" reed for everyone, no matter who you are.

Even when you make your own reeds, your own definition of the ideal reed should change and evolve with the musical situation you are in.There are a few qualities that MUST be present in a reed, no matter whose it is or where you get it, or even what "kind" of scrape it is.

A good, functioning reed of any kind RESPONDS and is STABLE.

When those 2 core qualities are present, the other benefits that come along for the ride are plentiful. In my opinion, having response and stability (most often) takes care of pitch and even results in helping produce a respectable tone because the reed is both easy to play and is holding together properly.

Oboe Reeds

Before I think or do any kind of detailed scraping, however, my reeds must have these core qualities. It must respond when I want it to and it must hold together no matter where in my mouth I put it or how I choose to blow. Getting to this stage of the game in reedmaking takes skill and practice, but is pretty much the same from reed to reed (assuming I continue to use consistent materials, like shape and gouge, and also that your gouge is good and centered).

I don't know if other reedmakers actually think of reedmaking this way, but I would venture to guess that even without thinking about it, these are the core qualities "everyone" goes for initially. Thinking about RESPONSE and STABILITY first keeps me focused. I strongle recommend not going for any more "detail" until you have these 2 qualities in your reed. This will make sure that you have a strong foundation for a good, consistent, dependable reed. These are the reeds that we strive to sell to our customers at MKL

Reeds.

Now that we've covered the basics, things can get more personal...

The "best" reed for you enters next, when you start applying your own personal tastes, preferences and habits. Unless you find someone who plays JUST like you do and has exactly the same oral physiology and uses their air the exact same way you do (you will never find that person), then the "best" reed for you is the one that you make for yourself.

It's that simple.

Commercial reeds satisfy the basic needs of oboe players, but in most cases can't don't and shouldn't go beyond that. I won't argue that you may find some really great reeds for yourself out there, but I'd still say that even the great reeds you find could be surpassed with your own reedmaking efforts.

So beyond response and stability, what goes into making not just a good, but a really great reed? We'll save the importance of a good gouge for another time, because that is a big topic. But besides having a great gouge, (which in itself is a quest and an art) you need the shape that works for you.

There are tons of things to consider when choosing a shape, and you'll only find what's right for you through experimentation. The right shape for you will "fit" with your gouge and offer you things in a reed that you might never have thought about. You might discover that what feels really good to YOU is to have a reed that is slightly wider, allowing you to feel slightly "under" at first. Then you find either you like that feeling because your air gets you up to pitch perfectly, or you might make a note of this and use this shape for making the "best" reed for playing with that church organ pitched at 438.

You might find a gouge/shape combo that makes amazingly focused, smallish reeds that are "best" for chamber music. There might be yet another combo that makes the most perfect low-register reeds for that second-oboe audition.The possibilities are endless, and this is only one aspect of the freedom you have when making the best reed for you. Finding a gouge/shape combo is very individual and specific to you and your tastes.

Other qualities that change from person to person are how large the opening of the reed is and how much is scraped out of different areas of the reed. Of course, this all comes back to the different physical attributes of each person. Think of all the obvious differences you see from one oboist to another, like height, stature, age, etc.

These differences are important when choosing the best reed for you. Not to mention the many difference you can't see, like the palate, tongue or position of teeth. These are differences that make every oboist sound and play differently.Another important thing that determines the "best" oboe reeds for you is your instrument. You might think, "an oboe is an oboe," but it is really a bit more

complicated than that.When people ask what the best reed is for them, you can't possibly know the age/ quality/type of instrument they are playing on.

I do pretty much stand by my belief that "a good reed is always a good reed," but there are certain qualities of an oboe that necessitate certain qualities in a reed. You'll find it rather hard to find any reed that "responds" on an oboe that is really out of adjustment. Again, who better to make a reed for your oboe than YOU? No one else deals with the trials and tribulations of your oboe everyday, so how could anyone else make the best reeds for it?

Although it is hopefully pretty easy to find and/or make yourself a decent reed, there is so much more opportunity available to you when you start to make your own reeds and experiment with what you need, and what your instrument may require as well. Reedmaking is truly an art, and like any art, it is up to the artist to mold and shape it.

