High School Musical Characters

The lead stars characters in the movie High School Musical is Troy Bolton, East High's star athlete and Gabriela Montez, the Math Whiz who just transferred to East High. At first look, the characters can not be any more different from each other. Bolton, played by teen heartthrob Zac Efron is the basketball team's captain and is one of the most popular personalities in school. He is well loved and is expected to lead his team- the East High Wildcats to victory in the basketball championships.

On other hand Gabriela Montes, played by eighteen year old Vanessa Ann Hudgens, is a Math whiz and is the new girl in school. She sees this as the perfect opportunity to try new things and not just focus on Math which has always been her greatest strength.

The two characters meet during winter break without realizing they will end up being schoolmates when classes resume. The two were forced to sing together during karaoke night at a ski resort and that's when they realize they both enjoy singing.

When they audition for East High's Winter Musical- Twinkle Town they end up being called back for the final auditions for the lead roles against the siblings Sharpay and Ryan Evans. The two teens have always starred in the school's productions.

Sharpay Evans is the school's drama queen. Played by Ashley Tisdale, the Disney star who also has a regular role in the popular TV shoe The Suite Life of Zach & Cody, Sharpay is unhappy that she might end up playing understudy for the lead role to the new girl Gabriela.

Sharpay's talented brother Ryan is played by Lucas Grabeel. He helps his sister work out schemes to prevent the jock Troy Bolton and Math whiz Gabriela from landing the lead roles in Twinkle Town.

Sharpay and Ryan also stage elaborate performances that really make their drama teacher Ms. Darbus proud. Add to this the fact that Ms. Darbus is cautious about the real intentions Troy for auditioning.

Troy has a best friend named Chad played by Corbin Bleu. Corbin is also a Disney star who has starred in his own movie about jump rope teams- Jump In!. Gabriela on the other hand finds a dependable friend in Taylor McKessie played by actress Monique Coleman.

Another character that plays an important role in Troy and Gabriela landing the much coveted lead roles in Twinkle Town is song-writer & pianist Kelsi Nielsen. Kelsi created all the music for the musical and helps Troy and Gabriela practice the songs. Kelsi Nielsen is played by actress Olesya Rulin.

Other characters in the movie are: Zeke, the pastry-making basketball player played by Chris Warren Jr.; Coach Jack Bolton, Troy Bolton's father and the coach of the basketball team played by Bart Johnson; Jason, a basketball player played by Ryne Sanborn; Mrs. Montez played by Socorro Herrera; Principal Matsi played by Joey Miyashima; and other supporting casts.

Songs From Indian Films

Hindi film industry, also renowned as Bollywood produces thousands of movies every year. One of the most common features of these movies is 'Song and Dance' sequences. Not only Hindi movies but all regional movies also have songs as their integral part. These songs and dance scenes are quite elaborate and lavishly filmed. Right from the inception of Indian film industry, songs have always been a prominent feature of all the movies. During previous eras it was unthinkable to have a movie without any songs. In fact, few of the movies were successful just because of their songs.

As we all know, India possess grand musical tradition. That, to some extent explains why music is such an essential part of our daily lives. The early years of Indian cinema i.e., 30s and 40s had primarily classical music with less use of instruments in the film songs. Few songs even had elements of folk music.1950s and 60s signaled arrival of western music in Hindi films. Indian musicians have experimented with all genres of music which has truly helped in the evolution of Indian music. Songs from Indian films have kept changing with the changing tastes of music aficionados and yet the typical Indian essence has remained intact.

India has produced many great singers and musicians who have attained worldwide fame. Few notable musical talents India produced are K L Sehgal, Kishore Kumar, Khaiyyam, Mohd. Rafi, R D Burman, Lata Mangeshkar, S D Burman, Asha Bhonsle, and A R Rehman amongst others. Indian songs' popularity has attracted many talents from all over the country and even from across the border. Indian songs can be credited for bringing out oodles of talents in different roles; such as singers, lyricists, music directors, composers etc. All these movie songs are released as cassettes and CDs. During the earlier eras radio was the chief instrument used for playing music but with the advent of FM and Cable TV things have changed so much. This phenomenon has further helped in making these songs popular.

Like songs the hindi songs lyrics also has been well recognized and appreciated. Songs written by great writers like Javed Aktar, Hasrat Jaipuri, Gulzar, Anand Bakshi Sameer have added meaning to ones life. These songs cover various phases in life especially the old hindi songs thereby giving a personal touch and at times these songs even act as an inspiration for the people.

Music Bytes - Tips For Saving On Professional Software For Musicians

If you are outraged by the prices software giants demand for their tools, it's time to check out shareware. Small independent developers often provide similar solutions that cost three to five times less AND you get to try them before paying.

John's First Pick - MIDI Maestro

MIDI Maestro is music software designed for use by amateur and professional music directors, conductors, and soloists in live musical theater and similar musical accompaniment situations. Dynamic, intuitive performance control and powerful sequencing and editing capabilities combine to make MIDI Maestro the only music software you will need for your production.

These are the views and the layout used most often during a live performance. It's always easy to see what's coming up: tempos, cues, instrument changes, etc. The current position indicator remains in the center of the display. Tracks may be color-coded.

Most views may be zoomed both horizontally and vertically. You may choose to open and work with individual files, or "sets" of songs as used for a performance. The current beat number is always prominently displayed. The current measure number is also emphasized. A "bouncing ball" metronome may be used to assist you with conducting in slow or tempo-dynamic passages. A "tempo ratio" control allows you to make real-time adjustments to the tempo during performance. All commands critical during a performance may be mapped to your MIDI keyboard. Cues are color-coded and easy to read. Cue icons remain visible at all times in most views, even as views are scrolled or resized.

The staff view organizes music into standard notation. Printing is also supported. There're also lead-sheet, karaoke, piano roll, event list, and controller views.

MIDI Maestro may also be used as a virtual "Karaoke machine" complete with bouncing ball or highlighted text. Waveform audio clips may be combined with your MIDI tracks. MIDI Maestro also includes some very powerful waveform audio editing and visualization features. Other features include high-quality MIDI/Audio synchronization and support for VSTi software synthesizers.

Music Licensing For Film - Helps Artist to Protect Their Music

If you are passionate about taking music as your profession, then you must have sufficient amount of ideas about music licensing. Now composing music for the films means fame will kiss your feet and your coffer will get fatter by every passing day. So the talented personnel who dream to create music for the movies should have special knowledge about the music licensing for movies.

