Drum Circle

The What's Your Issue Song Competition is designed to give youth around the world a positive outlet to express themselves using music.
Many of the community members here are active songwriters and we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to get your music and your message in front of an engaged audience. Please pass this along to your percussion/drummer/songwriter friends that meet the age requirements.

This competition, judged by singer/actor/activist Jack Black, is looking for three-minute songs from young adults 14 to 24 on any issue that moves them including the environment, education, healthcare, pathway from poverty, national security and defense, public service, human and equal rights issues.


Winner to receive:

Presentation at the 2011 NAMM Show

Presentation at the VIP reception in Washington, DC

Presentation at the Annual awards ceremony co-hosted by Sony Pictures at its Los Angeles studio

Inclusion on the What's Your Issue iTunes Tile.

For Finalists:

Inclusion of song in a compilation CD of emerging artists.

Prizes also include a MacBook laptop and iPod Touches.

How to Enter:

The submission period is open now and runs through mid April 19, 2010.

Songs must be 3-minutes in length, expressing a social issue. Any issues that matters to you. Contestants are encouraged to use the power of music — as only art can — to help illuminate the issue and touch hearts or minds. Any music genre is welcome.

Upload a video of your song to www.youtube.com/whatsyourissuemusic. Upload the video of the song as a "Post a Video Response" to the contest's main video at www.youtube.com/whatsyourissuemusic. You can enter as many videos or songs as you want, as long as they are original.

Music must be an original composition, for which you must hold all rights. Open to anyone 14 to 24.

The contest prefers a video performance of the song because the winner will be flown to Los Angeles to perform the song at the 2010 What's Your Issue Awards Ceremony co-hosted by Sony Pictures Studios, and will be eligible to perform at the annual NAMM Show for 85,000 music industry professionals in January 2011.

Judging:

After close of the submission period, the What's Your Issue Foundation will internally select between two and three dozen semi-finalists for consideration for awards, to be then selected by the VIP Judges and YouTube audience.

The VIP Judges will evaluate the semi-finalists based on (a) originality and creativity overall; (b) execution of the video presentation in an articulate, concise, visual and impactful way; (c) Excellence of the proposed-solution-project, including such factors as how innovative, implementable and impactful the project idea, and its viability for implementation within a neighborhood or community. Innovation and originality in presentation and concept of the proposed project is as important as cinematic expertise.

The YouTube Audience Favorite Award will be selected by the public, on the basis of approval and enthusiasm of the proposed solution-project-idea, as well as the execution of the video, and articulation of the issue and solution.

On or about May 10, 2010, at the conclusion of the public voting period, and VIP Jury selection process, the winners will be announced. For more information, please visit whatsyourissue.tv



About What's Your Issue Foundation
The What’s Your Issue Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization, which runs an internet-based film and song competition, as well as Y/E, The Young Entrepreneur Network. The Film Your Issue competition, in its 5th year, is looking for solution-project ideas to front-burner issues from young adults 14 to 24 in a 3-minute video format, with accompanying one-sheet description. The new Issue Song competition is looking for original 3-minute songs using the power of music to illuminate front-burner issues. For more information, please visit www.whatsyourissue.tv

Labels: Jack Black, Music Contest, Music Education, NAMM, Songwriter

Playing his first paid gig at age 12 in 1959, Eddie Tuduri has lived every aspect of a drummer's life. His professional drumming career has spanned over 40 years working with artists such as Delaney Bramlett, Bobby Whitlock, The Beach Boys, Dobie Gray, Del Shannon, Rick Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band, Dr. John, Ike Turner and many others.

But it wasn't until his near death experience did he truly experience the layers of love and healing in the music he created.

On a warm September night in 1997, Eddie was catching a few waves in Carpinteria before heading to his gig at a pizza restaurant in Santa Barbara with blues artist, Sky Ferguson. He didn't make it to the gig that night or to the two tours he landed for the fall. Eddie was instead fighting his likely fate of being a quadriplegic after his last wave for the day slammed him to the bottom of the ocean and broke his neck.

It took a six hour spinal surgery and a week in ICU to repair the damage from that wave.

