Showing posts with label Pop Piano. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Pop Piano. Show all posts

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!


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! 

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! :)





"Play Piano with No-Scores" Workshop

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐
It was a sold-out event. 80 seats was snapped up in just 7 days.
Everyone was excited to know how we can play piano without relying on scores.

We have captured the exciting highlights and put it in a short video for everyone. Watch it now!








Jay Chou's Piano Learning Journey

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐


"When I was little I played the piano, I sometimes felt happy and sometimes felt pressure. Later on, I started to learnt the cello, but afterwards I didn't go to take the exam. So I stopped playing the piano and cello for a period of time. But privately I still played some pop songs (It was at this time when I came into contact relatively more with pop songs). I started to grasp melody and combining chords. I felt really happy, relaxed and not so much pressure."

[ Written by Jay from Jay Album and Translated by Ho@multistars.com ]"
Extracted from http://jaychoustudio.com/jay-chou-profile


Jay Chou, just like most of us - have the advantage of learning piano at the young age.
As a kid, parents usually enrolled us in the conventional path. We took practical and theory exams years after years, just to fulfill the journey but never really felt the passion in playing the songs we were learning nor understanding the theory we were told to memorise.

However, once you embark on a pop piano journey, the pressure immediately went off and it came in another form of joy! You started to feel much more fulfilled with the ability to play songs you know, on the piano. 

Now, true passion comes back as you are starting to play what you hear in your mind instead of playing what you see on the paper. It just feels great now!

Don't mistaken that all the classical stuffs which you have learnt are gone to waste.
In fact, the practical drilling you picked up in younger years provides you an advantage in fingers agility and the theories you've learnt make more sense now (due to more chords-playing in pop piano).

Anyway, here's a 5-min video where Jay Chou start improvising on piano based on what he feels and hear. And yes, he doesn't need any scores to play the piano!


* The video is in Mandarin. No english subtitles available.

Hope this video inspires you!

Click here if you are interested to know more about Hark Music's THE Pop Piano Course - Play without scores.




Clarity - Zedd ft. Foxes Acoustic Cover by Hark Music

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐


Debut collaboration by Hark Music Pop Piano Coach Joann Tan and Student Performer Farah Erfina.
Enjoy!

He did it in just 6 months!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐

6 months ago, Nicholas had completely zero background in the playing the piano.
But now he is able to play and sing a complete song!

"I never thought that I could sing and play a complete song during the breakthrough performance in just 6 months of learning the pop piano." 

Find out more about him through this interview!

1) Why did you choose to learn this particular instrument? 
Music has been my principal and leading option in the things that I do. Since young the beautiful and charming melodies from the piano never failed to mesmerise me. Time and again I find myself enchanted to the tune of the piano especially when I can sing along with the piano accompaniment. Coming from a humble family background, I was not able to learn the piano; for it was considered an expensive and exclusive musical instrument during my younger days. Nevertheless the fortitude and desire to pick up piano skills develop further as time passes and I decided to fulfil my childhood dreams when I chanced upon the pop piano course.

2) What is your musical dream?
My aspiration is to be able to perform (自弹自唱) on stage to a group of audience one day. My vision is to play and sing the song “My Way”; a French song that was popularized by Frank Sinatra. It depicts the story of a man who reflects on his life as death approaches where he is comfortable with his mortality and takes responsibility for how he dealt with all the challenges of life while maintaining a respectable degree of integrity. Of course once I am able to fulfil this dream, I would love to continue this voyage of playing and singing, performing to a group of audience.

3) Did you have any prior musical background?
Yes, but not a strong foundation in music. I joined the school band since I was in primary school all the way to the National University of Singapore's Wind Symphony. More than 10 years of playing the trumpet from military band to symphonic band, this journey in music is never a complete one to me; simply due to the fact that the trumpet is never considered as a “full” instrument, unable to play and sing at the same time. All I can say is I have zero background when it comes to piano.

4) Why did you choose to learn at Hark Music?
My encounter with Hark Music goes a long way back to 2003 when I first joined the guitar course, under the training baton of founder Mr Amos Teo. However I was not able to complete the guitar course as I had to cope with the varsity life and active involvement in NUS Wind Symphony. 10 years later when I decided to venture in my piano goals, I approached Hark Music immediately without considering other music schools. Through the Hark Experience which I underwent previously, I must say that Hark Music had successfully concoct its very own syllabus of coaching that condenses the pain yet resonates the music nature in every individual. This is the primary reason of my return to Hark Music as I strongly believe Hark Music will be able to nurture the success of my piano journey.

5) What has been your prominent musical breakthrough so far?
Though I embrace the Hark Experience, I never thought that I could sing and play a complete song during the breakthrough performance in just 6 months of learning the pop piano. Moreover this is a song written by my pop piano coach, Joann whom she had generously and benevolently gave her consent for me to learn and gain further knowledge of the pop piano. The most beautiful thing about undergoing the Hark Experience is that once you are at it, no one can take it from you and that is the most prominent musical breakthrough.

