Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: When you want to learn chords, don't just learn three.

Music is like nature and it is made up of many colors

When you decide to learn to play chords, consider your ears. Your musical ears. Here is a link to explanations of chords and how they are comprised. Learn to differentiate between the variety of chords and how the tones are expressed. Learn to understand how chords are built and all they can do to embellish your music. Jazz is a very popular genre of music because it stretches the limits of how chords are used.

Enjoy and use your talent as a force for creativity and not boring sameness!!!

You will enjoy this page very much on formulating chords! Have at it Shy Singer and be ahead of the rest!

http://mugglinworks.com/chordmaps/part4.htm

Keep Singing!

Amy Zents

PS. "Nothing is pleasant that is not spiced with variety." -Francis Bacon

Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: Accompany Yourself on the Guitar

Singers can and should collaborate with other musicians. However, since the singer may be shy, or for a multitude of other reasons, from fear of socializing, to lack of resources, this may not always be possible.
So, I have devised an easy solution. Pick up a guitar and learn to play and write your own songs!
I purchased my Recording King Acoustic (see above) at http://www.musiciansfriend.com/ for under $200.
I see they don't seem to carry my crazy-sexy guitar there anymore, but you can find a comparable one of good quality for a reasonable price.
Today, we touch on Step One. Find a guitar.

Keep singing!

Amy Zents

"I love the subtle range and tonal range of the acoustic guitar." - Dan Fogelberg

Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: Parrot Cover Songs Legally

If you plan to "parrot" a cover song, you should cover your bases with information about copyright first

Hi there,
One of the most controversial and interesting topics for singers is singing cover songs. One great link I found in looking around for information on cover songs and copyright law was in this blog:
http://suebasko.blogspot.com/2010/12/cover-songs-performing-and-recording_19.html

So, be wise. If you want to sing covers, great. Just keep in mind, to market them you will probably need permission.

Keep singing,

Amy Zents

PS. "Being a cover artist is not like being a real artist. That's just copying what someone else did." - Sebastian Bach

Amy Zents Shy Singer Series: Value of Humming

A good singer will resonate freely when singing. Why? It prevents tension from building in the throat and supports good tone, among other reasons. If you want to project your voice try humming. Feel it from your nose to your toes! Use that barrel-chested, sternum and diaphragmatic breathing to sound off!
MMMM and NNNN and NG and NANG are all good vocal exercises.

Keep Singing!


Musically yours,

Amy Zents

P.S.  "When you use natural instruments, they have natural resonance." -John Cale


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