Review of The Self-Promoting Musician (Music Business) (Paperback)

Back in my Berklee days I attended a course with Peter entitled"Entrepreneurship" which opened my eyes to issues regarding bothmaking music and doing business. It taught me that neither of these areascan exist without the other. I am still using the material and resourcesPeter handed out on this course and I am very excited that all thisinformation and a lot more is now available in this excellent book.

Aquick look through the pages gives you an impression of its well-organisedstructure and the incredible amount of resources that it contains. The bookgives you an in-depth yet easily accessible look at the music industry,business planning, copyright, PR, demo production, gigs, media, radiostations, etc..... really, all you need!

As the Internet is about tochange the entire music industry I am pleased that Peter devotes an entiresection to this medium and how musicians use it for promotion. This isunderlined by the most helpful list of books, magazines, associations andweb sites I have come across.

Go, get it!

Product Description
Take charge of your career with these do-it-yourself strategies for independent music success! Peter Spellman, the Director of the Career Development Center at Berklee, gives tips on how to: write a business plan, create press kits, use the Internet to boost your career, customize your demos for maximum exposure, get better gigs and airplay, network successfully, and create the industry buzz you need to succeed. A must-read for every aspiring musician!

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Review of How MIDI Works (Teach Master) (Paperback)

How MIDI Works by expert Peter Alexander is now in a fully updated and expanded sixth addition. Ably edited and deftly illustrated by Carol J. Whitear, this "user friendly" introduction and guide assumes no prior experience or expertise on the part of the reader. The text is written in straight forward English and covers all aspects of mastering the MIDI including understanding the MIDI workstation, MIDI language of musical performance, computer language of MIDI, control changes, controllers for keyboard operations, the mixing board, recording features, sequencing, hard disk audio recording, the computer as the hub of a MIDI studio, sequences and recording MIDI and digital audio. A complete course in MIDI technology and operation, How MIDI Works is a essential reading for all who aspire to create music in this particular forum and would be a core acquisition for professional and music school reference collections.

Product Description
The revised 6th edition of this easy-to-use book is written in simple English and assumes no prior background with MIDI. Starting with the computer, How MIDI Works takes readers all the way through MIDI, sequencing and digital audio recording, and features chapter summary questions to ensure understanding. Topics covered include: the computer language of MIDI, controllers for keyboard operations, the mixing board within, hard disk audio recording, and many more. This text is a mainstay at colleges and universities across the nation.

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Review of The Art Of Downloading Music (Paperback)

Beginners confused by the terminology yet lured by the promise of downloading now have a simple, user-friendly manual to the entire idea and process: Steve Levine's The Art Of Downloading Music. A small, truly pocket-sized paperback covers all the basics: how does downloading work, what kind of sound quality can be expected from a download, how to transfer downloaded music from computer to cd, and how to use an iPod. A big 'plus' in The Art Of Downloading Music is the illustrations - charts and screen shots - plus the easy question-and-answer format which painlessly reveals answers.


Product Description
Music downloading has become a genuine phenomenon, capturing the imagination of millions of consumers. Apple's breakthrough personal music system, the iPod and iTunes store, offers a vast catalog that is easily downloadable. Written by renowned record producer Steve Levine, The Art of Downloading Music, explains every aspect of downloading: getting started online; equipment needed (with price guide); using programs like Garage Band; dealing with bugs; copyright issues; creating and listening to music; buying tunes online; and much more. Included are a glossary of terms and a guide to useful websites.

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Review of Digital Performer 5 Power! (Paperback)

Don Barrett's Digital Performer 5 Power! describes the features and functions of DP5, but like DP's user manual, the author gets so invovled in explaining the numerous ways to achieve the essentially the same result, the novice user is ultimately left unable to actually use the software to create music.

A better approach would be to provide a quick start guide to producing and playing back a composition, using the simplest point and click tools.Once a new user was confident he or she could do something useful with this not inexpensive software, then additional methods of achieving the same results might be introduced, along with the keyboard short cuts beloved by Mr. Barrett.

There's no question DP is a powerful sequencing tool, but the complexity of the UI is not well described.One's left with the feeling one could read the entire manual and still be unable to produce a musical composition.