6) How have you benefited since learning at Hark Music?
Music is a world within itself with a language we all understand; speaks what cannot be expressed through words, soothes the mind and heals the heart. I gained a much in-depth of music through learning at Hark Music.

In a class of 4 learning pop piano, we have to understand that different individuals comprehends in their own way. Everyone has a different learning curve and through this, the practice of your patience and broad mind is put into test. Learning to be more accepting and accommodative towards others are two major aspects in life which I truly benefited from Hark Music apart from the musical outlook.

7) Has anyone criticized your choice in learning music as an impractical decision? If so, what would you like to tell them?
Yes definitely and that is none other than my mom. A 76-year old lady whom was brought up in a different environment naturally prefers something that is more practical in life. In life it is not about “who” everyone else wants you to be, it’s about being yourself and finding someone that will love the every bit of it. Instead of telling them something, I prefer to action upon something. After grasping the fundamentals of playing the chords on the piano, I sang and played my mother’s favourite song – 月亮代表我的心 to her.  Since then my mom did not mentioned anything pop piano as an impractical choice and from her body language, I know that deep down in her heart she is delighted as she would never have thought that I can sing and play the piano solely for her enjoyment on her favourite song.

8) Has any of your friends realized your musical breakthroughs and complimented you? How did you feel?
Yes… I posted a video of the breakthrough performance on my Facebook and received worthy compliments and feedbacks. Majority of my friends and relatives didn’t believe that I can play on the piano and sing along in a short time frame of 6 months learning. I feel extremely encourage and inspired from them. Indeed such insightful remarks infinitely add as a strong catalyst for me to persist and continue to pursue my dreams in pop piano.

9) What do you enjoy most about being a part of Hark Music’s family?
Too much things to enjoy I must say. Hark Music is like a big family – A family where life begins and love that will never end; A family that we may not have it together but together we have it all. From the reception to the classrooms, everyone whom I have met at Hark Music is welcoming, approachable, responsive, sociable and pleasant. It is true that the love and passion for music binds all of us together. Hark music is a homely and inviting music school where you can get to hear the most of my laughter.

Do take a look at Nicholas's Student Breakthrough Performance video when he performed for the first time on the Pop Piano in front of a live audience!


What a way to end 2013!

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐
What a way to end off 2013 for Hark Music!Our coaches and performers were invited to perform in the Countdown Party at The Promontory@Marina to usher in 2014.

A live interview with Mediacorp Channel 8's 6.30pm News. 
Coach Chriz and Michael performed live for a short preview to TV viewers!



Few shots of their performances!








Watch this short video on their performances then!



Have a great 2014 ahead!


Best Music Apps (iOS and Android)

Posted by Hark Music 听。音乐




Isn't it great to have few of the best music apps in our mobile devices? 
With the vast selection out there, we understand it could be confusing!

 Here, we are going to share some of the useful apps which we think it's good to have!


********** FOR SINGING ********** 
 




天籁K歌
(Available for iOS & Android users)


What is this app about?
It's a karaoke app! Itching to sing but no one's available to accompany you to karaoke? This is a wonderful FREE application that will settle your karaoke cravings at the comfort of your own home!

What we like this app?
  • It has a huge song database; updated frequently with both English and Mandarin pop songs. 
  • Want to sing the song in higher or lower key? No problem, it can be within the app too (only on iOS platform currently). 
  • Comes with a built in with a recording function and with very good quality. You can just sing it through your ear-piece's mic!
  • It's FREE with no advertisements!
  • It is also a social network where you can upload your singing and interact with other singers around the world. You can also listen to others' singing too.
The only downside is - the app is in mandarin. You have to be able to read in mandarin to use the app.


Sing! Karaoke by Smule
(Available for iOS and Android users)

What is this app about?
Similar to the application above, here we have another karaoke app! It's free to download, however, you will need to still pay for the songs that you want to sing.
 
What we like this app?
  • This application has quite a good sizable database of English songs. 
  • This app is in English so unlike 天籁K歌, if your chinese isn't that good, you can still navigate around this app!
The only downside of this app is that it charges for the songs that you download.

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/sing!-karaoke-by-smule/id509993510

VocalMastery
(Available for iOS & Android users)
 


What is this app about?
This app is a portable vocal warm-up kit! To enjoy every karaoke session or performance you want to ensure your voice is at its tip-top condition. All you can is to use this app without having to get a keyboard!

What we like this app? 
  • It's free and very simple interface to use!
  • Contains a good number of warm-up exercises techniques written by renowned vocal coach - Leigh McRae.
  • Allows you to select your preferred level of difficulty and a male/female vocal range. 
  • Includes demonstrations too!
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vocalmastery 

Vocalist Pro
(Available for Android users)

 


What is this app about?
This is a singing skills development app. It has games, lessons and songs for you to sing along.
It is also equipped with a tuner to tell you if you're on the right pitch!

