Saturday, July 25, 2009

Learn on How to Perfectly Practice the Piano

Learn on How to Perfectly Practice the Piano

Playing the piano requires long hours of practicing especially when a big musical event is coming. With all the factors that are needed to play the piano, one very basic yet important thing will be discussed in this article.

One factor that some professionals dare not forget… practice. Even if you know all the fingerings and notes, even if you can read the music well, it won’t mean a thing. Practice is the essence of it all. You have to be committed in your genre therefore practicing it every day; if not everyday then at least thrice a week.

If you’re having difficulty training yourself with your practice hours, here are some notes to ponder upon.

Note # 1

Make a daily schedule for practice and comply with it. Be determined to stick to your schedule. It is a must to condition yourself into practicing everyday so that your body will get used to the routine. At first, it could be tedious and boring but as you go on learning the essentials, it becomes more fun hearing the way you play.

Note # 2

Your piano must be put in a place that you won’t feel cluttered. Your music room must be free from anything that might distract you like a radio or anything noisy. This enables you to concentrate when practicing. Also, make sure that there is proper lighting where your piano is placed. But remember that your piano must not be exposed to extreme sunlight for this might destroy some sensitive parts of your piano.

Note # 3

Always warm up. Exercise your fingers with some simple notes then proceed to the hard ones. If you have no idea on how to warm up those fingers, ask someone who knows. An exercise must let your fingers stretch to reach some keys that are hard to reach. This will become helpful when playing fast paced notes and music. Don’t let your hands touch a key while it still feels stiff and rusty.

Note # 4

Review the past lessons learned before starting a lesson. This would be the next thing after warming up. If you have not finished the music yesterday, recall what you played then continue it. Better yet, start the whole thing to be able to follow.

Note # 5

Follow your manual and instructor’s directions. Help her help you learn. To relieve boredom, play the piano at the same time, like a duet. Tell your instructor your interests and ask her to play it for you so you might know it and therefore pave the way into practicing it even without her presence.

Note # 6

Make your practice as goal-oriented as possible. A goal will make you more focused and concentrated because you have something to be achieved. To finish a goal will make you feel satisfied and fulfilled.

Note # 7

Always maintain a positive attitude when practicing. When you plan to play the piano without anyone to guide you, just remember all the lessons that your tutor has taught you. Do not give up that easily when it has become hard. If you are being stressed, rest for a while. Give yourself time to breathe.

Try to figure out a technique with every practice for it to come out natural and unique in your own way.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Too Much Chocolate Cake








INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)

* 1 (18.25 ounce) package devil's food cake mix
* 1 (5.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix
* 1 cup sour cream
* 1 cup vegetable oil
* 4 eggs
* 1/2 cup warm water
* 2 cups semisweet chocolate chips



DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
2. In a large bowl, mix together the cake and pudding mixes, sour cream, oil, beaten eggs and water. Stir in the chocolate chips and pour batter into a well greased 12 cup bundt pan.
3. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until top is springy to the touch and a wooden toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool cake thoroughly in pan at least an hour and a half before inverting onto a plate If desired, dust the cake with powdered sugar.

NYONYA CAKES

Ingredients
340 gm wet rice flour or rice flour
225 gm sago flour
1/4 tsp salt
855 ml (11/2 coconut) coconut milk
ingredients b:
425 ml water
450 gm sugar
8 screwpine leaves (if unable to obtain screwpine leaves, use vanilla essence 1 tsp)
red food colouring
Method
Mix A till smooth. Set aside. Boil ingredients B till sugar dissolves.
Leave the syrup to thicken a bit then strain. Pour the hot boiled syrup gradually into the
flour mixture, stirring all the time till it is well blended.
Divide flour mixture into two portions. Set aside one portion (uncoloured) and add red
colouring in another portion.
Grease a round or square tin. Place it in a steamer and pour 140 ml of uncoloured batter
in the tin.
Steam each layer for six or eight minutes. Pour alternatively the red and uncoloured batter
and steam till mixture is used up.
Note:
Stir the mixture each time before pouring into the tin. Test each layer is cooked before
making the next layer. You can use your fingertips to check if the layer is cooked. It can
take more then the required 8 minutes. It is required to leave the cake to cool down
completely before cutting and serving.

Monday, July 6, 2009



I will always love you


"If I should stay
I would only be in your way
So I'll go, but I know
I'll think of you ev'ry step of the way"

And I will always love you
I will always love you

You, my darling you, hmmmm...

Bittersweet memories
That is all I'm taking with me
So, goodbye... please, don't cry
We both know I'm not what you, you need

And I will always love you
I will always love you

I hope life treats you kind
And I hope you have all you've dreamed of
And I wish to you, joy and happiness
But above all this, I wish you love

And I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I will always love you
I, I will always love you

You, darling, I love you
Oooh, I'll always... I'll always love you

Friday, February 20, 2009

salam...apa khabar semua???