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Morningside School of Music

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SQA Advanced Higher Music – Music Concepts – Melody & Harmony

The SQA Advanced Higher Music concepts section on melody and harmony is designed to help students understand and analyze the different elements of music that makeup melody and harmony. This section covers a wide range of concepts, including melody, harmony, rhythm, and form.

In this section, students will learn about melody and harmony’s different characteristics and features, including their structure and organization. They will also learn about the different types of chords and chord progressions and the principles of counterpoint and voice leading.

Students will also learn about the different tonalities and keys used in music and how they affect the melody and harmony. They will also be expected to analyze and compare music examples from different styles and periods and critically evaluate their aesthetic and technical qualities.

This section aims to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and understand the different elements of music that makeup melody and harmony and to place them in their historical and cultural contexts. This will help them appreciate the music they are listening to and make more informed decisions about the music they choose to play and perform.

  • Appoggiatura: An appoggiatura is a non-chord tone approached by step and then resolved to a chord tone. It is typically used to add dissonance and tension to a melody and is often used in classical music.

 

  • Turn: A turn is a type of ornamentation typically used in vocal music. It is a quick succession of four notes, the first of which is a half step above the principal note, the second and third of which are the main note, and the fourth of which is a half step below the main note. The turn is used to add expressivity to a melody.

 

  • Tritone: A tritone is an interval of three whole tones, an interval of six semitones. It is considered dissonant and is often used to create tension in harmony. It is also known as the “devil’s interval” due to its dissonant nature.

 

  • Augmented triad: An augmented triad is a chord made up of two major thirds, which is a chord that has a root, a major third, and an augmented fifth. This chord is considered dissonant and often used to create harmonious tension.

 

  • Suspension: A suspension is a type of non-chord tone that is approached by step and then resolved to a chord tone. It is typically used to add dissonance and tension to harmony. It is also called a dissonant chord inversion.

 

  • Chords I, IV, V and VI in major and minor keys: These are the primary chords and are considered the most essential chords in tonal music. The chord I (also known as the tonic chord) represents the tonic or home key of a piece of music, the chord IV (subdominant) represents the fourth scale degree, the chord V (dominant) represents the fifth scale degree, and the chord VI represents the sixth scale degree. The same chords can be found in minor keys, but the relationship between them in terms of tension and resolution will change.

 

  • Chord II and its first inversion (major keys only): Chord II (supertonic) represents the second scale degree in a major key, and its first inversion is the chord with the third scale degree as its bass note. This chord is not as important as the primary chords, but it can be used in chord progressions to create a sense of tension and dissonance.

 

  • Polytonality or bitonality: Polytonality or bitonality uses two or more keys or tonalities simultaneously. This creates a sense of dissonance and tension and can be used to create a sense of dissonance and tension. It is a technique often used in 20th-century classical music, but it can also be found in other genres, such as jazz and pop.

 

  • Tone row or note row: A tone row or note row is a melody created by arranging a scale’s notes in a specific order. This creates a sense of dissonance and tension and is often used in serial music, a type of composition developed in the 20th century. This technique allows the composer to create a sense of dissonance and tension by using notes that are not part of the tonic key.

 

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced Higher Music Concepts ‘Styles’

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced High Music Concepts ‘Rhythm & Tempo’

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced Higher Music Concepts ‘Timbre’

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SQA Advanced Higher Music – Music Concepts – Styles

The SQA Advanced Higher Music concepts section on styles is designed to help students understand and analyze the different styles of music that they will encounter in the course. This section covers a wide range of musical styles, including classical, popular, and traditional music.

In this section, students will learn about the key characteristics and features of different musical styles and the historical and cultural contexts in which they developed. This will include information on the musical forms, structures, and tonalities used in each style and the instruments and ensemble types typically associated with them.

In addition, students will also learn about the composers and performers who have been influential in the development of various musical styles. They will also be expected to analyze and compare different music examples from different styles and periods and critically evaluate their aesthetic and technical qualities.

The aim of this section is to help students develop the skills and knowledge needed to analyze and understand the different styles of music they will encounter and to place them in their historical and cultural contexts. This will help them appreciate the music they are listening to and make more informed decisions about the music they choose to play and perform.

  • Renaissance: A period of music that occurred between the 14th and 16th centuries, characterized by a renewed interest in the art, literature, and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. The music of the Renaissance is characterized by its polyphony (multiple independent melodies sounding simultaneously) and its use of modes (scales) rather than the major and minor keys used in later music.

