My music school, Music Makers, wants to raise the fees for my er-hu lessons from RM40 to a whopping RM70. That's like almost double! I am understandably miffed that my musical genius does not seem to impress the school enough for them to want to nurture my talent for free. I mean, everyone jumps in to sponsor geniuses don't they? Molly, the administrator, tried to reason with me by saying that my RM40 lesson was supposed to be for just half and hour. But my instructor, Mr. Lau, has been going over and above the call of duty ever since I started lessons by spending an hour or more with me every time. And I am apparently now a proud level 3 student, not a beginner anymore. Surely, I can understand that the situation calls for a significant increase in rates? While my brain is telling me this seems a reasonable statement, I can't help but sulk right now. Don't they recognize the fact that I may be performing in the Royal Albert Hall in the very near future?!!
Ultraman, a staunch advocate of Google, thinks that I can stop the lessons if I wanted to. He believes that you can learn anything just by YouTube nowadays. Said the same thing to me when I insisted on signing up for bread-making classes at Taylor's too. But can someone really learn and be good at something by just watching and re-watching videos on YouTube? While the Internet has definitely come a long way in dispersing knowledge and information, it just cannot interact with you in the way a human can. Can it stop me when I am not really doing the technique right ? Can it tell me whether I played a piece well? Can it tell me that I have played the note a little too short or a little too long? Can it tell me to why I should play slower or softer, or how to interpret certain parts of the music? Can it share with me it's experience in performing and how that felt like? This very fundamental process of communcation and sharing is still sorely lacking with an electronic teacher. Ánd the relationship works both ways too - would the Internet know how to appreciate a good student? Though of course, one obvious advantage with the Internet is that you can keep reviewing the information and replaying the videos hundreds, thousands of times - that will test the patience of a saint!
I guess I am still old-style. I still believe in a good human teacher. So, I guess I have to re-look at my budget again to see how to deal with the raised prices for my lessons. While Mr. Lau has won this round, it does make you wonder how soon we may be totally dependent on the Internet for everything... Food for thought?
By the way, my sister shared a Youtube video of the pianist Lang Lang and his dad doing a duet on the er-hu. My sister says his dad was a police officer. Bet you the dad did not learn to play this way by using the Internet! Lang Lang and his father at Carnegie Hall
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Pink Martini...Shaken, Not Stirred
Had a blast at the Pink Martini concert last week. Since it was held at the Petronas Philharmonic Hall, there was the usual anxiety over the dress code (rule out jeans and I'm left with nothing presentable), but the thoroughly enjoyable evening more than made up for it. I've come across Pink Martini albums before while browsing for CDs but never actually bought one since they were usually a bit pricier than normal (like all imported CDs which do not belong in the Pop or Rock genre - makes you wonder why people don't buy originals doesn't it??)
Having not heard their music before, I did not have any expectations. When the group walked onto the stage, my first thought was "Geez, these guys could pass of for a bunch of IT consultants from Holland...". I was kind of worried about the returns on enjoyment for my RM60 ticket, but once they started playing Ravel's Bolero, I knew I could expect a good time. Though based in Portland, Oregon in the good old US of A, the group looked like an ethnically diverse bunch - Japanese, Jewish, Middle Eastern.... I didn't check if this was really true, but the diversity certainly did reflect in the languages their lead singer, China Forbes, sang in. Crooning in French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Japanese and even a smattering of Malay, China and the group endeared themselves to the audience that night. The head honcho, Thomas Lauderdale, even went through the trouble to get their song introductions translated to Malay; which he gamely attempted to speak each time China introduced their next song. One translation stood out among the rest though - their song "Hang on Little Tomato" became "Jangan Lepaskan Tomato Kecil"!! Classic!
After a pretty rousing start with Bolero, Pink Martini went on to play a selection of songs from their four albums. I am never really sure how to categorize music but I think you'll get the drift on the type of music the group plays when I throw around key words like Latin, Jazz, Lounge, Swing, Easy Listening... There were infectious, toe tapping tunes such as "Lilly" and "Tuca Tuca", sultry jazzy numbers like "Amado Mio", slow relaxing pieces like "Over the Valley", cheeky takes like "And Then You're Gone" and "But Now I'm Back". Judging from the bopping heads and wriggling shoulders of the audience, seemed like everyone would have loved to get up and danced around. And they did just that when Pink Martini chose to play the extremely catchy and evergreen "Brazil" as the encore piece. In case you're wondering, since I can only do disco, little old me remained glued to my seat and enjoyed the scene.
A few days after the show, I finally got myself a Pink Martini CD. And I plan to get their latest one "Splendour in the Grass" once it hits the stores. So if any of the keywords I used to describe their music hits a chord with you, then get the CD. It's fun, relaxing and some of the lyrics are pretty meaningful too. Check out this link for a sample. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaY4aksfRo&feature=related Enjoy!
P.S. Thanks, J, for asking me to the concert.
Having not heard their music before, I did not have any expectations. When the group walked onto the stage, my first thought was "Geez, these guys could pass of for a bunch of IT consultants from Holland...". I was kind of worried about the returns on enjoyment for my RM60 ticket, but once they started playing Ravel's Bolero, I knew I could expect a good time. Though based in Portland, Oregon in the good old US of A, the group looked like an ethnically diverse bunch - Japanese, Jewish, Middle Eastern.... I didn't check if this was really true, but the diversity certainly did reflect in the languages their lead singer, China Forbes, sang in. Crooning in French, Italian, Spanish, Portugese, Japanese and even a smattering of Malay, China and the group endeared themselves to the audience that night. The head honcho, Thomas Lauderdale, even went through the trouble to get their song introductions translated to Malay; which he gamely attempted to speak each time China introduced their next song. One translation stood out among the rest though - their song "Hang on Little Tomato" became "Jangan Lepaskan Tomato Kecil"!! Classic!