Eddie was then transferred to The Rehabilitation Institute in Santa Barbara where both physical and spiritual healing occurred. As soon as he cleared through the haze of surgery, he managed to get percussion instruments in his ward and began to work on his groove by tapping a stick against his bed frame. Other patients in the ward joined in on the rhythm and the happiness it created.

By experiencing these simple moments of joy through music with people outside of his career of playing drums as a living, he began to understand music at an entirely new level. The basic rhythms of percussion and clapping were making trama patients feel alive and hopeful.

"Rhythm comes from a place deep inside all of us, a place no physical trauma can reach. It moves us in a positive direction mentally, physically, and spiritually." Eddie said reflecting on the moment.

As Eddie gained mobility, they formalized the music making into a drum circle involving occupational therapists. The drumming was used as a tool to address rehab goals and focused on regenerating nerves, attention span and memory in patients. This program earned formal therapeutic merit and was widely accepted at conferences across the country.

While at a conference, he was introduced to the field of developmental disabilities and learned how percussion and drums are used with developmentally challenged kids to result in a true learning experience over time.

Since his injury, Eddie has happily accepted his new path in life to help others through music. He truly feels the joyful spirit of drumming and the way it can be used as a tool for teaching and healing.

Today he is the founder of The Rhythmic Arts Project, created to enhance the lives of people with disabilities utilizing rhythm, djembe drums, and other percussion instruments.

His story is an inspiration to the musician in all of us.

Labels: Djembe Spirit, Drum Circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, Music Education, music.therapy, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

During a time when music and arts classes are threatened nationwide, the NAMM Foundation continues its effort to recognize schools across the United States with the strongest music education programs

The NAMM Foundation invites schools and communities that support music education to participate in the 2010 Best Communities for Music Education (BCME). Established in 1998, BCME recognizes and celebrates schools, their administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students for their support and commitment to music education. The program also celebrates communities and schools that have set a goal to provide continuing music education to all students.

The 2010 survey period is January 14 - March 12, with the results announced in May. As in the previous years, the 2010 survey is conducted in collaboration with The Institute for Educational Research and Public Service, an affiliate of the University of Kansas.

Find more information and complete the survey at the NAMM Foundation.

Labels: Music Education, NAMM

X8 Drums is proud to announce that they have joined MENC as a corporate member, thereby continuing their commitment to the promotion of music as a daily part of every student's education.

From the time our children are babies, they respond to the sounds of music. We play sing-a-long games with our infants, and music plays a big part in the makeup of their playthings. As children grow and are exposed more widely to music, their knowledge of the world around them expands. Children learn about culture and heritage through musical expression, and schools are now placing a wider importance on music as a way to facilitate learning.

X8 Drums has long since believed in assisting those educators who are struggling to keep musical education in the classroom. Studies have shown that students who participate in music training are more focused, well adjusted, and work better as a team than those who have not. Drum circles in particular are an excellent way to teach relationship skills and rhythm.

In this light, X8 Drums is proud to announce that it has joined the National Association for Music Education (MENC) to continually promote the importance of art education. "X8 Drums & Percussion is pleased to partner with MENC. Our participation recognizes the importance of music & arts education in standard school curriculums across the country," said Mark Stancato, X8 Drums & Percussion President and CEO. "Exposing the children to music positively affects their IQ, reading age and the development of certain parts of the brain. Studying music can help in other avenues of life after graduation as well."

MENC is the world's largest arts education organization, and they focus on all aspects of music education. With nearly 100,0000 members that represent educators from high school to preschool, MENC's focus is to ensure that every student has access to an arts education. By partnering with MENC, X8 Drums can continue to spread the importance of the arts as a vital part of every school’s curriculum.

About X8drums.com:
X8 Drums is the premier online store for all things djembe. Working closely with school districts and educators across the country, X8 Drums creates packages and selects the appropriate instruments to facilitate the growing trend of student drum circles.

Labels: about.x8.drums, MENC, Music Education, x8.djembes, x8.drums

The only place these djembes are light is on your pocket book. The new Toca line of lightweight hand drums feature authentic Afro-Cuban sound coupled with indisputable value: It's a match made in hand drum heaven. With the Toca Lightweight Hand Drums you receive an excellent combination of value, looks, and sound quality.