Music is a part and parcel of movies. The rank and file hums the popular scores and shakes their legs with the rocking music. The song writer piece up the emotions of the human being and put them into words whereas the composer adds sweet note to it. The melody makes its way to our hearts to strike the chords beyond any measure. In the context of importance of music in the movies, the issue of the music licensing for movies demands special attention from the composers.

It does not matter which kind of music a musician has composed for the films. It may be folklore, jazz, rock, classical or any devotional score. But each of them marks a rare talent of your creative spirit. Therefore, music licensing for movies is a critical issue for any music directors. It is an effective mean to ensure protection of your creation. Furthermore, if you have a finger in the pie in creating hit scores in a film then many a person will come up with the proposals of getting permission from you to use the popular songs for their own purposes. In absence of music licensing for movies, they would have used them without seeking your approval and you will surely be deprived of a huge bulk that you deserve.

In a layman's language, music licensing for movies is copyrighting one's work. Let us explain it in an explicit way. Suppose you have created music in a movie and it is a huge hit with the public. Nowadays the music is not only used in the films but also in the TV serials. The commercial use of the popular movie tracks is not new. The famous filmy songs are used for the sake of promotions of the reputed as well as the new brands. If a musician has opted for the facility of the music licensing for movies, then he or she can rightly claim for a substantial amount to allow his or her creation be used in the other mediums. Not only the movie music but also the cool music for brands can earn the facility of music licensing. In fact, licensing for the brands is equally important as the music licensing for movies. The compositions of several brands are creating ripples in the music world and the brand-mania has successfully gripped the generation Y. Not only the movie melody but also the brand music is extensively used in the advertisements. So the cool music for brands also requires a safeguard of music licensing.

Though music licensing for movies defends the rights of the music composers but the consumers are not much enthusiastic about it, it is because, many a person is involved into the illegal practice of making a mix of the songs either for themselves or their acquaintances. If they are caught red handed, then they have to pay heavy fines for their wrong deeds.

Importance of Telugu Songs in the Tollywood Film Industry

The importance of Telugu Songs is increasing day by day in the Tollywood Film Industry. The Audio of a film plays an important role in the success of that film. Because the audience first listens to the music and if its good, they come to the theater to watch the film. In the beginning days of cinema in Tollywood, the songs had no enough importance in the success of a film. They were given low importance with respect to the other crafts of Cinema. Even, the sound recordings are done in the shooting spot itself. Later on, the situation changed due to the increase of response from the audience towards the music. From then onwards, the music direction was given special importance and it is declared as a separate and important craft along with the other 23 crafts.

In today's world, many people are watching movies only if the songs are good. Music is playing an important role in the success of a film. The audio cassettes are releases before the film is released. This made the audience expect about the film. Their expectation will increase if the songs are hit. There were many films which done well only with the help of songs. Songs are ruling the Tollywood film industry these days. So, all the Film directors and actors are insisting on producers to invest enough money on music by hiring professional music directors like A.R. Rahman, Ilayaraja, Harris Jayraj etc... Due to the high remuneration of the professional musicians, the producers are hunting for talented and young music directors. This led to the boom of the musicians in tollywood film industry.

There are a lot of musicians in telugu industry who gave many block buster hits. The songs composed by them are still circulating in the minds of the people. Many fans worship these musicians as Gods.

Singers

There are many great singers in the Telugu industry like S.P. Balasubramaniyam, P. Susheela, S.P Sailaja, Chitra, Ghantasala etc who sung for thousands of hit songs in their careers.

The variety of songs like classical, folk, devotional and rock play a vital role in making the albums popular. The folk and rock versions will be lasted very few days, but the classical/melody songs will be everlasting. Music has also the ability to cure many health problems using Music Therapy. Now a days, the musicians are using the internet to promote their albums. They are releasing some music tracks for downloading and building up fan clubs by which they are promoting their film. This is another tactic to create high expectations on their films.

The internet is a great source to listen to the music from your computer with just a click. There are a lot of sites for Telugu Songs, Hindi Songs, Tamil, Kannada and more.

Old Indian Film Music

Indian Film music has its imperative place in Indian society. Film music is so popular that different age groups in Indian communities love to listen it. The period from the late 1940s to 1960s are regarded the "Golden Age" of Hindi Cinema by film critics and historians. Some of the most critically acclaimed Hindi films and its music of all time were produced during this period.

People of different age groups in India upload these old songs in there mobiles/cell phones and listen them to come out winner by removing mental pressure, depression, stress and many other modern psychological diseases. Some of the old songs like "Aien Mere Watan ke logon" become so popular that it made the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru broke in to tears. The songs of Manoj Kumar films maximum dedicated to Mother India and still play during National Holidays like "Indian Independence Day" "Republic Day of India" and on many other juncture.

Many legendary music directors like, Anil Biswas, Naushad, Salil Chowdary, Sachin Dev Burman and many more composed beautiful melodies, and are still alive in the heart of Indian film music lovers. These music directors with the help of legendary play back singers like Shamshad Begum, Suraiah, "Bharat Ratna" Lata Mangeshkar, Mohammed Rafi, Kishor Kumar, Mukesh, Talat Mahmood, Manna De, Asha Bhosle Mahendra Kapoor and other, took the Indian Film music to the top of its zenith. This trend is successfully handled by today's great "Oscar Winner" music Director A. R. Rehman. He set Indian Film music to the top of the World. Because of him the western World are showing interests in Indian Film songs today.

People all over the world, who love listening to Old Indian Film Music, can download from different music sites and blogs. Internet reaches to every corner of the World today and providing facilities to there music lovers to download the music the want with free of cost. If one could go back before 1995, these lovers used to buy music paying money, but the scenario is different today, they can download quality mp3 songs from internet and upload it to their mobile/cellphone gadgets to enjoy listening old hindi songs.

Swarjit Kumar Biswas Old Hindi Songs

What is the Role of the Music Director in a Local Church?

INTRODUCTION

The office of a Music Director may be traced to bible history times with specific reference to the time David became king of Israel. Even though this portfolio had been around for a very long time, it was not until David became king that it gained prominence in the everyday life of God's people. A thorough study of the reforms that took place under David's leadership (1st Chronicles) will attest to the emphasis that he placed on temple worship music. These reforms brought to the fore music personalities like Asaph, Heman and Jeduthun, who became key leaders and Music Directors with varying responsibilities.

The dynamics involved in the role of Music Director become evident based on the environment of its performance. In David's time he, the king, was the chief musician while others functioned under him (1st Chronicles 25:1-8). This was so because apart from his royal responsibilities and calling, David had been raised and anointed of God for the office of the prophetic through music. By this we learn that it was not the fact that he was king that gave him right to be chief musician but rather a divine calling of God upon his life. When you look at the other kings of Israel beginning with Saul, we do not see any of them stepping into that Music Director role as David did.