By Maryn Leister Oboist and entrepreneur Maryn Leister helps beginner, intermediate and professional oboists become happier oboe players. She is owner of the oboe learning company MKL Reeds and publisher of the Reed Report and Oboe Success Tips Newsletters. Each newsletter is full of straightforward tips on becoming a better oboe player and on taking control of your oboe reeds. Get your free subscription to the Reed Report newsletter and start your own journey towards a more rewarding oboe future right away. Sign-Up now and get your FREE Oboe Reed Tips! Article Source: EzineArticles

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ENGLISH HORN - Cor Anglais - Music-Instruments of the World

English Horn - Cor Anglais - Music-Instruments of the World

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Is the Clarinet a Good Instrument for You?

The clarinet is a popular woodwind instrument. Many people play this instrument in bands, orchestras, solo, and in small groups. If you’re trying to choose an instrument, you might wonder whether the clarinet is for you. There are pros and cons to choosing to play the clarinet. Before you buy your first clarinet, it’s a good idea to figure out whether this is the instrument you want to invest your time and money in.

What Kind of Instrument Do You Want to Play?

There are several different kinds of instruments, and different reasons why you might want to pick the clarinet or make a different choice. Are you going to play in the school band or in an orchestra? A clarinet is a good choice. Do you want to play in a rock band? While there are popular clarinet players, you’re probably going to want to go with something like the keyboard, drums, or electric guitar, at least as a primary instrument. If you want to sing while you play an instrument, you’re going to have to pick a different instrument. The piano is a popular instrument if you’re playing in church, but I do play my clarinet in church, alongside the piano and the organ.

Clarinet - Photo by alyak

Do You Like the Clarinet?

If you decide that the clarinet is the right type of instrument for you, you’ll probably want to test it out first. Most people are able to play the clarinet with enough practice, but it’s still a good idea to try it. Many students like to rent instruments, but I don’t recommend renting to own one: it’s a much more expensive way to acquire an instrument than buying one outright. If you don’t know anybody that has a clarinet that you can try out, feel free to rent a clarinet for a month so you can check it out before you buy one.

You can find inexpensive instruments online, but keep in mind that the cheapest instruments don’t always have the best sound quality, and you may want to replace them with better instruments later on if you start off with one.

Reasons to Play the Clarinet

There are many good reasons to learn to play the clarinet. It’s a fairly easy instrument to learn to play; you don’t need extensive music lessons to be able to play this instrument. You can probably even teach yourself how to play this popular woodwind. If you want to play in the school band, orchestra, or at home for fun, this is a popular choice for many people, and may be right for you as well.

By Brooke Lorren Brooke Lorren has written about finding an inexpensive student clarinet and finding easy clarinet sheet music. Article Source: EzineArticles

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Beginner's Guide to BASSOONS

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A musical instrument that belongs to the woodwind family, the bassoon is a reed instrument that plays below or within the tenor range. It is made of a reed, a bocal, a butt, a boot, a bass, and a bell. 

 The bassoon produces a unique tone color and has a thick and reedy timbre. It is an agile instrument that has a wide range and a variety of character. It is part of the concert band, orchestral, and chamber music literature, appearing in the 1800s.

Bassoons are known in various names for different countries: the Italian fagotto, the German fagot, and the French basson.

Material characteristics

The bassoon was traditionally made of maple wood, but modern versions are typically made of polypropylene or ebonite. Today, bassoons are available in either wood or plastic. Wood bassoons are still the material of choice for most experiences and professional bassoonists. They are tuned in a high D pitch and have silver-plated keys. They also come with accessories, such as a seat strap, a crutch, two reeds, neck strap, and drop swabs. 

Plastic bassoons, on the other hand, are ideal for use by students and amateurs. They are made of durable polypropylene, making them outlast even the most rigorous practices. They have nickel silver or nickel-plated keys and have spring posts secured by screws and epoxy. They have a closed D hole and plateau key to avoid finger stretching.

