History of Drums Overview

By Amy Nutt

Throughout the history of human civilization, musical instruments have played an important role in shaping most cultures. These instruments have been used as a tool for communicating feelings and meanings. One instrument that has played a major role in musical history is the drum. When studying the history of the drum, one will discover its historical influence on many societies and cultures from around the world.

Drums emerged at almost the same time as Man. The origins of the drum is said to have occurred as early as in 6000 BC. Mesopotamian excavation teams discovered small cylindrical drums that dated back to 3000 BC. The American Indians used gourd and wooden built drums for their rituals and ceremonies. Early drums were made by hollowing out a log and tightly covering the hollowed section with a membrane.

Drums have been a very important influence on Africas culture and customs. They have been used in African religious ceremonies and rituals. Early African tribes used drums to express important meanings in their culture and practices. The drums made their way from Africa to America during the slave trade. African drums had a major influence on western rock and roll music. The early African rhythms still influence todays music.

When people realized they could play more than one drum at the same time, they began to play two or more drums simultaneously. Drum players began placing different drums together to develop a variety of beats and rhythms.

Cymbals and tom toms were invented in China. They were added to the various set of drums for new sounds and beats. Eventually chimes, wooden blocks, and cowbells were added to the musical mix. The famous Ludwig Drum Company is known to be one of the most important historical influences on the evolution of the drums. The Ludwig Drum Company was started by a young man who had a passion for playing the drums. He could not find a bass pedal that would keep up with his vigorous drumming technique. He searched every store and shop in an effort to locate a proper pedal, but could not locate one. He decided to make a bass pedal out of wood. The pedal turned out to be better than any other product on the market. With the help of his brother, Ludwig created a stronger metal bass pedal which was better than the wooden one. In 1909, The Ludwig Drum Company was created. By the 1930s, the drum kit had been born. The kit included a foot pedal and bass drum, snare, hi hat cymbal, tom toms, and large hanging cymbals.

During the 1950s, rock drummers became popular and they began expanding the drum kits by adding more cymbals and tom tom drums to the kits. This resulted in the modern drum kits we see today. Technology created the electronic drums which produced the sounds that standard drums could not create.

There have been many types of drum kits that contain a variety of drums and other drum accessories. Yamaha and Tama are two companies who have played a major role in shaping the drum that we see today.

Drums have played a major role with influencing the cultural evolution of music. The early methods and sounds of drums can be seen in todays drummer. Although new and innovative technology has improved drum sounds and provided a clearer and more accurate beat, todays new drummers still have to develop rhythm and drumstick techniques. Practice is still the best way to achieve excellent drumming skills. Imagination and innovative technology will certainly influence the future and diversity of the drum and its role in music. - 23812

About the Author:

Music School offering Grand Piano Toronto, voice, piano and guitar lessons Vaughan and the GTA area. Visit our Piano store Toronto to find new and used pianos.

What is Teeth Whitening?

By Jane Davies

Your teeth are a very important feature of your appearance. Teeth whitening facilities know about this fact, which is why they are encouraging people to whiten their teeth so that they can look their best and so that others will find their whole appearance more beautiful.

Whitening your teeth can also enhance your self confidence. Have you ever noticed those people who smile a lot even to strangers? Notice how easily they radiate warmth just by giving that Hollywood smile. Sometimes, that smile becomes so contagious that you find yourself smiling and feeling better from that time on.

This is why you should brighten that smile, so you can give it much more often. One method of perfecting it, is by whitening your teeth. These days where beauty products and facial makeovers are commonplace, you see a lot of beautiful people, but you will always remember is the colour of their teeth.

You probably think that they are very lucky to have been born with teeth like that, but what you do not know is that those teeth are the result of the whitening products and procedures that are available today.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are not as expensive as they used to be. This may be because of the stiff competition out there. With so many new products appearing almost everyday, it is no wonder that the prices are going down.

Take a good look at yourself in the mirror. Are your teeth as white as they used to be? Do you feel that they could be made still whiter? Are you one of those people that would benefit from having their teeth whitened?

