What's it look like to be the drummer? Really...

I shot this video wearing a Hero GoPro2 camera mounted with a chest strap at a recent face to face show in Calgary. I think you will enjoy it

Get some free guitar lessons on Google +

Learn guitar online with Google Hangouts and Music Factory

It’s just like being there live, and it’s free. Join us for online guitar lessons through Google+. If you’ve ever Skyped, it’s about that easy. Google Hangouts is a feature of the Google+ social network. The Hangout feature is a two-way video chat application that allows nine people to interact on a "hangout."  The Music Factory teacher is able to see and hear each student for easy great Q and A. 

Students just need a computer with a web cam, a Google+ profile and to download the free application for Google Hangouts. Then students simply join "Music Factory OC" circle, which is done much like a friend request on Facebook. The Teacher will send out an invitation to his hangout as the session is starting, and the student just hits a button that says “join.”

The sessions are Wednesday nights at 7:30 for beginners and 8:00pm for intermediate players. These lessons will be free for a limited time. 

Watch the video below to see how to create your Google+ account and sign in to The Music Factory Hangout

Why should I take voice lessons?

                                       What are the benefits of taking voice lessons?

 

By Care'n Chato

Voice teacher

The Music Factory School of Music

www.themusicfactoryoc.com

Voice lessons don't only help you sing better, but also increase your
abilities to be more effective in your personal and professional life.
Lessons often include exercises in breathing, articulation, and
performing. You learn how to breathe and speak correctly, so that you
can project and enunciate well. You will also learn methods that help
keep your voice strong and healthy to avoid irritation and raspiness.
Also, voice teachers can help guide you to be a great performer;
whether you intend to be a performer or a business person, these
skills will prepare you to be competitive and successful.
Breathing exercises can better your singing tone in sound quality as
well as resonance. (Resonance causes your voice to "ring" so that it
can be heard clearly at any volume level.) Good breathing technique
from your diaphragm muscle can also help increase your maximum volume
level.


Voice lessons may also include exercises to aid clear enunciation and
articulation. Singing teachers often teach phonetics including the
International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to correctly pronounce words so
that a large group of people can best understand you.
Even if you articulate well, it would be useless without a healthy
voice! More than half of the population has vocal damage without even
knowing it. Many people use their voice in their job, and it can be
devastating when your voice stops working. Do you live with a chronic
raspy voice? Do you often lose your voice completely? With voice
lessons, you don't have to!
Singing also teaches presentation skills. Often, songs require a bit
of acting in order to project a certain mood, story, or character.
Other songs just require your natural presence, which can actually be
very difficult to maintain while in front of a large audience! Voice
lessons can teach you how to move naturally while performing. Singing
helps you build confidence so that you can not only be a great
performer on stage, but in all social situations!

How to care for your guitar- the Basics

How to care for your Guitar

The Basics

By Jay Lawless

So you own a guitar?  Maybe a novice player, or even a seasoned pro, this is by far the most important aspect to owning a stringed instrument that often goes overlooked.

Think of your instrument in the terms of it being similar to your car, with oil changes and tire pressure as simple maintenance.  Preventative maintenance is as important as “wear and tear” maintenance.  Now consider your “git-fiddle” as a pet.

What am I talking about you might ask?

Check it out.  Your guitar is most likely made of wood, with some of the more modern instruments being made of composites.  Either way, glue has been involved during the construction of guitars since the birth of the musical device.  With this being said, lets first have a look at preventative maintenance. 

What NOT to do

Leaving you instrument in the car on a hot sunny day is as bad as leaving your pet in your car with the windows up.  Extreme heat can compromise the strength of the affixed parts of your instrument, meaning glue used to make the instrument doesn’t like hot weather.   Wood has a tendency to flex and expand under duress of heat, which can significantly alter the shape of guitar.  At the same time, extreme cold can have the reverse effect.  Optimum conditions for any stringed instrument is 68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit.  Keep in mind that stringed instrument already have a nemesis, the pressure of the tuned strings.  Mind blowing as is may be, most “tuned” strings by themselves can boast anywhere from 160 to 200 pounds of force to the top of your guitar!

Leaning your guitar against any object is a FAIL waiting to happen.  Invest in a simple guitar stand ($5-$25) Guitars are typically rounded in most cases and prone to gravity.

Keep the instrument away from moisture.  Those who have the luxury of living near the beach should take extra care when leaving their instrument exposed to ocean moisture.  Check out the bicycles in your area.  Notice the rust that develops on spokes and any “chromed out” parts.  That’s what can happen to anything metal on your instrument.  Tuners, or “machines”, that control the tension on the strings are extremely susceptible to oxidation from salt in the air.  Simply wiping these parts down with an untreated cloth, I personally like clean old t-shirts, can prolong the effects of rust ruining any moving metal parts.