Use of bassoons

Bassoons are used in wind ensembles, symphony orchestras, and jazz bands. A modern symphony orchestra usually needs two bassoons, with an additional contrabassoon. Some orchestral works may call for four or more players. The first bassoon player can be called upon to perform solos.

By Ilse Hagen Article Source: EzineArticles

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What PIANO Players Should Know About WOODWINDS

Woodwinds (clarinet, oboe, bassoon, etc.) are different from piano in that they require wind (created by the player) to create a tone (using a reed or reeds to create the vibrations needed for sound). In addition to using different techniques to make the reeds vibrate in different ways, the player also changes the tone (creates the notes) by pressing and releasing (using their fingers) keys that are attached along the length of the instrument, or by covering up, then opening, various holes on the instrument.

Photo by usarmyband

Saxophones are not considered woodwinds by some as they are made of brass. However, a saxophone is played very much in the same way as most woodwinds. Flutes and piccolos, though made of metal, are often thought of as part of the woodwind family.

As for piano, the type of wood used to make the instrument has a great effect on the quality of sound produced. Certain woods resonate better than others and thus create a better tone. In fact, many lower-priced clarinets are made of plastic and although they provide a serviceable tone, it is not the rich, "wooden" tone coveted by professionals.

Woodwinds are most often found in orchestras and smaller ensembles (although the clarinet can be found in Dixieland or jazz groups). Instruments like the English horn can be found in popular music, while the bassoon may only be found in traditional and ensemble music. There are, however, composers and musicians who explore the use of these instruments in esoteric and unconventional ways. One way to think of the woodwind family is the various instruments mimicking (representing) the human voice such as a clarinet for an alto singer, or a bassoon for a baritone singer. Many modern composer look at this group of instruments in exactly that way.

Woodwinds are tuned by adjusting their length. This is done by repositioning single components of the instrument. The musician often has to twist different sections of the instrument to make these adjustments. The longer the instrument becomes, the lower in pitch a particular note. The intonation of a woodwind is ultimately the responsibility of the player and techniques must be learned to keep the instrument in tune as it is played.

The challenge for the pianist is the fact the some woodwinds play in a different key (a Bb clarinet for example). In order for the two players to play together and communicate, both have to be aware of this and be able to transpose the two parts. For example, when the Bb clarinet plays the note Bb, that note is actually the note C on piano.

Most pianists are used to reading music in a number of different octaves and this is very important when playing with woodwinds because as a group, the cover a wide range of tones. The piano is often chosen as the accompanying instrument of a solo woodwind player or a small ensemble of woodwind instruments. One reason for this is the pianist can easily rehearse each instrument, or easily and accurately play the chords created by the ensemble.

By Duane Shinn Duane Shinn is the author of a free newsletter on piano chords & chord progressions available at "Woodwinds" Article Source: EzineArticles

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SAXOPHONE and its Types

Music has always been an inevitable part of human life and many of you may love to hear good music or play music for your own satisfaction and contentment. There are different types of music instruments such as saxophones, trumpets, guitar, piano that are used by people to fulfill their music love. Of these saxophones is still the most rare and appreciable music instrument by the people.

Saxophones - Photo by kadorin 

Saxophone was invented by Adolph Sax in the 1840's and is not really an instrument but a group of instruments. Sax has invented about fourteen saxophones out of which eight still exists. However, only four of them are commonly available - the soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. Out of these, the alto saxophone is most commonly found which most people think of.

Other saxophone that still exists include E-flat soprano, B-flat soprano, E-flat alto, true tone alto, B-flat tenor, E-flat baritone, B-flat Bass and contrabass. The early saxophones were made in F and C and not E-flat and B-flat whereas others were invented but were possibly too radical to remain in the creation.

The soprano saxophone is one of the straight saxophones in the whole family because it looks like a clarinet but it is made up of brass. It can be classified as a woodwind as it is a single reed instrument. The alto saxophone is curved around and has one bend in its neck whereas the tenor has a more curved neck and is larger. The baritone's neck is a full circle and is the largest of all the saxophones. Its case is around four feet long and when it is played, it doubles the brass section.

The soprano saxophone is not a common in most of the band but it is used sometimes and when it is played, it plays a part similar to a clarinet or even as another clarinet. It has a higher sound and often doubles the higher woodwind parts.

