Title

Music Videos

The Piano

The History: the real heyday of the piano. Who are the great piano composers? The main parts of the piano: keyboard and keys; pedals frame and strings. Keeping it in tune. Do you need a large handspan to play the piano well? What functions of playing are generally assigned to the right hand? What does that leave for the left hand? How does an accomplished pianist split their mind between concentrating on the two hands and the sheet music? Scales - developing technique. How much emotion is useful in the execution of a piece? (Vivace? Largho?...). Posture? Tips for organising your music? (do you always need a page turner?) Accompanying a singer or other musician. Styles of performance. Classical, Pop, Boogie, Jazz. The performance venue.

(39 min) - Year of Production 1996

The Recorder

The history of the recorder. Who were the main composers for the recorder? What are some of the main compositions? In what way is the recorder different from other woodwind instruments? What are the joys of playing the recorder that you donŐt get from any other instrument? What are the sorrows? How do you adjust the pitch of the recorder? What is the range of notes? The construction of the recorder. What are the physics of how the sound is produced? Why are some of the holes offset? How do you jump an octave? What materials are recorders made of? How can you tell a really good quality recorder? maintaining a recorder. Types of recorders. Blowing and breath control - when to take breaths. Common problems with novice recorder players. How do you control the loudness or softness of the note produced? Arranging the right and left hands. Problems experienced in fingering. What are some of the more common musical pieces for the recorder? Playing in a group. What is a typical line up for a recorder ensemble? Are recorders incorporated into other musical groups (woodwind group)? Keeping correct time.

(32 min) - Year of Production 1996

The Flute

The history of the flute. The sound produced by a flute by comparison with other woodwind instruments. What is the range of notes for a flute? The construction of the flute. How has the flute evolved in construction since it was first developed? Does the type of metal used in construction make a difference? The arrangement of keys and pads. Sticky pads? Other problems (lack of tension on the springs)? How are semitones produced? maintenance required for a flute. Embouchure and breath control. Does the shape of your lips make any difference to your potential as a flautist? How do you regulate the output of you breath to provide appropriately punctuated phrasing for the notes? How do you deal with tied notes? Common mistakes for beginning players. The correct finger position. Developing flexibility and agility. Solo and ensemble performing.

(27 min) - Year of Production 1996

The Trumpet

The history and development of the trumpet. Who were the great composers? Typical construction of the trumpet. The trumpet family. How is it related to the trombone? What is a cornet? Playing a trumpet: valves and mouthpiece. How are the notes produced? What is 'embouchure'? The importance of breath control. The role of the tongue and cheeks. Different techniques and effects. What are mutes? How do they affect the sound? Jazz versus classical playing. Improvisation. Trumpet maintenance. How do you tune a trumpet? Practical tips for effective learning and practising. Playing live: preparation and rehearsal. The trumpet as a tool of self expression.

(31 min) - Year of Production 1996

The Saxophone

The history and development of the instrument. The quality of sound produced by the saxophone. Extension of the human voice. Members of the saxophone family. Differences in pitch. The range of quality. Types of metal. How does metal affect the sound? How is the sound produced? What kind of music employ the sax? The development of jazz, beebop, avant garde, revival. Charlie Parker. Coltrain. The parts of the saxophone. The physics of the reed. Grades of reed - what is it made of? Breath control and embouchure. Vibrato. Growling. The role of the tongue. Circular breathing. Tuning. maintaining the saxophone. The pads and sticky keys. Saxophone repair (Dr Sax). Playing live: preparation and rehearsal. Audience and venue. Improvisation. Practical tips. Emotion.

(36 min) - Year of Production 1996

The Violin Family

The physical structure of the instruments: body, frets, bridge, strings, keys. Differences between violin, viola, cello and double bass. What pitch range do they each encompass? Famous violin-makers: Stradivarius and others. How are the pieces of the violin glued together or assembled? The craft of violin-making. What sort of wood is best? How is this treated or cured? How is the bow made? Catgut. Resin. Basic bowing technique. Holding the violin. Contact between the bow and strings... good technique and poor technique. Problems with posture. Basic fingering technique. How do you manage to remember exact positioning of specific notes (are beginning players recognisable by their offkey playing?). Techniques: pizzicato tremolo and vibrato. Stops. Major composers for the violin and some of their major compositions. Playing solo versus playing as part of a group. A string ensemble. First and second violins in an orchestra. Gypsy violins and electric violins. Fiddle music.

(37 min) - Year of Production 1996

Rock Guitar

This video explores different approaches to playing rock guitar. It looks at the history of the guitar, rock music styles, bass, lead and rhythm guitar, band lineups, setting up at a gig, and guitar playing techniques. Four working guitarists from different backgrounds talk about their personal approach to guitar playing, how they work and harmonise with other musicians, and how they feel about performing. This program will be of particular interest to young people learning guitar or wanting a musical career.

(40 min) - Year of Production 1993

The Drums

This program explores different approaches to playing the drums. It looks at the history of the drums, the range and function of the drums, the components of a drum kit, setting up a kit, different kinds of rhythms and musical styles, drumming techniques, timings and notation. Four working drummers talk about their personal approaches to playing the drums, working and harmonising with other musicians, and their feelings about performing.

(33 min) - Year of Production 1993

Solo Singing

In this video four different singers talk about their singing careers and their approach to singing. It includes information about elements such as the vocal chords, breathing, the diaphragm and posture. The singers also discuss range and types of voices, articulation, phrasing, sustaining notes, and pitch. The four singers have differing singing styles, offering the viewer interesting variations on singing techniques. They also talk about their experiences as performers.

(38 min) - Year of Production 1993

Singing in a Group

What is involved in singing in a group or choir? This program covers the ranges of voices in a group, the different parts they sing and how they are balanced. Singers talk about the teamwork involved in singing in a group, how songs are arranged to suit the vocalists, and how the lead singers are selected for different songs. They also talk about singing techniques, such as breathing, pitch and harmonies.

(31 min) - Year of Production 1993

Composition

Explore the art of song-writing and composing. In this program song writers and composers talk about their personal approach to composition - the creative process in writing the music and the lyrics. Elements covered include writing in different keys, composing melodies, writing lyrics that match, chords, tension and resolution, thematic elements, instrumentation and form. Composers also talk about arranging for musical groups and collaboration. We also look at midi composition techniques.

(38 min) - Year of Production 1993

Career as a Musician

What makes a successful musical career? Through interviews with people working in the music industry we examine issues such as the competitive nature of the industry, work availability, standards of musicianship, career options, pay rates, job security, lifestyle and career paths. The program also looks at recording studios, the equipment used, including DAT technology and the process involved in recording a CD.

(27 min) - Year of Production 1993

Any 6 Music Videos

Set of 12 Music Videos