 

  • Pavan: A slow, stately dance from the Renaissance period, typically in quadruple meter (four beats per measure) and characterized by a steady, measured rhythm.

 

  • Galliard: A lively dance from the Renaissance period, typically in triple meter (three beats per measure) and characterized by quick, intricate steps. The galliard was often performed after a pavan.

 

  • Motet: A type of choral music that was popular during the Renaissance. A motet is typically a sacred piece of music, with the text sung in Latin, and characterized by its complex polyphony.

 

  • Ayre or Air: A type of secular song from the Renaissance, typically characterized by its simple melody and harmony.

 

  • Ballett: A type of choreographed dance from the Renaissance. Ballett’s were often performed at court and characterised by elaborate costumes and choreography.

 

  • Madrigal: A type of secular Renaissance song characterized by its complex polyphony and expressive text setting.

 

  • Anthem: A type of choral music that is typically performed in a religious setting. An anthem is typically a sacred piece of music, with the text sung in English.

 

  • Chorale: A type of hymn that is typically performed by a choir. Chorales are characterized by their simple harmony and a strong sense of tonality.

 

  • Nationalist: A style of music characterized by its use of melodies, rhythms, and harmonies specific to a particular nation or culture.

 

  • Neoclassical: A music style characterized by its use of classical forms (such as sonatas, symphonies, and concertos) and its emphasis on strict counterpoint and form.

 

  • Serial: A style of music characterized by its use of a strict ordering of the 12 pitches of the chromatic scale and its focus on manipulating this ordering.

 

  • Contemporary jazz: A style of music that has its roots in jazz but has been heavily influenced by other genres of music, such as rock, funk, and hip-hop. Contemporary jazz is characterized by its use of extended harmonies and dissonant chords and its focus on improvisation.

 

  • Electronic dance music (EDM): A style of music that is characterized by its use of electronic instruments and technology, such as synthesizers, drum machines, and computer software. EDM often features a strong, steady beat and is associated with electronic music and club culture.

 

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced Higher Music Concepts ‘Melody and Harmony’

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced High Music Concepts ‘Rhythm & Tempo’

Click here to learn about SQA Advanced Higher Music Concepts ‘Timbre’

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The ten best electric guitars in the world!

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Purchasing a high-quality electric guitar can be an essential investment for a musician, as it can significantly impact the sound and playability of their instrument. Here are a few reasons why it can be essential to purchase a high-quality electric guitar:

– Better sound: High-quality electric guitars are generally made with better materials and construction techniques, which can result in a richer, more full-bodied sound. This can be particularly important for musicians who are recording or performing professionally, as a high-quality guitar will be more likely to produce a clear, articulate sound that can be captured effectively by microphones and speakers.

– Improved playability: A high-quality electric guitar will often be more comfortable to play, with a smooth, well-balanced neck and a smooth, responsive fingerboard. This can make it easier for a musician to play the guitar accurately and precisely, particularly when playing at high speeds or performing complex musical passages.

– Higher resale value: High-quality electric guitars are generally made to last and can retain their value over time. This can be important for musicians who may want to sell their guitars in the future, as a high-quality guitar will be more likely to retain its value or even appreciate in value over time.

– Enhanced performance: A high-quality electric guitar can be an important tool for a musician, helping them to deliver the best possible performance and achieve their full potential. Whether playing in a studio or on stage, a high-quality electric guitar can be essential to a musician’s sound and style.

Overall, purchasing a high-quality electric guitar can be an important investment for a musician, as it can significantly impact the sound and playability of their instrument.

*Click on the guitar names for more information from the manufacturer’s website.

Fender Stratocaster

This guitar has a classic design and is used by many legendary guitarists such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and David Gilmour. It has a versa

1

Gibson Les Paul

Another classic design, the Les Paul is known for its thick, warm tone. It’s a favorite among rock and blues guitarists and has been used by many famous musicians, including Jimmy Page and Slash.

2

PRS Custom 24

This guitar is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail. It has a smooth, polished sound and is often used in jazz, blues, and rock music.

3

Gretsch Falcon

This guitar has a unique, ornate design and is known for its bright, twangy sound. It’s often used in country and rockabilly music and has been played by guitarists such as Eddie Cochran and Duane Eddy.

