Which is the longest song ever released?

Music has the power to take us on incredible journeys, transporting us to other worlds and allowing us to experience the full range of human emotions. From soaring anthems to introspective ballads, music has the ability to touch us in ways that nothing else can. And for some musicians, the journey is not limited to a few minutes or even hours - instead, they seek to create epic compositions that stretch on for days.

One such masterpiece is A Quantum Christmas Song, recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest officially released song. Created by English songwriter Mark Christopher Lee in collaboration with the British indie band The Pocket Gods, this 115-hour-45-minute long odyssey is a spiritual exploration of the mysteries of quantum physics and the meaning of life.

Some more examples of astonishingly long songs include Symphony of the Crown (48 hours, 39 minutes, and 35 seconds long) by Canadian artist Earthena; Rise and Fall of Bossnova (13 hours and 32 minutes) by American artist Michael J Bostwick; and Apparente Liberta (76 minutes and 47 seconds) by Italian musician Giancarlo Ferrari.

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What do Carnatic music and Jazz possibly have in common?

Carnatic music is among the world's most widely and deferentially revered forms of Classical music; Jazz rose from the depths of folksy angst with the rebellious explosiveness that only liberal music could express and emancipate. Yet, they have many core similarities. 

 Ragas and modes

Carnatic music is a predominantly raga-based form of music. The raga is the overarching mood or melodic dialect underpinning every composition or performative piece. Every piece is set in a specific raga, defined as a set or sequence of notes and constructed by a latticework of idiosyncratic melodic patterns orbiting a defined Key.

Jazz plays fast and loose with the tonality of its pieces. Its pieces are also woven around melodic scales or modes. While it is rife with Key changes, Modal interchanges, and modulation, Jazz distinctly recognises the essentiality of scalar modes, and plays around with them rather than stick to the sacred script. Borrowed chords are returned with interest.

MODES AND EQUIVALENTS

Dorian Mode - Kharaharapriya (Herbie Hancock's 'Maiden Voyage'; Tyagaraja's 'Rama Nee Samanamevaru')

Natural Minor (Aeolian Mode) - Natabhairavi Dave Brubeck Quarter's Take Five';

Muthuswami Dikshitars 'Sreeneelotpalanayike')

Melodic Minor - Gowrimanohari (Joseph Kosma's 'Autumn Leaves'; Tyagaraja's 'Guruleka')

lonian mode Shankarabharanam (Muthuswami Dikshitars 'Sri Dakshinamurthe'; The Beatles' 'Let It Be')

 Melodic and rhythmic complexity polyrhythms and polymeters

Rhythm is a crucial aspect of both the art forms, and not just in a casual way aimed to make the audience tap their feet along. There are many mathematical and arithmetic calculations that go into the composition and performance. Polyrhythms and polymeters are used intensively to spice up the experience of playing and listening.

The use of polymeter, a technique where beat cycles of different number of pulses are played over the same tempo and changes in the meter are introduced in the middle of a song, more than just once, is not so common in Carnatic music except perhaps in the Ragam Tanam Pallavi, a format that explores plaintive melodic patterns, coupled with onomatopoeic syllables, and lyricism. Polyrhythms, wherein different beat cycles and time signatures are played or rendered over one another at different tempos to achieve interesting syncopations and syllabic emphasis, greet you at every concert and ensemble session.

Fundament of canon and comprehensive study of standard compositions

Both forms have a rich tapestry of standard songs and canonical compositions that are rendered faithfully and studied in depth. In fact, Carnatic music ragas are supposed to be abstract musical entities but modern-day musicians often derive them from their formulations in songs and the way in which great pastmasters have rendered them. Not all 72 Melakarta ragas have the same representation in song form. Jazz standards form the basic repertoire of any jazz musician. Popular tunes from the 19th and 20th Centuries, their treatment over time has vested them with the gamut of jazz techniques and influences from adjacent genres such as the Blues, Ragtime, Swing, West African Music, and showtunes written for Broadway musicals.