Protect the instrument.

Having a molded or wood  case for you instrument is ideal.  This is typically the more expensive route to take for your instrument.  How much did you pay for your guitar?  This question is significant as hard shell cases for guitars can start around $60 and up, some shooting to the stars. (Grestch guitar company, owned by Fender USA, has a case that retails for over $700)  However, backpack style guitar cases are much lighter and typically equipped with backpack straps to allow easier transport, oh, and way more cost effective.  Keep in mind this style of case provide much less security in protection… It’s like a sleeping bag for your instrument.  In most cases these “gig bags” retail around $30.

Now let’s focus on caring for your instrument.

String changes are inevitable when playing guitar.  Asking any musical retail employee typically yields discrepancies in longevity of your strings.  Simply put, no matter how much playtime the guitar gets, if your finger tips show ANY sign of green or black residue, its time to change those strings.  The residue is the sign of oxidation and even rust.  Metal strings do not like the acidity from our skin.  If your guitar strings feel “sand paper-like”, most likely the strings are scratching at the front door to be replaced.  Wiping the strings down after any play with a clean cloth can slow down the signs of oxidation.  GHS and DUNLOP companies, found at any musical retailer, offer “treated” cloths that can elongate the breakdown of string wear.  Typically, a casual player that plays for fun at home should see around 2-3 months of life out of their strings.  Anyone playing shows, with the sweat and rocking out that goes with the territory, will see a much shorter life from their strings.  Anyone who “sweats” on their strings should be advised that putting their instrument into a case after, is creating a humidor.  The humidity from the instrument placed into a case warm and sweaty, will drastically increase string demise.

Changing your strings.

It is now the time to change your strings.  Check out Martin Guitars website for a tried and true, reliable  “DIY” video for the proper way to affix new guitar strings.  From my 17 years of experience, please consider the following advice.
DO NOT cut a taunt guitar string… EVER!  The probability of severe distress to your instrument (remember, up to 200 pounds of pressure) and your eyeball is at stake.  First, one string at a time, release this stress by unwinding (detuning) one string at a time.  Theories of taking more than one string off at a time circulate, but taking the time to take one off then replace and tune is by far a better bet.  Some electric guitars have a “locked tremolo system,” which works off the tension of all the strings as once.  This system prevents extreme adjustments once all the new strings have been strung. If restringing such an instrument for the first time, consult your local retailer for visual advisement.

Acoustic guitars have “pegs” which hold the ball end of a guitar string into the bridge of the guitar.  These pegs allow physics to hold the ball end of a string into the instrument.  It is wise to purchase a “string winder”, sold at any musical retail store ($1 to $10) that have a burrow that allows for removal of this peg.  Using a set of pliers or anything like this, can have some significant negative results.

But it hurts my fingers?

Unfortunately, the idea of pushing down metal or nylon under your fingertips for any duration of time will create tenderness to the tips.  However, this uncomfortable issue should subside within 1-2 weeks provided that the instrument is playable.

Known as “action” in musical circles, the distance of pushing or squeezing a guitar string against the “fretboard” of any guitar, is know as action.  The higher the distance (consider a tightrope at the circus) the more effort and strength required to create sound from the string.  High action can yield pain and actually make a playable guitar, unplayable.  This is common with guitars purchased at toy stores or Internet sites, attached to the most minimal price tag. 

Proper, playable instruments (with the exception of high end traditional classically made guitars) should come equipped with a metal support built into the center of the guitar neck. This is called a “truss rod”.  The truss rod keeps the guitar neck from bowing.  String pressure can and will pull a guitar neck into the shape of a banana on its back left unwatched.  This is hard on fingers and terrible for the guitar.  Left unnoticed, this can actually ruin a fine instrument.  The truss rod can be adjusted, however, I highly recommend it being done by a qualified repair tech.  Guitars stored in garages or anywhere else for prolonged periods are highly affected by this issue.  If you find it hard to squeeze your strings and you have had your instrument more than 6 months, please consider this effect as the culprit.

Much like asking “The Edge” from the band U2 to play without a delay pedal, over compensation of the truss rod can have adverse effects as well.  Strings vibrate conically, with the most notable distance of travel being in the middle (the middle being from where your finger is, versus the attachment to the guitar)  Over compensated truss rods will not allow for this vibration and you will began to hear “buzz”.  Keep in mind, metal strings against metal, (fret wire is primarily made by nickel metal) will ALWAYS create buzzing sounds, however, improper truss adjustment will not allow the string to resonate, or continue to make sound, whatsoever. 

