MusicBasics4Keyboard
544 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 months ago -Greetings from North America. In 1990 I graduated from a small college in New Jersey with a music program where I majored in piano, attended concerts in NYC, and watched my first opera with Luciano Pavarotti. As a keyboard instructor today and big fan of popular music including light opera, I encourage you to watch We Are Family Wednesday nights to hear the exquisite harmonies coming from the stage. Two episodes brought me back to my roots growing up in the 1960s singing along to girl groups like The Supremes. The beat goes on. I love Cher's music. Read my book "Songbird at the Shopping Mall".
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Episodes
Yamaha E463 Keyboard Styles
November 28, 2022 20:34 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBLearn more about styles for your keyboard from the owner's manual. This video may be helpful. Music by Kevin MacLeod from the YouTube Audio Library. Learn more about discounted music literature available from Thrift Books online. Are we ready to begin the lesson? Please subscribe, leave a comment and thank you for watching.
Yamaha Keyboard Styles for All Levels
November 28, 2022 20:34 - 2 minutes - 2.57 MBLearn more about styles for your keyboard from the owner's manual. This video may be helpful. Music by Kevin MacLeod from the YouTube Audio Library. Learn more about discounted music literature available from Thrift Books online. Are we ready to begin the lesson? Please subscribe, leave a comment and thank you for watching.
Record Your Music Lessons?
November 27, 2022 22:17 - 2 minutes - 2.16 MBMusic students should record all lessons with devices like the iPad - or not. How much battery life is there with iPads? As a general rule the answer may be surprising. Here it is. The Yamaha 463 style setting in this video is 120. Thank you for watching.
Yamaha E463 Style with 3 Chords
November 27, 2022 02:13 - 1 minute - 1.65 MBThis instrument includes an Auto Accompaniment feature that plays appropriate "Styles" (rhythm, bass, and chord accompaniment). You can select from a huge variety of Styles covering a wide range of musical genres. This is how it works. Press the STYLE button, then use the dial to select the desired Style. Next, press the ACMP ON/OFF button to turn on the Auto Accompaniment (ACMP). Press the SYNC START button to turn on Synchro Start on. Play a chord to start playback. Lastly, press the START...
Yamaha E463 R&B Style with Chords
November 27, 2022 02:13 - 1 minute - 1.65 MBThis instrument includes an Auto Accompaniment feature that plays appropriate "Styles" (rhythm, bass, and chord accompaniment). You can select from a huge variety of Styles covering a wide range of musical genres. This is how it works. Press the STYLE button, then use the dial to select the desired Style. Next, press the ACMP ON/OFF button to turn on the Auto Accompaniment (ACMP). Press the SYNC START button to turn on Synchro Start on. Play a chord (with one finger) to start playback. Press...
Four Keyboards for Jingle Bells
November 25, 2022 03:24 - 2 minutes - 2.21 MBHow many keyboards could it take to learn one Christmas song?? Are you in the same boat? Thanks for watching.
Yamaha E463 Groove Creator Settings
November 20, 2022 03:37 - 1 minute - 1.69 MBPlay along to pre-recorded music as this model holds your settings and you work out the melody and chords. Write them down before turning off the keyboard for future reference. Are we having fun yet, music students? Oh, yeah. Big time. Channel name: GEARFACTS ------ 37K subscribers "This is 35 separate rhythms separate from the rhythm group. They are more like complete songs. Furthermore, you can remix them and change them and alter them not only in rhythm keys but in track control keys. ...
Yamaha E463 Groove Creator Part Two
November 18, 2022 21:49 - 3 minutes - 2.99 MBGroove Creator can turn practice time from 30 minutes into three hours. Hallelujah! For music students, this video is about increasing rhythm, chord and listening skills using Yamaha's Groove Creator. Thank you for watching and/or listening.