Toca Hand Drums feature sculpted shells in a variety of hand painted finishes that covers both the shell and the head, making them eye-catching as well as functional. You can find a Jamaican-inspired Rasta finish with black, red, yellow, and green stripes or an African-themed Earth Tone finish that offers an organic brown/black/tan pattern. The hand drum has a pre-stretched synthetic head and a protective rubber edge along the bottom. The shell itself is also synthetic, and was developed as a hybrid that combines the fundamental components featured in doumbek and djembe drums.

Although this drum is light, the sound quality is definitely not. The Toca has a wide frequency range and fantastic response, delivering both heavy bass tones and resonating crystal clear slaps.

The best thing about the Toca Lightweight Hand Drums? The price. Starting at just $49.99, this is the best drum for those who are on a budget or individuals who are buying in bulk for classrooms and drum circles. Plus, each drum comes with a an adjustable carrying strap and a drawstring-carrying bag.

Choose from three sizes: 9" x 16", 10" x 19", or 12" x 22". The Toca drums are high in sound quality, visually stunning, and are so easy on your wallet you may just may want to own all three.

These drums were introduced at NAMM 2010. Pre-Orders are now being accepted and drums will be available to ship in March.



Toca Lightweights Series Hand Drums, Rasta w/ Strap + Bag



Toca Lightweights Series Hand Drums, Earthtone w/ Strap + Bag

Labels: drum.circle.facilitator, freestyle, hand drums, Music Education, NAMM, toca, toca djembe, toca.percussion, toca.shell

No one could deny the statement that music makes the world go around. We listen to it during exercise; we attend concerts and other events where music is a focal point. It blares behind us during almost every TV show, occasion, or during our workday. Without music, the world would seem completely quiet, despite the noise of our everyday lives. Every three years, the International Music Products Association or NAMM for short, conducts a poll to define the general public's attitude toward music. This survey measures many things including the likelihood of playing an instrument, where those individuals access their instrument instruction, and which gender is most likely to pick up an instrument and learn it on their own. Most data has remained stable across the past 3 years, but there have been some interesting changes to note.

During this survey, males and females were found to be almost equal in that they both play music instruments. There was no great deviation of males playing more than women. There was however, a huge jump of music playing for both genders under the age of 18. The percentage in 2000 of those under the age of 18 playing an instrument was 29%, but this figure jumped to 35% in 2009. This correlated with an increase in correspondents stating that the decision to play music was a joint decision and not individual. 45% stated that their parents encouraged them to play music. Parents appear to be more aware of the benefits of musical education and are influencing their children to become more involved.

In contrast, those in the age group of 18 to 34 saw a significant decrease in those who play music, dropping from 32% in 2006 to 24% in 2009. This may be due to the economic crisis, as many in that age group saw a drop in income or could have possibly lost their employment, therefore not being able to afford a musical hobby. The use of private lessons saw a slight decrease as well.

Although the NAMM poll saw that there was an even split between those who bought new and those who purchased used instruments, when the respondents did purchased, over 51% stated that they preferred to purchase in a specialized retail environment.

For those respondents with children in school, it was found that parents were encouraging their children more than ever to focus on music in school. The 5 to 11 year old age group increased since 2006. This could be due to better music programs in the schools. Many who were surveyed believed strongly in music education in the schools, and even stated that a state mandated music program would be a good idea. It was widely believed that children who participated in music programs were considered well rounded, and those surveyed were strongly on the side of infant music education and a larger music program in preschools.

Not learning a musical instrument tends to become a big regret in people's lives, with over 81% stating that they wished they had picked up an instrument, and over 60% of those people feeling they were too old to learn.

Every once in awhile it is useful to have a reminder as to how important the practice of playing music is. Whether it is enriching our children's education or allowing teenagers self-expression, learning and playing an instrument is a vital part of our lives.

Labels: djembe, Drum Circle, drum.circle.facilitator, hand.drumming, Music Education, music.therapy, NAMM, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

Ever pondered on playing an instrument like the djembe or a guitar, but thought it was not worth your time? Think again! Music is beneficial to everybody. There are thousands of reasons to convince yourself that playing an instrument is worth every minute.

Several studies show that playing music helps develop the cognitive skills of children and adolescents. It also instills self-discipline, builds confidence, increases productivity and socially connects kids and teens with their peers. Music also relaxes the soul and uplifts the spirit; thus, reducing the stress level on the body.