Improvisation with methodical patterns

Ad-libbing, riffing, coming up with chordal and harmonic shifts and melodic lines on the spot, spontaneously dovetailing into polymetric rhythm structures all these are as basic as they are challenging for a jazz performer. Tunes are overlaid with alternative groupings of notes and pulses to enhance intelligibility and intrigue. Manodharma, scatting Besides the copybook renditions, the Carnatic music kritis rendered in a concert are appended with pockets of improvisation - the vocalist, melodic accompanists, and percussionists each get to eke out variances and build on on the main tune, generate complex filigrees and ornamentations, independently creating permutations of notes and pulses, all the while gelling together to keep the composition's integrity intact.

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Who is Carolina Norbu?

Carolina Norbu is an upcoming, passionate singer songwriter from the picturesque hills of Arunachal Pradesh who also doubles up as a dentist by profession. She plays narrative of how and what she feels.

She believes music is a language that has no boundaries.

Her first performance was at The Urbane Solace, Bangalore, in 2013, after which she was a finalist at the K-Pop Contest the same year. She has since performed at the International Jazz Day in Itanagar, Ziro Festival of Music, Orange Festival and Arunachal Literature and Art Festival to name a few, carving herself a place in the hearts of her audience. Norbu is an artist to watch out for.

VERUS FERREIRA spoke to 31-year-old Carolina Mum Norbu to trace her journey into music and dentistry.

Tell us how music started for you.

Well, I've loved singing since childhood. My family loves music and I grew up listening to my father's cassettes of Boney M, Abba and Bee Gees. And coming from a Christian background, I was always a part of singing groups since childhood.

What were your childhood and teenage days like?

My childhood days are the best memories I have. I grew up in a small town with a population of not more than 3000 then. We stayed near a field where all the kids from the nearby colonies would gather to have fun, play, sing, dance and hang out. By the time I was in high school, I got more into literature and started writing poems to express myself. This caught the attention of some of my seniors at church and they requested that I write a gospel song, given that I had learnt basic guitar skills by then. I tried my best and gave them my first song Almighty. Thereafter, I was so inspired by all the positive feedback that I took an interest in songwriting which followed through into my college life as well.

How did the decision to take up music come about when you were practising as a dentist?

Music had always been my first choice. I joined BDS (Bachelor of Dental Science) to study, and I continued to keep my passion for music alive. The college study was so vigorous, I hardly had time for music. But I made sure that whenever an opportunity came, I participated. While still in my third year, I posted one of the songs I composed and recorded on my phone to SoundCloud. It was so warmly received that I decided to pursue recording it properly in a studio, and then down the road I began pursuing both dentistry and music.

Tell us about your job and how you prepared for it.

I graduated from Bangalore Institute of Dental Sciences and hospital (BIDS) in Karnataka. I currently work as a dental surgeon in a private clinic in my hometown, Itanagar.

Who are your favourite artists whom you look up to?

I really love Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran's songwriting skills. I admire Jacob Collier, Finneas and many other musicians.

How do you define your music and which style would you put in?

Indie-pop or Indie-folk

Which musical instruments do you play?

I play the guitar and ukulele. I am learning how to play keys (keyboard) as well.

Where do you draw inspiration from? Who's been that one person who acts as a source of motivation?

Inspiration is everywhere. The books I read, the things I experience, the stories I hear, the situations we go through; inspiration can be anything. My mother has always been my guide.

You released a three-song EP last month. Tell us what they are about?

Eve is a song about a girl trying to court and ask a guy she likes to dance with her. It's a fun song. Under The Sheet is about lazing around on a rainy day, getting cozy with your partner and not going out. A song made for rainy lockdown days. Chemistry speaks about falling for someone who is unexpected and with an uncontrollable feeling.

Are you planning on releasing music videos for them?

Yes. I got to work with an amazing team and we conceptualized a story for all the three songs clubbed together into one music video, which has a running time of approximately 10 minutes. It's on YouTube on my channel, so do give it a watch.

Do you have a regular band that you play with?

Not a regular band, but yeah, the session artists/musicians I mostly play with are members of AIMF (Arunachal Independent Musicians' Forum).

