Just curious about members. If you play an instrument, what kind? When did you start? What is your inspiration and what power do you think music possesses over the mind/body/spirit?
Posts: 48 | Location: Alaska, US | Registered: February 16, 2008
How very nice to hear a little from you again, my scandinavian sister.
Violin! Wow. Some project to through oneself into. I properbly never shall play the violin. I'm not sure I can hear the tones right.
Well you are practising a lot I guess?
I'm going busking this summer with my harp and some other harp-students. I am very much looking forward to this! It's going to be my first performance on harp. My nerves are sitting ouside my skin.
I'll be off again... See you.
O my anxious friend, that sounds wonderful!! I'd love to come and hear you play... Is busking legal in Danmark? In boring Sweden it isn't... unless you are gathering money for an organisation like Red Cross or Rädda Barnen (save the kids ). I hardly ever see anyone busking. It's a pity, because music makes people happy
Yes, I practise a LOT right now... "Oh Susana", "Moon waltz", etc, it's really fun. The thing is that my teachers are two ladies in their 50's who sometimes seems more interested in gossiping... Haha...
For Gina: I got new strings the other day, ot sounds a wee better now Thank you for your encouragement.
Love Malin
Posts: 140 | Location: Föllinge, Sweden | Registered: August 19, 2007
A Reiki Master! Wow. What do you think it is about Loreena's music that makes it so healing? Is it because of the softness or the harmonies or the rhythm?
Snow I think it has to do with the tone of the music and voice. When I was learning 2nd degree Reiki we practiced to a bass playing low notes slowly then to other music to see how the Reiki reacts and the slow low notes worked best. With Loreena and her music everything she does is beautiful and has the greatest dignity and what you put out comes back, so that I believe has a lot to do with it. Is this a better way of saying it? It's the purity of her soul's intent that she gifts to us and when that is added to my intent of healing my clients to their highest degree the treatment is that much more stronger. Did I make myself clear? All I know is that Loreena and her music has an healing effect that assists when I Reiki someone, even when I Reiki long distance and the client can't hear her. We know this just by listen and we all feel better; don't we? Love, hugs, and health, Gina
Oh wow, now this is my kind of discussion! Being such an audio enthusiast, and having an interest in metaphysics, I've long noted and studied this phenomenon as well.
Of particular interest to me is how differnet frequencies resonate in different chakras. (For any who don't understand chakras, I won't get into a detailed explanation here, but read as parts of the body, along the vertical axis.)
In my experience, the resonance scales up the body with pitch, which suggests relationships between, for example, the bass/drums and the root and stomach chakras, which evokes vitality, the middle range of instruments such as the cello and the solar plexus and heart chakras, which evoke grief and passion respectively, and the upper ranges of instruments such as the violin and the throat, third eye, and crown chakras, evoking in turn expressiveness, visualization, and a state of spiritual bliss.
I've further noticed, however, that the time signature and tempo of note modulation seem to act with the same correlations as subharmonics within the chakra resonated by the fundamental root pitch. Between the Shadows and Tango to Evora are both excellent case studies of these observations.
As for your Reiki being more effective with the lower notes, I know of a correlation that has been documented, but with which I cannot quite reconcile my observations of correlation of pitch to chakra. I've read that the subconscious mind (which is so instrumental in any energy work such as Reiki) operates from 4 cycles per second (in the presence of which psychic abilities have been documented as being enhanced) to 14 Hz, while the conscious and super-conscious operate from 14 Hz to 51 Hz, around which the mind oscillates during points of peak stress.
Of particular interest to me in this is that in order to access the parts of the mind associated with things like meditation, you need to tame the mind to such a low rate of oscillation (which is particularly difficult for people like me with trine fire stelliums!) and also that our power grids are modulated either very nearly in resonance with or significantly above the rate at which the mind oscillates during points of peak stress, which might explain quite alot of why we seem better able to relax in the countryside.
And as for the healing aspect of LM's music, I would say that it is at least in part related to her apparent tendency to approach the more painful aspects of life through a more spiritual lens. I notice this specifically in the modulation, tempo, and phrasing with which notes associated with chakras pertaining to these more painful aspects of life are played, and the manner in which harmonies are constructed.
Case in point, the juxtaposition of the pedal and lower manual ranks of the pipe organ with the upper ranks and vocals (including the vocal harmonies) in Prospero's Speech, or of the mournful droning background to the harp in Cymbeline.