Yamaha E463 Groove Creator Chillout No.26
November 18, 2022 00:24 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBYamaha keyboard owners with Groove Creator, amaze yourself with this feature. This chillout setting No. 26 ill boost your rhythm skills. Hands down. If Groove Creator interests you, please watch the next lessons for more information about ACMP, intro and endings, main auto fill, snyc, start and stop. This is our musical ARTEMIS to the moon after poking around Groove Creator for one hour. Purchase Price for this Portable Grand was a little under $400 at a local music store. Today, it exceeded...
Yamaha E463 Groove Creator
November 18, 2022 00:24 - 1 minute - 1.2 MBThis feature will boost your rhythm skills like a rocket to the moon. This is our musical ARTEMIS after experimenting with the Groove Creator. Future episodes will deal with ACMP, intro and endings, main auto fill, sync, start and stop. The price for this keyboard was a little under $400 at a local music store. This experience raised my expectations and re-activated my interest in popular music. Thanks for watching and/or listening.
Yamaha Organ vs. E463 Grand Piano Voice - One Song
November 16, 2022 01:50 - 2 minutes - 2.02 MBThis is about the sound from two different Yamaha keyboards for a song from the Wizard of OZ - If I Only Had a Brain. Compare the sound of the DGX-640 church organ with the grand piano voice from the Yamaha PSR-E463. What do you think? Both are great, right? There it is. Thanks for watching and listening. NOTE TO WEDNESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB STUDENTS. That's it for me heading into 2023. One song, remember? Be of good courage like the Lion in the Wizard of OZ. What song did you choose or are wo...
Yamaha DGX-640 If I Only Had a Brain
November 15, 2022 23:07 - 59 seconds - 925 KBFor adults with children taking music lessons. Sit down and LISTEN without being judgmental or distracted. Calm down, breathe and LISTEN. A good length of time is about 30 minutes. Bring a cup of tea or some other beverage. Your presence should work miracles in the life of the music student. Be patient. Praise, smile, hug and congratulate the student afterward. Thank you for watching and listening.
Yamaha E463 & DGX-640 Flowers and Mice
November 07, 2022 01:59 - 1 minute - 1.82 MBFlowers and three blind mice are the subject of this video. Two different Yamaha models are tested for the sound of the church organ. Hands down for the winner: Yamaha Portable Grand DGX-640. Note to early keyboard students. When learning about different "voices" consider this. Easy does it. Play a song you already know and can play. That's today's lesson for life-long players, parents and teachers. SECRET MESSAGE TO STUDENTS: How did I speed up the playing of this song? During practice, I u...
Yamaha E463 Sweet Trumpet for Halloween
October 31, 2022 02:48 - 1 minute - 1.16 MBThis sounds like music from a mariachi band. Sweet! The typical instruments of contemporary mariachi include the vihuela, a five-string guitar related to an instrument popular in the Spanish Renaissance; the guitarrón, a large, fretless six-string bass guitar; a standard six-string acoustic guitar; and violins and trumpets, which usually play the melody. Trumpets were not added until the early 20th century, but they are now more or less an essential element. SOURCE: Encyclopedia Britannica. ...
Yamaha E463 - Wine Tasting
October 23, 2022 19:38 - 1 minute - 1.69 MBThis episode is about sweet wines from California, Germany and Italy. Available at most local wine stores. Want to learn more? Read my books about food and wine. Recommended: Live on Tape about world class winemakers, authors and wine tasting events. Available on Amazon.com. Darlene Dranda is a visual journalist and former wine columnist in northern New Jersey. She studied with the Society of Wine Educators and worked in wine retail until 2008 when she returned to her hometown in SE Ohio. ...
Instrumental Christmas Music from Holiday Village
October 19, 2022 17:22 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBEver have one of those days when music is all you need to be happy? This is one of those days. The music heard is pre-recorded inside Holiday Village. Advice to music students continues to be this: explore every means possible to stay motivated and improve your technique. Connect with friends and family interested in music, local concerts, caroling and special church presentations. Host one of your own. Tis the season for sacred, contemporary and classical music. Keep those dreams alive. Tha...
