Free Music Download by Vinay Choubey
A music download is a song or album available for downloading on the Internet. Downloading music first became popular with file sharing technologies such as peer-to-peer networks, with people breaking copyright laws by not paying for any of it. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claimed that this practice was hurting the music industry, and a series of law suits led to many of these networks being closed down.
With the popularity of portable audio players, interest in free music downloads is understandably high. While some newer artists welcome free music downloads, more often than not established artists do not give their music away. Free downloads on the Internet are therefore normally relegated to artists looking for exposure. The primary method used to acquire free music downloads of well-known artists is via peer-to-peer (P2P) network sharing programs.
Technology Used:
* Peer-to-peer network is a communications environment that allows all desktop and laptop computers in the network to act as servers and share their files with other users on the network. Peer-to-peer networks are quite common in small offices that do not use a dedicated file server, and client versions of the Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems allow files to be shared.
* If set up properly, folders are made sharable for read access only and not write access. This allows network users to copy files "from" the shared folder, but not write "to" the shared folder. In addition, they cannot alter the original files in place, unless, of course, the shared folders are assigned a "read/write" status.
* There are several major issues surrounding file sharing. Of these, the two most important are centralization vs decentralization and the privacy and anonymity of users. The latter takes on added importance when the legality of file-sharing is challenged by some copyright owners. A third issue is the collection and sale of data about users, using software referred to by its detractors as "spyware".
The vast majority of songs downloaded are the property of artists who have not agreed to offer their legally protected music for free. The artist receives no compensation for free music downloads, and many, if not most artists and labels view P2P sharing as tantamount to stealing. It is no surprise then, that P2P free music downloads have created a legal uproar.
Free music downloads have been widely disputed on both sides. Downloading an artist's work on P2P networks without consent of the artist or label can result in monetary damages or jail time. While file sharing networks are free, each user must decide whether he or she wants to risk these consequences in order to download many of today's popular songs for free.
For more visit at
Electric Guitar Packages - The All In One Solution by Charlie Cory
Electric guitar packages are typically an all in one answer to the problem of getting someone started with an electric guitar.
Is it the best way to go for a beginner though?
In my opinion, probably not. Playing a new musical instrument is not only a labour of love, it is a war against embarrassment. Playing any instrument for the first time could be a painful experience for any unwilling audience and an affront on your ego!
So as far as a guitar is concerned, a good acoustic guitar would be my personal preference to learn an instrument.
Having said that, there is no denying that an electric guitar is a sexy instrument, and some people will not be denied. Perhaps you have already tried an acoustic guitar, and the call of rock and roll fame and fortune is too much for you?
Well if that is the case, then there are electric guitar packages that can fit the bill that won't break the bank. Remember that you will not be buying a classic Fender or Gibson guitar (unless you are completely loaded), but you can still buy a high quality instrument which will stand you in good stead for many years to come.
A standard package will comprise a guitar itself, a case, and amplifier and the appropriate leads to connect the guitar to the amplifier. I think it unlikely that you will be able to play any stadiums with this rig, but hey, you have got to start somewhere?
All you really need from your electric guitar package is an instrument with a decent, playable action (the height of the strings above the fret board), and an amplifier that will give you a good tone at low volume. At it the guitar looks really cool as well, then that is just a bonus!
The kit may or may not come with a tuner. You will need one whatever happens. I have always used pitch pipes, and great though automatic tuners are, you cannot beat the training given by tuning the guitar with just a pipe and your ears. Learn how to do it properly; you will appreciate it in the end.
How To Learn Bollywood Dance by: Deepa Rajput
There are many options available where you can learn dance steps from. You may prefer online dance videos, learning dance with videos/cassettes, hiring dance choreographers for home learning, joining academy dance school etc. Having a dancer/choreographer with you when learning dance steps will make you feel comfortable and help you learn the depth of the dances.
Bollywood dances are gaining popularity around the world. People are passionate to learn bollywood dance steps as they are easy to learn and entertaining as well. Hindi Film Dances vary depending on events and occasions. You can see performances like ‘Dandiya Dance’ on Navratra occasion and ‘Bhangra Dance’ during ‘Lohri & Besakhi’. Any classical dance academy or bollywood dance school should be your first choice to learn Hindi dancing; you may also opt for a choreographer for in-home classes.