4

Fender Telecaster

This guitar has a simple, yet classic design and is known for its bright, twangy sound. It’s often used in country and blues music and has been played by guitarists such as Keith Richards and Bruce Springsteen.

5

Ibanez RG Series

This guitar is known for its fast, thin neck and high-gain pickups, making it a popular choice among metal and hard rock guitarists. It’s also great for fast, technical playing styles.

6

ESP Eclipse

This guitar has a sleek, modern design and is known for its versatility and ability to handle a wide range of musical genres. It’s often used in rock, metal, and jazz music.

7

Jackson Soloist

This guitar is known for its fast, thin neck and high-gain pickups, making it a popular choice among metal and hard rock guitarists. It’s also great for fast, technical playing styles.

8

PRS SE Series

This guitar offers the same exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail as the Custom 24, but at a more affordable price point. It has a smooth, polished sound and is great for a wide range of musical genres.

9

Gibson SG

This guitar has a distinctive, double-cutaway design and is known for its fast, thin neck and high-gain pickups. It’s often used in rock and metal music and has been played by guitarists such as Angus Young and Tony Iommi.

10

There are many other great electric guitars out there, but these are some of the best and most iconic ones. No matter what your playing style or preferred genre is, there’s an electric guitar that’s perfect for you.

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6 Techniques To Help You Play Piano Songs Like A Professional Pianist

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6 Techniques To Help You Play Piano Songs Like A Professional Pianist

‍

If you’re reading this, it probably means that you want to play the piano – and hopefully well! Yes, playing the piano can seem like one of the most challenging instruments to learn. In fact, the road to mastering it is often long and arduous. However, learning to play the piano doesn’t have to be a painful process. If you keep practising and have fun while doing so, you can master this beloved instrument in no time. Even though there are numerous talented professional pianists out there, many of them started from a similar place as you – struggling with how to play songs like a pro. Fortunately, we live in an age where we have instant access to almost any type of information we could ever need. And that means that even if you don’t know anyone who plays the piano or feel like taking classes (which are great!), there are plenty of online tutorials that will help you improve your skills almost instantly.

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Learn the Basics

Yes, it might seem basic, but knowing the basics of piano playing is essential if you want to play songs like a pro. If you’re completely new to the instrument, it might be a good idea to take some beginner piano classes at a local music store or university. While this might not apply to people who are looking to learn piano online, taking the time to learn the basics is crucial to becoming a good pianist. Most songs are built on specific scales and chords, so it’s important to have an understanding of what these are. Moreover, once you’ve learned the basics, it becomes much easier to adapt to different keys – which is essential if you want to transpose a song from one key to another.

Tried and tested techniques

There are a couple of tried and tested techniques that many professional pianists use to help them learn songs quickly and efficiently. First, it’s important to write down the lyrics to the song and try to sing them aloud as you play. This way, you not only get familiar with the rhythm of the song but also memorize the lyrics quickly. In fact, this is a common technique among musicians who are preparing for a live performance. It’s also recommended that you try to find the original recording of the song that you want to learn. This way, you can get yourself familiar with the nuances of the song, as well as any extra sounds that are present (e.g., hum of the recording equipment).

Use a metronome

If you’ve ever taken music or piano classes, you’ve probably heard about how useful a metronome is. And if you’re planning on learning piano online, it’s essential that you get a metronome and use it regularly. Similarly to how you use a recording of a song to help you memorize it, using a metronome helps you master the tempo of a song. This is important because different pianists will often play the same song at different tempos. So, if you’re trying to play a song with a metronome at a specific tempo, you must make sure that you keep it consistent.

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Master finger positioning

Another tried and tested technique that will help you play songs like a pro is to master finger positioning. In order to play a song, you must first know how to read sheet music – so if you don’t know how to do this already, you’ll need to start with that. However, once you understand how to read sheet music, you’ll see that each note is represented by a specific symbol or letter. And these symbols or letters are associated with specific finger positions. Now, you don’t need to memorize every single position if you’re just learning how to play the piano. However, it’s important to know which fingers go on which keys and why.

Start with the easiest parts of a song

As we’ve said, songs are often made up of different parts, and these parts might be much easier to play than the song as a whole. If you’re trying to learn a song, and it’s too difficult, try to focus on the easiest parts of that song. Then, once you’re comfortable with those, try to add them all together to form the complete song. This is a great technique that allows you to get the satisfaction of completing a song quickly and easily. Furthermore, it’s a great way to challenge yourself and see how far you can push yourself as a pianist.