Here are 10 benefits of playing a musical instrument:

1. Better intellectual capacity

Researchers say that children, who play an instrument or those who are exposed to music, perform better in school. Simple tunes and classical music help students concentrate, focus their minds on the activity and retain more information. Studies also show that exposing the children to music positively affects their IQ, reading age, and the development of certain parts of the brain. An adult mind stays active, alert and has better memory when they play an instrument.

2. Discipline and patience

Learning to play an instrument is like learning to speak another language. You need to practice every day and have the discipline to master playing your instrument. Music also lengthens the attention span of its player.

3. Relieves stress

Playing an instrument relaxes the body and calms the mind. Creating music can soothe the mind, calm tempers and even lower blood pressure. Music also helps in creative problem solving, critical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication.

4. Sense of achievement

Music helps build confidence and give a sense of achievement. It can be frustrating for a beginner to play their first piece. But once you have mastered it, the satisfaction you will feel is priceless. Hard work pays off in music when you dedicate yourself studying music.

5. Communicate your emotions

If you are looking for an outlet for your emotions, play a djembe rather than punch a punching bag. If you feel sad and lonely, play something slow. If you are happy and elated, play something loud and joyful.

Music also helps adolescents control their emotions and cope with difficult and complicated situations, such as peer pressure, pressures of study and family, substance abuse, the pain of loss or abuse, and the dynamics of friendships and social life.

7. Emanate your personal style

Have you ever tried playing rock “n” roll on a flute? Music gives the freedom to be your own self, be different, somebody you thought you could never be.

8. Teamwork

Musicians play with other musicians who make each other feel belongingness. They combine their talents to show off their musical abilities and make music they cannot play on their own. They share ideas and values to work together on sound, tempo and style.

9. Physical Workout

Music is also good for the body. It can strengthen your facial muscles, arms, fingers and hands, even your legs. Breathing on wind instruments can also improve your endurance.

10. Bragging Rights

Music is in. People cannot look down at you when you can play an instrument.

11. Fun!

Though it takes a lot of hard work, music is fun. It is the key to life. It can open up a lot of good possibilities that will definitely enrich your life. You will be able to share your skill with your family and friends. You can also play professionally

Labels: drum tips, drum.circle, drum.circle.facilitator, drum.magic, drumming, drums, music, Music Education, music.therapy, School Music Program

Have you ever walked past a store with thumping music, so loud that it vibrates your eardrums while you are still on the sidewalk? We all love to listen to music, some of us with the volume set to 10, but are you actually enticed to go into the store? 9 times out of 10, a person who could be a potential customer simply walks away because of the music inside. If you've ever asked yourself why we psychologically gravitate toward pleasant sounds while avoiding the unpleasant noise around us, look no further than Julian Treasure. Treasure chairs the Sound Agency, a company that advises big businesses on how to harness the power of sound.

Our world is a noisy place, whether you are listening to construction on your way to work or relaxing at the beach with gulls flying overhead. For the most part, people have learned to tune out the sounds that surround us, but unconsciously we always have a reaction to the noise in our environment. Treasure's business focuses on the human response to sound. How we react to noise, no matter if it is pleasant or annoying, is hard wired into our consciousness. If you were to play the sound of crickets or birds singing, your response is most likely going to be relaxation. When you hear footsteps behind you or the sound of a chain saw, your first instinct is going to be to run away! Treasures theorizes that unpleasant sounds, especially those that invoke fear, can induce a physiological response that will bring on hormone secretions, raise your heart beat, and alter your breathing.

Yet another way that we react to sound is shown in our psychological response to music. We've all been to concerts that have really moved us, or listened to a song on the radio that takes us away to another time and place. Music is a powerful force in this way. For example, if you associate a certain song with a sad period in your life and it plays on the radio unexpectedly after you haven't heard it in 10 years? You will be transported back to that time, and in some cases the emotional connection is so strong you can practically see and smell things that are long gone.

A third way that Treasure feels that sound effects us is cognitively. He advocates individual offices for employees that would normally work in an open floor plan with cubicles. The sounds of others working, talking, and carrying on with their business can be so distracting that productivity drops significantly. Treasures' advice? If you can't work in an individual, quiet office, bring headphones to minimize outside disturbances.

