Audio Mastering - Essential Practices

SKU: MB.22062M

ISBN 9781513460536. 8.75 x 11.75 inches.

Built around the life and teachings of master percussionist, Michel Merhej Baklouk, this book has been designed as a biographical tribute, a teaching manual, and a resource guide for anyone wishing to develop a deeper understanding of the role that percussion plays in Near Eastern Arabic music. This book differs from most technique manuals in that it includes historical information about Arabic music as it pertains to the life and work of a single artist, Michel Merhej Baklouk.The book is composed of three parts: Introduction, Lessons, and Reference Information. Each part is written to stand on its own as well as fit with the whole so that readers can approach the book either as individual articles and lessons, or in its entirety, to be read from cover to cover. By presenting Michel's work in this way, we hope to appeal to a wider audience, percussion students at varying skill levels and from varying music disciplines and backgrounds, students of music and Middle Eastern studies, or anyone else interested in twentieth century Arab music and culture.The first part, Introduction, contains several essays about Michel's life, his teaching philosophy, pedagogical practices, musical aesthetics and performance practices. Although these sections may be read independently, they are also designed to help percussion students apply the book's lessons to their own playing and musical interpretations.The technical focus of this book is on the riqq; however, students of Arabic music (beginning through advanced) can adapt the practical exercises to gain mastery of the percussion instrument(s) of their choice.The second part, Lessons, begins with information about how to hold the percussion instrument (case in point: the riqq) and how to practice effectively. It then presents the body of exercises that Michel developed for his students. These exercises have been taken directly from Michel's notated lessons, which he developed into units corresponding to levels of proficiency, or academic years as he taught them at the Conservatory in Beirut; however, for the purposes of this book, the exercises are reorganized to correspond to subject matter and only roughly mirror Michel's conservatory sequence. Unit 1, Technique Building Exercises, is aimed at novice players or anyone who is new to reading music. Units 2 through 5 focus on specific rhythmic structures with increasing complexity. Students should master each unit of exercises before proceeding to the next unit. The third part, Reference Information, includes a notation reference, a list of rhythms, a list of further reading recommendations, and a glossary of Arabic music terms, many of which are used in the text. All Arabic words in this book appear in italics, except proper names, and with the exception of some proper Arab names, the text is essentially written in the standard system of transliteration used by the Library of Congress and most academic literature Throughout the book you will see quotations from Michel offset in the text. These prosaic tidbits may be words of wisdom, interesting anecdotes about Michel's life, or insights into his work and world of music.Each provides a glimpse into the personality of this exceptional musician. As a technical manual for students of Arabic percussion, Classical Riqq Technique provides specific exercises and explores important concepts, some of which are rarely taught, even in private lessons. At the same time, this book strives for a broader goal, to present and preserve classical percussion from the perspective of a master who not only lived in but also influenced the golden age of Arabic music. Includes access to online audio.

SKU: HL.49045836

From best-selling author, John O'Neill, The Saxophone Method is a complete course for the beginner to intermediate saxophonist. Start by mastering the essential foundation skills required to be a great player in any style. With a wide range of tunes from allover the world you will be exposed to a great variety of musical styles to motivate and inspire. The mp3 backing tracks, available as free downloads, feature top professional musicians and will give you the feeling of playing in a great band from the very beginning. The Saxophone Method is supplemented by two Repertoire Books to give you even more music to practice and enjoy. By the end of the method you will be able to: - understand the fundamentals of good playing technique - have explored the full range of the instrument - be familiar with the most common rhythms - have a solid grounding in music theory - have the confidence to play with a real band in many different styles.

SKU: HL.269492

ISBN 9781540024886. UPC: 888680738662. 7.5x9.25x0.516 inches. Craig Anderton The Musician's Guide to Home Recording Series.

The best recordings are for nothing if the mix doesn't present those tracks in the best possible way – and this book is all about how to make mixes that pull the listener in. It's not just about the technology, but the art of mixing as well. Written in a clear, practical, non-intimidating style, topics include: • Feel vs. perfection • The importance of the arrangement for mixing • Tailoring material for your audience • Monitoring and acoustics • Software mixer architecture • Unique aspects of mixing with digital audio • How to use plug-ins • Integrating external hardware with computers, the “12-step program” to create great mixes • Panning techniques • Equalization • Dynamics processing • Time-based effects • Placing effects in the right order • How to use automation • Hardware control surfaces • Mixing with virtual instruments • Adding expressiveness in the mix • Using ReWire, beyond conventional mixing techniques • Mixing and MIDI, and much more Far from being a laundry list of mixing techniques, How to Create Compelling Mixes places equal emphasis on the art of mixing. With copious illustrations and featuring the judicious use of sidebars to give details on selected topics for those who want to know “why” as well as “how,” How to Create Compelling Mixes is essential reading about how to get the most out of this crucial processor for mixing and mastering.