Product Description
Digital Performer is one of the leading digital audio workstation programs for the Apple Mac. It allows you to sequence MIDI, record multiple channels of audio, mix them down, synch them to video, and utilize plug-in software synthesizers and software studios. Digital Performer 5 Power!: The Comprehensive Guide provides a versatile guide to setting up and using the newest version of MOTU's Digital Performer 5 audio/MIDI sequencing, editing, and recording software. The book's approach is one that will simplify and demystify the technical aspects of setting up and using Digital Performer 5, while also supplying useful engineering tips and shortcuts to help you get the most out of the program. Chapters and sections progress naturally through the music production process, from navigating the interface, setting up projects, and recording, to working with MIDI, editing, arranging, mixing, mastering, handling music notation, and scoring to picture. This setup allows new users to work through the book from start to finish and learn Digital Performer quickly, while intermediate and advanced users can flip to specific areas of interest to learn new tricks and increase their mastery. Regardless of your skill level, this is the only guide to Digital Performer you will ever need to take your music to the next level.

About the Author
Don Barrett has been a musician since the age of 10. Upon graduating from Purdue University, his training, performances, compositions, and recordings have included projects ranging from progressive rock (with veteran producers Mass Giorginni and Fergus Daly) to studying film scoring at UCLA under the instruction of acclaimed composers Robert Drasnin (Mission: Impossible) and Lee Sanders (The Amazing Race). Don composed the original score for the popular series Touched by an Angel in its final season on CBS and is currently assisting Emmy-nominated and BMI award-winning composer Ron Jones (Fox's Family Guy), where he serves as orchestrator, composer assistant, and technical adviser. He recently completed original music for several short films, numerous Smart Post Sound projects, and the award-winning television pilot 'The Real Life' by creator Krystal Jalene Thomas. Don has also composed nationally recognized concert works and continues to compose and arrange for competitive marching bands and concert percussion ensembles around the country. Don currently resides in Los Angeles and continues to serve as a panelist at various technical seminars and provide guest lectures at the Art Institute of L.A. Currently, Don can be found hard at work in his private studio, promoting Don Barrett Music (www.donbarrettmusic.com) and Patio 7 Productions (www.patio7productions.com).

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Review of Sonar 7 Power!: The Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

I recently purchased Sonar 7 Producer Edition, which was my first Digital Audio Workstation software purchase.The developers at Cakewalk have really created a wonderful piece of software, and I found it very easy to navigate and use even without reading the supplied manual.But after a few days I came to realize that this was a Monster of a program, and that I would need a reference book to learn all it's capabilites.

I purchased Sonar 7 Power! and was really impressed by how easy it was to read (not dry like most reference manuals) and how informative it was.I was just halfway into Chapter 3 when I realized that the book had already paid for itself with all the information it had given me on how to customize Sonar.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn the ins and outs of this awesome piece of software.

Product Description
Covering both Studio and Producer Editions, Sonar 7 Power! is the seventh edition of the best-selling Sonar Power book series providing detailed training for Cakewalk's Sonar 7 music recording software. Written for both new users and veteran upgraders alike, Sonar 7 Power! walks you through all of the features of the software with step-by-step instructions and exercises.New users will start at the beginning and learn everything they need to know to use Sonar 7 for recording, editing, producing, mixing, and bringing their music to the masses. Upgraders will learn about all the new features in Sonar 7 as well as enhancements to existing features that may affect their current production workflow.New topics covered include: Flexible PRV Tools, PRV Microscope Mode, MIDI Data Lanes, EQ Settings Copy, Step Sequencer, CD Ripping/Burning, Sidechaining, Using External Hardware, Boost 11 Maximizer, Linear Phase EQ, Linear Phase Compressor, Dimension LE, Rapture LE, DropZone, Z3TA+, and more.

About the Author
Scott R. Garrigus (www.garrigus.com) has been involved with music and computers since he was 12 years old. After graduating from high school, he went on to earn a B.A. in music performance with an emphasis in sound recording technology at UMass, Lowell. In 1993, he released his first instrumental album on cassette, entitled "Pieces Of Imagination." In 1995, he began his professional writing career when his first article appeared in Electronic Musician magazine. In 2000, he authored his first book, Cakewalk Power! This was the first book to deal exclusively with the Cakewalk Pro Audio, Guitar Studio, and Home Studio software applications. Since then he has authored a number of other titles including Sound Forge Power!, SONAR Power!, SONAR 2 Power!, Sound Forge 6 Power!, SONAR 3 Power!, SONAR 4 Power!, SONAR 5 Power!, Sound Forge 8 Power!: The Official Guide, and SONAR 6 Power! Today, Garrigus continues to contribute articles to a number of print and online publications. He also publishes his own music technology e-zine, called DigiFreq (www.digifreq.com), which provides free news, reviews, tips, and techniques for music technology and home recording users.