How do you go about your songwriting?

It's always good to have a motive before starting the process. Once I have an idea, I work on the melody and then the lyrics alongside. Sometimes it's the melody first and lyrics later. Sometimes it's the lyrics first and melody later.

What is the selling point that makes your music different from any other vocal groups?

My songs are mostly inspired by and talk about human emotions. I try my best to embody an emotion in the best possible way so the feeling is conveyed to the listeners having no specific gender or age group.

In a male-dominated music industry, have you faced any sexism? Do you want to see a change?

I did, but very subtly. The world is becoming more and more aware and I am hopeful that we are headed towards change.

What do you want changed in the music industry for girls?

I want the music industry to care less for outward appearances and more for talent and hard work. I hope girls don't have to compromise their work ethics just to get the work done.

Surely many young men have taken a fancy to you... do you have a boyfriend?

Ha, ha, ha! They do actually, and it humbles me. I am grateful that they look up to me or fancy me. And no, I do not have a boyfriend.

What are your future plans?

Work on producing more songs, go on tour, play more gigs, meet more people, artists and musicians. Personally, I want to do and achieve a lot of things which I couldn't in 2020 and 2021. I think it's the same for everyone's resolution for 2022. Fingers crossed.

Your message to our young readers...

If you have a passion that you know in your heart is genuine, true and honest, pursue it. It's never too late. Don't wait for someone to come and make your dreams come true.

Credit : Verus Ferreira (The Teenager Today)

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How many pieces of wood are in a modern violin?

A modern violin is made from 70 different pieces of spruce or maple wood. The word 'violin' comes the Italian violino which has its roots in the Medieval Latin vitula, meaning 'stringed instrument. A craftsman who builds and repairs violins is a luthier. The Messiah Stradivarius made by Antonio Stradivari in 1716 is the most expensive in the world with an estimated value of US$20 million. It has never been played after more than 300 years in existence. The oldest-surviving violin is the Charles IX made in Cremona (Italy) in 1564 by Andrea Amati.

The largest section of the instrument, a violin’s body, or “corpus” (you don’t need to be fluent in Latin to make the translation), is actually several parts. The “top,” in which the soundholes or “f-holes” are cut, is typically made of spruce. Spruce is favored because of its density. You can shave it to the desired thinness without compromising integrity.  

The back, or bottom, of the violin and the ribs that form the sides and give the instrument depth, are often made from maple. Like spruce, maple is dense and strong. As you would expect, both types of wood are great at conducting sound.

Credit : Connolly Music 

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Who is Ambi Subramaniam?

Ambi Subramaniam is such a master fiddler that it is nearly impossible to choose his best fiddling performance. The breakneck speed with which he plays, sometimes simple and at times powerful, leaves the listener breathless, it's so intense. The Bangalore-based 29-year-old Ambi is very down-to earth, simple and just like any Gen X youngster, until he picks up his violin.

Hailed as "India's Itzhak Pearlman" by Ozy Magazine, Ambi has been trained by his father and guru Dr L. Subramaniam since he was three years old. He gave his first public performance at the age of seven. He received the Ritz Icon Annual Award, the Rotary Youth Award, two GIMAs (Global Indian Music Award for Best Fusion Album and Best Carnatic Instrumental Album) and Big Indian Music Award (Best Carnatic Album). In 2007, he released his first album and two years later he received a Golden Violin from Sri Jayendra Saraswati.

Ambi also co-wrote India's first series of textbooks for teaching the Indian violin.

Ambi has performed extensively with his family and collaborated with Larry Coryell, Ernie Watts, Corky Siegel, Shankar Mahadevan and many others. His first album, released in 2007 when he was just 16, won both BIMA (The British Interactive Media Association, which annually gives British awards for excellence in the digital world) and GIMA (Global Indian Music Academy Award), Ambi is truly "the new king of Indian classical violin".

Ambi and his sister Bindu manage the Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa) in the field of music education, with the aim of creating a music ecosystem to teach students not only Indian music but also global music, and trying to make sure that students have access to some of the best musicians around the world. The duo is also part of the contemporary world music band SubraMania, a space to collaborate with different artists.