Don’t be afraid to improvise!

As you probably know, most songs have the same chord progression throughout the entire song. This means that if you’re playing the piano, you’ll have to play the same chords throughout. However, if you’ve mastered the song, you can easily use this knowledge to improvise. Simply play the chord progression from the song, and then start to add your own melodies and riffs. This is a great way to challenge yourself and see what you’re truly capable of.

Conclusion

Learning to play the piano is a challenging yet rewarding process. If you put in the work to improve your skills, you can play almost any song and be proud of the result. However, while playing the piano can be a great hobby, it’s important that you don’t forget to approach it like a hobby. Keep practising and don’t be afraid to take breaks when required. In addition, remember to have fun when playing the piano and don’t get too caught up with the outcome. If you do, you’re more likely to get discouraged. Not only that, but you’re also less likely to enjoy yourself.

 

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Who are the ABRSM?

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ABRSM – Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

What does the ABRSM stand for? The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music

The first step to taking the ABRSM piano performing arts exam is deciding at what level you will take it. ABRSM has a music theory exam that you can take corresponding to each grade. [Sources: 5, 10]

The corresponding theory exam is actually of a very high standard and shows that you have a good understanding of the most important theoretical concepts in music (which will then help you learn higher-level pieces). The special thing about ABRSM is that you don’t have to write a theory exam to get this 5-point certificate – you can also get 5 points in practical musicianship. Candidates may take any practical examination or assessment in music theory without taking another one, although they must pass 5th grade in theory or 5th grade in practical music or 5th grade in solo jazz before they can take practical 6th-grade exams. 8. ABRSM requires the transition to the 5th grade of theory as a prerequisite for passing 6-8 grades in a practical subject (other alternatives are possible). [Sources: 5, 9, 12]

ABRSM,learn,to,play,guitar,near,me,Midlothian,East Lothian,West Lothian,Fife,

Both councils offer 8-degree examinations in Music Theory and Trinity (Trinity College also offers two levels of Music Theory Music London these include guitar lessons. These two run the famous Trinity College Music London Examinations which are very unique and carefully planned to allow students to grow and develop These exams have been designed to help students gradually develop their music from beginners to high-performance levels. [Sources: 4, 12]

Music Exams

These are music examinations designed by the Royal Schools of Music to help students assess their growth and development in music, whether classical or jazz, each year. The initials stand for “Associated Council of the Royal Schools of Music” and are one of five commissions accredited by Ofqual (the UK Office of Qualifications and Examinations) to award music examination scores. ABRSM, which stands for Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music, offers a music curriculum and exams worldwide (in over 90 countries). [Sources: 1, 4, 5]

 

ABRSM also has an editorial office that produces music programs, scores, and examination papers. ABRSM syllabus also provides a music publishing house that produces program brochures, assessments, and examination papers, as well as continuing education courses and seminars for teachers. [Sources: 1, 9]

Size of organisation

ABRSM is the UK’s largest music education organisation, one of the largest music publishers and the world’s leading provider of music exams, offering scores to over 630,000 candidates in 93 countries each year. ABRSM theory is arguably the largest music organization in the world with over 600,000 students taking exams each year as well as ABRSM online exams. [Sources: 5, 8]

ABRSM,Music,London,Exams,

The ISM exams are open to all musicians in Russia who wish to evaluate their musical achievements. ABRSM grades take into account the full range of musical skills as well as related knowledge and understanding. ABRSM UK  ratings provide a globally recognized measure of musical achievement. The Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM syllabus) is the world’s leading authority on music evaluation and has “provided music teachers and their students with examinations and assessments that nurture and evaluate individual performance and progress” since 1889. [Sources: 11, 13]

Established

The Joint Commission of the Royal Academy of Music was established in 1889 when Alexander Mackenzie, the then President of the Royal Academy of Music, and George Grove, Founding President of the Royal Academy of Music, decided to merge the two institutions into a single committee, the Associate Examiner, to conduct joint local examinations. ABRSM is one of five examination boards recognised by Ofqual to award music assessments and degrees under the UK National Qualifications Framework (along with the London Conservatory of Music, RSL Awards (Rockschool Ltd), Trinity College London and the Music Teachers Table). London-based ABRSM was established in 1889 and offers graded music exams and degrees for theoretical and practical courses. Possibly equivalent, but ABRSM is demanding, and ABRSM is the National Board of English Examiners. [Sources: 2, 7, 9]

