Duane Shinn - Articles

Popularity
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The Jazz Piano Genius of Oscar Peterson
From his early love of music to his last years, Oscar Peterson's life was full with accomplishments and support from his family. The decision to become a professional pianist led to a weekly radio show and many performances in hotels and music halls for Peterson. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 30/08/2008 | Music
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227

Changing Keys: What Is Transposition, And How Can I Do It?
Transposition is changing the key of a piece of music, or changing the notes without changing their relationship. This is often done to make the piece of music easier to play or sing. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 28/08/2008 | Music
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249

Swing Bass for Piano: Get Your Left Hand In Action
The piano style is called "swing bass" because your left hand swings back and forth between a low note or group of notes, such as a 10th, alternating with a chord in the area right below middle C. It is a great tool for lending spark and variety to songs. You will add a lot to your style as you practice this technique more and keep your audience swinging with your music. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 27/08/2008 | Music
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271

The Mysterious Tritone Chord Progression
Just what is it about the tritone chord progression that makes it so mysterious? Perhaps it has to do with its dissonant, clashing sound. It may have something to do with its dubious history. Whatever it is, the tritone chord progression in music made a comeback in music after several centuries of bad publicity. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 27/08/2008 | Music
Popularity
225

Dave Brubeck: The Master of Improvisation And Unusual Rhythms
Jazz pianist Dave Brubeck is one of the giants of jazz piano. His music is characterized by unusual time signatures and can be either extreme - totally dynamic or or completely relaxed. His most famous piece - Take Five - is so popular it has taken on almost cult status, and rightfully so. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 27/08/2008 | Music
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231

Even Beginners Can Make Great Music With a Synthesizer
Synthesizers are electronic, keyboard-based instruments that produce artificial, or synthesized, sounds. Many frequently mistake synthesizers for simply portable, electronic pianos, but the differences are extremely vast. While synthesizers can definitely produce a piano sound, their main purpose, usually, is to create sounds not specifically found on any other instrument. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 25/08/2008 | Music
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319

How to Read Piano Notes
Reading piano notes may seem daunting at first, but it really isn't if you ground yourself in the basics. The first step is learning the names of the notes. The great thing is that you only have seven to memorize. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 19/08/2008 | Music
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202

How to Read Music - Easier Than You Ever Thought!
One of the simple joys in life is the ability to read music. Learning this skill will enable you to express yourself creatively at the piano, playing your favorite songs. It's not difficult to learn to read music if you understand its components. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 18/08/2008 | Music
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212

How To Get That "Gospel Feeling" Using Jazz Chords
Does the cold, cerebral feel of modern jazz leave you cold? Maybe you'd like to have a little bit of "gospel" in your jazz? Maybe you just want to take an old hymn and give it some updating. Then you'll need to load yourself with an arsenal of gospel jazz chords. Read
By: Duane Shinn | 15/08/2008 | Music
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201

How Can I Learn To Understand Music & Piano Playing?
The graceful flourishes of a well-played piano masterpiece are sounds that many people would love to create. From trained professionals to child prodigies, a brilliantly played piano can steal the show. But great lessons are costly and involve scheduling time away from your busy life. So how do you learn how to play the piano or deepen your knowledge of the instrument? Read
By: Duane Shinn | 13/08/2008 | Music