In a freewheeling interview with Verus Ferreira, Ambi shares his story.

Let's start at the beginning. At what age did you take up learning the violin?

I started learning the violin when I was three years old, and that time you had smaller violins. I think it didn't really start formally, like somebody going to a class, or sitting down in front of a teacher and taking lessons. My dad obviously was playing a lot of music at home, practising and perfecting that kind of thing. I think it started very informally where I had the violin in my hand and I would try and imitate what my dad was doing. Of course, it became a bit formal once I started enjoying the instrument. Then my brother, my sister and I learnt to sing, how to play the piano; we learnt Carnatic and western violin.

What would you say your style of music is?

It's a very interesting question. Like I mentioned, we learnt a lot of different things, because for me I tried to be as versatile as I could. That means, sometimes you don't want to label all that you are doing, and you keep trying different styles so you can keep growing. Of course, I was initially taught Carnatic music and western classical music. When I played with my mom, Kavita Krishnamurthy, that would be a complete Bollywood set. Then it was a challenge for me to figure out how I would play in those situations to suit that style of music, or suddenly if I am in a situation when I am with a set of musicians. For example, in Spain playing Flamenco music, how to bring out my individuality. I'd play something that suits that style of music. But I think style is something that keeps evolving.

Do you still learn from your father, L. Subramaniam?

Of course, I think there is so much to learn from both my parents, and I think my dad is just incredible, obviously not only in terms of his musical skills and him being a legendary musician, but there are so many things that you learn from him as a person as well, so that he never stops. He would play phrases and I would try to repeat, and then there was a stage where we were performing a lot together. I learnt a lot by playing with him onstage and now the way I learnt is very different. So sometimes he will hear a piece I have done and he will give me feedback. That learning process is always there, but the way you learn changes over time.

Do you also sing and play the piano?

Yes, I do enjoy singing and playing the piano a lot, think, you have to make a choice if you want to really go deep into anything. I do sing and play the piano, but it's mostly for myself.

When did you first start your concert playing?

I think the first time I was on stage was when I was six years old when my brother and I were singing for something. My first violin performance was when I was seven and I think it is very important to have very positive experiences when you are on stage. When I say that, it's completely different from being skilful on stage. I'm sure I wasn't that great at age seven, but I went on stage and came off the stage feeling very good. I think that was very important for me, because from that age 1 enjoyed going on stage because of that.

Is the violin you play different from violins played in Carnatic music?

I play a five-string violin. Normally violins have four strings; there's an extra string at the bottom which is the viola string, and it gives a bigger range, but that also makes it harder to play. Apart from that, the violin is very similar; it also has an electric pick up.

What brand of violin do you use?

There are many violins that are made in India, and it's really nice to see the violin skill-making really improving in India in the last decade or two. It's something that hasn't traditionally been made in India. I use a violin from the U.S. I generally try not to use too many violins, unlike a guitar, as a violin doesn't have frets like a guitar, so every violin has its own uniqueness, it has its own challenges as well. For example, if I pick up a new violin, the spacing will be completely different. So all of sudden if I try to play the same way that I play on my current violin, it would be completely out of tune.

Who are your music idols?

There are a number of them. There are many violinists like Israeli violinist Maxim Vengerov, Joshua Heifetz who are incredible violinists. I also take inspiration from a lot of composers because a big part of what I do is composition.

What are your plans for the year 2022?

I hope by then we would be able to have some more live performances. I think given the situation in the last two years, we've been extremely lucky and we've been able to make studio work, make a lot of albums, and I think that process will continue. But I think for the entire music industry and for music in general, it would be great if we can open up once things are safer.

Well, to be honest, I really enjoy cricket as well and I had a flair for Maths, so probably, I would've been a cricket statistician or something like that.