 

We made a similar video last month with RCM exams so check it out if you are in Canada or the US as it is a very popular music school in those regions. [Sources: 5]

Programs offered

If you open the ABRSM archery program, you will notice that it offers a comprehensive overview of the skills required for each ABRSM degree. You can find all scores and requirements for violin at ABRSM String Syllabus – you can download the program here. ABRSM up to grades 6-8 requires detailed knowledge of the style, especially baroque (sonatas in trios up to grades 8), SATB (grades 6-7) and piano writing. [Sources: 10, 12]

Composition Skills

In addition, composition skills are tested in all grades (in 2018, ABRSM excluded composition from grades 1-5). The exam assesses the candidate’s ability to identify, use and manipulate common musical symbols, as well as answer questions related to musical elements, in accordance with the specific requirements for each class. [Sources: 11, 12]

 

 

Music medals [7] differ from graded music exams in that they do not involve external examiners, and the initial assessment is done by the teacher. The graduate music exams provide a structured framework for progressing from beginner to advanced musician. The theory exams give the student a good foundation and understanding of composing music, sheet music, notation, time signature, form and interpretation, etc. of music. [Sources: 4, 9]

 

Continue to choose ABRSM or Trinity, in the ABRSM exam the sight-reading and listening tests are mandatory, while in the Trinity Music exam there is a wide choice between listening tests, musical knowledge, own composition and improvisation until 5 Grade. The introduction of the ISM practice exam in Russia will finally give Russia’s young musicians the opportunity to measure their progress and gain an internationally recognized qualification,” said James Langford, ISM Director of Music. ABRSM scores are universal and the ABRSM exam is designed to pass​ ​Motivates students of all levels and ages by setting realistic goals and tangible rewards for achieving them. [Sources: 1, 3, 11]

To book an ABRSM exam, please visit their website.

##### Sources #####

 

[0]: https://soma.edu.sg/abrsm/

 

[1]: https://www.piano-composer-teacher-london.co.uk/post/is-it-better-to-learn-abrsm-or-trinity-syllabus

 

[2]: https://www.sso.org.sg/about/abrsm

 

[3]: https://www.m4arts.org/abrsm-exams

 

[4]: https://www.londonpianoinstitute.co.uk/shall-i-sit-the-abrsm-exam/

 

[5]: https://www.pianotv.net/2017/04/abrsm-exams/

 

[6]: https://www.clc-houston.org/abrsm-tx

 

[7]: https://www.pianostreet.com/smf/index.php?topic=62542.0

 

[8]: https://www.edition-peters.com/category/abrsm

 

[9]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ABRSM

 

[10]: https://violinspiration.com/violin-abrsm/

 

[11]: https://www.nordangliaeducation.com/our-schools/russia/moscow/international/learning/abrsm-musical-examinations

 

[12]: https://www.mymusictheory.com/learn-music-theory/for-students/exam-boards/abrsm-vs-trinity

 

[13]: https://www.underthebridgemusic.org/abrsm

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How long does it take to learn to play guitar?

This is a question that our guitar teachers are asked all the time, and unfortunately, there just isn’t a straight forward answer for this one. There are lots of different things that have to be taken into consideration first. For example, do you have time to practise? Have you played a musical instrument before? What kind of learner are you? (Are you good at problem-solving? Do you like a challenge? Do you like to see things through to completion once you begin? These elements all make for a fluctuation in the time it takes when learning a musical instrument such as the guitar.

That said, we don’t necessarily agree with Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘Theory of Success’ in his famous book ‘Outliers‘. Gladwell states that in order to perfect an interest (such as musicianship) you need to put in 10,000 hours. According to Gladwell’s theory, it would take over 150 days to learn the basics. We usually have our students playing the absolute basics within just a few weeks (practice depending). To go even further, we like to have our students playing at least one simple song during their very first lesson with us.

 

What about adult learners?

People are usually surprised at the high number of adult learners that attend Morningside School of Music for guitar lessons. Times have changed and it is now completely the norm for adults to learn a musical instrument. Over 60% of our learners are adults with over 40% being over the age of 40 years old. We are open all day till 9pm and we are open at the weekends, so we teach a lot of adults when kids are either at school or in bed sleeping.

 

Is my child too young for guitar lessons?