If you own a 12-string guitar, these affects can be seen exponentially.  Guitars equipped with 12 strings are still manufactured in the same way the standard six-string guitars are made, with the exception of the hardware.  The extreme pressure from tuned strings weigh on the same body shape and bracing made for six string guitars, typically.  So, storing a twelve stringed guitar is bad news.  Relieving the stress of the strings, or detuning the instrument, can often aid in preventing the strife of these guitars.

Cleaning guitars

Well, to be blunt, guitars are not furniture.  Do not use wood finish cleaners or basically anything with an oil base to clean your instrument.  Finished areas of the guitar, such as the body, should be cleaned with water based products, but I must stress using polishes from musical retailer is advised. 

Exposed, unfinished areas of the guitar, are usually the neck and bridge if you are playing an acoustic.  Electrics usually have only the neck fret board unfinished.  Use linseed/lemon oils for these parts.  They provide necessary moisture to the unfinished woods keeping expanding and cracking under control. 

Humidity

Wood is directly affected by humidity.  Optimum humidity for any wood instrument is 45%-55% relative humidity.  If you live or expect your guitar to be out of these specifications, consider a humidifier made for guitar.  Relatively inexpensive ($5-$25) these little apparatuses can prolong any harm to your investment.  Easy to use, most will fit into your guitar case or gig bag.

Check out Stewart Macdonald’s website for even more in-depth knowledge for caring for you instrument.  I bet you will find it intriguing, however, keep in mind that taking care of your guitar logical as taking care of your pet.

For more information visit us at www.themusicfactoryoc.com

Why does my throat hurt when I sing?

                   

                       Why does my throat hurt when I sing?

      ( And other common vocal questions)

by Care'n Chato

Voice teacher

The Music Factory School of Music

Why does my throat hurt when I sing?
Your throat may become strained or irritated from singing because of
excess tension. Tension can become a serious problem, so be sure to
address it right away. Singing should feel easy and effortless. You
should never feel any pain. If you do, make an appointment with a
singing teacher or perhaps a voice therapist. These trained
individuals can identify what the problem is and how to fix it.

Why is my voice raspy?
Raspiness is the result of an irritated voice. The vocal folds (cords)
may become rough and swollen. There are many causes of irritation. The
most common cause is vocal strain. Most people strain their voices
when singing and even speaking in their daily life without  realizing
it! (Take voice lessons or see a voice therapist for good, healthy
vocal technique.) Sometimes, people may get a raspy voice from
overuse. The muscles can get tired just like any other part of our
body. (Voice teachers can help exercise your voice to keep it strong
and avoid fatigue.)

Why do I lose my voice shortly after I sing a concert?
Loosing your voice completely can be quite devastating, but the voice
can usually miraculously recover with a simple thing called rest - a
difficult healing process that involves not using your voice at all
for an extended amount of time. If you lose your voice after
performances, ask yourself the following question: Do I practice at
the same intensity and duration as when I perform? It's possible that
you strain to sing louder or more powerfully when you perform, which
may cause  an excess of vocal irritation. Also, your voice may not be
used to singing for such a long period of time. It is important to
practice building up your vocal stamina before every performance. If
you lose your voice frequently, be sure to work on better vocal health
techniques. Losing your voice can lead to serious health consequences,
and besides, when you're a superstar that needs to perform all day
every day, the audiences aren't going to wait for your voice to rest!




To contact Care'n send an email to info@themusicfactoryoc.com

10 tips to becoming a better Guitar Player

 10 tips to becoming a better guitar player

by

Eddie Oropeza

Guitar Instructor

The Music Factory School of Music

www.themusicfactoryoc.com

Playing music has got to be one of the greatest joys in life. Listening to music is one thing but then being a musician and actually learning and playing music brings endless joy for a lifetime. For me playing guitar is my vice. As a teacher I’ve been asked what the best advice I can give to a player is, and truth be told there isn’t just one absolute piece of advice I could give. Instead here are 10.

1)      Using a metronome or drum machine- a guitar player that cannot play to a click or a drummer won’t last a day in the music world. It is imperative as a musician that you practice playing to a click. Whether you’re playing a chord progression or practicing scales dust off that metronome and use it!

2)      Practice slow and clean- Guitar players are notorious for trying to play faster than they actually can. So SLOW DOWN. This means when learning a new piece of music (a song, scales, or a solo) play it very slowly concentrating on technique and playing it correctly. When you can play it perfectly at a slow tempo, you can start to speed it up. Using a metronome will help. Practicing this way will help you play better but also learn new material faster.