What we like this app?
  • It shows you instant feedback on where you hit the right note, and where you were off.
  • Has a game with increasing difficulty which makes learning fun!
  • Includes tips to guide you how to sing.
  • Has a tuner function which can be used for other instruments too.
The downside is, you have to buy the app at SGD$2.58.



********** FOR GUITAR PLAYING ********** 





Ultimate Guitar Tabs
(Available for iOS & Android users)


What is this app about?

Get your guitar tabs with this app! It's not entirely free but this application may just be your best companion apart during your jamming sessions with friends! Ultimate Guitar website is known to be one of the world’s leading guitar resource website. 


What we like this app?
  • This app has a huge database of songs! With over 800,000 songs can be found.
  • The lyrics and chords can be accessed offline when added to your 'favourites'.
  • You can not only search by song/artiste name but also difficulty level, tuning and ratings by other guitarists!
  • Very nice, pleasing interface and you can even custom your own look.
  • It has auto-scrolling features as you play on your guitar.
  • Comes with essential guitar tools too, such as chord diagrams, tuner, metronome! It's a all-in-one app!
The downside is you need to pay for the app/subscriptions but we felt it's all worth it.

iOS (for iPhone): http://app.ultimate-guitar.com/apps/iphone/ugt/
iOS (for iPad - HD version): http://app.ultimate-guitar.com/apps/ipad/ugt/

Android: http://app.ultimate-guitar.com/apps/android/ugt/




PRO Metronome
(Available for iOs & Android users)


 
What is this app about?
Having trouble staying on beat? Well, here’s an application that can help you get better control of your rhythm! This is an essential app for all musicians! 

 What we like this app? 

  • This is a free application with no advertisements.
  • No fuss, easy to use interface! 
  • It's  interface let you not only SEE but also FEEL the beats as it vibrates (only available for iOS).
iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/pro-metronome-beat-sound-light/id477960671?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.metronomeprofree&hl=en

Guitar Tuner· By Tim O's Studios 
(Available for iOS users)

 

 What is this app about?
Guitar Tuner. Simple as that. For iOS users.

 What we like this app?
  • Big buttons with a guitar interface directly on the screen to tell you the notes of each strings - great for beginners who are still confused by the standard tuning notes.
The downside of this app is that it's free but comes with advertisements pop-up. Could be confusing at times.

iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/fr/app/guitar-tuner/id514487312?l=en&mt=8

Tuner - gStrings Free 
(Available for Android users)
 

What is this app about?
A chromatic tuner that's primarily made for strings instruments such as guitar, bass guitar, ukulele, violin, viola, cello, but can also use for wind instruments too. For Andriod users.

What we like this app?

  • Allows you to adjust microphone sensitivity. Good when you are in noisy environments.
  • Has other features too such as orchestral tuning, different temperments, pitch pipe and more. Good to advanced users.
The downside is, it may be confusing for beginner with all the additional features. Else, it's really a very versatile app. Has gotten great reviews from musicians around the world!

 


ChordBank: Guitar Chords
(Available for iOS users)




What is this app about?
It provides you with diagrams for all chords! For iOS users. 

 What we like this app?

  • Very beautiful user interface.
  • Provide you fingerings on how to press the chords.
  • You can 'strum' across the screen to hear how the chord sounds!
iOs: https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/chordbank-guitar-chords/id397602509?mt=8




Learn Guitar Chords 
(Available for Android users)
  


What is this app about?
It provides you with diagrams for all chords! For Android users. 

What we like this app?

  • Similar to ChordBank (for iOS), this shows chords with full fingering.
  • You can 'strum' across the screen to hear how the chord sounds too!
  • You can choose Acoustic and Electric guitar sounds. Awesome!

 ********** FOR PIANO PLAYING ********** 

 






Musical Lite 
(Available for Android users)



What is this app about?
A keyboard which 'lives' in your mobile devices. Great for mobile practising! For Android users.

 What we like this app?

  • Full keyboard with scrolling features
  • 2-octave stacked keyboard in a screen
  • Have play-along piano learning games
  • Comes with other tools - metronome and 8-piece drum set.
  • It's free. However you play upgrade to PRO version for more features if you need.
Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rubycell.pianisthd




 Virtuoso Piano Free 2 HD
(Available for iOS users)
 
What is this app about?
A keyboard which 'lives' in your mobile devices. Great for mobile practising! For iOS users.

What we like this app?

  • Great sounds! It has great sampled sounds of a concert grand piano.
  • Can play chords up to 5 fingers!
The downside is, it's great to play it on an iPad but not a iPhone as it's too small and crampy.

iOs: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/app/virtuoso-piano-free-2-hd/id304075989





 Pchord
(Available for iOS & Android users)
 
What is this app about?
It's like a chord book for piano players!

 What we like this app?

  • Free app. Everyone loves free stuff.
  • Provides many variations of a chord which can let you choose which voicings you prefer.
  • You can also play the notes and it will tell you what chord you are playing!
iOs: https://itunes.apple.com/sg/app/pchord-piano-chord-finder/id564188907?mt=8
Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.ne.asoft.android.pchord&hl=en







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