Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Miscellaneous. Show all posts

Sing Sharp, Learn to Sing - "See your Voice!"

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐
“What you see is what you sing!”
You can gauge your own pitch accuracy from singing using this app – Sing Sharp, Learn to Sing!

This app is useful for identifying your vocal range, strengthening your vocal control, and training your musical sense in terms of rhythm and pitch.

Sing Sharp App Features:
  1. Vocal Range - check and practice your lowest and highest pitches 
  2. Warm Up - basic to advanced levels of vocal exercises 
  3. Sing Songs - Practice, Record, Playback, Save, Share and Customize your singing
  4. Training Program - 10 levels, 1000+ ear training and vocal control exercises to help build your musical sense and pitch accuracy 


What we like about this app?
  • It's FREE! You can practice on getting your pitch accurate and sing like in karaoke sessions! Practice this everyday and we believe you’re on your way to hitting the right notes for every song! 
  • User-Friendly. This app has a very good user interface and provides clear and easy navigation on how the several features work. It is responsive and intuitive in a way that can be naturally and instinctively understood and comprehended. What’s more, the design of the app is great! 
  • Track and Train. Track and keep records of your singing scores (progress)! Not only can you see if you’re improving from every song challenge by looking at the scores, you’re able to save these recordings and constantly seek perfection! 
  • Database of Songs! This app has got an available database of songs all ready for you to practice on! To get access to a larger database, all you need is to be a member which cost only $12.98 per year! Well affordable! 

What we don't like about this app? 

 Just like every unpaid app, advertisements appear every once in a while. Other than that, we really don’t see why people should not download this app.

So… I would strongly ‘pitch’ to everyone to start pitching now!

To download this app, click here.
Images credited to iTunes. 

Find Your Passion!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐


As children, do you recall the moment where your primary school teacher asked you that golden question...'What do you want to be when you grow up?' 

 Our answers were all different yet passionate and genuine to ourselves.
As we started to grow up, routinely taught the harsh reality of money-centered thinking to survive in our society. It started to be so overwhelming that we were all brainwashed into the urgency to get a real job and whatever passion you have, cannot feed you. 

Since then, we started to stereotype jobs into 2 categories, 'The Practical' and 'The Impractical'.

The Practical
1) Pays well with great bonuses
2) Standard working hours
3) Don't really like doing but I can manage as long as I get paid

The Impractical
1) Poorly paid, probably not even on time. Don't even talk of yearly bonuses.
2) Erratic working hours
3) Love doing it but who's going to support my family?

This scenario is like being forced into an arranged marriage, instead of marrying for love. Except that over time, you seldom "learn to love" your job. Instead, you suffer through it and tolerate whatever comes along.
Here, we want to inspire you into taking that first step to follow your passion! 
You ask why? Well, as a matter of fact, as musicians, we know it all too well because we were told that music is an impractical job. We did what was categorized as impractical and made it practical! So, hope this article ignites something in you.



How to find your passion?
Don't you agree that with that feeling of enthusiasm and energy about that special 'something', you never feel tired doing it? In fact, it is your motivation to get up early everyday. 
That enthusiasm is so powerful that when we combine it with your work, you are setting yourself up well for achieving true success!
Caution - In extreme cases, you might even be told to stop and rest for awhile!  :)

We know many has this question in mind "But I don't know what I'm passionate about!"  Here's a chart we have found from the net that asks you some questions. Do it. At the end of the little quiz, you might see some light!

(Click to enlarge image)


 Once, you've found your passion, go work at it! Make that skill even better, do more learning and research. Think of ways how you can offer value-add services/products through your passion. Do it small first and keep going on. Never be afraid to make mistakes and constantly do corrections.
Inevitably, the path will appear slowly. Yes, you can!



What is success?
The true meaning of success is in the achieving of something desired. Once you focus and put your energy in the right places, money will flow naturally. You might not earn as much as people in financial sector, but you gain beyond monetary gains. It's other area of satisfaction that money can't buy. 

 We have heard of stories where people work their butts off to earn tons of money. End of the day, they inadvertently spent tons of money to satisfy their empty heart. Then, they need to add in more time to earn even more to purse their level of lifestyle. It's a vicious cycle that never seems to end!

 But think about it... 

 Things has to stop at a certain age. Then, it might be too late and health could be very much compensated.
Deep in our hearts, what we desire the most is to be proud of what we do with our lives. Money shouldn't be the primary definition of success! The thing is, if we're truly passionate about the work we do and put in all our energy to it, there's a high chance that money will follow. 