No Talking - Just Christmas Songs
October 19, 2022 17:22 - 2 minutes - 2.01 MBEver have one of those days when music is all you need to be happy? This is one of those days. The music heard is pre-recorded inside Holiday Village. Advice to music students continues to be this: explore every means possible to stay motivated and improve your technique. Connect with friends and family interested in music, local concerts, caroling and special church presentations. Host one of your own. Tis the season for sacred, contemporary and classical music. Keep those dreams alive. Tha...
O Christmas Tree for Yamaha 463
October 13, 2022 18:44 - 2 minutes - 2.22 MBWhen you hear a song you like and can recall, stop whatever you're doing (if possible), and go to your keyboard. Find the notes and start playing. This video shows you how to play that song within a short time, e.g. between 30 and 60 minutes. It will also help to write down the notes you PLAY in some fashion. Make a copy for your music journal. Thank you for watching.
Yamaha E463 Spooky Classical Favorites
October 13, 2022 04:44 - 4 minutes - 3.71 MBThis is music for elementary pianists arranged by Chrissy Ricker. It is available to download from SheetMusicPlus.com. The Funeral March by Chopin is the first song heard in this video arranged in A Minor. Antonin Dvorak's Finale from the "New World" symphony in E Minor is the second song. They are two of ten in the Spooky Classical Favorites collection. Thank you for watching.
Casio SA-76 Spooky Music in C Major
October 09, 2022 18:51 - 1 minute - 1.02 MBBe inspired by great music composed by Lerner and Loewe this Halloween. Sheet music for this song is available at musicnotes.com. My Fair Lady is a musical based on George Bernard Shaw's 1913 play Pygmalion, with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by Frederick Loewe. Note to music students: explore every avenue to master songs and stay motivated to learn new ones. Granted, it's the image, not this music that's spooky. Although, in some troubled relationships it may apply. Stay po...
Yamaha E463 Joy to the World
October 02, 2022 19:32 - 2 minutes - 2.63 MBThis is about writing sheet music for Christmas songs. The first song is We Wish you a Merry Christmas. Joy to the World is the second song. For inspiration, pre-recorded music from the Holiday Village device is added. Happy Holidays!
Casio SA-76 Holiday Songs
September 25, 2022 19:16 - 2 minutes - 2.54 MBNow is the time to choose your holiday songs. For keyboard players of Casio, Yamaha and all makes & models of your choosing this is how. Start with "mini" size keyboards like the Casio SA-76 or regular size keyboards depending on your playing ability. Practice for eight weeks and record your progress in a journal. Be amazed and believe once and for all that practice makes permanent. Happy holidays 2022!
Bridges in Classical Music & Romantic Ballets
September 02, 2022 21:00 - 3 minutes - 3.31 MBThe bridge is a musical passage that connects two sections of a song. The example used in this video is Dance of the Reed-Flutes from the Nutcracker Ballet. Music by Roy Orbison is referenced for learning to play chords. The majority of songs contain some combination of a verse, chorus, and a bridge, combined into an overall song structure. Source: masterclass.com. The soundtrack heard in this video is Wheels by Audionautix from the YouTube Audio Library.
Dress Rehearsals for Music Students
August 20, 2022 00:17 - 1 minute - 1.61 MBFollow these five steps for a successful dress rehearsal. In order from one to five: appearance - make it your best; 2) get a good night's sleep; 3) choose an appropriate background setting for a video; 4) check the audio before videotaping, and 5) PLAY - hit the right notes. An audience is optional, but highly recommended. Play for puppets or stuffed animals. Something. Take your time viewing the results. Sign off before posting to social media. A star is born or is in the process. Enjoy t...
Dance of the Reed-Flutes from the Nutcracker Ballet
August 13, 2022 22:49 - 2 minutes - 1.95 MBHow much time do you have to learn a new song? Two weeks or months? Two years? If you are a beginner and want to reduce learning time consider E-Z Play Today published by Hal Leonard. If you recognize this composition by Peter Tchaikovsky, you're way ahead of the game already. E-Z Play Today sheet music contains easy arrangements for melodies on the right hand and chords for the left hand. Written in C major, you'll be given a sightreading workout for Dance of the Reed-Flutes. Performed by ...