Your message to the readers of The Teenager Today

What anybody does, whether it's music or anything else, it's good to keep working on skills that interest you, even if you think that this doesn't go with something else that you also like. One thing that we always talk about at SaPa is that you don't have to be just in one thing. We have a lot of very talented kids who are interested in coding and also in music. They also like doing music, but they also like painting or design. It's very nice to pursue all these things that you like. None of us know what jobs are going to exist in five, ten or fifteen years, so you could be creating something special, and at some point of time you'll be having skill sets that other people don't have.

Credit : Verus Ferreira (The Teenager Today)

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Light is all you need to keep these headphones charged

Urbanista Los Angeles headphones are the world's first self-charging wireless headphones powered by Exeger Powerfoyle solar cell material. Although its built-in 750mAh battery can be charged traditionally via USB-C and offers up to 50 hours of battery life, the real appeal is the solar charging. The headphones can be charged in any light, indoors or outdoors, providing near-limitless battery life as long as there's a source of illumination. The press of a button activates advanced hybrid Active Noise Cancelling, instantly reducing unwanted background noise, or switches on Ambient Sound Mode so you can stay aware of important surrounding sounds It has built-in microphones for use with voice assistants like Siri or Google Assistant, automatic on-ear detection to pause or play content when you take the headphones off or put them on, respectively, and wirelessly connects over Bluetooth 5.0.

The Urbanista Los Angeles range is currently available for pre-order, with a precise on sale date yet to be confirmed at time of publishing. At present, two colour options will be available – Midnight Black and the brand new Sand Gold finish.

Key features of the range include up to 80 hours of battery reserve, hybrid active noise cancelling, on-ear detection, USB Type-C charging, Bluetooth 5.0, Siri and Google assistant and compatibility with iOS, Android and Windows.

Since launching in Stockholm, Sweden in 2010, Urbanista has introduced a wide range of headphones named after cities across the globe, including lines such as Madrid, Berlin, Stockholm, London, Paris, New York, Miami and Athens. The brand also produces a range of Bluetooth speakers.

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I want to make a career in music

I'm a good singer and can play instruments like the piano and guitar. I want to make a career in music, but my parents say that I should first take up a secure career (such as medicine) and then continue with music. But I'm afraid I won't be left with enough time, as the studies and career will leave me exhausted. Please suggest some colleges/institutes in which I could pursue music as a career.

Have you had some training in playing an instrument or singing? Training under an experienced guru from childhood helps to sharpen your skills; later you can develop the instinct through talent, experience and practice.

You may go for a B.A. in Music after 10+2. During the course, students receive a thorough grounding in the core areas of practical skills, music history and analysis. They may further specialize in performance, composition, electro-acoustic music or other areas as they progress through the course.

Some of the institutes are: Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University, Lucknow; National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama (Sangeet Natak Academy), New Delhi; Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata; Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, Tansen Sangeet Mahavidyalaya at various places.

The life of a professional musician can appear glamorous. But when it comes to making it a profession, the jobs are highly competitive and difficult to find. It often takes the right contacts and a lot of luck to find work. You may experience a great deal of rejection and there may be periods of time when you don't work, at least as a performer.

I'm telling you this not to scare you; rather that is the reality. Breaking into this industry also requires dedication, talent and sometimes good luck. That may be the reason your parents are suggesting that you first secure yourself with a good education and career.

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What are music and its types?

Music

Music is a performance art created by the sounds of singer, and instruments, and covers an incredible range of styles. It can he enjoyed live or through various media forms from television and radio to the Internet. Music has always been written and performed, but it was not until the 20th century, when new technology to record and share music developed, that musicians could become global stars.