This is in striking contrast to what pertains in some churches where the leader (vision bearer, Pastor, founder etc) in most cases takes up the Director's role as far as music is concerned. He would normally decide on how the choir is structured and run. He decides who joins, who sings what songs and so on. In most cases these things have frustrated the work of many genuinely called music directors. In no way does this suggest anyone can walk into a church and decide the direction or vision of the church, no. Everyone who works in any enterprise must be subject to the structure that governs the enterprise but this does not reduce the workers in an enterprise to functional robots who cannot bring their skill, knowledge and initiative to bear for the good of the vision.

It is in this spirit that we would be looking at the role of the Music Director not as one managing his own outfit outside the local church, but as one playing this role within the confines of a larger unit like the local church.

MISCONCEPTIONS

The misconception of a music director's work, job description and function differs from enterprise to enterprise and church to church. Unfortunately we tend to copy what we see as a success without trying to find out what foundation the success sits on. Systems have been reduced to fashion tags. Your peculiar music vision must be largely responsible for the system you employ. Here are some wrong concepts of music direction held by many even some who hold themselves out as music directors. It is hoped that this will begin to turn around our thinking of what the office of music director really is.

Some think the music director:

* Is appointed to teach songs like a choir master.
* Must be the most talented instrumentalist or singer or both.
* Must be the longest serving member in the enterprise or choir.
* Must be the most prayerful member in the enterprise or choir.
* Must be the most loyally serving and committed member.
* Must be the one in the choir with bible school experience.
* Must be an associate Pastor on the church Pastoral team
* Must be the most affable member with good relational skills.

While all these may be a plus for the job, the core business of music directing goes far beyond these. The question then is what is a music director's role? Is it to rehearse the band? Is it to decide who will sing what songs or to moderate meetings?

Tom Bright-Davies is a multi-talented musician. As a music educationist, he has written numerous materials in areas such as general music, voice, keyboards and production studies. You can access FREE useful resources on his blog at ABC of music.

Music Director Devi Sri Prasad Biography and Filmography

Devi Sri Prasad, a well known music director in South Indian Film Industry is born on 2nd August 1982 in Vedurupaka, a small village in East Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh and later moved to Chennai along with his father & famous writer Satyanand.

Devi started his career as a musician with his debut album "Dance Party". Later M.S.Raju has given him a chance to compose music for his film "DEVI" in 1999 which was a big success. But, he got into lime light with his next movie "Anandam" which was a tremendous hit at that time. From then, he never looked back.

Devi Sri Prasad also write lyrics for the songs he was composing such as "Vecha Vechaga in Vamsi, Premante Emitante in Anandam, Chaila Chaila in Shankar Dada MBBS" and so on...

He was a very big fan of "Maestro" Ilayaraja and a disciple of the renowned mandolinist, U.Srinivas who was also his Guru. He had a brother named "Sagar" who was also a singer. He sung a lot of songs in telugu, tamil, kannada etc...

Devi Sri Prasad Biography

Full Name: Devi Sri Prasad
Date of Birth: 2nd August 1982
Place of Birth: Vedurupaka, East Godavari District
Father: Satyanand [Famous writer]
Sister: Padmini Priya Sagar
Brother: Vidya Sagar [Singer]

Education

Devi Completed his Schooling in Sir M. Venkata Subba Rao Boys High School, T. Nagar, Chennai. He studied up to BBA and learnt Mandolin under the guidance of U. Srinivas, famous mandolin player for 10 years. He was not so interested in Studies.

Awards He Won

* 2004: Filmfare Best MusicDirector in Telugu ("Varsham")
* 2004: Santosham Best Music Director Award ("Varsham")
* 2005: Filmfare Best MusicDirector in Telugu ("Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana")
* 2005: Santosham Best Music Director Award ("Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana")
* 2006: Filmfare Best MusicDirector in Telugu ("Bommarillu")
* 2006: Santosham Best Music Director Award ("Jalsa")

Devi Sri Prasad Filmography

Telugu

Payanam
Sye Ata
Namo Venkatesa
Adhurs
Current
Aarya 2
Mallanna
King
Jalsa
Tulasi
Shankar Dada Zindabad
Aata
Jagadam
Rakhi
Bommarillu
Pournami
Oka Oorilo
Andarivadu
Bhadra
Bunny
Naa Alludu
Nuvvostanante Nenoddantana
Mass
Shankar Dada MBBS
Aarya
Abhi
Venky
Varsham
Thotti Gang
Khadgam
Manmadhudu
Sontham
Kalusukovalani
Anandam
Navvutu Batakalira
Devi
Mr.Devi

Tamil

Singam
Kutty [Remake of Aarya]
Kanthasamy [Remade in telugu as Mallanna]
Villu
Something Something
Mayavi
Aaru
Mazhai
Sachin
Thirupaachi
Ice

There are a lot of fans to Devi Sri Prasad including me who like his music. Another talent of Devi is his Dancing and Acting Skills which made him to become an actor. M.S.Raju, the famous producer is starring Devi Sri Prasad in his upcoming film. Devi is acting as well as composing music for the film. Hats Off to Devi and Wishing Good Luck in his acting career.

Awards As A Singer And A Music Director

SP Balasubramaniam has sung over 39,000 songs, in five different languages including Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Hindi and Malayalam. The singer’s name also features in Guinness Book of World Records, for singing the most number of song recordings within a very short period. He has sung songs in various genres of Indian music. His maximum songs are in Telugu, followed by Tamil. Apart from film songs, he has also chanted slokas in Sanskrit for cassettes, one of the most popular being “Sivastuti”. Apart from singing, SP Balasubramaniam has composed several songs for Telugu films as well.

As An Actor and Dubbing Artist
SP Balasubramanyam made his debut as an actor in the Telugu film “Pellante Noorella Panta”, released in 1969. Thereafter, he was offered character actor roles in many Telugu films. He also went on to do Tamil films, in which he contributed as a supporting actor. Balasubramaniam also dubbed for a number of actors, including Kamal Hassan, Salman Khan
, Bhagyaraj, Mohan, Girish Karnad, Gemini Ganesh, Nagesh, Karthik, Raghuvaran and Vinodkumar. He was assigned as the default dubbing artist for Kamal Hassan’s many Telugu movies, dubbed from Tamil.

