February 27, 2007

Useful applications I use for the Mac for studying, composing, working:

AquaGnome - a free metronome application for OS X

Sibelius - the best notation software for Windows or Mac, education discounts available

Recycle - totally manipulate your loops, "solves all your groove related problems"

Reason - what can't this program do. If you're into making electronic music, check this out and lay your violin solos over the top of it. Has a learning curve, but there are lots of free online tutorials and forums to help you out.

Audio Hijack Pro - record all your system sounds, or any sound to a variety of formats. Very easy to use. Records any audio that you can hear through your internal speakers. An easy way to sample media from your computer.

Regarding programs that "slow down" a solo (ie, Amazing Slow Downer/Amazing X), try to use them sparingly. The goal is to be able to listen to a solo and play it back. If you choose to write the solo out, do it without the assistance of any program.

February 25, 2007

In the next few days I will be featuring articles on good ways to start improvising on the violin, with photos and video instruction.

Topics and lessons will include: Chop technique, practice guidelines, transcription techniques and examples, address correct posture and form while playing, CD recommendations, analysis classes, microphones / amps / violin pick-ups / electric violin reviews and recommendations, and basic jazz idiom and improvisation classes.

Thank you for your patience as I get this information online. Please check back soon to start studying.

For now, I'll leave you with a highly recommended CD for jazz violin beginners. -- Stephane Grappelli performs a soulful, beautiful ballad, "A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square" and if you can transcribe and play that, you can get any gig you want . Check it out here: Verve Jazz Masters 11