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Review of Maran Illustrated Guitar (Paperback)

Back in high school (a LONG time ago) I dabbled in guitar, but haven't touched one in decades.I've been seriously thinking about taking up this instrument again when, lo and behold, a review copy of "Maran's Illustrated Guitar" showed up in my mailbox -- probably because I've reviewed other books with creative graphics layouts.It certainly wasn't because of any expertise on the guitar!But God works in strange ways, they say...

This book is absolutely the best beginner's guide I've seen, and the one I'm actually using to learn the guitar.It covers everything from the history of the guitar, famous guitarists, types of guitars (classical, acoustic, electric), how to buy, clean, repair, change strings, perform adjustments and maintenance -- and of course, how to play it.Not only does this book have the usual chord charts, it has actual photos showing how to place the fingers on the frets.And it doesn't just cover basic chords.It also includes a section on reading music and playing single notes -- something I did not find in other beginner's books.After learning the basics, you can turn to specific chapters for pointers on Rock, Blues, Country, Folk, or Classical guitar, with different picking and strumming styles clearly explained.(For each section, the model holding the guitar is dressed appropriately for the genre -- a nice touch!)There is also a chapter on amplifers and other equipment for electric guitar players, and a section on setting up a home recording studio.

One of the best things I learned is that there are now electronic tuners for guitars (and most other instruments) -- something that did not exist in my high school days.I immediately bought one. As with everything else in this book, there was a clear description of the types of tuners, the pros and cons of each, etc., complete with photos.

The graphical layout is very well done and pleasing to the eye.The photos are interspersed with the text to get away from the boring "Gutenberg box" effect.Another plus is that the binding is flexible enough for the book to lay flat while playing -- a major convenience when both of your hands are busy holding the guitar.In short, this is a beautiful book and a pleasure to use.Highly recommended!


Product Description
Produced by the award-winning maranGraphics group, Maran Illustrated Guide to Guitar is a valuable resource to a wide range of readers - from those who want to play a few songs with their family around the campfire to those who aspire to become serious musicians or rock stars. Maran Illustrated Guide to Guitar shows you the best way to perform each task, while the full-color photographs, music examples and clear, step-by-step instructions walk you through each task from beginning to end. Thorough topic introductions and useful tips provide additional information and advice to help enhance your guitar experience. Maran Illustrated Guide to Guitar is packed with essential information for readers who are picking up a guitar for the first time, and will provide more experienced players with a refresher course on the basics and the opportunity to add more advanced techniques to their repertoire. Maran Illustrated Guide to Guitar will cost less than the price of one private guitar lesson, and will be a permanent resource that will provide years of enjoyment.

About the Author
maranGraphics Development Group combines the efforts of many talented people. An industry expert in the field of each book and Maran's own writers work together to produce books that are highly visual, technically sound, easy for readers to understand, and adhere to maranGraphics' standards of structuring to provide the best learning experience.

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Review of Ableton Live 6 Power!: The Comprehensive Guide (Paperback)

Though this is my first book on Live, I've combed my way through several books on computer recording in the past (Reason, Pro Tools). This book is easy to understand, well written, and concise.

After a few chapters, I'm really enjoying Live. Software that I once thought was confusing is now effortless and fun. That's the biggest compliment I can give the authors.

Product Description
Ready to unleash the awesome power of Ableton Live 6? As its name suggests, Ableton Live 6 was designed with the live performer in mind, but it goes well beyond that. You can integrate this live performance and studio software into your existing home or professional music studio to produce, compose, DJ, and much more. But how? "Ableton Live 6 Power!" is the key you need to revolutionize your studio by incorporating Live 6. Written for musicians by a fellow musician who uses Live on a daily basis, this useful guide explores fundamental and advanced Live features, and provides insider tips, tricks, and interviews with Live power users to provide you with a comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of this powerful software. Whether you are a beginner in the digital audio field or a seasoned pro, "Ableton Live 6 Power!" is the reference you need to take your music to the next level.

About the Author
John has worked in the international music industry for the past 15 years as a bassist, computer DJ, producer, remixer, researcher and writer, living and working in Tokyo, Hong Kong, and now Los Angeles. John has been performing music live with computers since 1999 and has performed techno electro jazz with his computer at numerous clubs and festivals in Asia and in U.S. Currently, John is closely involved with the underground electronic music scene in California, performing frequently at clubs, parties, and events with Live.

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Review of Reason 4 Power! (Paperback)

AS You may know by now, the ability to create a product and the ability to write documentation explaining it often do not exist in the same building.Luckily in the software world you have so-called third -party documentation.Hencethis very useful book.I put off uprgrading to Reason 4.0 until this book became available. This book will really help you dive into the program. The weird thing is I was actually waiting for Reason Ignite which has more page space devoted to pictures than text. Turns out this book came out first so I got it. I would everything in ignite is covered in POWER, BUt Power goes into actually recommend" Ignite" because it is even simpler especially if you NEVER owned reason. Power and Ignite totally overlap in the sense that slightly more depth -more textand examples -but Ignite will make it easier and more enjoyableto learn. I haveboth but if I had to buy one it would be Ignite.