Awards

National Awards

* 1979: Shankarabharanam for the song “Om Kaara Nadhaanu” (Telugu)
* 1981: Ek Duje Ke Liye for the song “Tere Mere Beech Mein” (Hindi)
* 1983: Saagara Sangamam for the song “Thakitha Thadimi” (Telugu)
* 1988: Rudra Veena for the song “Cheppaalani Undi” (Telugu)
* 1995: Sangeetha Sagara Ganayogi Panchakshara Gavai for the song “Umandu Ghumandu Ghana Gar Je Badara” (Kannada)
* 1996: Minsaara Kanavu for the song “Thanga Thamarai” (Tamil)


Andhra Pradesh State Award

* 1978: “Naalaaga endaro” - Best Singer
* 1979: “Shankarabharanam” - Best Singer
* 1981: “Premaabhishekam” - Best Singer
* 1983: “Bahudoorapu baatasaari” - Best Singer
* 1984: “Suvarna sundari” - Best Singer
* 1985: “Mayuri” - Best Music Director
* 1986: “Sirivennela” - Best Singer
* 1987: “Abhinandana” - Best Singer
* 1989: “Neerajanam” - Best Singer
* 1991: “Chanti” - Best Singer
* 1992: “Bangaaru mama” - Best Singer
* 1993: “Mr.Pellaam” - Best Singer
* 1994: “Bhairavadweepam” - Best Singer
* 1996: “Pavithra Bhandam” - Best Supporting Actor
* 1997: “Priya Ragalu” - Best Singer , “Annamayya” - Best Dubbing Artist
* 2000: “Raghavayyagari Abbai” - Best Singer
* 2002: “Vasu” - Best Singer
* 2003: “Seetayya” - Best Singer
* 2005: “Pellam Pichhodu” - Best Singer Andhra Pradesh

Filmfare Awards

* 2007: “Mozhi” (Tamil)
* 2008: Maine Pyar Kiya for the song “Dil Deewana) (Hindi)

Filmography

As Music Director

* 1977: Kanya Kumari (Telugu)
* 1978: Sandarbha (Kannada)
* 1979: Captain Krishna (Telugu), Ra Ra Krishnayya (Telugu), Toorpu Velle Railu (Telugu)
* 1980: Hum Paanch (Background Score) ((Hindi))
* 1981: Ohamma Katha (Telugu), Sangeeta (Telugu), Thaiyyalkaaran (Tamil)
* 1983: Uranta Sankranti (Telugu)
* 1984: Bharyamani (Telugu), Seethamma Pelli (Telugu)
* 1985: Bangaru Chilaka (Telugu), Devaralledane (Kannada), Dongallo Dora (Telugu), Jockey (Telugu), Kongumudi (Telugu), Mayuri (Tamil), Mayuri (Telugu), Muddula Manavaralu (Telugu)
* 1986: Bete (Kannada) Maghadeerudu (Telugu), Naach Mayuri (Hindi) Padamati Sandya Ragam (Telugu), Sowbhagyalakshmi (Kannada)
* 1987 Gouthami (Telugu), Lawyer Suhasini (Telugu), Pratima (Telugu), Ramu (Telugu)
* 1988: Chinnodu Peddodu (Telugu), Kallu (Telugu), Neeku Naaku Pellanta (Telugu), Oh Bharya Katha (Telugu), Premayanam (Telugu), Ramanna Shyamanna (Kannada)
* 1989: Vivaaha Bhojanam (Telugu)
* 1990: Siddartha (Telugu)
* 1991: Mahayagnam (Telugu), Sigaram (Tamil)
* 1992: Belliyappa Banagarappa (Kannada), Jaithra Yaatra (Telugu), Ksheera Saagara (Kannada)
* 1993: Muddina Maava (Kannada)
* 2005: Unnai Charanadaithaen (Tamil)

As An Actor

* 1969: Pellante Noorella Panta (Telugu)
* 1971: Mohammed Bin Tuglaq (Tamil)
* 1976: Parvathalu Paanakalu (Telugu)
* 1980: Pakkinti Ammayi (Telugu)
* 1982: Baalondu Chadaranga (Kannada), Malle Pandiri (Telugu)
* 1983: Bharat 2000 (Kannada)
* 1987: Manadil Urudi Vendum (Tamil)
* 1988: Prema (Telugu), Vivaha Bhojanambu (Telugu)
* 1990: Keladi Kanmani (Tamil), Palai Vanna Ragangal (Tamil)
* 1992: Koteswaran (Tamil), Thyagu (Tamil), Guna (Tamil)
* 1993: Thiruda Thiruda (Tamil)
* 1994: Jolly (Telugu), Kaadalan/Premikudu (Tamil)/(Telugu), Ullasam (Tamil)
* 1995: Raja Hamsa (Telugu), Tirugu Bhana (Kannada)
* 1996: Drohi (Telugu), Kaadal Desam (Tamil), Minsarakanavu (Tamil) Myna (Telugu), Nandini (Tamil), Pavithra Bandham (Telugu), Avvai Shanmugi (Tamil)
* 1997: Devullu (Telugu), Pellivaramandi (Telugu), Prena (Telugu), Rakshagan (Tamil), w/o Vara Prasad (Telugu)
* 1998: Bharathan (Tamil), Paattu Paadavaa (Tamil), Sandhrba (Kannada)
* 1999: Aaro Pranam (Telugu), Dheerga Sumangali (Telugu), Mechanic Maavaiah (Telugu), Paadutha Theeyaga (Telugu)
* 2000: Goppinti Alludu (Telugu), Manasu Paddanu Kanni (Telugu), Maya (Tamil), Priyamaanavale (Tamil)
* 2001: Chirujallu (Telugu)
* 2002: Indra (Telugu), Padharella Ammayi (Telugu)
* 2003: Magic Magic (Tamil), Fools (Telugu), Maha Yedabidangi (Kannada)
* 2004: Royela (Telugu)
* 2006: Mayabazaar (Telugu), Roommates (Telugu)
* 2007: Yen Uyirinum Melana (Tamil)

SP Balasubramaniam Biography

Born On: June 4, 1946
Born In: Konetammapeta, near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh
Education: B.Tech from JNTU College of Engineering
Career: Singer, Music Director and Actor
Nationality: Indian

SP Balasubramaniam is a veteran singer, who has been associated with the Indian film industry for the past thirty years. Fondly called SPB, he is best known for his versatility, incredible voice range, unique style of singing and a voice with depth. Balasubramaniam has sung thousands of songs, in five different Indian languages, during his career span. As a singer, he virtually ruled Telugu, Tamil and Kannada film music industry for over two decades and rendered some of the evergreen hits during the period. SP Balasubramanyam has shown his artistic excellence as a music composer, actor and dubbing artist as well.