 If you keep having a back-up plan to your dream, passionate career, you will never have a 'make it or break it' attitude to push yourself to the highest limit possible!

 Here's the famous quote from Steve Jobs. Hope it inspires you more.


K歌达人 - Not just any ordinary Karaoke App!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐


Have you always been very shy of joining a karaoke session with your friends? Probably because you are not confident of your own voice? Or afraid that your friends might criticize your singing?

Well, here's an application called 'K歌达人' which is really not your average karaoke app! It has a special function that allows you to join a virtual karaoke room (like a open hall in karaoke) filled with other singers from all over the world. 

 The best thing about this function? It does not require you to show your face! ;)

K歌达人
(Available on both iOS and Android platforms)



App Features:
  • An updated and wide database of popular songs to select from. 
  • It has an in-build smart scoring system 
  • Virtual Karaoke room which allows you to join other singers from all around. 
  • Be a Judge! You can compliment or feedback on other singers while they sing.
  • Personal karaoke session - do it at the comfort of your own room!
What we like about this app?

It's FREE!
With the rising costs of karaoke sessions, why not have your own at the comfort of your home?

User-Friendly
This app is very user-friendly and easy to navigate around. 

Virtual Karaoke Room
We have not come across another karaoke app that has this function. It really is a good way to practice singing without the need to face a live audience. Gather feedbacks from others. It's an awesome way to improve through constructive comments!

Wide Song Database
This app has got the latest songs. Both English and Mandarin Pop songs!



What we don't like about this app?
So far none... We think there's nothing to complain about it! :D
Except that you need to be able to read Mandarin to navigate around this app.

Let your karaoke trainings begin now!

Exclusive! The insider story: 陈泂江 Desmond Tan's Love song to SG

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

Every year during August, Singaporeans tend to feel a lot more patriotism for our country! Most often, we feel this connection most, through the songs.

If you have been tuning in to Channel 8, Channel U, as well as radio stations, Y.E.S. 93.3FM, LOVE 97.2FM,  you might have chanced upon a new-released song titled '将爱延续 - Love song to SG' which was sang by multi-talented Mediacorp artiste Desmond Tan, 陈泂江! 

But did you know that the song was a collaboration with Hark Music and it was composed by our music director & founder - Mr. Amos Teo?

Well, here's the insider story of how the song actually came about! 

How it all started:
Earlier this year, we got to know Desmond when he took up a mentorship in music from our directors, Mr. Amos Teo and Ms. Yoong Xin Yun. From the success of 'Keep Running', which was launched for last year’s National Day, Hark Music decided to produce 1 every year. So this year, we have chosen Desmond to present it!

 On the other hand, Desmond wanted to challenge himself and bring his performing skills to another level! The song was also a platform for him to showcase his talent in music. As most people might know him for acting through TV dramas, did you know that he also has an immerse talent in music too? 

 So instead of just singing the song, Amos encouraged him to write the lyrics since he was the one who came up with the theme “Love song to SG”.
The challenges faced:

First Challenge
The first challenge was to come up with a really catchy title! '将爱延续' which means “Let the love continue” was created as we strongly believe that whatever we do, we do it because of our love for the country. At the same time, to subtly create a link of the song to Desmond, the word '将' which has the same pronunciation as '江' (Desmond’s Chinese name) was used.



Second Challenge
 The lyrics. Writing lyrics for a love song might be easy for many, but writing one that's dedicated to our country would require a wider and open perspective. For example, at the beginning of the song, it’s about the difficulties our leaders faced in the 60s. Followed by knowing they did everything, all because of the LOVE for Singapore. Then in the pre-chorus, it’s actually about the current scene where people from various walks, sharing their conflicting views.


Third Challenge
Time and budget. This entire production, including the music and video were are all done in less than a month. And it was done without any funding from the government or big sponsors! But we are thankful for the help from people who support this initiative and also playing their part for this year’s National Day.

 In the absence of decorative elements in the song and video like the official ones, we hope our sincerity and effort can be felt by the audience. And we present to you a love song that is written for our dear country, Singapore, to celebrate her 50th birthday!


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SINGAPORE!