And I can sympathize with your missing your circle. Mine is 300 miles away, in upstate NY, (I'm in Maryland) and alas we haven't made it up there as often as we used to now that we have a daughter. We're lucky to manage to make Midsummer (around which our anniversary falls) and Samhain.
And that must be one hefty dumbek you play, I generally end up practically tossing mine across the circle when I pick it up after playing one of my djembes!
How very nice to hear a little from you again, my scandinavian sister.
Violin! Wow. Some project to through oneself into. I properbly never shall play the violin. I'm not sure I can hear the tones right.
Well you are practising a lot I guess?
I'm going busking this summer with my harp and some other harp-students. I am very much looking forward to this! It's going to be my first performance on harp. My nerves are sitting ouside my skin.
I'll be off again... See you.
quote:
Originally posted by Malin: Hi everybody!! Just dropped back to this thread to tell you that I've just recently started playing the violin! Watch up Hugh, here I come...(nah)! Doesn't sound that good in now in the beginning, but I can play the first part of the intro in "The lady of Shalott". I however blame all bad sounds on the violin. Mohaha!
Malin
Posts: 457 | Location: Denmark | Registered: January 25, 2008
Hi everybody!! Just dropped back to this thread to tell you that I've just recently started playing the violin! Watch up Hugh, here I come...(nah)! Doesn't sound that good in now in the beginning, but I can play the first part of the intro in "The lady of Shalott". I however blame all bad sounds on the violin. Mohaha! How wonderful for you Malin!!! Maybe you need a new violin? I would to hear you play whenn you feel you are ready to share!!! Peace, Love, and Harmony, Gina
Malin
Posts: 426 | Location: Gold Bar, Washington USA | Registered: November 11, 2006
Hi everybody!! Just dropped back to this thread to tell you that I've just recently started playing the violin! Watch up Hugh, here I come...(nah)! Doesn't sound that good in now in the beginning, but I can play the first part of the intro in "The lady of Shalott". I however blame all bad sounds on the violin. Mohaha!
Malin
Posts: 140 | Location: Föllinge, Sweden | Registered: August 19, 2007
Originally posted by Terr: Due to overwhelming demand I'll reveal what other instruments I play: A HUGE black TAMA Granstar Double Bass Drumkit with 2 toms mounted on each 24" bass & 3 floor toms [1 on the left)& 4 Octabans & 2 LP stainless stell timbales, a dozen cimbals & a ((((GONG))))) & cowbells, woodblocks, tambourines, wind chimes, triangles & all manner of percussion including congas & bongos, djembe & doonbeck, tablas & shakers & kartals
Jeez! Your other name wouldn't be Mike Portnoy, by any chance, would it?
I also play drums, though rather badly. I have a 7-piece acoustic kit that I'm in the process of converting to electronic, and a 9-piece electronic kit that I built from scratch, and my 5-year-old daughter has a 5-piece junior size kit that I've also converted to electronic. (We do live in a townhouse and have neighbors, after all!) My influence for drums is primarily Mike Portnoy.
I also play djembe and doumbek, though, and that influence was from Loreena's music.
Aside from that, I play bass. Again, also poorly, but as I'm also a speaker builder, quite loudly. My current collection consists of a 4-string Washburn fretless, a 5-string Dillion acoustic-electric, and a John Myung signature series Yamaha 6-string, though I still terribly miss my old Peavey T-40FL 4-string fretless.
My sound rig is perhaps less visible, but not much less ambitious. I have a 4x6 half-stack that rivals an Ampeg 4x10 for the basses, and I can also run everything through my theater system, which has a 7.1 array with custom hybrid magnetostatic inwall speakers and one of my 10" prototype subwoofers feeding on 1kw.
The 4x6 isn't quite as loud as a 4x10, but it's flat to 37Hz, weighs about 40lbs, and you can fit two of them in the back seat of a Civic! It's the one in the picture of the 6-string.
I built a 4x10 using some similar 10" prototype subs a while back, but it needed 4kw to reach its peak, and had already dislodged the mortar from the cinder-block walls of my shop at a quarter of that power, so I figured it might be a bit much for the townhouse!
Now if only I could play as well as I can build!