Childhood And Education
Born on 4th June 1946, in Konetammapeta, near Nellore, Andhra Pradesh, SP Balasubramaniam belongs to an orthodox Telugu Brahmin family. He has two brothers and five sisters. He is the elder brother of the well-known singer SP Sailaja. His father, SP Sambamurthy, was a renowned exponent of Harikatha. SP Balasubramanyam developed a keen interest in music at a very young age. Singing was his hobby and he learned to play musical instruments, including flute and harmonium, on his own, without acquiring formal training for the same. Since his father wanted him to become an engineer, he took admission in JNTU College of Engineering and pursued an AMIE course as well.

Early Life
SPB participated in a number of singing competitions, when he was studying, and won several awards. One such competition proved to be the turning point in his life. In 1964, Music director SP Kodandapani noticed Balasubramaniam performing at a singing competition, organized by Madras-based Telugu Cultural Organization. The music director was very much impressed by SPB’s performance and decided to introduce him as a singer in the Telugu film 'Sri Sri Sri Maryada Ramanna' (1967), for which he had composed the songs. Other music directors across the South Indian film industry were equally impressed by the new voice. Consequently, the singer was offered chances to sing in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam films.

SPB FANS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

SPB FANS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

"Charity sees the need, not the cause" – German Proverb

"Great thoughts come from the heart" - Luc de Clapier

Padmashri DDr hc S P Balasubrahmanyam, is a multi faceted personality. He is a prolific singer, a music director, a film actor, and above all a very humble and kind human being. Though many know him for his mellifluous voice and perfect enunciation of words in the innumerable songs he has sung across languages, he is better known to his friends and fans for his down-to-earth humbleness, and his unwavering commitment towards giving back to the society at large. He believes that activities done to make the lives of weak and underprivileged better, however small, would cascade into overall betterment of the society that we live in.

His many acts of generosity are done without attracting any publicity. For instance, his charity initiatives done through a SPS Charitable Foundation, which he has founded in memory of his father Shri S P Sambhamurthy, are almost always never publicized.

He has raised funds for many a charitable causes through countless stage shows. He has lent his voice do the service to the masses by suing live shows to collect funds by way of ticket sale, etc, and he too has contributed money on many such shows. His passion for pan social upliftment is as equal to that of his passion for singing and music as a whole. He is a stickler for following rules of law, however infinitesimally minor, and extols virtue.

His ardent fans, spread across the world, have been impressed by his ability to firmly have his feet on the ground while achieving dizzying heights of professional success. Following his ideals and values, and trying to imbibe at least a few of his qualities, fans of Shri S P Balasubrahmanyam formed a charitable foundation.

SPB Fans Charitable Foundation - The Beginning

During late 2006, a few of fans got together with the aim of providing support to the needy, and serve the society, without much fanfare; some of the principles that Shri S P Balsubrahmanyam lives by. As the news spread amongst the fans, many joined and donated towards the various causes that were being taken up.

With the aim of streamlining the energies, efforts, and the activities of several fans of Shri S P Balasubrahmanyam, SPB Fans Charitable Foundation was established in September, 2006. The foundation initially was planned to be named as ‘SPB Charitable Foundation’. However, Shri S P Balasubrahmanyam insisted that since the fans and many individuals who contribute and undertake the effort, it shall, in the very least, be christened as ‘SPB Fans Charitable Foundation’. True to his commitment and character, he makes monthly contributions to the foundation.

SPBIndia, The SPB Fans Community

SPB FANS CHARITABLE FOUNDATION

Padmashri DDr hc S P Balasubrahmanyam, is a multi faceted personality. He is a prolific singer, a music director, a film actor, and above all a very humble and kind human being. Though many know him for his mellifluous voice and perfect enunciation of words in the innumerable songs he has sung across languages, he is better known to his friends and fans for his down-to-earth humbleness, and his unwavering commitment towards giving back to the society at large. He believes that activities done to make the lives of weak and underprivileged better, however small, would cascade into overall betterment of the society that we live in.

His many acts of generosity are done without attracting any publicity. For instance, his charity initiatives done through a SPS Charitable Foundation, which he has founded in memory of his father Shri S P Sambhamurthy, are almost always never publicized.

He has raised funds for many a charitable causes through countless stage shows. He has lent his voice do the service to the masses by suing live shows to collect funds by way of ticket sale, etc, and he too has contributed money on many such shows. His passion for pan social upliftment is as equal to that of his passion for singing and music as a whole. He is a stickler for following rules of law, however infinitesimally minor, and extols virtue.

Madonna in Japanese Drama

It's often been said that Madonna lasted for so many decades in the music industry because she was always able to grow with the times and to reinvent herself so as to never lose her appeal with her fans. As of late, she has given countless signs of her new-found musical openness and, like the cherry on top, here comes another one. Madonna agreed to license a new track of her upcoming album for a television show, before the official release of the entire material.

The Associated Press just confirmed today that the singer and international icon in everything from fashion to style agreed to license the ballad "Miles Away" as a theme song for the upcoming Japanese drama "Changes". The production, featuring actor heartthrob Kimutaku that she met during one of her most recent visits there, will air on national programs in April, sometime before "Hard Candy", Madonna's upcoming album hits stores in the US.

"The program has been completely produced in-house and we are very glad to have Madonna involved in the project", Nobuhiro Nagai of Fuji said as means of an official statement for the collaboration. Just for the record, with this deal being signed, "Miles Away" became the first track by the artist to ever be attached to a television show or drama in Japan. But this was clearly a smart marketing move, as this way, Madge gives something back to her fans there, and it's a gesture that will no doubt not pass unnoticed.

"Changes" focuses on the story of a small town teacher who is suddenly propelled to the position of prime minister of the country and has to learn to face challenges and situations he never knew even existed. Kimutaku, the young sex symbol who plays the teacher, could also be seen in last year's hit, "Hero". Nagai also said that Madonna's decision to license the track was partly explained by the fact that she knew Kimutaku and that she had seen what the drama was about in general and loved the idea. Either way, it's a win-win situation for both parties involved, as well as for the fans all over the world.

Madonna's Secret Digital Beauty Tips

Madonna premiered her video for her latest single, "4 Minutes to Save the World" yesterday and although what was leaked on the Internet was poor quality footage, we could clearly see that it was by far one of her hottest and most sensual clips to date. Fresh faced and better looking than ever, Madonna might have also resorted to beauty tricks unavailable to regular women, the "Daily Mail" is reporting, in order to look that breathtaking.