Dance of the Reed-Flutes for the Nutcracker Ballet
August 13, 2022 22:49 - 2 minutes - 1.95 MBHow much time do you have to learn a new song? Two weeks or months? Two years? If you are a beginner and want to reduce learning time consider E-Z Play Today published by Hal Leonard. If you recognize this composition by Peter Tchaikovsky, you're way ahead of the game already. E-Z Play Today sheet music contains easy arrangements for melodies on the right hand and chords for the left hand. Written in C major, you'll be given a sightreading workout for Dance of the Reed-Flutes. Performed by ...
Keyboard in the Kitchen?
August 07, 2022 02:35 - 2 minutes - 1.97 MBNot enough room in the kitchen? is there space nearby for a portable keyboard on a table against a wall? Easy access to the keyboard will provide incentive to practice not just "walk on by" to do other things. Both old school students using sheet music and students with digital devices should be encouraged to increase practice time. Old school students should keep sheet music on the "music rest" that comes with the keyboard. Learn how to play standing up. Avoid hiding the sheet music from s...
Keyboard Mastery with Beethoven's Ode to Joy
August 05, 2022 16:23 - 1 minute - 1.59 MBHow do you warm up? Do you have easy access to sheet music and a keyboard? A song in your head and heart will make finding them quickly a top priority. Even vocalists do warm-up exercises before launching into arias, popular music, jazz songs and musicals. Where there's a will, there's a way leading to mastery of your instrument. It may be owning more than one keyboard. Why did Beethoven write Ode to Joy? The “Ode to Joy” text that Ludwig Van Beethoven employed, and slightly modified, was wr...
Three Chords for The Chipmunk Song
August 04, 2022 18:38 - 2 minutes - 2.51 MBMake a difference when playing popular songs with this method. With the sheet music in front of you, choose three chords. Count the number of times each chord appears on the page(s). For each of the three chords, look at the note(s) that appear in the right-hand melody Make a mental note. Practice playing these three chords. Then, play the song using both hands. The connection between the notes in the melody and the chords is often overlooked by players. That's today's lesson. Thank you for...
E-Z Play for The Nutcracker Suite
August 03, 2022 19:52 - 2 minutes - 2.2 MBHal Leonard makes it easy for students using the E-Z Play Today songbook for organs, pianos & electronic keyboards. Look for publication 330 - The Nutcracker Suite - 8 Cherished Selections from Tchaikovsky's Ballet. Play the melody and chords separately and then together. This episode features the March on page 3 only. Start here. The first song in the book is the overture on page 2. Each one of these songs is on one page only. You can do this. More advanced students may enjoy more advanced ...
Ten Ways to Play Ode to Joy
August 02, 2022 21:38 - 1 minute - 1.7 MB"Ode to Joy" is best known for its use by Ludwig van Beethoven in the final (fourth) movement of his Ninth Symphony, completed in 1824. Beethoven's text is not based entirely on Schiller's poem, and it introduces a few new sections. Beethoven in this imposing work transcends the usual concept of this symphony as an abstract orchestral composition by adding a text (Schiller's “Ode to Joy”) with soloists, quartet, and chorus in the fourth movement. Ode to Joy is a song with a tempo of 144 BPM....
Students, Headphones & Harmonies
August 02, 2022 20:02 - 4 minutes - 4.41 MBChoose one day this month to play one song between one-to-two minutes on your keyboard. It should be recorded and/or uploaded to your YouTube channel or a different site if you are able. Do your best. It's done. Now unwind and enjoy the GLOW that follows accepting the results and believe you did your best. According to behavioral studies most people undervalue their efforts to get things done and what they do best. It's human nature. In the next video, twelve different ways to play ODE TO JO...