The last way that sound affects us is behaviorally. Treasure states that we naturally move away from annoying noises to an environment of more satisfactory noises. If we are in a room in our house where we can really hear the traffic from the street, our response may be to never try to work, read, or sleep in that room. Some can 'tune out' outside noises to the point that they can avoid distractions anywhere, but it's a rare person who can minimize all outside sound.

Our four responses to sound work not only individually, but in a business environment as well. Treasure recognizes the intrinsic value to developing a conscious awareness of the sounds around us, and works with companies to bring their customers to that level. According to Julian Treasure, being aware of what surrounds us is the first step to good health and even better productivity.

Labels: music, Music Education, music.therapy

Every January 1st, people around the world make New Year's resolutions. 9 times out of 10, that resolution is to lose weight. Whether you are in tip top shape and want to trim down an extra pound or two, or you are 50 pounds overweight and want to create a whole new you, your goal to lose weight is the beginning of a journey toward better health. Unfortunately, the best way to lose weight is through exercise, and there are many people out there who do not find exercise to be fun. One way to jazz up your exercise program is to pop on your iPod and get motivated through the sounds of your favorite rock tunes, djembe beats or jazz classics. Even better, research has found that there is a connection between music and your brain's ability to exercise and lose weight. Music is there to motivate you, make exercise more pleasant, and can even assist in your weight loss.

Recent studies have shown that our bodies have what is called a 'Rhythm response' to music. As we exercise and listen to music that we like, our internal rhythm adjusts to the beat of the song. Because we adjust to it and match our movements to the beat, it motivates our bodies to persist and can actually increase our enjoyment. The rhythmic activity drives you to continue exercising by distracting you from that little voice that may say "Stop, I'm tired."

The rhythm response is tied to your hearts beats per minute (bpm) as well. In cycling, your exercise level is measured by the cadence of your spinning wheels. If you continue to spin at a high rate without a lot of rest, you are said to have a high cadence. The beat of the music can match and increase your cadence, thus pushing you to perform longer and harder than if you were not listening. When you hear a runner say that they were really 'in the groove' of the run, you can be sure that the music they were listening to helped them along.

Your body's rhythm response can create internal memories that can affect your eating patterns. If you listen to the same playlist around the house that you listen to when you are exercising, it can help distract you from activities you'd rather not engage in. For example, if you are making lunch and listening to a particularly motivating song, you might not be as tempted to pop food in your mouth as you are cooking. A song that really ramps you up and makes you want to get out and exercise might make you think twice about eating an entire chocolate bar.

Another reason that music can help you with weight loss? Music is always there for you. Unlike your jogging buddy who decides that 6 am is way too early to get up and move, your favorite songs are just an iPod and a set of headphones away. The thought of music may be enough to get you out of bed and moving each morning, which can contribute greatly to your weight loss.

There is a reason that people respond to music in the way that they do: Our bodies are programmed too. Starting out on an exercise program? Grab your iPod and get going on your way to a new and healthy you!

Share your favorite exercise playlists below!

Labels: african dance, music, Music Education, music.therapy

As a young child, your first foray into art was when your parents put a single crayon into your hand. Pulling out pads of paper, you drew dogs, cats, and your family surrounded by a beaming sun and endless blue sky. Your first musical instrument could have been a butter container and a spoon, an activity put together by your mother to entertain you for hours. Whether a child is creating their first painting or dancing to a children's tune on the radio, Art and music have long since been thought of as the building blocks of learning.

When President Obama stepped into office, he let it be known how important it is to his administration that each child deserves to have a well-rounded education. As a parent himself, both he and the First Lady have established that music is a vital part of their Administration. The have put on Jazz Workshops at the White House for students, as well as hosted major music artists in concert as an effort to support the creative arts. Therefore, it is no surprise that various funding initiatives supporting the Arts have come from the Obama Administration within his first 100 days of service. NAMM, the International Music Products Association, recently hosted the SupportMusic Coalitions conference call with U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan. Duncan discussed a recent letter that was sent out to schools and a host of educational advocates. The letter asked those involved with educating the students of our country to understand that the monies available under the State Fiscal Stabilization fund, as well as other grants and programs, can be used to develop Arts programs in schools. It has long been an issue that, in an effort to develop programs that focus on the core basics such as Science and Math, the Arts are left to the wayside. The common misconception is that the Arts play little importance in a student's education, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Why should Arts not be thought of as a broad part of a child's education? Although The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) has established that the Arts are a core academic subject, educators have been unable to come up with a way to 'test' the development of a child's ability when dealing with music and the creative arts. When budget cuts are to be made, it's Arts programs that often suffer. While discussing his letter with the SupportMusic Coalition, Duncan stated that "Only 57 percent of eighth graders attended schools where music instruction was offered at least three or four times a week." Duncan's plan to promote Arts education is to send his letter out to educators, and then begin to conduct surveys of school art programs. His goal by 2011 is to promote both music and art within elementary and secondary schools, as well as to allow educators to make better informed decisions when planning their yearly budget.