The beauty of the guitar is that it is fairly straight forward to master the basics on. This means that for wee ones, we can help them get started quickly. We usually recommend waiting until at least primary one (5 years old) before enrolling your child in guitar lessons. Guitars come in half-size and quarter-size for young children and they can be as cheap as £30 to buy brand new. We are always more than happy to advise parents on what to buy and what not to buy. We have a selection of highly qualified guitar teachers who have many years of experience teaching young children.

One of our friendly guitar teachers would be more than happy to help answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to drop us a quick message and we will be back in touch as soon as possible.

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Gibson Bankruptcy

Selection of Gibson Guitars

Gibson Bankruptcy

After more than 116 years in business, guitar giants Gibson have filed for bankruptcy. The files submitted on Tuesday have stated that the company has at least $100 million in debt. Gibson has taken the step in an attempt to rejuvenate the company. However, the move has shocked the music community, as no one would have expected that such an illustrious company could have such major monetary problems. Gibson guitars, for many, have always been seen as the ‘Rolls Royce’ of both acoustic and electric guitars.

History of Gibson Guitars

Orville Gibson founded his guitar company as Gibson-Mandolin Guitar Mfg. Co. Ltd back in 1902. Originally, he began by making mandolin style guitars and by the 1930s the company had started selling acoustic guitars. In the 1950s the Les Paul was created which is still, the most iconic guitar in the world. Garrison Guitars took over the company in 2007, and only seven years ago they were renamed Gibson Brands Inc. In recent years, Gibson seemed to try stepping away from ut’s loyal fan base by introducing guitars like the Les Paul Future robot, which to according to widespread reviews, was a terrible mistake and the guitar was full of faults.

Famous Gibson Guitar Players

Gibson BankruptcyThe list of famous Gibson players is quite extensive. Slash, of Guns ‘n’ Roses, is the first famous player to mention. Along with his outstanding top hat, Slash always carries a Gibson on stage, most notably a Les Paul. Slash is probably best known for his 1959 replica built by Kris Derrig, which his manager bought for him in the 1980s. Slash used this iconic guitar in the recording of Appetite For Destruction and still has it in his collection to date.

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones has played his famous Les Paul guitar for years. In fact, Richards became the first British ‘star-owner’ of the Les Paul in 1959. Throughout the 60s and 70s, Richards continued to use several Les Paul and ES models in many of his music videos, therefore, he has become a very well known Gibson player.

Another famous player is Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin. Like Richards, Page has owned several guitars and currently uses a 1959 “number 1”, which he once described as his “mistress and wife”. Jimmy Page most famously used a double-necked EDS-1275 in Led Zepplin’s live performances of Stairway to Heaven and The Rain Song.

Is Gibson going out of business?

News emerged in February this year that the guitar manufacturer has financial difficulties. The Gibson bankruptcy, however, has only come to light at the start of this month. According to CEO Henry Juszkiewicz, the company have decided to “re-focus on core business and instruments”. He added that his main concern was “the long-term stability and financial health” of the company.

Gibson’s financial instability is due to a culmination of several problems. Firstly their Chief Financial Officer Bill Lawrence quit after less than a year in the post. Then $375 million of senior secured notes surfaced and, also, the company now owe $145 million in bank loans.

Two of the Gibson guitar factories ( Memphis and Nashville) were raided by the FBI for a second time, for using illegally sourced Madagascan ebony. According to Gibson, this caused the company in over $5,000,000 in losses.

Gibson’s bankruptcy, according to many in the music industry, is partially due to the demand for guitars decreasing. gibson guitar BankruptcyEric Clapton has said recently that “the guitar is over” and it is clear to see that the market for guitars has fallen since the early 2000s; encouraging the resale of guitars. This means that Gibson, are missing out on much-needed revenue.

Is Gibson Guitars in trouble?

Gibson hopes that they will undergo a restructuring process to return profitability to the company. Gibson has already begun offering redundancy to some staff to cut costs. Their aim for the near future is to reduce debts and generate funds to pay off their bank loans and senior secured notes. Gibson Brands Inc are hopeful they will retain their status as the guitar manufacturing heavyweights, by efficiently managing their debts. Most musicians seem positive that Gibson will re-emerge unscathed from this recent scandal.