3)      Ear training- Once you have a good grasp of basic guitar playing, it’s a good idea to start trying to learn songs by ear. Learning this way will develop your ear to a point where you will be able to recognize chord progressions from something you hear on the radio and automatically already know how to play it on guitar. This might seem intimidating at first, but just like with playing guitar it takes practice. Now don’t go on trying to learn “Stairway to Heaven” right away, start small and work your way up. Learn some Bob Dylan or some songs by the Beatles.

4)      Play with other musicians- playing with other musicians whether it be a drummer, bass player, piano party, or other guitar player is both fun and educational. It forces you to play in time with each other and puts to work the stuff you’ve been learning.

5)      Learn different styles- what I mean by this is try and learn new/different styles of playing on top of the things you are trying to learn. Learn a reggae tune, or a blues song you can jam on. Maybe even learn a jazz song. Stepping out of your comfort zone, though challenging will make you a better musician in the long run.

6)      Learn the notes on the fretboard- learning the notes on the fretboard will help you recognize scales and chords a whole lot better. It’s good to know where the different roots of chords and scales are that way you aren’t confined to just one spot of the neck.

7)      Learn the whole song- when learning a song learn the whole thing. Aside from the structure of the song (verse, chorus, bridge, etc.) learn the names of the chords you are playing, the key of the song, what scales are being used. This will help you memorize the song much better and improve over musicianship not to mention, get you into the head of the writer and will hopefully inspire you to write your own tune.

8)      Practice- this goes without saying but some people underestimate the power of practice. Sometimes life gets in the way and we can’t practice as much as we want. While this may be the case for some people, it is possible to get in a good practice session in small increments of time. Try setting aside maybe three 10min. practice sessions throughout the day. First 10 mins focus on a certain technique. Other 10 practice parts of a song, last 10 mins is just for noodling fun.

9)      Music theory- yes it may be boring learning this stuff or may seem pointless, but learning even just a little bit of music theory can go a long way. It helps you understand what you are doing on the guitar and ultimately leans to wanting to learn more theory which in turn makes you a better musician.

10)  Write a song/ start a band- Writing music is very helpful to the learning process. Even if you know only 3 chords, it’s possible to write a hit song, look at Greenday. Writing a song makes you use the stuff you’ve learned and really makes you know it. When you finally start or join a band, that’s where stuff really gets fun and puts your skills to the test.

These are just some of the concepts that I think are important for any aspiring musician to know. Of course there are plenty of other tips and tricks to learn as you go but these are a great place to start.

art of practice

 

How to practice guitar ( the art of practice)

by Eddie Oropezza

Guitar instructor at the Music Factory School of Music

            Practice, practice, practice. We hear this all the time but do we really understand what it means and how to do it correctly? As a teacher I get these questions all the time: “how long should I practice, how many times a week should I practice, what do I practice, and how do I practice?” (yes, there is a right and wrong way to practice)

The answer is always different depending on the student and what they are trying to accomplish. For beginners, it is important during the first year of learning that you are consistent with your practice. This means being able to set aside at least 20-30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Now, it is understandable that these expectations can’t always be met because life does not always permit us to practice as much as we want or need to. Or if a student is younger, it might be hard to get them on a consistent practice schedule. A good way to remedy this problem is to spread out your 30 minute practice session throughout the day.

            Example: Say before you leave for work or school you’ve got about 10 minutes to spare, pick up that guitar and run through some chords or scales! Later after school or work and after winding down a bit, pick up the guitar again and review what you played earlier and maybe learn something new like one new chord or a different place on the neck to play a certain scale. After all your chores and homework, or business work is done, set aside another 10 minutes before you go to bed to just jam out or play a tune you may have been working on. Before you know it you’ve knocked out 30 mins of practicing throughout the day! Consistency is key!

            For intermediate and advanced players, the same concept can be applied. Though when you get to the intermediate and advanced levels, your practice time might increase. This is a good thing but, a more focused practice is hard to maintain. Guitar players are notorious for sitting and “noodling” for hours and then saying “Ok, good practice session.” This is a bad route to go if you expect to progress in as minimal time as possible. Instead write out a practice plan and try to follow it as best as possible, that way you get the most out of your practice time.

Example: Say you have an hour to practice. Try dividing up the things you are working on into 15 min intervals. 1) Warm up and dexterity exercises 2) Note reading/sight reading 3) Rhythm and Chords 4) Scales and improvisation.

The approach to practicing is different for everybody, so try and tailor a practice regime that suits you and the goals you are trying to accomplish. If you’re ever at a loss of what to practice, ask your teacher! Remember consistency is key!!


To contact Eddie at The Music Factory                                                             info@themusicfactoryoc.com