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Bart,
Due to overwhelming demand I'll reveal what other instruments I play: A HUGE black TAMA Granstar Double Bass Drumkit with 2 toms mounted on each 24" bass & 3 floor toms [1 on the left)& 4 Octabans & 2 LP stainless stell timbales, a dozen cimbals & a ((((GONG))))) & cowbells, woodblocks, tambourines, wind chimes, triangles & all manner of percussion including congas & bongos, djembe & doonbeck, tablas & shakers & kartals
Pro lefty Radha Krishna Sharma Sitar
Several vintage guitars including a Gibson Les Paul lefty Sunburst Custom Shop Classic, a '78 Fender Darkburst lefty Strat with jumbo headstock, an Ibanez Artist lefty Double Cutaway Sunburst (LP style) an Ovation Darkburst Acoustic/Electric etc. etc.
Several vintage basses including a '53 Gibson EB in immaculate condition made lefty, a '78 Fender Black on Black lefty Precision Fretless bass with Maple neck & added Jazz pickup modded), a 2001 Fender Darkburst lefty Hot Rod Precision bass with added J pickup (stock)with frets, etc. etc.
I have a Marshall Halfstack to play guitars thru & an Ampeg Rig & a half with 18" Subwoofer to play basses thru & a HUGE P.A. System with 800 WATTS of POWER!!!!
YARRRRrrr
Oh~ & a Mac G5 with Pro Tools to record my songs... Also: Ocarina & harmonicas in all keys Roland Electronic Drums Blue Sunn Drums Black Tama Rockstar Drums A Set of Red Paiste Cimbals etc. etc.
>whew< lol
Hi Terr! I think you win with all the instruments that you can play. I love the gong. My new bumper stick will read: GOT COWBELL? Love, Gina
Posts: 426 | Location: Gold Bar, Washington USA | Registered: November 11, 2006
Due to overwhelming demand I'll reveal what other instruments I play: A HUGE black TAMA Granstar Double Bass Drumkit with 2 toms mounted on each 24" bass & 3 floor toms [1 on the left)& 4 Octabans & 2 LP stainless stell timbales, a dozen cimbals & a ((((GONG))))) & cowbells, woodblocks, tambourines, wind chimes, triangles & all manner of percussion including congas & bongos, djembe & doonbeck, tablas & shakers & kartals
Pro lefty Radha Krishna Sharma Sitar
Several vintage guitars including a Gibson Les Paul lefty Sunburst Custom Shop Classic, a '78 Fender Darkburst lefty Strat with jumbo headstock, an Ibanez Artist lefty Double Cutaway Sunburst (LP style) an Ovation Darkburst Acoustic/Electric etc. etc.
Several vintage basses including a '53 Gibson EB in immaculate condition made lefty, a '78 Fender Black on Black lefty Precision Fretless bass with Maple neck & added Jazz pickup modded), a 2001 Fender Darkburst lefty Hot Rod Precision bass with added J pickup (stock)with frets, etc. etc.
I have a Marshall Halfstack to play guitars thru & an Ampeg Rig & a half with 18" Subwoofer to play basses thru & a HUGE P.A. System with 800 WATTS of POWER!!!!
YARRRRrrr
Oh~ & a Mac G5 with Pro Tools to record my songs... Also: Ocarina & harmonicas in all keys Roland Electronic Drums Blue Sunn Drums Black Tama Rockstar Drums A Set of Red Paiste Cimbals etc. etc.
>whew< lol
Posts: 45 | Location: The Golden State | Registered: May 15, 2007
I play Celtic harp and keyboard. I used to play the trumpet and French horn but not for years and years.
I hadn't played an instrument for many many years. I listened to Loreena's harp on Parallel Dreams and for years I wanted to pick up the harp and learn to play. Four + years ago my husband got me a little beginner harp for Christmas and I've since had a 31 string Blevins harp made for me. This past Christmas I got a keyboard and have been learning that also.
I'd have to say that although in my teen years played two instruments, Loreena's music was the inspiration to get back to playing music.
I'm not by any means good enough to play for a profession...but I can say I play well enough to enjoy it and bring some enjoyment to others. I find relaxation and a meditation of sorts while playing.
Thank you Anxious 2...I have always had an ear for music and could tap out a tune that I heard. I would like to learn the "proper" way to play a piano... perhaps I will, as it is never too late to learn. I have always been puzzled that some friends of mine, who play the piano, cannot play by ear. They need the sheet music in front of them. In ways I feel blessed...but also cursed as I am limited by my inability to make the most of the instrument. I will continue to compose...it's a release for me...and I can in a limited way, express who I am. \ You keep trying too...as I tell myself...it may not be great ... but any form of expression is a good thing. If it's important to you, then it's important! Take care, John [QUOTE]Originally posted by Anxious 2: Hi Cameron
I am amaced by you playing from what you hear.