To answer these questions, check out some of these considerations:

1. Methods for teeth whitening. The methods used for teeth whitening are on a case-to-case basis. For every individual, there is a method that will suit their different needs. You can opt for veneers instead of bleaching or teeth whitening. The best thing to do is to consult your dentist first about what you should do. Your dentist will be able to advise you what will be perfect for your needs.

2. Smokers and Caffeine-Addicts. If you are one of those who like to take caffeinated drinks, then you are probably a candidate for teeth whitening. This is the same for persons who smoke a lot. The ingredients in caffeinated drinks can discolour your teeth if you have been drinking caffeine for a long time. Tar and nicotine can also discolour teeth quickly.

By having your teeth whitened or by using whitening toothpaste every day, you can lessen the effects that these ingredients will have on your teeth. Continued, regular use will definitely help fight off the quick discoloration of your teeth.

3. Sensitive teeth and gums. Your teeth and gums may not be able to withstand the chemicals in the whitening products. If you suspect you have sensitive teeth, it is best to put off using whitening products until you have first seen your dentist.

If you have a sensitive mouth, but you are still adamant about having your teeth whitened, then you had better try one of the professional treatments. Do not take the risk of buying one of the products that you can buy over the counter.

After you have considered all these aspects, then you will have a good idea if you are ready for that teeth whitening procedure. When it comes to your well being, it is always better to be safe than to be sorry. - 23812

About the Author:

If you are interested in laser teeth whitening or traditional methods of teeth whitening, just go to our website on Teeth Whitening

Five Healthy Reasons to Learn to Play the Piano

By Michael Mickey Charles

There are several reasons why most people choose to learn to play the piano as opposed to other instruments. Some do so because someone they knew or loved played.They feel deep emotional and nostalgic bonds in association to the sound of the piano. Others will learn through no conscious choice of their own.Their parents may have made the choice for them, and happily what may then have seemed like torture turns out to be a lifelong skill and passion. But did you know there are 5 health reasons to learn to play the piano, ' the king of all instruments ?'

1. Being able to play the piano can keep your mind healthy. As we get older, and more susceptible to mental illnesses such as Alzheimer and dementia, having a pastime that allows us to learn on a regular basis can be very beneficial.

2. Learn to play the piano because it is good for your heart! Studies have shown that music and the ability to play an instrument can be incredibly therapeutic, helping to decrease the amount of stress one may have in their life and also encouraging other health benefits such as lower blood pressure and steady heart rate.

3. Play the piano and prevent arthritis! Playing positively strengthens your hands and the health of your fingers and finger joints. Playing the piano requires dexterity and so keeps hand muscles developed and the small bones of your hands from weakening.

4. They love the piano player! Entertaining the crowd behind a piano is always a boost for the player. Particularly for the elderly, it cuts down on issues of anxiety, low self-esteem, isolation and loneliness.

5. Pianos can keep your posture proper! When beginners learn to play the piano one of the first key points they are taught is to keep your spine straight and your shoulders back. Proper posture is a very beneficial habit to develop, preventing both pain in the neck, damage done to the nerves in the lower back and the over all health of your spine.

And so, more than learning to play the piano and the attraction of the music of the instrument, there are added health benefits. - 23812

About the Author:

Michael 'Mickey' Charles was teaching music in the public school system for 30 years before offering private lessons. His years of experience in teaching how to learn to play the piano gives him unparalleled knowledge into what piano teaching software works and what doesn't. Don't buy anything before you check what Mickey thinks of the top piano lesson software at his website: http://www.piano-lesson-software.com/

RIAA And Its Role In Music Industry

By Susan Reynolds

RIAA is an acronym of Recording Industry Association of America. The association is a groping of various large companies who deal with the recording and music distribution in the United States of America. In the 1950's the primary concern of this association was maintaining the quality of music. However now the focus has shifted to the copyright protection which has become the main thrust area of the association.

RIAA was forced to change its course mainly because people at large were illegally copying, downloading music which was actually protected by copyright. The fight for this is presently directed under the control of Mitch Bainwol. In 1990's there was an online service for sharing music files called Napster. People took advantage of it and without any payment downloaded any kind of music with it. This free availability of music also led to downloading, burning and sharing music with friends. With development of computer technology the matter of copyrightprotection gained more and more urgency.