Dressed in a nude colored corset and stripping lasciviously in front of Justin Timberlake who is, just for the record, almost half her age at 26, Madonna looks not a day over 25 herself in the video that was just released. How was that possible? - that was the question on everybody's mind once the initial pleasant surprise over the vid wore off. The "Daily Mail" has the answer: it was a brilliant combination of soft focus lenses, very attentively planned lighting, post-production airbrushing and very good makeup.

"Her flesh-colored outfit is not unlike the infamous Jean Paul Gautier basque she wore in 'Express Yourself' in 1989 and if the clip is to be believed, she has barely aged a day in the two decades in between. " the e-zine writes. In all fairness, Madonna does look younger than any other 50-ish performer out there but, as long as she doesn't come off as desperate or tacky, the last thing that should probably concern us is the way in which she manages to do that, especially when her new music is so enthusiastically received all over.

In the clip for "4 Minutes to Save the World" that aired yesterday, Madonna and Justin move from scene to scene, shaking their bon-bons as a dark matter is slowly consuming the world around them. Producer Timbaland is also featured in the video, but he is not incorporated into its "story". However, the best part of the clip, as we already mentioned yesterday, is the final dance-off between Madonna and Justin, against a giant tick-tocking digital clock, where the diva finally shows the world that they simply don't make dancers like her anymore.

Madonna Is a Jewelry Designer

Besides the many other projects that the pop diva gets involved into, Madonna seems to have also coquetted with jewelry design, as she teamed up with the famous company Chopard to create the diamond "M-dolla" knuckle ring and Happy Diamonds cross she wears on the cover of her new and much-hyped album "Hard Candy", which will be released on April 28. However, she is not considering this as a career, but merely a hobby, conditioned by her performing demands.

Chopard co-president Caroline Gruosi-Scheufele designed the ring under Madonna's guidance. The piece spells out "M-dolla" in 258 brilliant cut white diamonds with a Chopard signature mobile diamond in the flourish of the letter M. However, this is not the first time that the Swiss jeweler and watchmaker collaborates with the singer, as it has also designed the pave diamond "Hung-Up" necklace that she wore on stage for her 2005 "Confessions on a Dance Floor" album.

"Hard Candy" is the upcoming eleventh studio album by the legendary singer-songwriter and it will be released by Warner Bros. Records, being the last of Madonna's regular studio albums to be released under the contract with the record company, although a compilation to be released in late 2008 or early 2009 will complete the contract.

Madonna's Hard Candy album coverIn comparison with earlier albums, a number of collaborators have been rumored to have produced tracks for "Hard Candy", whether their involvement represents producing, songwriting or vocals. Pharell Williams, Kanye West and Akon are only a few of them, inducing a hip-hop atmosphere to the entire album.

Known as the Queen of Pop, Madonna has always tried to promote her albums in a different manner than most of the artists, going glamorous and paying great attention to details. This is what she did with the jewelry that she wore for the cover of this one and she chose one of the biggest jewelers in the world to express her greatness.

Madonna Performs in Dubai for £12.5 Million

Being as successful as the Queen of Pop is certainly not something that takes place overnight and the first years of her career, when only few bothered to pay to listen to her music, are the best indication of that. All in all, it was worth waiting as now Madonna is the best paid female performer and soon to become the highest grossing singer for only one concert - she has just been offered £12.5 million for two gigs in Dubai.

British tabloid "The Sun" and the US media are reporting that talks are in the final stages for these two gigs, with chances being very favorable. If the deal does go through, then Madonna will play one show in Dubai in November as part of the international tour she would start in support for "Hard Candy", her upcoming material. For that and that alone her bank account will be fatter with £7.5 million.

But that's not the only generous offer that has come across Madge recently, the same sources say. Apparently, she has also been asked to do a private performance at a mysterious businessman's party for which she will be paid another £5 million, an offer she's considering accepting. "Madonna is about to break another record by playing the most lucrative concert of her whole career," an unnamed source told "The Sun" as a more or less confirmation for the almost too good to be true offers.

Madonna's rep refused to comment on these rumors at the moment. However, if they do turn out to be true, they would not be completely surprising as it's been years since she's topping cash music lists. Madonna's fortune received an impressive boost from her previous tour, the "Confessions Tour" that grossed £130 million worldwide, thus granting her access in the Guinness Book of World Records.

India’s First Rap Artiste Baba Sehgal Will Be Seen In A Kannada Film

India’s first rap artiste Baba Sehgal will be seen in a Kannada film for the first time in Prithvi. The track is being dubbed as a ‘male item number’.

The singer who had sung his first Kannada film song – a rap number – for Prithvi three months ago will visit Bengalooru shortly for the shoot. Kabir Raj has composed the music for the film. He will seen dancing to his track at the Innovative Film City.

It seems the producer was keen on getting Baba Sehgal for the film as he could not find an artiste for the role. The film features upcoming artistes Dilip Pai and Nisha Shetty in the lead roles.

Though this is his first Kannada film song, Baba Sehgal is active in Telugu films by lending voice to popular tracks in Adhurs and Arya-2.

Shakira had a pressconference on May 19th in Hotel Santo Mauro (Madrid, Spain).

Más que reggaeton, Shakira prefiere llamarlo "shaketon", porque "es el nuevo ritmo llegado de Puerto Rico, pero hecho a mi manera. Me gusta porque nada más oirlo te sientes obligada a bailar".

More than reggaeton, Shakira prefers to call it "shaketon", because "it's the new rhythm from Puerto Rico, but done in my way. I like it because it makes you want to dance."

Y bien que lo baila con Alejandro Sanz en el vídeo de esta canción, de alto contenido erótico. "Me preocupaba que fuese un erotismo demasiado explícito, pero cuando lo vio mi madre le gustó y dejó de preocuparme", dice riéndose.

About the erotic scenes in La Tortura video: "I was worried that the content was too explicitly erotic, but my mother saw the video and she liked it and I stopped worrying".

"En Colombia hay más de un millón de niños desplazados por la violencia, la tercera tragedia mundial tras Sudán y Congo, y nadie hace nada", se lamenta.

"There are more than million children in Colombia displaced because of the violence, it's the world's third largest tragedy after Sudan and Congo and nobody does anything".

Entre otros temas interpretará 'La tortura', que canta en el disco con Alejandro Sanz. 'Hemos hablado de hacerla juntos, pero no se si va a poder ser esta vez, porque no es fácil que coincidan dos artistas'.