Watch the short music video of <将爱延续 - Love Song to SG> below:



Listen to the full song (with national anthem) <将爱延续 - Love Song to SG> here:


Produced by Amos Teo 张安文 & Xin Yun 熊欣韵
Sung by Desmond Tan 陈泂江 - Mediacorp Artiste
Lyrics by Desmond Tan
Music by Amos Teo

将爱延续 - Love song to SG
词： 陈泂江 曲： Amos Teo (Hark Music)

全世界都说我们没有明天
As the rest of the world says we have no future
未开始的梦想是否会幻灭
Will our dreams die even before they begin?
纠结的心情扰乱未来视线
Dilemmas might impair my vision of the future
但我对你的爱 始终不会变
But nothing will ever change my love for you
将爱延续 永远都不放弃
Let our love last forever with tenacity
多少艰难 无法阻挡我们前进
No amount of hardships will hamper our way forward
将爱延续 心连心不分离
Let our love last with our hearts as one
一起守护 我们的约定
Together we will guard our promises
只要用爱经营 未来是无限美景
With love, our future will be an endless beauty
要坚定 不管多少 流言蜚语
We will stand strong no matter what they say
要相信 无论多少 纷争来袭
We will keep faith no matter the disputes
坚持守护你
We will keep you safe till the end



SoundHound - Never miss a great tune again!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐


Heard of a good song but don't know its title?
If  you have 'SoundHound' in your smartphone and you will never miss that opportunity every again!

This app can 'listen' the tune and tell you the song title right away. Whether you are listening to a radio, live performance or even someone humming the melody, it can pick up the tune and tell you the answer.
It's more intelligent than a human!


SoundHound
(Available on iOS and Android as well as Blackberry)




What we like about this app?

It's FREE!
With the ability to identify unlimited tunes without needing to pay a cent? Why not!

User-Friendly Interface
Learning curve is very gentle. Friendly interface, nice aesthetic and words size, pleasing to the eyes. 

Integration with other apps - iTunes, Spotify, Rdio
After finding the song title, you can also link straight to the iTunes store to purchase the song, or Spotify/Rdio to listen to the song for free!

Artiste/Song Information & Lyrics
It even supply you with the artiste's background/biography and the song lyrics is also readily available for you to sing along!


What we don't like about this app?
Not much! Can't complain when it bundles in so much convenience for music lovers like us with no price tag! Acknowledge that there're few advertisements around but it doesn't quite bothers us. :)


Go download it and have fun!


Valen Tan 陳霆婷 - Successes in Taiwan!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

Our Vocal Coach, Valen Tan 陳霆婷 has been in Taiwan 
developing her singing career for years! 

In June 2014, we invited her to do a intimate acoustic showcase at Hark.
She did many of her signature songs in her own renditions like: If I Ain't Got You - Alicia Keys, 也许明天- 张惠妹, 会过去的 - 梁静茹, 飞机场的10:30 - 陶喆花香 - 江蕙（台语) and many more!
The most 'gossipy' part was her sharings about competing in reality singing competitions 
and 1st hand news of Asian music scene. She gave advices on ways on making your musical dreams come true, surviving as a singer in Taiwan. 

 Plus,  the hidden truth behind the screen of reality TV contests. 
Well, we couldn't spill the beans here. So, it was a pity you can't be here then! ;)

 Meanwhile, watch this for show highlights:


 Also, check out her live acoustic rendition of Bad boy, 流浪記, 她說 and 飛機場的10:30 below!




To know more about Valen, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/tingting425

"Like" her in Facebook to show your support for her!

As part of our interest to inspire, we are constantly looking out to feature local talents! If you know any local artistes/bands whom may be interested to have their very own music showcase in Hark Music, get them to contact us at enquiry@harkmusic.com.





Improve Rhythm through playing a game!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

For centuries, video games have always been portrayed as a bad influence. Well, maybe some...But definitely not all! 

 Now, you must be thinking, what has games got to do with music? Well, we all know that a strong sense of rhythm is required when we are singing or playing a music instrument! Well, here is a fun way to practice your rhythmic sense!

The recent trend of 'Rhythm' games being played on our smart phones are not just great way to kill time! Proven to be able to improve rhythm sense and improve hand-eye coordination as well as your psycho-motor skills!

 Below is just one of the many rhythm games available on your smart phones and we find this particular app highly addictive!
Rhythm Control 2
(Available only on iOS)







Game Features:
  • Addictive game play designed specifically for touch screens
  • Multiple difficulty levels makes the game enjoyable for rhythm game newcomers and veterans alike!
  • Varied tracklist consisting of songs from both western and Japanese musicians
  • Additional tracks available as in app purchases.
  • Silky-smooth gameplay at 60 FPS

What we like about this app?