 

Morningside School of Music director, Paul Boyd stated:

“Both the clients and staff of Morningside School of Music, are positive that Gibson Guitars Inc will overcome this significant glitch in their trading history and continue to be one of the leading international musical instrument brands. No one perceives the Gibson bankruptcy to last, a buyer will step in at the last minute for sure”

Written by Luke Shearer on Saturday the 6th of May, 2018.
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Top Tips – Buying an Instrument

buying an instrument

Tips For Buying A Musical Instrument

Nobody wants to waste money on an instrument if it’s only going to get shoved away in the loft. So, here is some practical advice which should see you make an informed decision about how much to spend. We’ve also thrown in a few helpful tips on where might be the best places to search.

Our Top Tips

  1. Buying from a cheaper-end but still, a reputable brand is our first tip. It will save you buying another instrument when you find the first purchase doesn’t perform to your satisfaction. If you are buying for a young musician, and they get into the swing of practise, spending a little more may save another trip to the shop when they take to their chosen instrument.
  2. Try and stay clear of buying musical instruments from pawnbrokers or the listings at the back of newspapers. Compare the price with an instrument in a music shop. In many cases, you could buy a brand new instrument cheaper. It is not the first time a client has come to our music school with a £150 second-hand instrument purchased from a pawnbroker. They could have shopped online or taken advice at a music shop and picked up a superior instrument much cheaper.
  3. Occasionally and especially near Christmas, supermarkets sell musical instruments. They are cheap, look great, and most people think they would make great presents. More often than not, a quick check of the ‘feel’ and ‘quality’ will remind you of cheap toys. Here at Morningside School of Music, we haven’t seen a playable instrument from a supermarket yet.
  4. Don’t buy the first thing you come across, shop around, a better deal is never far away. Different retailers have different deals with the manufacturer or the distributor. Just because they are cheap with lots of items, doesn’t mean you won’t find cheaper elsewhere on the item you want. However, the adage that states ‘You get what you pay for’ is often true with instruments. If you see one for sale that seems overly cheap, there is probably a reason why.
  5. It’s a fact! Online prices are cheaper than shop prices. Online warehouses don’t have the same overheads that the shops do. However, check that you can take it back if something goes wrong? We usually recommend you buy from a trusted source. Contact us to hear about the tried and tested (and now very trusted) stores we buy from. They won’t let you down on price or service.
  6. Just because someone you know says that an instrument is good, doesn’t mean that it’s suitable for you. This can be particularly relevant for guitars, and it can much depend on the size of the guitar, the width of the neck, even the space between strings and the fretboard (known as the ‘action’) can feel better for one person than another. It’s your instrument, and you’ll be playing with it for a long time (hopefully) so choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
  7. If you’re buying for someone as a present, especially with guitars, it might be worth taking them with you to try out a few first – yes it might spoil the surprise, but unless you already know exactly what they want, it will save some nasty disappointments later on!

We are always happy to advise our customers on the best places to buy the right instrument for you, feel free to call us at Morningside School of Music on (0131) 447 1117.

If you are looking for an instrument or some equipment, why not speak to us first? We might be able to save you a lot of money and get you the instrument that is right for you.

Morningside School of Music
In Blog

Maluma – The Colombian Superstar

Maluma

Introduction

Over the last few years, there has been a plethora of Spanish songs hitting the UK charts. Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi are perhaps the most recognised with their song ‘Despacito’. ‘Despacito’ has since become the most viewed YouTube song of all time. And now? Now it is the turn of the latest singing sensation to hail from Latin/South America- Maluma.

Who is Maluma?

Maluma with Ronaldinho

Maluma chatting to former Barcelona and Brazil star Ronaldinho.

Juan Luis Londoño Arias (or Maluma), was born in Medellín, Colombia, on 28th January 1994. He started his vocal career in 2011 when he released 3 songs. However, these songs failed to reach the charts in his homeland. Maluma released a further two the following year, again to no avail. Maluma finally achieved success when his song ‘Miss Independent’ reached No. 2 in the Colombian charts. The very same year, he released his first album entitled ‘Magia’.

Success

In 2015, Maluma started to become a household name in Spanish and Latin American homes. He achieved his first No.1 hit in Colombia with the song ‘Borró Cassette’. It also reached No.3 in the Billboard Hot Latin Songs (USA) and No.23 in Spain. This was only the start of Maluma’s success, though. The following year he reached No.1, again in Colombia, but also Mexico with ‘El Perdedor’. The latter two were also released on his second studio album entitled ‘Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy’.