About singing with Alejandro Sanz at Madrid 2012 Olympic Games bid event: "We have talked about doing it together, but I don't know if it will happen this time, because it's not easy (to schedule it).

"Afortunada o desafortunadamente, ya soy una adulta -dice. Las ventas no cambian nada. Soy la misma vendiendo trece millones que diez copias entre mis vecinos".

Fortunately or unfortunately, I am now an adult. The sales do not change anything. I am the same after seling 13 million copies like I was after selling 10 copies to my neighbours.

En la portada de esta 'fijación' sale vestida de madonna ("de madre universal", subraya), sujetando un niño entre los brazos al que, según la idea original debía amamantar. "Pero -explica- no aparece el pecho porque al niño parece ser que yo no le interesaba".

Sólo conoce otra droga además del amor y de la música, "los chocolates" y asegura que no se irá de Madrid sin probar "una buena dorada a la espalda".

On the cover of the album Shakira appears dressed like madonna ("the universal mother", Shakira emphasizes), holding a baby in her arms and according to the original idea she was supposed to nurse the baby. "But - Shakira explains - the breast does not appear because it seems that the baby is not interested".

Shakira knows another drug in addition to the love and music - the chocolates and assures that she will not leave Madrid without tasting "dorada a la espalda" (fish).

Shakira analiza su metamorfosis en clave futbolera: "La diferencia es que ahora la cancha es mucho más grande, pero el oficio, que es dar patadas al balón, no ha cambiado". Su sin vivir artístico, confiesa, es el mismo: "Mi preocupación surge a la hora de crear las canciones. Una vez el disco está cocinado, el resto me importa menos".

Shakira analyzes her metamorphosis with football terms: "the difference is that now the field is much larger, but the task, to kick the ball, has not changed".

She confesses that "My preoccupation arises when I create the songs. Once the album is "cooked", the rest concerns me less".

Shakira's Colombian crusade

(Thursday May 26, 2005 10:34 PM)

BOGOTA (AFP) - Colombian pop singer Shakira brought star power to an impoverished Colombian town to visit children benefiting from her "Bare Feet" foundation.

"I witnessed a great human wealth," the blond bombshell said of her visit to Quibdo, an impoverished town 650 kilometers west of Bogota.

"I saw children who have great potential to become productive people for society," said Shakira , who is also in Colombia to promote her new album, "Fijacion Oral" (Spanish for "Oral Fixation" ).

Shakira , 28, said she was "very moved" by her visit to Quibdo.

Her "Bare Feet" foundation finances programs to combat malnutrition and school truancy in Colombia's poorest areas.

She arrived in Colombia Wednesday with her manager but without her Argentine boyfriend Antonio de la Rua . She will head to the United States Saturday.

Shakira will hold a press conference Friday to present her album, which will go on sale in 60 countries in the first week of June. "Fijacion Oral" includes duets with Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz , Argentine rocker Gustavo Ceratti and Mexican guitar virtuoso Carlos Santana .

COVER STORY: SHAKIRA

Shakira has ushered us into the brave new world of her music; a sound often described as a refreshing blast of off-center rock that is fused together with her native Arabic and Latin beats. "I am a fusion. That's my persona. I'm a fusion between black and white, between pop and rock, between cultures - between my Lebanese father and my mother's Spanish blood, the Colombian folklore and Arab dance I love and American music," she says in TIME magazine.

Born Shakira Isabel Mebarak Ripoll in the coastal city of Barranquilla, Colombia, she is the youngest of eight children. Her name, translated from Arabic means, "woman full of grace."

At the age of eight she started writing her own songs, in Spanish, and began winning local and national talent contests by the age of ten. Now, with five released albums, Shakira has won two Latin Grammys, a Grammy, and was named the Latin Female Artist of the Year at the 1998 World Music Awards. She was also designated the official goodwill ambassador by the Colombian government, and granted an audience in the Vatican by the Pope.

However, as she pursued her dreams she was constantly challenged to make decisions that would define who she was and who she would become.

Her first album, Magia (Magic), was composed of songs she wrote as a child, and was released when the rising star turned thirteen years old. Two years later she released Peligro (Danger). Shakira then took a break from music, graduated from high school and then released another album, Pies Descalzos (Barefeet), at the age of sixteen. The record was a smashing success, selling close to four million copies internationally. The budding artist toured for almost two solid years, performing to audiences worldwide.

"Shakira's music has a personal stamp that doesn't look like anyone else's…"

Shakira had always written her own music, but despite her success, her label wanted her to explore more commercial avenues and to stick to the light pop format of music for her next record.

However, in defending who she was, Shakira refused to abandon her cultural influences and insisted on recording her very own brand of music. Laced with Mexican mariachi, Middle Eastern grooves and soulful Spanish lyrics, Donde Estan los Ladrones? (Where are the Thieves?), reached new heights. The culturally rich album reached the No.1 spot on Billboard's Latin 50.

Acknowledging her achievements, countryman and Nobel Prize winning author Gabriel Garcia Marques says, "Shakira's music has a personal stamp that doesn't look like anyone else's and no one can sing or dance like her, at whatever age, with such an innocent sensuality, one that seems to be of her own invention."

But there was still more to be done. Shakira was determined to introduce her unique sound, style and culture to the English-speaking world. However, writing songs in English was a challenge. "I prayed and asked God to send me a good song today, and I remember I started writing the song [Objection] a couple of hours after. I wrote the music and lyrics at the same time, and when that happens it's really magical to me." With the completion of this first song Shakira knew that she could write ten more, so she packed up her loved ones and set up portable studios in rural Uruguay. "I had to find a way to express my ideas and my feelings, my day-to-day stories in English. So I bought a couple of rhyming dictionaries, read poetry, and authors like Leonard Cohen and Walt Whitman," she said.

In 2001, the yodeling diva released her break-through English language album, Laundry Service, which debuted at number 15 on the Billboard Top 200. Laundry Service has been proclaimed as extraordinary work, as Shakira translates her Latin American sensibility into a new language.

"…because my father is of 100% Lebanese descent, I am devoted to Arabic tastes and sounds."

It is clear that this budding North American star is proud to become a cultural ambassador, incorporating her heritage into her public life as a singer. "I was born and raised in Colombia, but I listened to bands like Led Zeppelin, the Cure, the Police, the Beatles and Nirvana," she says. "I was so in love with that rock sound but at the same time because my father is of 100% Lebanese descent, I am devoted to Arabic tastes and sounds."

However, few performers have been able to truly retain their unique styles once they are exposed to the wrath of the American pop world. The brutality of the market often sends foreign stars like Robbie Williams back from where they came from. Or, performers end up changing their image to fit the popular American 'look'.