Let's Get Physical
August 01, 2022 20:29 - 2 minutes - 1.88 MBIt's time to get down to business and get physical! Picture yourself standing at the keyboard. If you own a portable keyboard like the Yamaha PSR-E463 you can make this happen. Place the keyboard on top of a table against a wall. For added height place a computer monitor stand or a large sturdy box under the keyboard which is now positioned 40-50 inches from the floor. If you really want to push the envelope, put the keyboard in a well-trafficked room like the kitchen. Sheet music should be...
Lawn Parties for Keyboard Players with Big Dreams
July 31, 2022 01:30 - 2 minutes - 2.35 MBSummertime means lawn parties, picnics and other outdoor events for musicians. If you are able to play a musical instrument in public this is your time to break out with your best songs. This is when you bring it on, step up to the plate and show the world what you can do - as long as you prepared. Rehearse ahead of time with young children and adult friends before volunteering to play solo at local bar restaurants and senior centers. You'll have the time of your life and leave the audience ...
E-Z Play Piano Music for The Nutcracker
July 26, 2022 21:33 - 3 minutes - 3.25 MBPlay songs from The Nutcracker with E-Z music from Hal Leonard. Purchase song books and sheet music for individual songs from Sheetmusicplus. Watch YouTube videos for advanced levels. Work on chords and keep a music journal of your progress. Make someone happy. Thanks for listening and/or watching.
Yamaha PSR-E463 & Special Events
July 18, 2022 23:00 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBHow many songs should be on your song list for special events? Plan for at least 25, maybe more. Events like birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and retirement parties will put you to the test. From the moment you sit down to play, anticipate interruptions from every conceivable source. Servers with trays walking and guests speaking in loud voices. Know this. There will be a moment when someone approaches you with a request you didn't prepare for. It happens every time so be prepared for unp...
Yamaha PSR-E463 Super Easy Play Songs
July 16, 2022 21:28 - 6 minutes - 6.26 MBBuild a song list with songs from your music journal. Don't have a journal? Start one today. The list should contain five to 25 songs lasting between one to two minutes for a 20 minute set. Maybe you've been posting videos of yourself playing a digital keyboard for social media or YouTube. Documenting your songs and recording them are confidence builders. Thanks for watching.
Movie Songs for Yamaha PSR-E463
July 14, 2022 18:26 - 3 minutes - 3.55 MBSome of the songs you know best come from the movies. Movie Songs by Hal Leonard contain 122 songs made famous over the years in movies. This super easy songbook is a bonanza from which to choose and build your playlist for keyboard or piano. Purchase the book or individual sheet music online from Amazon, sheetmusicplus, for example, anyone that sells Hal Leonard music. Thanks for stopping by.
Yamaha E463 Sound Demo for Party Animals
July 13, 2022 02:29 - 2 minutes - 2.46 MBBeat the heat this summer when soaring temps force you and your party-loving friends indoors. Show them how to play the Yamaha E463 - or just press a button and let it play songs from the song bank. There are now two Yamaha portable grand keyboards in my kitchen and a six-string guitar in another room. This could be the start of something big (and wonderful). Party on!
Showtime with Yamaha PSR-E463
July 09, 2022 21:13 - 2 minutes - 2.29 MBIt's showtime with you at the keyboard. This is your time to shine with music you're ready to perform in public and make this dream come true - even if the pay is in the form of a roast beef dinner. The audience will love you with some who will share these feelings with you after the performance. Your memories will last a lifetime because you took a chance and rose to the occasion. All that practice time pushed you forward and on stage and now you're floating on Cloud Nine. You're meeting ne...
Casio SA-76 Ode to Joy
June 04, 2022 22:50 - 2 minutes - 2.04 MBPriced under $100 from Sweetwater, the Casio SA-76 keyboard is designed to produce endless hours of entertainment and education. This podcast is about the features and sound quality from a keyboard built with 44 mini-sized keys. Notice the features on the top of the keyboard (left to right) showing the Song Bank, tempo, patterns, tones and lighted display. It is ideal for use in a classroom setting with students of any age. Play "name that tune" for great fun with people who like to sing. T...