NAMM and the SupportMusic Coalition stress the importance of working together as a whole to change perspectives on the Arts in schools. Every educator who is making the decision to develop programs that promote music and creative arts in their curriculum is contributing to the future of a well-educated child. Those in doubt of the benefits of your school's music and art programs need only to ask the children who participate in them. Budding Picasso's and future Beethovens all begin with a single crayon or a twirl around the room to some much loved music. A well-rounded Arts education can be the gift of a lifetime.

Labels: Beethoven, Music Education, NAMM, Obama, School Music Program

With funding to education being cut nationwide, most schools are focusing on reading and math as a consequence of the Center on Education's policy, No Child Left Behind. Because funding overall is limited, money that had previously supported programs in physical education, the arts, and other areas of study is disappearing in favor of state-tested subjects.

However, schools are making a mistake when they cut funding to their music programs over their math or English programs. As reported by the College Entrance Entrance Examination Board, students who have studied music score at least 40 points higher on each section of the SAT - 44 points above their peers in math, 63 points above in verbal.

These findings are reflected in the average American's views as well, as a Gallup poll by NAMM (the trade association of the international music products industry), show that almost all Americans, 94%, believe that studying music increases intelligence.

NAMM has also shown that music studying can help in other avenues of life as well. Students who have undergone music training are better adjusted, and work well in groups. They also exhibit a higher level of confidence than their less musical schoolmates, and later in life, turn to academia rather than alcohol, cigarette, or drug use.

A study performed in 2003 backs up these views: researchers in Hong Kong analyzed the effect of musical training on ninety students over the course of five years. Half of students were given lessons on traditional instruments and played in the school's orchestra, while the other half took no lessons. After five years, students who played with orchestra showed a greater increase in verbal memory than their nonmusical peers.

In fact, learning to play music has been linked with increased development of brain tissue, which leads to a better sense of proportions and verbal skills. This helps in an increase in intelligence that helps not only the SAT test, but in life as well.

Virgil Griffith, a CalTech grad student, recently charted his peers' taste in music against their average SAT score. During this test, he found that students who listen to music, like Beethoven, scored around a 1300 SAT score, while his peers who listened to music forged on a less classical tradition, like reggaeton or country, scored between 900 and 1000 on the SAT. By cutting funding to arts programs, schools are limiting their students abilities and their opportunities to exceed.

The First Lady has begun a program from the White House that teams professional musicians with music students in order to foster their interests and provide a positive outlet for creativity. This program, which began in June, is planned to continue during Obama's term of office. Although changes have begun in the White House, they're taking hold elsewhere as well.

In Boston, schools are struggling to hold on to their music programs. Despite cuts to music programs, 70% of Boston students are still enrolled in some variety of a music program. For students in other states, there are a number of programs outside the classroom you could try.

X8 Drums is proud of the relationships we have developed with school districts and music teachers across the country. We have worked with state boards of education, school principals and private drum instructors to develop complete drum circle packages for a variety of classroom environments. Find out more about integrating drum circles at your school.

Labels: Learn Music, Mozart, music, Music Education, music.therapy, NAMM, Pagan Drumming, the.healing.power.of.the.drum

Ask a person what regret they have from their childhood is, and very often they will say that they wish they had learned to play an instrument. Whether it was the guitar, piano, violin, or drums, a child's innate ability to learn music and excel as they grow cannot be matched by an adult attempting to learn a similar instrument. Musical talent is not something that everyone has, but with practice it can become a valuable part of your daily life.