  1. DISCO: In the 1970s, pop music with a dance beat known as disco (from discotheque, a French word for nightclub) filled dance floors across the globe. Disco music topped the charts and created major stars, but faded from popularity in the 1980s.
  2. CLASSICAL: Classical music is a general name for the various types of music written to be performed in a concert hall. It may be composed for the instruments of an orchestra (either a full symphony or a small group of players), or written for a choir or opera company. The music of composers like Bach and Beethoven is still popular, centuries after it was written.
  3. MUSIC AND VISUALS: From the late 1970s, bands made short music videos to accompany and promote their songs. The arrival of music video networks and the Internet has created a huge boom in this area. The virtual band Gorillaz, who previously only existed as cartoon animations in music videos, turned the form on its head in 2005 when they performed live as a normal band.
  4. DANCE: The popularity of electronic instruments like synthesizers, and the ability to use computers to make music, led to a new generation of music written to fill the dance floors. DJs became stars, using turntables to mix live music.
  5. JAZZ: Jazz was born in early 20th century America, when elements of European music were blended with the rhythmic music brought by African slaves to the south.
  6. ROCK: In the 1940s and 50s, rock-and-roll music sprang up in the United States. It was played on electric guitars, bass guitars, and drums, and featured exciting vocals, catchy tunes, and a strong beat. This evolved into rock music, a group of many diverse styles that remains popular worldwide.
  7. POP: This type of rock music is aimed mostly at a young audience. Pop songs can be fairly simple in their structure, with lots of repetition in the lyrics, so it’s easy to sing along. Today’s major pop stars reach an international audience with their hit songs.
  8. R&B: Rhythm and blues, or R&B, music started in the United States in the 1940s, originally performed by and for a mainly African-American audience. Today’s version of the style is closely related to disco and dance music, but is smoother and features softer vocals.
  9. REGGAE: This style of music originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. It has a characteristic rhythm style and a slow and steady tempo (speed). The bass guitar keeps the rhythm and is the most prominent instrument. Reggae is associated with the Rastafarian religion.
  10. COUNTRY: Mixing the traditional music of the southern states of America with rock-and-roll and other musical styles, country music is one of the largest-selling music genres today, with major stars, huge record sales, and enormously successful tours.

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Is music always good for your sleep?

What kind of a person are you? Do you always have your earphones on while at home, listening to music whenever you get a chance? Or do you use it just to wind down at night, listening to some soothing music as you drift away to sleep. Either way, you might be disrupting your sleep patterns, especially if you tend to have earworms frequently.

What are earworms?

 Earworms correspond to catchy songs or tunes that persist in our minds long after we've finished hearing it. It is said to be an involuntary musical imagery and it often plays over and over in the person's mind. While these occur commonly to many people while awake, a recent research has tried to explore its effects on sleeping.

Sleep researcher Michael Scullin is an associate professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Baylor University in the U.S. On realising that he was waking in the middle of the night with earworms, he decided to study how music, and earworms in particular, might affect patterns of sleeping.

Survey and experiment

His study involved both a survey and a separate laboratory experiment. Over 200 participants took part in the survey, which included a series of questions on sleep quality, music listening habits, and the frequency at which a participant usually experiences an earworm, especially those around bedtime and sleep.

The lab experiment was conducted on 50 participants. The researchers tried to induce earworms and tried to figure out how it affects sleep quality. Polysomnography, a comprehensive sleep test, was used to record the participants' sleep quality.

The results from the research were contrary to popular wisdom that states that music is hypnotic and aids in sleeping. The researchers came to the conclusion that people who caught an earworm not only had difficulties in falling asleep, but also had more night-time awakenings and spent a larger share of time in light stages of sleeping.

What's more, the study showed that individuals who listened to music more often through the course of the day experienced persistent earworms and also a decline in sleep quality.

Write before you sleep

Apart from moderating music listening and taking the occasional breaks, Scullin suggests staying away from demanding activities for the brain (such as watching television, playing video games) near bedtime. Just spending five to 10 minutes of your time by putting down your thoughts or writing a to-do list before going to bed would not only help you sleep faster and better. but also help offload worrying thoughts.

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Have you heard of Las Ketchup? What is it famous for?

It is a Spanish girl group, famous for the 2002 hit single “The Ketchup Song”

‘The Ketchup Song (Aserejé)’ was the stunning debut single by Spanish pop group Las Ketchup, taken from their debut studio album Hijas del Tomate (2002). The band seemed primed and ready to be one-hit-wonders, with all their tomato themed imagery lining up perfectly. The song was released on 10 June 2002, and became an international hit later that year.