Dancing is difficult if you want to be perfect. But as said ‘nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it’. Many great dancers start learning since their early childhood, even Nakul Dev Mahajan from www.ndmdance.com started dancing as early as five years of age. He is now running the most acclaimed academy dance school ‘NDM Dance Studio’ in Los Angeles , California . He is a renowned choreographer here and providing bollywood dance lessons for Kathak Dance, Bhangra Dance, Folk Dances and others.
Whatever is your choice to learn bollywood dance, it should be conveniently located and suit your budget. Using dance tutorials, video learning is not as much helpful and in-home dance lessons is an expensive affair. Joining a dancing academy gives you the opportunity to learn dance steps in groups and improve your chemistry of dancing with different people at different locations. You will make friends in the process and it will boost your energy and confidence.
Seven Steps To A Successful Audition by: Marco Kasel
I have been a musician since the tender age of 7 and in my career I've passed a larger number of auditions all of which have taught me something. These days, however, as the owner of a talent agency, I seem to be learning a disproportioned amount more about these same auditions. There is something to be said about looking at an issue from different perspectives.
In this article, I want to shed some light on what an audition process looks like from the point of view of the "auditioner" rather than the "auditionee". I'll give you seven tips that hopefully provide some help.
I should mention that my company, Oceanbound Entertainment Inc., hires musicians, bands, and variety acts for placement on cruise ships and thus the auditions I'll talk about will mostly relate to cruise line entertainment auditions.
Let me quickly outline the various types of auditions you can encounter when applying for a job on a cruise ship.
The most obvious type would be the live audition, where you go to the audition location in person and play what's asked of you.
You may also be asked to record your audition on videotape and mail it to the company. This is very similar to the first category since you'd play almost exactly the same music.
And finally, you may be asked to submit a recording of your band or your solo act to the company. This audition differs from the previous two in that you don't have to perform music that the company provides, but rather your own repertoire.
There are several problems that keep arising in regards to these different types of auditions that have led me to compile the following tips.
1. Get the details on the job description
This is one of the most important steps. If you know exactly what it is that the employer is looking for, you won't waste time, money, and energy presenting the wrong package. There is no point in submitting a tape of your local blues band if the employer is looking for a cover band that plays all kinds of musical styles. Similarly, there is no point in applying as a clarinet player if the job description clearly indicates that woodwind players have to play saxophone, flute and clarinet.
Also, if sight-reading is the main focus of the job you're applying for, there is no point in hoping you'll slip by simply because you can improvise like Charlie Parker.
2. Be flexible enough to present what's actually needed
Let's assume that you got all the details on the job description and you realize that you don't exactly fit that description. It is probably wiser for you to take some time to try to fit the description, rather than trying anyway, hoping it'll pass somehow. Try to make changes to your line-up, add some repertoire or start a completely new project that’s geared to the job in question.
3. Audition only when you feel that you have a good chance of passing
Often musicians apply for a job they are not qualified for. Now, you could argue that that's what auditions are for, and people couldn't possibly know in every case whether they are qualified or not. I agree, all I'm saying is that if the job description mentions that strong sight-reading skills are required for example, musicians should ask themselves how good their sight-reading skills really are and be honest about it.
Being dishonest about what your skills really are can hurt you in more ways than one. Let's assume for a minute that you slip through the cracks and you end up in an orchestra but you can't cut the gig. First and foremost, you'll be humiliated in front of other musicians, you'll feel uncomfortable, you may actually feel guilty for not being able to do the job, and you will get fired on top of it, which will most likely kill your career before it's begun. (This happens all too often...)
So if you are unsure about whether you are qualified or not, ask questions. Call the agency you are about to audition for and ask specific questions that will help you get a good picture of the job you're about to apply for. With that knowledge you can always postpone the audition and work on the skills that you may feel you're lacking.