Olivia Andrews, writer of music-future.com is a freelance journalist and has written many reviews on subjects such as finance, education, health, entertainment, music, gifts, crafts, travel, apparels and mobile phones. Article Directory: EzineArticles

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OBOE - Music-Instruments of the World

Oboe - Music-Instruments of the World

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Correct Breathing for WIND and BRASS PLAYERS

Details of a wind instrument.
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

A correct deep breathing technique is essential to playing any wind or brass instrument, but there are many misconceptions surrounding the way to breathe and what parts of your body are doing the work and what you should be doing in order to support the airflow.

And when I say support I mean a way of producing a constant and equal airflow that will produce the best sound on your instrument. A good analogy would be blowing the flame of a candle and keeping the "bend" of the flame constant as you blow across it rather than one quick breathe which blows the candle out.

Personally I was always told to support using the diaphragm, but actually this is impossible as the diaphragm deflates as you breathe out.

So what does the diaphragm do...? the muscle contracts and pulls downwards when we breath in, and returns to its original position when we breath out. Obviously this is a difficult theory to teach because we don't have X-ray vision and can't see what's happening inside our bodies while we teach someone or are playing our instrument. And this is where the misconception arouse from. The diaphragm really isn't that involved in breathing when playing a wind instrument, it's actually an involuntary muscle, we have no control over it at all! So how you can you possibly support using your diaphragm??

The truth is that the diaphragm is used on the inhale and the abdominal muscle group is used to ‘support’ the air on the exhale.

To find out if you are breathing correctily place your hand on the 'spongy' feeling area just below the V of the rib-cage. This is essentially the top edge of the abdominals. Then simulate a short, loud cough, or laugh. You should see and feel the muscle jump outwards along with the sound.

Next take your instrument and play a note that only requires one hand if possible (G on the sax, low C on the clarinet, middle C on the bassoon, etc.) Then place your free right hand back on the abdominals, pushing in slightly, and feel what it does when they play the note. They should feel the muscle pushing steadily out against the hand.

Hidden Danger

There is one thing you have to be aware of when learning this deep breathing technique!

When you push with your abdominal muscles your entire body tenses up and this tension particularly affects the throat and jaw, closing them off so that the air does not get through properly and you get a strangled sound.

So you need to be aware of being relaxed everywhere but your abdominal muscles. This may take some practice.

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CONTRABASSOON - Buying Your First Contrabasoon

Contrabassoon
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

History

Developed in the mid-17th century, the contrabassoon was initially used to play church music, and eventually moved into the British military bands.

Compared to the regular bassoon

When compared to their cousin, contrabasoons are generally larger, with a 70-75 mm in total length. Also, fingering techniques in contrabasoons are slightly different, particularly at the register change and in extreme high range.

Rather than being supported by a seat strap, a contrabassoon is supported by an endpin because of its considerable length.

Finally, a contrabasoon cannot be disassembled without a screwdriver. The instrument often has two parts: a bell and bocal.

Kinds

Contrabasoons come in two kinds: one-piece and two-piece.

A one-piece contrabassoon is made from wood with a silver tube called a bocal extending from the top to the reed. This type is commonly used because of its sturdiness and easier maintenance. Some models also come with detachable bells.

Meanwhile, a two-piece contrabassoon has a detachable top and bottom area, as well as separate bells and bocals. It usually has a lower A extensions in addition to the Bo limit.

Buying tips

If you are thinking of buying a contrabassoon, look for one that has an excellent support. Choose a contrabasoon that comes with a sturdy endpin or floor peg to support it from the floor. Also, make sure that it can tilt from the endpin allowing for a more comfortable playing position. You can also look for a contrabassoon that has comes with a shoulder strap to reduce weight on the endpin.

Finally, make sure that you can easily reach the finger keys of your instrument. A contrabassoon's finger keys are usually spaced farther as compared to regular bassoon keys.

By Ilse Hagen A complete Guide to CONTRABASOONS is available in Picky Guide, one of the fastest growing online magazines giving free consumer advice and product information. Article Source: EzineArticles

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