Casio SA-76 Keyboard Review
June 02, 2022 01:19 - 2 minutes - 2.06 MBThis keyboard is heaven-sent for students and teachers looking for a "teaching tool" this summer to stay motivated and have fun. The display shows the tempo and which notes are being played. This is sweet relief for players who want to perform anywhere and anytime. Priced under $100 with the power adaptor, free shipping, super fast delivery and support from Sweetwater on the internet. This keyboard is heaven-sent for students and teachers looking for a "teaching tool" this summer to stay mo...
Music Teachers 101
May 20, 2022 00:07 - 1 minute - 1.61 MBHow should students go about finding a music teacher? Meet this candidate after a recent purchase of my new Casio keyboard online which comes with help setting up and lessons from the music store sales associate. Thanks for watching.
Music Camp Part 2
May 18, 2022 01:26 - 4 minutes - 4.21 MBMusic camp is about helping students improve their music skills and perform in public (including voice as a vocalist). If this second presentation about music camp has inspired and motivated some keyboardists, my job is done. If not, all I can say to viewers is to practice on a regular basis because "practice makes permanent". There are better days ahead. Thank you for watching.
Music Camp Orientation
May 18, 2022 00:59 - 4 minutes - 3.98 MBDay One is an overview of the program for students at music camp. Day seven is about a concert performance with friends, teachers, parents, grandparents and everyone in the audience followed by a picnic lunch. Thank you for watching.
Play Something!
May 10, 2022 02:49 - 2 minutes - 2.07 MBThe moment I sat down at the Wurlitzer studio piano she said: "Play something!". I began warming up with scales. What happened next could happen to you when you're not prepared. Will I ever be invited to visit again and play anything? This is today's lesson for piano students and teachers. Thank you for watching and listening to this episode. No.1 A minor waltz by Esther Abrami from the YouTube Audio Library.
I Want You to Succeed!
May 02, 2022 01:43 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBWe've all been there. Comments from music teachers that feel like a bee sting more than encouragement. I was stung twice by this teacher and a drama coach in NYC when I forgot my lines during rehearsal in a leading role nonetheless. Live and learn as the saying goes. Developing a thicker skin also helps. Music from the YouTube audio Library. First song in A Major by Nicol Staf. Song title: Snake on the Beach. Second song in C Major composed by J.S. Bach.YouTube performer unnamed. Thanks for ...
Music Lessons and a Dead-Mouse
April 29, 2022 00:58 - 2 minutes - 2.62 MBJoel Thomas Zimmerman (born January 5, 1981), known professionally as Deadmau5 (pronounced "dead-mouse"), is a Canadian electronic music producer, DJ, and musician. He mainly produces progressive house music, though he also produces and DJs other genres of electronic music, including techno under the alias Testpilot. Zimmerman has received six Grammy Award nominations for his work. Thank you for listening.
Where Do You Shop for Music Books?
April 27, 2022 23:57 - 2 minutes - 2.48 MBJohn Thompson (18891963) was born in Williamstown, Pennsylvania. He began music study at the age of five, and his parents encouraged his prodigious talent by sending him to study piano with Maurits Leefson at the Leefson-Hille Conservatory in Philadelphia, graduating in 1909. At the same time, he studied composition with Dr. Hugh Clark at the University of Pennsylvania. In his early twenties, Thompson toured the United States and Europe as a concert pianist, receiving respectable reviews an...
Music Teachers We'd All Like to Forget
April 22, 2022 22:41 - 4 minutes - 4.23 MBHas a music teacher ever burst your bubble? Made you feel like crawling under a rock and make you doubt yourself as a piano student? This is my experience "relived" on YouTube to encourage you to keep practicing. Your day will come ... la, la, la, as long as you keep working. You didn't give up because one person in whole universe underestimated your self-confidence, did you? The day will come when friends and other teachers will hear you play and say congratulations! Great job! "Your perfor...