In addition to the original Spanish version, the song exists in forms with Spanglish and Portuguese verses, although the nonsensical chorus is identical in all three versions. Nonsensical… or satanic. 

To the common ear, the song tells the story of a travelling man with mystical qualities, which heavily references ‘Rapper’s Delight’. However, after its release, the song became controversial due to conspiracy theories that the lyrics were cryptic references to Satanism, the devil, Hell, and a whole smorgasbord of other excitingly evil things.

 

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Which is the second top-selling music artist?



Troyal Garth Brooks (born February 7, 1962) is an American singer and songwriter. His integration of rock and pop elements into the country genre has earned him popularity, particularly in the United States with success on the country music single and album charts, multi-platinum recordings and record-breaking live performances, while also crossing over into the mainstream pop arena.



Brooks is one of the world's best-selling music artists, having sold more than 170 million records. As of 2020, according to the RIAA, he is the best-selling solo albums artist in the United States with 156 million domestic units sold, ahead of Elvis Presley, and is second only to The Beatles in total album sales overall. Brooks was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame on October 21, 2012, having been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame the year before. He was also inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum in 2016 with his studio musicians, The G-Men. On March 4, 2020, Brooks received the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. At age 58, he is the youngest recipient of the award.



Brooks has won a record 22 Academy of Country Music Awards and received a total of 47 overall nominations. His 13 Grammy Award nominations have resulted in 2 awards won, along with Billboard Music Awards, Country Music Association Awards, and many others. Brooks' work has earned awards and nominations in television and film as well, including the Primetime Emmy Awards and Golden Globe Awards. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2010, he was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame. He has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum.



 



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I’m only interested in music



I’m currently studying in Class XI. I’m not interested in NEET or JEE. Though I’m a biology student I’m only interested in music. I love singing but I’m not a trained singer. What are the courses I need to complete to be a professional singer? Are there any colleges in India that preferably have courses in western music?



In order to become a professional singer, start with some basic music training. Also learn multiple music instruments; this will help you in identifying your style of singing. Make your demo song recordings and promote yourself online.



There are no educational requirements for singers interested in performing popular music. Formal education is more likely to be required for classical music. Still singers need extensive training and regular practice, as the qualities of a singer’s voice affect his/her ability to be successful. You must take lessons from a qualified guru. Short-term training in western music is provided by private institutes all over India.



Some good colleges are:




  • Bhatkhande College of Hindustani Music, Lucknow

  • Kalakshetra, Madras

  • National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama (Sangeet Natak Academy), New Delhi

  • Prayag Sangeet Samiti, Allahaba

  • Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata

  • Visva Bharati, Santiniketan



The music industry is always in need of innovative, creative, successful musicians to introduce different styles and various fusions in an attempt to innovate new sounds. But competition is severe and talent alone is no guarantee of success; it requires dedication and sometimes good luck. Developing contacts in the music business is as important as finding opportunities to perform. However, being able to play several types of music or sing in a variety of styles enhances the opportunity to find employment.



 



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What is the career in music therapy?



Whether it is the well-known concerts of Bach and Beethoven o the peppy tunes of a pop song, music can help us forget our woes. Music possesses the uncanny ability to bring people together, and device into our deepest thoughts, feelings and traumas. According to beloved children’s author Hans Christian Andersen, “Where words fail, music speaks.” Music therapists draw upon this healing power of music to support people with disabilities and illnesses. Music therapy, for example, might help a child with autism communicate with others. For a person with dementia, music can be a way for children. So if you want to use your musical abilities to help people, you can hit the right note as a music therapist.



How it works:



Music therapy is an emerging field backed by mounting scientific evidence. Music therapists work alongside paediatricians and nurses and other allied health professionals, including speech and language therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, psychologists and social workers.



Scope



Depending on your interest, you can work as a music therapist in different sectors. Primarily, music therapists work as consultants with hospitals and rehabilitation centres. Music therapy is used for children with physical, developmental and intellectual disabilities. Their treatment does not involve medication, instead it focuses on bringing about cognitive and behavioural changes. Similarly, schools for differently abled children may also consult music therapists to help children cope with school work. Many corporate houses ask music therapists to conduct workshops to relieve anxiety and stress of employees.