I believe you can be more kreative, or at least see thing from another perspective, if you are self-learned (is that an english word?!) You are not bound by the restrictions that you where tought to.
I sometimes find it very difficult to be spontanous about playing something new, because I think, there is so much good music already made, that I sometimes doubt I can add any more without it being a repeat of what's already in this world, or simply not as good.
But it doesn't stop me from trying...
Keep play and compose, all of you who can.
Love Anxious 2
This message has been edited. Last edited by: John Cameron,
I like the way you just answer Snows questions, Guitarpat.
quote:
Originally posted by Guitarpat56: Guitar. About fifteen years now. Was a lot better five years ago. Have a four year old now, so I don't have as much time. Music is definately my passion though. If I'm not listening, there's always something going on in my head.
Posts: 457 | Location: Denmark | Registered: January 25, 2008
Guitar. About fifteen years now. Was a lot better five years ago. Have a four year old now, so I don't have as much time. Music is definately my passion though. If I'm not listening, there's always something going on in my head.
Posts: 114 | Location: East Waterboro, Maine | Registered: January 09, 2007
Great question on this board! The plants, my brother used to swear that his plants grew better when he played classical music. He used to try all sorts of music with them! It probably helped that he practiced violin every morning to them.
I myself am a singer, and can play piano and violin and am recently learning how to play harp! Inspired of course by Loreena McKennitt!
It is very inspiring to hear that so many people on this list can play instruments and/or sing. Music is such a gift no matter your level of participation.
I am not sure one could tell what music I listen to by MY clothing, but maybe because I have very eclectic tastes in both.
Sora
I bet your plants are listening when you sing!!
I agree with you that music really can gather people.
I must say I am surpriced about your age. You have some very good things to say.
I sometimes wish I had some music that just shrieked about doom and blood and demons (your quote). But happily I'm not in a bad mood that often to be needing to actually have this music in my shelfs.
"See" you later
Anxious 2
quote:
Originally posted by Malin: Hi Snow, and all ye other music-lovers!
I am 16 years old, and I play piano. I've wanted to play the piano since I was a little child, but couldn't actually start until two years ago. Before that I had a little keyboard at home. Not knowing how to play, I just sat and pressed the tangents and listened to the tones and the sounds. I guess that was how I developed the "music ear", like Loreenya describes; I can play without notes, too. The last melody I found just by listening was the Huron Beltane fire-dance - Loreena McKennitt, of course, she is my greatest inspiration. Without her, I wouldn't be saving up money now to buy a harp. I am so longing to start to start to play this beautiful instrument!
Hmmm, I also wants to learn to play the viola, penny whistle, accordion and cello. One step at a time...
Of course I sing, too - as long as nobody is listening
I think that music is very important in the way that people with the same, sort of, sentiments in their hearts and minds (depending on what upbringings they've had, or what they are like) come together and feel that their are not alone. To me it feels like the love for the music - especially Loreena's music - is very deep down in the heart. That goes for everyone, I guess. My closest friend is always dressed in black and listen to bands which perform music that I can't stand listening to (just shrieking about doom and blood and demons, and hard drum-beatings), but I know that the music is as important to her as to me.
Then I have mused very much about the need for some people to dress in special clothes so that strangers on the street that walks by can see and figure out what kind of music they listen to. (I guess that the music I listen to now influence me in that way too, but more in the way that I have got new courage.) Is it our own souls that we are trying to reflect?
Love and blessings, Malin
Posts: 11 | Location: Calgary | Registered: September 12, 2007
I believe you can be more kreative, or at least see thing from another perspective, if you are self-learned (is that an english word?!) You are not bound by the restrictions that you where tought to.
I sometimes find it very difficult to be spontanous about playing something new, because I think, there is so much good music already made, that I sometimes doubt I can add any more without it being a repeat of what's already in this world, or simply not as good.
But it doesn't stop me from trying...
Keep play and compose, all of you who can.
Love Anxious 2
quote:
Originally posted by John Cameron: Hi Snow...
Does playing by ear count? I never learned to play the piano..always wanted to...but I play by ear..I have even composed on a Clavinova, as it has multi-track recording. It can make you sound like an expert! The kids in my class at school actually sing one of my compositions each year at Christmas. How about those who are "artistic" musically and/or visually? I paint,draw, sculpt, do photography, and have even made small movies. I think Miss McKennitt's music is more than performance...she's an artist. I agree with Terr...that voice...and the music she composes...simply amazing. John
Posts: 457 | Location: Denmark | Registered: January 25, 2008