Product Description
Get ready to put the power of Reason 4 to work! This comprehensive guide shows you how to get the most out of this popular music production program, while providing insights and tips that not only teach you the program but will help you make better music. You'll start with a brief introduction to the basics of computer music and putting together your studio and then quickly move on to the business of creating a song. You'll explore all the various tools and synths that Reason offers, including the Sequencer, reMix, Redrum, Subtractor, Malström, Thor, NN-19 and NN-XT, the Matrix, RPG-8, the Combinator, the MClass mastering suite, and much, much more. By the time you're finished, you'll be ready to synchronize Reason with other music-making programs, use automation, and mix and publish your creations to CD or to the Web.

About the Author
Michael Prager has been involved with music technology for 15 years and has worked for such companies as Guitar Center Management, Cakewalk, Steinberg, Disney Interactive, Spectrasonics, Q Up Arts, Sony Classical, the Columbia College Hollywood, and Keyboard Magazine. Michael has worked on various ArtistPro instructional DVDs and is the author of several books and CD-ROMs from Thomson Course Technology PTR, including Reason 3 Power!, Reason CSi Starter, Reason CSi Master, Mac Home Recording Power!, and Sampling and Soft Synth Power!.

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Review of Music Online for Dummies [ILLUSTRATED] (Paperback)

This is darn near the best book I have ever read on this subject. It isjam packed with useful tips and treasures. After reading this book I cameaway feeling like an expert. I can't wait for the next book in this series.Wahoo!

Product Description
This timely volume, written by Spin magazine contributing author David Kushner, offers easy steps for finding, downloading, creating, and listening to music on any PC. Cybercasts, MP3, and Internet radio are among the hot trends covered in this fun and easy guide, which also includes tips on tweaking systems for optimal performance and locating the best tunes online. The CD-ROM contains links to online music sites, software for making and listening to music files, and more.

From the Back Cover
Turn your computer into a music machine!

Includes a directory of hot music sites!

Find out how to make your PC produce optimum sound
Do you want to locate hard-to-find CDs and preview them before buying? Are you interested in listening to radio broadcasts from around the world? This friendly guide gets you tuned into the hottest music trends, including MP3s, online concerts, and Net radio.

Discover how to:

• Find and buy music online
• Install and run RealPlayer and RealJukebox
• Use an MP3 player
• Download audio files fast
• See concerts without tickets
• Store your digital music

all this on the bonus CD-ROM

• An evaluation version of Liquid Player
• A freeware version of Windows Media Player
• Sample music files
• Links to great Web sites

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Review of MP3 for Dummies (Paperback)

Andy Rathbone has written a fine book for MP3 devotees, MP3 for Dummies, that provides the very basic of information that people need to get started on this fast booming craze. Rathbone offers his readers an extraordinaryamount of information that the average person on the street can make useof.

MP3 has become hot news! Websites have opened up for businessand offer the latest files, players and programs are being produced, thenumber of court cases involving copyright infringement are on the rise, onelocal university has blocked student access to one file distribution sitedue to bandwidth problems, and yes, some books have been written on thesubject.

MP3 for Dummies provides detailed information about buying,downloading, creating, sharing, and selling MP3 files. Readers will learnabout a number of places where they can buy and download MP3 files andwhere they can have customized CD's created for distribution. Readers alsohave the opportunity to create their own CD's provided that they have theright equipment to do so.

Speaking of equipment, readers will learnabout the latest and the best MP3 players and storage devices on themarket. Furthermore, they will be able to choose and use portable MP3players and learn how to hook them up to home, office, and car stereoequipment for easy listening!

Other helpful information in the bookincludes the debunking of certain MP3 copyright and piracy myths, choosingand using MP3 utilities, finding Websites that distribute MP3 files,learning how to compose your own kind of music, and a variety of tips. Theaccompanying CD contains Windows, Linux, and Mac shareware versions ofpopular MP3 players, a bunch of MP3 sample tunes, and live links toWebsites that distribute MP3 files!

The information in this book isfirst-rate! The cartoons, humor, and wit are great too! Readers will learnto experience the cool sounds of MP3 and chuckle at the same time! The bookwill also contribute to their better understanding and appreciation for Webdevelopment and computer technology. This is a great beginner book for theMP3 community!



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