After a pretty rousing start with Bolero, Pink Martini went on to play a selection of songs from their four albums. I am never really sure how to categorize music but I think you'll get the drift on the type of music the group plays when I throw around key words like Latin, Jazz, Lounge, Swing, Easy Listening... There were infectious, toe tapping tunes such as "Lilly" and "Tuca Tuca", sultry jazzy numbers like "Amado Mio", slow relaxing pieces like "Over the Valley", cheeky takes like "And Then You're Gone" and "But Now I'm Back". Judging from the bopping heads and wriggling shoulders of the audience, seemed like everyone would have loved to get up and danced around. And they did just that when Pink Martini chose to play the extremely catchy and evergreen "Brazil" as the encore piece. In case you're wondering, since I can only do disco, little old me remained glued to my seat and enjoyed the scene.
A few days after the show, I finally got myself a Pink Martini CD. And I plan to get their latest one "Splendour in the Grass" once it hits the stores. So if any of the keywords I used to describe their music hits a chord with you, then get the CD. It's fun, relaxing and some of the lyrics are pretty meaningful too. Check out this link for a sample. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLaY4aksfRo&feature=related Enjoy!
P.S. Thanks, J, for asking me to the concert.
Pink Martini Albums
Sunday, March 7, 2010
IF...
,I found out a few days ago that I might have to work full time real soon. Since starting work again in January after a blissful 10 month break, I have been coping pretty well since I only had to commit 3 work days a week. Quite a sweet deal as I still had time to dabble in my other passions. But, as fate would have it, I may get assigned to a project as soon as next week and my big sweep lottery ticket failed to hit the jackpot. So, as I am sucking it up and gearing my mind to be positive about the next 6 months of slaving away at the computer, I am finding small comfort in one of my favourite song. As Simon Cowell in American Idol always advised..."Do your own version of the song..." So here goes...sung to the tune of "If I Were a Rich Man" from the awesome musical, Fiddler on the Roof...
"Dear God, you made many, many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a BIG fortune?"
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle woman.
I'd buy a big bungalow with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the Bangsar part of town.
A fine slate roof with real teak floors below.
There would be one long escalator going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.
I'd fill my driveway with mercs, audis, porsches, beemers,
For the town to see and hear.
Honking just as noisily as I can.
With each loud "beep" "beep" and "port" "port"
Would land like a trumpet on the ear,
As if to say "Here lives a wealthy woman."
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle woman.
I’d see myself in the mirror, looking like a rich woman
With a genuine Lolek watch.
Dressed to the nines in brands to my heart’s delight.
I see me flying first class, travelling round the world.
Pockets filled with dollars, euros, pounds.
Taking in the sights all day and night.
The important people in my life can count on me
For one free dinner or two,
Heck, I’d even sponsor trips to a tropic paradise (Redang!)
I could give some away to worthy causes
Charities and conservations too
Solving problems that would cross politicians’ eyes!
If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
For spa and massages every day.
Or read in my library filled from wall to wall.
And I would bake and dance and sing karaoke,
Play erhu several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
Lord who made the lion and the lamb,
You decreed I should be what I am.
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?
If I were a wealthy woman!!!
Check out the great original from the movie at this link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc
"Dear God, you made many, many poor people.
I realize, of course, that it's no shame to be poor.
But it's no great honor either!
So, what would have been so terrible if I had a BIG fortune?"
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle woman.
I'd buy a big bungalow with rooms by the dozen,
Right in the Bangsar part of town.
A fine slate roof with real teak floors below.
There would be one long escalator going up,
And one even longer coming down,
And one more leading nowhere, just for show.
I'd fill my driveway with mercs, audis, porsches, beemers,
For the town to see and hear.
Honking just as noisily as I can.
With each loud "beep" "beep" and "port" "port"
Would land like a trumpet on the ear,
As if to say "Here lives a wealthy woman."
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
If I were a biddy biddy rich,
Yidle-diddle-didle-didle woman.
I’d see myself in the mirror, looking like a rich woman
With a genuine Lolek watch.
Dressed to the nines in brands to my heart’s delight.
I see me flying first class, travelling round the world.
Pockets filled with dollars, euros, pounds.
Taking in the sights all day and night.
The important people in my life can count on me
For one free dinner or two,
Heck, I’d even sponsor trips to a tropic paradise (Redang!)
I could give some away to worthy causes
Charities and conservations too
Solving problems that would cross politicians’ eyes!
If I were rich, I'd have the time that I lack
For spa and massages every day.
Or read in my library filled from wall to wall.
And I would bake and dance and sing karaoke,
Play erhu several hours every day.
That would be the sweetest thing of all.
If I were a rich woman,
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
All day long I'd biddy biddy bum.
If I were a wealthy woman.
I wouldn't have to work hard.
Ya ha deedle deedle, bubba bubba deedle deedle dum.
Lord who made the lion and the lamb,
You decreed I should be what I am.
Would it spoil some vast eternal plan?
If I were a wealthy woman!!!
Check out the great original from the movie at this link! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBHZFYpQ6nc
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