Music is all around us. It is such a powerful force that you can't walk down the street without hearing some type of music. It has the ability to elevate mood and relax us, and the creation of music can be extremely therapeutic. Autistic children, for example, benefit greatly from the creation of music. Group sessions involving music, such as a drum circle, allow the children to form a sense of connection with their peers. Music therapy is a widely prevalent form of treatment for anxiety, stress, and depression.

Learning to play music doesn't come as easily for some as it does for others. If you are in your 30's and just starting out, your learning curve on the instrument will be steeper and it may take you a bit longer than a younger person to pick it up. Why is it more difficult as you get older? For one, our brain's ability to learn new things declines slightly with age. We are no longer a sponge, ready and able to pick up new things, in the same way that children are. Another reason adults take longer to learn to play music is that they lack motivation. For adults, there are many distractions that will prevent us from focusing solely on music. Children, without a care in the world for the most part, can concentrate on one task without worrying about work or what to make for dinner. Yet another reason is that, as we age, we develop into left or right brained functioning people. Some people are artists, some excel at business. We are all different, and as such our musical abilities are different as well.

If you are looking for an instrument that suits you, consider your interests first and foremost. What type of music do you like? Rock, classical, pop, Latino? Focus your instrument search on the type of music that suits you best. Second, consider your budget. How much money do you have to spend on an instrument? Items such as pianos can be rented, but guitars or drums are inexpensive and easy to purchase. Third, ask yourself if you are planning on playing an instrument as a social medium. Do you want to participate in a band and play electric guitar or a drum kit? Are you interested in drum circles and want to join a community of drummers playing the djembe, congas or didgeridoo? Music can be part of a social setting, but also can be used as a solitary mode of relaxation.

Learning to play music can be difficult, but it can also be a very fulfilling part of your life. Decide which instrument or style of music is the best for you and focus on it as much as possible. With time and dedication, your ability to play music will flourish.

Labels: drum.circle, Fun, Learn Music, music, Music Education, music.therapy, world.percussion

School Jam USA is one of the best opportunities for school funding. The event is a unique battle of the bands, providing prizes not only for the band that wins, but for the school's music education program as well.

Run by a German company called MusikMedia Germany, School Jam has been popular for years in Germany, with a well-established history for creating school spirit while engaging teenagers in a competition that benefits both student and school. MusikMedia has been essential for the adoption of popular and rock music in school bands' repertoires. MusikMedia runs the publication of SchoolJam the magazine, which is published every two months.

The contest is open to teenagers under the age of eighteen who are not attached to a music label. The contestants must be enrolled in an American high school, but need to have passports allowing travel to Germany for the final competition.

Artists are able to play any kind of music they want, from power pop and rap to percussion ensembles featuring the djembe drum or horns, so long as the music is under public domain and School Jam officials approve the lyrics. School Jam encourages students to try out new arrangements of older music, in order to makes sure that their act sounds fresh and new. The School Jam competition is a unique experience for middle and high school students, as it allows them to showcase their own talents while supporting and rallying their school band.

Open entries for the contest begins on August 24, 2009 and continue until the middle of October. In order to enter the competition, visit schooljamusa.com to upload your application. The only limitation for bands is that no more than ten people can be playing on stage, and the song for the competition must be five minutes or shorter. After that, students can be as creative as they want.

Fifty semi-finalists will be chosen from the open entries, with ten from each of five regions. These contestants will then be posted on the School Jam website, where visitors can vote for their favorite band once a day between November 1, 2009 and December 5, 2009. Visitors also have a chance to win some fabulous prizes for themselves, just for voting through the voters' sweepstakes.

The top ten finalists from the online semi finals will then go on to the live finals in Anaheim, California on January 16, 2010. These finalists are made of the top two finalists in each region. All ten of the finalists will receive gift cards to spend on new instruments and gear for their band, as well as money for their school's music program to fund new instrument purchases.

Finally, the winning band will compete at the School Jam performance in Germany in March 2010 at the School Jam Germany finals in Frankfurt. For more information about the competition, visit www.schooljam.de. The site also hosts information about the SchoolJam magazine, rules and terms, interviews with previous School Jam winners, and contests for great prizes, like guitars signed by members of the Black Eyed Peas.

Labels: Fun, Music Education