The only course of action left to RIAA was to ban the online music sharing services like Napster. A legal framework was made to arrest such practices as music download. Strict laws were enacted in the early 2000 to prevent people from illegal download or even purchasing pirated CD's. Youth were specific targets of RIAA in order to restrict them from downloading music in violation of copyrights

RIAA is vigorously active on the front of preventing misuse of music in violation of copyrights. But in fairness it must be stated that all do not agree with its stated objective. It has been pointed out by those not in agreement that during the time online services like Napster available the number of CDs sold was far greater. It has also been criticized for poorly compensating artists while in contrast they make huge margins of profit.

However in its zeal to carryout its campaign RIAA has hurt its own credibility. People have been very much dismayed by its legal action such as the one against a kid of about 12 years, a woman in her 60's not able to use computers, or one against an ageing woman of 83 years. Such legal actions have largely undermined the trustworthiness of RIAA..

RIAA approves of latest tools and technologies which are emerging in the market and which may help in promotion of piracy of music. The organization is of the opinion that it is the people who should be blamed for misusing technology instead of other way round.

RIAA also holds firm opinion that pirated music hurts the artists, because their music is played on low grade CDs and without their official consent. The consent here refers to legally buying the music. "It makes people listen to poor quality music that was actually developed with so much hard work" is the firm opinion of RIAA.

Many people find the tactics of RIAA unacceptable in spite of RIAA puts a brave defense. Many feel that the policies of RIAA may result in death of music. - 23812

About the Author:

Susan Reynolds is the webmaster for a website that lets you Download Music for Free. For more information visit: http://www.sharepanel.com/

Revel in Sonic Sound with the Crest Audio Pro 9200 Professional Power Amplifier

By Neil Bethtodd

If you want an amplifier that has real professional power coupled with the kind of sonic integrity that is the standard of Crest, then you will be pleased with the Crest Audio Pro 9200 Professional Power Amplifier.

It is hard to believe that an amplifier with so much professional power comes in a compact, 2U package and weighs less than twenty five pounds " and at a lower cost. The Crest Audio Pro 9200 comes with automatic clip limiting that is designed to protect connected drivers.

The 2100 Watts per channel makes it easy to blast listeners out of the room and has similar specifications of its predecessors in the Pro 200 series. The amplifiers in the Pro series boast a frequency response that is within 0, -3 dB from 10 to 100 kHz, with hum and noise better than -110 dB, "A" weighted. The input impedance is 15 k Ohms, balanced.

The IGM impedence sensing modifies the gain automatically to accommodate which of the impedence outputs are connected. The beauty of IGM is its short circuit protection along with loads as low as 2 Ohms and efficient operation.

The Audio Pro 9200 has a range of special features such as high efficiency heat sinks that are tunnel cooled and DC fans with variable speed that is designed to extend the life of the amplifier by limiting the operating temperature. It doesnt take long to realize that this professional power amplifier can really crank up the volume with the latest generation of high speed, wide-band width output devices and a host of features, some that help to enhance Crests sonic integrity.

The air temperature of the 9200 is measured by an efficient automatic temperature sensing system. Next it is funneled to the front panel exhaust with cooling fans that are rear mounted. If the temperature ever exceeds the specified operating limits, one of the channels automatically shuts down. When sound is blasting at such a high level, everyone and everything will be affected by the heat it generates.

The rear panel input connections are actively balanced and via XLR. There are binding post and Speak on output connections per channel to connect to the loudspeaker. The combination circuit breaker/AC power switch is located on the amplifiers front panel along with the input attenuators.

There are 5 LEDs for each channel on the front panel that indicate ACL, temperature and signal protect, DC protect, and Active. The rear panel mode switch is used to choose, stereo, bridged mono, or parallel mode. The gain select switch on the rear panel will determine the amps structure of x40 or x20. The Crest Audi Pro 9200 has very impressive professional power. You will definitely be able to blast the neighbors out of bed in the middle of the night. You will want to be careful though; it would be a shame to blow a speaker on a kit that runs about $2000. - 23812

About the Author:

Neil Bethtodd has been a professional musician and DJ for 15 years. He is an expert on all things that relate to music! His articles about power amplifiers are in magazines and websites around the world. To learn more about about the Crest Pro 9200, click here.