Many see Shakira's music as a strong cultural statement. There are some, however, who have called the Colombian native a sellout - an overly ambitious diva that dyed her naturally dark locks blonde in order to fit into the U.S. market.

"I plan to keep on being the same artist, with the same musical language, just in a different spoken language."

"I know my Latin people find this difficult," the singer admits to Teen People. "And I want [my success] to be good news to my country. But its typical that when you see somebody who is so close to you growing, you feel that the very word 'growing' is synonymous with leaving," and adds, "my hair is a coincidence. I dyed it more than two and a half years ago."

"I plan to keep on being the same artist, with the same musical language, just in a different spoken language," says Shakira to TIME magazine. "It's all still coming from my real feelings, my real-life experiences."

She hopes that Laundry Service, helps to convince skeptics that her career can be spread from one country to the next, and translated from one tongue to another without changing its essence. "If you check the subject of my songs, most of them talk about my own experiences and feelings and what I was actually going through in my life," she said.

By weaving her cultural heritage into the fabric of her music, Shakira has introduced her audience to a new world - one she is proud of as it defines who she is.

Rising Star - Shakira - Brief Article

Shakira

Age: 24

Hometown: Barranquilla, Colombia

Her sign: Aquarius

Claim to fame: She's a Grammy Award--winning singer who's said millions of records worldwide.

Next big thing: The release of her first English-language pop-rock album, Laundry Service.

Who knew? If she wasn't a singer, she'd be an anthropologist! "I have a passion for studying human beings. It's given me a greater understanding of the emotions I write about in my songs."

Her big break: "When I was 13, a family friend arranged for me to meet an executive from Sony Music Colombia in town. I went to his hotel and sang a song--which I had written--a cappella for him! A few days later I sang Madonna's 'Material Girl' in Spanish for more executives in Bogota. The next day I was signed by Sony. Now I work with Madonna's ex-manager!"

Listen for: Her single "Whenever Wherever." "It's about being far away from the love of your life. The line that says 'I would climb the Andes only to count the freckles on your body' is literally what I would do for my boyfriend."

Music Therapy Intervention and Techniques

There are many ways that music can be used to improve health and wellness, and address areas for improvement. Music therapy interventions are different depending on how they are delivered, for example live or recorded music; whether or not the therapist teaches you how to do an exercise and then lets you do it on your own, or if the therapist is present during the entire experience. Another way an intervention can be different is whether or not you are listening to and talking about your experiences with music, or if you are making music. Listening to music and talking about your experiences is sometimes referred to as a receptive intervention. Making music, either by singing or playing music that is already written, or creating new music through composing or improvising, is referred to as an interactive intervention.

Some common receptive interventions include:

Music-assisted relaxation

Using music for relaxation seems very natural, and many people do it instinctively. Listening to “Cool Jazz” or “Classical Pops” music is an easy way to unwind from a hectic day. Do an online search for music and relaxation and notice the multitude of compact disc recordings “specially compiled” to decrease stress and increase wellness. Certainly, music and healthcare research has demonstrated many benefits from listening to music and relaxing, such as decreasing stress and anxiety, regulating breathing, decreasing heart rate, and improving mood.

When teaching music and relaxation strategies, music therapists will begin by determining what music you find most preferable and relaxing. S/he will then have you either sit or lay down in a comfortable space. It is important to eliminate as many distractions as possible, so that your attention can be on the music and on the way your body responds to the relaxation exercise.

The music therapist will monitor the music to make sure it is effective in relaxing you. She may also pair music with relaxation instructions. Popular relaxation exercises include progressive muscle relaxation (PMR), which involves tensing and releasing major muscle groups. This relaxation is especially useful if you are so tense, you have forgotten what it feels like to be relaxed! There is some variation in PMR in that the muscle groups may change based on you current level of stress and the desired level of relaxation. It is possible to tense very small groups (for example hands and fingers) instead of larger groups of muscles (for example, arms to fingers).

Music and imagery

Another popular receptive music therapy intervention is combining music and imagery. Imagery is a process that uses the mind and imagination. It is much like daydreaming. There are many ways to combine music and imagery. Some music therapists use music as a backdrop to spoken imagery directions. Other MTs ask the patient to create imagery based on what they hear in the music, much like a movie soundtrack. Using music during imagery experiences help make the imagery more vivid. It also makes imagery easier to do.

Exercise/movement/dancing with music

Music therapists who treat individuals suffering from the after effects of stroke, head injury, or other neurological or physical disorders use rhythm in music to assist patients to speak and improve walking by making gait steadier and more even. At Colorado State University and Poudre Valley Hospital in Colorado Springs, music therapists and neuroscientists are using music to rehabilitate individuals with Parkinson’s disease and the after effects of stroke with amazing results. These music interventions are often carried out in tandem with physical therapists and occupational therapists. These same clinicians and researchers are looking at ways to help children with physical disabilities walk and become more independent.

Music Making

There are multiple ways to make music aside from formal performances in an auditorium. Matter of fact, it is not uncommon for people to become nervous at the mere thought of performing music in front of others. No worries though. Music making in music therapy isn’t necessarily about sounding good or the final product, many times it’s the process of making sounds reflective of feelings and struggles that are important in the therapeutic process.

Improvisation, or making up music as you go, is common in Jazz and some earlier periods of music. However, improvisation within a music therapy session will rarely sound like a Charlie Parker or Miles Davis improvisation. A majority of people who seek out music therapy don’t have extensive musical training, and none is needed.

During an improvisation session, the music therapist will often ask the client to consider a scene or emotion and then try to represent that scenario with sounds. The music therapist’s role is to support the client musically, by playing along. The instruments that are used in improvisation sessions vary greatly, but don’t be surprised to see drums, keyboards (pianos, xylophones and other mallet instruments), smaller hand held rhythm instruments, and the like.

Drumming, a specific type of improvisation has become popular in some areas of the country as a way to build community. There are some corporations that encourage drumming as a way to build solid management teams and increase work productivity. Some communities hold outdoor drumming sessions to encourage a sense of togetherness. Music therapists may also use drumming sessions for groups of individuals for similar purposes.

Singing is a wonderful way to improve several areas of being. If you consider what it takes to sing correctly (a good deep breath, good posture, relaxed jaw and shoulders) it makes sense that singing can also be used address therapeutic goals. Singing within music therapy sessions can take many forms. Private vocal lessons can help with correct speaking mechanics, relaxation, and self-confidence. Group singing can help with sound discrimination, team work, and improving overall quality of life.