4. Put some time and effort into preparing your best possible package
This applies to bands, small ensembles, and solo entertainers. Often artists get turned down, not because they are bad entertainers, but because they didn't supply a package that's appealing, that can be viewed quickly and that presents exactly what was asked for in the beginning. Often this happens because the artist already has some demo laying around that could kind of qualify but not really, and instead of modifying it or recording a new one that fits the specifications, they send it in anyway.
Usually, demo packages include the recording itself, which should present the exact repertoire you're planning to play on the gig, a short resume of each member, and a list of your repertoire.
You won't impress people with fancy DVD animations or 12-page resumes, but rather with short examples of the repertoire that's asked of you, played with energy and skill.
5. Try to impress with your playing, not with your resume
I would say 7 people out of 10 probably fall under this category. Simply put, a masters degree from the best school in the country won't get you a gig if you can't play, yet all too often do people try to sway the decision in their favor by mailing in overly long resumes stating all the famous people they've played with. You're doing yourself a disservice if you hype yourself up with your resume and you can't back it up later during the audition.
6. If you fail, accept the criticism and use it to prepare better for your next audition
All the practicing in the world may sometimes not be enough to pass an audition. If that's the case, accept the reasons that you're given by the jury, and go home and practice those specific things. If they aren't forthcoming with specific reasons, ask questions. I think it's only fair that a jury tells you what your weaknesses are if they turn you down.
I'll spare you the details of all the things we've heard from people that have been rejected. Just watch "American Idol", and you'll get a good idea of what we go through sometimes.
7. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
This step ties in with step #3. Keep in mind that the ideal candidate for a job is not always the best musician. Other qualities like, honesty, work ethic, respect for others and inter-communication skills, amongst others are qualities that you're being judged on. Weaknesses you've been trying to hide prior to the audition will come out during the audition and will speak volumes about your character. Would you hire a dishonest person?
Those are my "7 Steps to a successful audition". I hope that some of you will find this information helpful. Please visit my website for more information on the subject of "Music on Cruise Ships". Contact me if you have questions or if you'd like to audition.
Good luck
Marco Kasel
President
Oceanbound Entertainment Inc.
A music download is a song or album available for downloading on the Internet. Downloading music first became popular with file sharing technologies such as peer-to-peer networks, with people breaking copyright laws by not paying for any of it. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claimed that this practice was hurting the music industry, and a series of law suits led to many of these networks being closed down.
With the popularity of portable audio players, interest in free music downloads is understandably high. While some newer artists welcome free music downloads, more often than not established artists do not give their music away. Free downloads on the Internet are therefore normally relegated to artists looking for exposure. The primary method used to acquire free music downloads of well-known artists is via peer-to-peer (P2P) network sharing programs.
Technology Used:
* Peer-to-peer network is a communications environment that allows all desktop and laptop computers in the network to act as servers and share their files with other users on the network. Peer-to-peer networks are quite common in small offices that do not use a dedicated file server, and client versions of the Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems allow files to be shared.
* If set up properly, folders are made sharable for read access only and not write access. This allows network users to copy files "from" the shared folder, but not write "to" the shared folder. In addition, they cannot alter the original files in place, unless, of course, the shared folders are assigned a "read/write" status.
* There are several major issues surrounding file sharing. Of these, the two most important are centralization vs decentralization and the privacy and anonymity of users. The latter takes on added importance when the legality of file-sharing is challenged by some copyright owners. A third issue is the collection and sale of data about users, using software referred to by its detractors as "spyware".
The vast majority of songs downloaded are the property of artists who have not agreed to offer their legally protected music for free. The artist receives no compensation for free music downloads, and many, if not most artists and labels view P2P sharing as tantamount to stealing. It is no surprise then, that P2P free music downloads have created a legal uproar.
Free music downloads have been widely disputed on both sides. Downloading an artist's work on P2P networks without consent of the artist or label can result in monetary damages or jail time. While file sharing networks are free, each user must decide whether he or she wants to risk these consequences in order to download many of today's popular songs for free.
For more visit at
Electric Guitar Packages - The All In One Solution by Charlie Cory
Electric guitar packages are typically an all in one answer to the problem of getting someone started with an electric guitar.