What to study:



To work as a music therapist, a Bachelor’s degree in music or psychology, special education, occupational therapy, social work or nursing is a prerequisite.



Where:




  • St Mira’s College, Pune: One-year, full-time, and two-year, part-time, Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Music Therapy

  • Chennai School of Music Therapy: An online, foundation course to train aspirants in the basics of music therapy. Individuals with a Bachelor’s in Music or related fields can opt for the Postgraduate Diploma programme in Music Therapy

  • Nada, Centre for Music Therapy, Chennai and Delhi: Certificate course in Music Therapy – a distance-learning course offered in affiliation with the Directorate of Distance Learning

  • Mumbai Educational Trust’s Institute of Alternative Careers, Mumbai: Certificate in Music Therapy – a six-month, part-time course.

  • S.H. Centre for Music Therapy and Mental Health Amritsar: A distance-education course in Music Therapy. The centre is affiliated to Bharat Sevak Samaj, an agency promoted by the Government of India.



Required skills:




  • A desire to help people empower themselves

  • Empathy, patience and ability to listen

  • A love for music

  • Communication skills

  • Imagination and creativity

  • Openness to new ideas



 



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What are the different ways to derive the best sound experience while listening to music on the computer?



Music is a form of expression. It has the ability to uplift your mood and calm you down. Many of us like to listen to music in the background while using the computer or laptop.



In-built speakers



Many desktop computers and laptops come with in-built speakers you can use to listen to music. However, most of the time, the clarity offered by the default speaker is not the best. The sound may be really low and when maximised, it may get patchy. If you are someone who is okay with listening to music at low volume and don’t expect the best clarity, the n the in-built speakers should be enough.



External/Bluetooth speaker



More often than not, many people buy external speakers or Bluetooth speakers to listen to music or watch videos on the computer. An external speaker is usually connected to the computer using the port in it, while a Bluetooth speaker can be connected using either Bluetooth or auxiliary (aux) cable. To connect most Bluetooth speakers to the computer, you will have to buy your own aux cable.



These speakers range from as low as Rs. 1000 to as high as a lakh. Depending on your budget and the desired clarity, you can choose one for your computer.



These speakers can also be used with other devices such as the television.



Earphones



Earphones have become an integral part of people lives when it comes to listening to music. They are portable, and offer a sense of privacy apart from ensuring better quality sound.



There are different types of earphones in the market which can be broadly categorised into wired and wireless.



Wired earphones need to be played into the port in your computer, while wireless will connect using Bluetooth.



There are different designs for the earpiece in earphones. You can try them out and decide which ones are the most comfortable. There are also noise-cancelling earphones available in the market. These cut down ambient noise, providing outstanding sound quality.



Earphones come in different price ranges. Buy one based on your budget and requirement.



Headphones



As the name suggests, these work the same way as earphones, except that they are worn around the head and over your ears. These are also available in wired and wireless forms.



There are different designs available in the market. While some headphones go over your head like a hairband, some rest on the back of your head, a little above your neck.



The earmuffs that come with headphones are also available in different materials. Ensure you try out the headphones before buying them. Most headphones are adjustable.



They are available in various price ranges. Pick one based on your budget and requirement.



 



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Who is Jaron Lanier?



Jaron Lanier is best known for popularizing the term ‘virtual reality’. Lanier is a computer scientist, music composer, writer and speaker all rolled into one. In 2010 he was included in the TIME list of the 100 influential people.



In the early 1980s Jaron Lanier carried out a path-breaking work in the field of virtual reality. He wrote a new programming language and developed a virtual headpiece and a glove that could manipulate objects in cyber space. His cyber glove which he sold as ‘virtual reality’ device was an instant hit giving a new catchphrase to the computer world.



Lanier’s research has deeply influenced emerging technologies. Jaron Lanier is an accomplished pianist and has a keen interest in rare musical string and wind instruments from Asia of which he has a good collection. Lanier has performed with many eminent artistes.



 



Picture Credit : Google