Collaborations

This was also the year in which he started to collaborate more with other artists. He appeared in two of the most popular Spanish tracks written in 2016. He collaborated with Ricky Martin and Shakira respectively. The former called ‘Vente Pa’ Ca’, reached No.1 in almost all South American countries. The song also proved to be popular in Europe. For example, the song appeared on charts in Belgium, France, Portugal and Spain amongst others. The collaboration with Shakira, on the other hand, entitled ‘Chantaje’, proved to be just as, if not more popular than ‘Vente Pa’ Ca’. It reached No.1 in Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, Spain and Uruguay. The hit also achieved the top spot in the aforementioned chart in the USA.

Maluma’s first world tour

He embarked on his first-ever world tour in May 2016. The ‘Pretty Boy, Dirty Boy’ world tour commenced in May 2016 in Mexico and ended in December 2017, also in Mexico. The tour reached all corners of the globe from his native Colombia to the USA, all the way to London. In total, he played 151 concerts.

Maluma

Maluma on stage.

Recent ventures

Perhaps Maluma’s most famous solo song to be released was ‘Felices los 4’. The song even made its way on to the official Billboard Top 100, peaking at No. 48. The hit also reached the top spot in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Netherlands, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, Romania and Venezuela. He achieved similar success with the song ‘Corazón’ later that year, with the song again achieving Latin American dominance and branching out to Europe. It was no surprise that in 2018, he was also very successful, recording the FIFA World Cup song ‘Colors’ with Jason Derulo.

2nd world tour

He also had his second world tour entitled ‘F.A.ME.’. The tour started in unfamiliar territory in New Zealand and ended in Colombia. This time he only played 63 concerts, however, it could be argued that this tour was bigger as he sold out venues such as Madison Square Garden in New York and The Forum in California. Furthermore, he also played a concert in Wembley Arena, which was an incredible feat for the 25-year-old. Maluma is probably best known in the English speaking world for collaborating with XXXTentacion, Lil Pump and Swae Lee for the song ‘Arms around you’. It was also the first time that Maluma appeared in the U.K charts, peaking at No.14.

This year

Maluma shows no signs of regressing in 2019, as he has already released two songs, ‘Vivir Bailando’ and ‘HP’, with the latter reaching No.2 in Colombia, and No.4 in Spain. He has also announced a new world tour, and that he will be releasing a new album called ’11:11’. Furthermore, he excited fans by posting a picture on Instagram with Madonna, with a new song called ‘Medellín’ being released on 17 April 2019.

Keep an eye out for Maluma

Maluma in concert

Colombian Artist Maluma singing in concert.

Maluma is already a superstar in Spanish speaking countries and is bit-by-bit branching out to the English-speaking world. At the age of 25, Maluma is a very exciting talent, so keep an eye out for him coming to a venue near you in the future. Who knows, he could be the architect of the new ‘Despacito’.

 

Visit the Maluma Website to find out more.

 

 

Morningside School of Music
In Blog

Online Music Streaming

iphone1

Online Music Streaming

The big news in the music industry this week is the announcement of Apple’s new streaming service, Apple Music.  Launching at the end of this month, it will be Apple’s contribution to the already saturated online streaming market, competing with the likes of Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Songza, and Amazon Prime Music.

There has been a lot of chat this week about what Apple’s new venture will mean for the future of music streaming.  The existing Apple customer base with a registered credit card will be able to join with one click- which will certainly boost the numbers of people streaming music in general.  It may also lower the current costs. Apple Music will cost £6.50/month, as opposed to Spotify and Tidal, who currently both charge £9.99 for their basic packages (aside from Spotify’s free ad-supported streaming).

While lower costs are certainly always desirable for the consumer, it might not be the best option in regards to music streaming.  There is a growing demand in the industry for a higher profit margin per stream for the artists, but as the costs go down, the royalties are likely to follow.  The most famous example of opposition to the low royalties associated with streaming is when Taylor Swift pulled all of her online music from Spotify at the end of last year.  Tidal, Jay-Z’s latest business venture, was launched in an attempt to give artists an exclusive platform to launch their music, where they also receive more royalties.  The main criticism with this approach is that many artists today have little control over how their music is released, so Tidal’s premise is a bit of an empty promise.  More than a month after it’s release, it is also not getting much traffic, perfectly illustrated by Spotify’s CEO recently said, ‘I would say that I have 99 problems but Jay Z is not one of them!’

Only time will tell which of the streaming services will come out on top.  Regardless, with online streaming becoming the norm for how we listen to music, the major concern for the industry now is figuring out how to adequately compensate all of the people behind the music, while still making it cost-effective for the consumer.