Is it the best way to go for a beginner though?
In my opinion, probably not. Playing a new musical instrument is not only a labour of love, it is a war against embarrassment. Playing any instrument for the first time could be a painful experience for any unwilling audience and an affront on your ego!
So as far as a guitar is concerned, a good acoustic guitar would be my personal preference to learn an instrument.
Having said that, there is no denying that an electric guitar is a sexy instrument, and some people will not be denied. Perhaps you have already tried an acoustic guitar, and the call of rock and roll fame and fortune is too much for you?
Well if that is the case, then there are electric guitar packages that can fit the bill that won't break the bank. Remember that you will not be buying a classic Fender or Gibson guitar (unless you are completely loaded), but you can still buy a high quality instrument which will stand you in good stead for many years to come.
A standard package will comprise a guitar itself, a case, and amplifier and the appropriate leads to connect the guitar to the amplifier. I think it unlikely that you will be able to play any stadiums with this rig, but hey, you have got to start somewhere?
All you really need from your electric guitar package is an instrument with a decent, playable action (the height of the strings above the fret board), and an amplifier that will give you a good tone at low volume. At it the guitar looks really cool as well, then that is just a bonus!
The kit may or may not come with a tuner. You will need one whatever happens. I have always used pitch pipes, and great though automatic tuners are, you cannot beat the training given by tuning the guitar with just a pipe and your ears. Learn how to do it properly; you will appreciate it in the end.
How To Learn Bollywood Dance by: Deepa Rajput
There are many options available where you can learn dance steps from. You may prefer online dance videos, learning dance with videos/cassettes, hiring dance choreographers for home learning, joining academy dance school etc. Having a dancer/choreographer with you when learning dance steps will make you feel comfortable and help you learn the depth of the dances.
Bollywood dances are gaining popularity around the world. People are passionate to learn bollywood dance steps as they are easy to learn and entertaining as well. Hindi Film Dances vary depending on events and occasions. You can see performances like ‘Dandiya Dance’ on Navratra occasion and ‘Bhangra Dance’ during ‘Lohri & Besakhi’. Any classical dance academy or bollywood dance school should be your first choice to learn Hindi dancing; you may also opt for a choreographer for in-home classes.
Dancing is difficult if you want to be perfect. But as said ‘nothing is impossible if you put your mind to it’. Many great dancers start learning since their early childhood, even Nakul Dev Mahajan from www.ndmdance.com started dancing as early as five years of age. He is now running the most acclaimed academy dance school ‘NDM Dance Studio’ in Los Angeles , California . He is a renowned choreographer here and providing bollywood dance lessons for Kathak Dance, Bhangra Dance, Folk Dances and others.
Whatever is your choice to learn bollywood dance, it should be conveniently located and suit your budget. Using dance tutorials, video learning is not as much helpful and in-home dance lessons is an expensive affair. Joining a dancing academy gives you the opportunity to learn dance steps in groups and improve your chemistry of dancing with different people at different locations. You will make friends in the process and it will boost your energy and confidence.
Seven Steps To A Successful Audition by: Marco Kasel
I have been a musician since the tender age of 7 and in my career I've passed a larger number of auditions all of which have taught me something. These days, however, as the owner of a talent agency, I seem to be learning a disproportioned amount more about these same auditions. There is something to be said about looking at an issue from different perspectives.
In this article, I want to shed some light on what an audition process looks like from the point of view of the "auditioner" rather than the "auditionee". I'll give you seven tips that hopefully provide some help.
I should mention that my company, Oceanbound Entertainment Inc., hires musicians, bands, and variety acts for placement on cruise ships and thus the auditions I'll talk about will mostly relate to cruise line entertainment auditions.
Let me quickly outline the various types of auditions you can encounter when applying for a job on a cruise ship.
The most obvious type would be the live audition, where you go to the audition location in person and play what's asked of you.
You may also be asked to record your audition on videotape and mail it to the company. This is very similar to the first category since you'd play almost exactly the same music.
And finally, you may be asked to submit a recording of your band or your solo act to the company. This audition differs from the previous two in that you don't have to perform music that the company provides, but rather your own repertoire.