It's FREE!
Who doesn't like a free game? ;)

 User-Friendly
This game is very user-friendly and easy to navigate around. It has levels where it brings you through from beginner level to more advanced. Plus, you have a sense of achievement as you get to unlock new songs! 

 Addictive
We introduced this app to our coaches and few of them get really addicted to playing it! You should too!

What we don't like about this app?The only shortfall about this game is that it would be more awesome if it has a wider selection of songs.
Have fun playing & your rhythm sense will improve inevitably! 

Jeremy Teng - Perservance paid off finally!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐
The idea was sparked when we saw the news of Jeremy's win in Japan's Nippon TV singing competition and his invitation to compete in Taiwan Super Idol 9 超級偶像9 !

We decided to show our support for him by holding a mini-showcase for him in bid to help him raise funds for funding his expenses in travelling to & fro Taiwan. (He was raising it alone through his Facebook!)

In just 10 days, it was a sold out concert and
we managed to raise more than $1,000 for him!

Here are some highlights of the show:




He performed a total of 15 songs with English, Mandarin and Japanese songs.
Many audiences commented that his voice gave him goosebumps!
In a good way, of course.. :)





Mr. Amos Teo, founder of Hark Music & Mr. Rei Lim, a renowned pianist
came down specially to support him in his 1st ever showcase!
There was also a special guest performance from Dee, 
one of the members from Juz-B (Singapore's very talented acapella group)
performing together with his own band "Sylverfront"





The wonderful and supportive audience that came
to show their support to Jeremy!







To know more about Jeremy, click here:
https://www.facebook.com/tengjeremy?ref=br_tf

"Like" him in Facebook to show your support for him!



As part of our interest to inspire, we are constantly looking out to feature local talents! If you know any local artistes/bands whom may be interested to have their very own music showcase in Hark Music, get them to contact us at enquiry@harkmusic.com.

Interview with Jaspers Lai (JTeam's artiste)

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

Jaspers Lai, the multi-talented artiste, artiste from JTeam, cast of "The Lion Men", "The Lion Men 2" was one of the participant in our signature Guitar ExpressWay™ 2-day boot camp! 

This talented individual who is known for his flamboyant and mischievous character in Channel U’s hit show “Smart@Work” is also the composer & producer of two award winning singles titled "say who"<你说> and "love fiesta"<爱的盛宴> in 2013!



Watch his progress in the 2 days bootcamp!





Let's find out how he felt after attending the 2-day boot camp in an exclusive interview!

1) Before attending the Guitar ExpressWay™ 2-day boot camp, did you feel that it was possible to pick up the guitar in just 2 days? What do you think now?
NO! Of course not! My first thought was, are you guys scamming me! Haha! How is it possible to pick up guitar in 2 days when I failed to play a single guitar chord for 2 years? There must have been some secret potion you put in those free drinks over the counter!!!! I was pretty convinced that I was definitely not going be able to play a song in just 2 days. But GOSH! I hate to be proven wrong. But you guys did it!
2) Now that you have completed this 2-day boot camp, what do you feel most pleased about yourself?
I can finally SING and PLAY with a GUITAR!!! Easier to woo girls!!! WEE WEE! I'm so proud of my achievement and it is really something which I never thought i would be able to achieve. I've been trying to learn guitar for years, but always end up giving UP... I would give myself excuses like my fingers are too short, the pressing of respective chords are too painful...blah blah blah but now I know, its MIND OVER BODY! Haha! 

 Most importantly as a performer, I finally am able to sing and play on stage for my fans which has always been a dream for me!


3) How has this 2-day boot camp kick started your interests in advancing your guitar learning?
Now that I know that it is possible to sing and play, I would like to perfect it! I hope that in a year's time, i can perform on stage with no sweat! 
4) Could you share with us what you enjoyed most about the Guitar ExpressWay™ program me?
Can i say EVERYTHING? When I first took a look at the planned itinerary, it looked very scary! It felt like I was filming a new movie called 'AH BOYS to GUITAR MAN!??' But the moment the programme started , we sort of like entered into a timeless zone. We were focused. We did not have the time to think of any other stuff other than wanting to perfect playing the guitar. 
5) What do you think about the Master Trainer, Mr. Amos Teo?
You don't call him the MASTER trainer for nothing! He is indeed the MASTER of music! Besides music, he has also taught me a very invaluable lesson. And that is believing we can do it. He did not just teach me music, he also taught me how to change my attitude towards learning and that benefits me ANYWHERE I go and WHATEVER I want to learn. KUDOS~!
6) As a singer/songwriter and multi-talented local celebrity, how do you think this newly found musical skill will benefit you?
As compared to the piano which I have played for years, the guitar is a more accessible and portable musical instrument! It allows me to strum out new melodies on the spot when the "FEEL" comes! Now, I can bring it to my favorite spot and strum my guitar!

This new musical skill also allows me to showcase my passion for music to even more people. And come on, who doesn't love a guy that can sing and play guitar on stage?
7) What would you like to share with others about Hark Music? Or others who are interested in taking music lessons?
All you need to do, is that one STEP ! Sign up for a course that you think you are passionate about. Don't hesitate! Don't doubt! You just need to know your "WHY (you want to take up this course)" and let HARK MUSIC teach you the "HOW (to do it)". If I can do it , so can you!
8) For some of us, we know you as a comedian after watching you on MediaCorp’s Channel U talk shows like ‘上班不留白’《Smart@Work》. But in the recent Jack Neo movie, 'The Lion Men'《狮神决战》, you played a more rebellious role in the show! Are you also like that in real life? Or is there a different side to you that you could share with us about?
'上班不留白'《Smart@Work》and 'The Lion Men'《狮神决战》 are both extreme spectrum of who I really am in real life. Smart@work is who I am 90% of the time when I am with my friends, while my character Sam in 'The Lion Men' makes up the other 10% of the rebellious and dark-humorous side of me. I think a more accurate description for me is that i'm like "water". I take the shape of the other party. I'm easily adaptable to different types of people. At times, I could be quiet (while brainstorming or doing video editing) but I can also be as crazy as dancing on a table in a club! But there is one thing that I love doing for sure, and that is I LOVE making people laugh - OUT LOUD! That's probably why Librarian hates me! Haha!
9) Do you have any ‘secret’ talents?
HOW DO U KNOW!? If it's a secret, why would I tell you? Haha! Just kidding, well...I can whistle with my lips tightly sealed! I get to freak out my friends with that! My next goal is to learn to talk without moving my mouth! Gosh, I'm just too lazy to even open it! Haha!
10) Are there any big projects that you are currently working on?
Mr. Jack Neo's new movie - THE LION MEN 2 is going to be on screen from 12 June 2014 in all cinemas, so I will be busy with filming! Together with some of my JTeam buddies guided by Director, Mr. Jack Neo, we are working on some YouTube videos. Our group is called - 'Black Humour' and you can follow us on our YouTube channel called 'JTV'. This channel is a more direct platform for us to express our ideas as well as showcase our talent to more people around the world!

During my free time, I also take up some self-enriching programmes to improve my singing and of course picking up new skills like the guitar!





An App that literately adjusts to your learning pace!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

Every musician knows the importance of playing the right chords (guitarists, pianists) and hitting the right notes (vocalists)! But won't you agree that difficulty is increased exponentially when learning up-beat songs?

We understand your frustrations and thanks to an application called "Anytune" which is completely free on the iOS platform! Through this app, you can adjust the tempo of your favourite songs to suit a pace where you can practice your techniques in time. 

Don't worry! You are not cheating! What you are doing in fact, is making your practice sessions more effective.

Practice at your comfortable speed till you condition your muscles, then slowly speed up, till it reaches the required tempo of the original song.

This is a more focused way to practice in order to reach perfection.

What we like about this app?

Easy to Import Songs
Apart from this application being free, we find it very useful for all musicians. Not only that, it is easy to import your music from iTunes & also offers free converting of your favourite music into mp3 format from YouTube. 

Allow Key Change
Once you are done getting your list of music, you can then practice at your own pace by adjusting the tempo without affecting pitch or sound quality. If you are a vocalist, you can also change the pitch of the songs to your preferred key which is excellent since you are trying to see which key suits you best!

Loop Sections of Songs
 And because we are all busy and may not have a whole lot of time to practice, try the "Mark and loop" app function. "Mark" the problem areas so that you can repeatedly practice till it gets perfect!


What we don't like about this app?
The downside for this app are the advertisements, that does get a little irritating.
But other than that, this app is a great companion for your music practices!


Have fun with this new app! :)





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