There are several problems that keep arising in regards to these different types of auditions that have led me to compile the following tips.
1. Get the details on the job description
This is one of the most important steps. If you know exactly what it is that the employer is looking for, you won't waste time, money, and energy presenting the wrong package. There is no point in submitting a tape of your local blues band if the employer is looking for a cover band that plays all kinds of musical styles. Similarly, there is no point in applying as a clarinet player if the job description clearly indicates that woodwind players have to play saxophone, flute and clarinet.
Also, if sight-reading is the main focus of the job you're applying for, there is no point in hoping you'll slip by simply because you can improvise like Charlie Parker.
2. Be flexible enough to present what's actually needed
Let's assume that you got all the details on the job description and you realize that you don't exactly fit that description. It is probably wiser for you to take some time to try to fit the description, rather than trying anyway, hoping it'll pass somehow. Try to make changes to your line-up, add some repertoire or start a completely new project that’s geared to the job in question.
3. Audition only when you feel that you have a good chance of passing
Often musicians apply for a job they are not qualified for. Now, you could argue that that's what auditions are for, and people couldn't possibly know in every case whether they are qualified or not. I agree, all I'm saying is that if the job description mentions that strong sight-reading skills are required for example, musicians should ask themselves how good their sight-reading skills really are and be honest about it.
Being dishonest about what your skills really are can hurt you in more ways than one. Let's assume for a minute that you slip through the cracks and you end up in an orchestra but you can't cut the gig. First and foremost, you'll be humiliated in front of other musicians, you'll feel uncomfortable, you may actually feel guilty for not being able to do the job, and you will get fired on top of it, which will most likely kill your career before it's begun. (This happens all too often...)
So if you are unsure about whether you are qualified or not, ask questions. Call the agency you are about to audition for and ask specific questions that will help you get a good picture of the job you're about to apply for. With that knowledge you can always postpone the audition and work on the skills that you may feel you're lacking.
4. Put some time and effort into preparing your best possible package
This applies to bands, small ensembles, and solo entertainers. Often artists get turned down, not because they are bad entertainers, but because they didn't supply a package that's appealing, that can be viewed quickly and that presents exactly what was asked for in the beginning. Often this happens because the artist already has some demo laying around that could kind of qualify but not really, and instead of modifying it or recording a new one that fits the specifications, they send it in anyway.
Usually, demo packages include the recording itself, which should present the exact repertoire you're planning to play on the gig, a short resume of each member, and a list of your repertoire.
You won't impress people with fancy DVD animations or 12-page resumes, but rather with short examples of the repertoire that's asked of you, played with energy and skill.
5. Try to impress with your playing, not with your resume
I would say 7 people out of 10 probably fall under this category. Simply put, a masters degree from the best school in the country won't get you a gig if you can't play, yet all too often do people try to sway the decision in their favor by mailing in overly long resumes stating all the famous people they've played with. You're doing yourself a disservice if you hype yourself up with your resume and you can't back it up later during the audition.
6. If you fail, accept the criticism and use it to prepare better for your next audition
All the practicing in the world may sometimes not be enough to pass an audition. If that's the case, accept the reasons that you're given by the jury, and go home and practice those specific things. If they aren't forthcoming with specific reasons, ask questions. I think it's only fair that a jury tells you what your weaknesses are if they turn you down.
I'll spare you the details of all the things we've heard from people that have been rejected. Just watch "American Idol", and you'll get a good idea of what we go through sometimes.
7. Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
This step ties in with step #3. Keep in mind that the ideal candidate for a job is not always the best musician. Other qualities like, honesty, work ethic, respect for others and inter-communication skills, amongst others are qualities that you're being judged on. Weaknesses you've been trying to hide prior to the audition will come out during the audition and will speak volumes about your character. Would you hire a dishonest person?
Those are my "7 Steps to a successful audition". I hope that some of you will find this information helpful. Please visit my website for more information on the subject of "Music on Cruise Ships". Contact me if you have questions or if you'd like to audition.
Good luck
Marco Kasel
President
Oceanbound Entertainment Inc.
