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General Discussions => Entertainment => Music => Topic started by: Inkwe Mupkins on May 22, 2010, 12:48:26 PM

Title: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Inkwe Mupkins on May 22, 2010, 12:48:26 PM
I play tuba, alto sax, trumpet, and was learning french horn. If any of yall play sax can u give me some tips on jazz? and if u play trumpet any tips on high notes would be helpful.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Kay on May 23, 2010, 01:15:57 AM
I play just about all of them to some degree.  Started on flute, and switched to french horn which was my major instrument all through college.  I never played jazz on sax, so I can't help you much there...aside from the general advice of learning your scales and arpeggios, as well as the regular chord progressions found in jazz music...to better help you with improvization.    With high notes on trumpet, in the long term it's all about air flow and embouchure control/endurance.  The embouchure, like any muscle, just takes time to build...and will get better the more you play higher parts.  In the short term, more pressure of the mouthpiece against the lips can help...but isn't a good longterm solution for regular playing...as it tires the lips much much sooner, and if you do it too much can bruise the muscles a little.  (happened to me once or twice.  Generally heals in a couple of days, just feels very sore when you play).
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: justmeinoz on May 23, 2010, 07:42:08 AM
bass guitar, Electric and acoustic lap steel, and trying trumpet too.( I played sax until I suffered a back injury and found it too heavy to hold comfortably for any length of time.) Main interest is blues/rock with a hope to be good enough to play jazz one day.
I find the highs on Trumpet take work too, although sometimes I can sort of relax and let the music flow more. Just practice I guess.
  My biggest problem is sticky valves, but they seem to be loosening up slowly with use.  I have tried "Ultra Pure" and "Micro" brand oils so far. What do you use Kay and Shaun?
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Kristyn on May 23, 2010, 08:10:13 AM
Guitar and vocals
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Kay on May 23, 2010, 10:07:24 AM
I used all sorts of different kinds of oil when I was playing trumpet.  Generally the brand didn't matter too much.  If the valves move freely when you're not playing, I've found that generally means that your fingers are pressing the valves to the left or right as well as down when you play...so you may need to readjust how your fingers are moving to avoid that.  Piston valves can be kind of finicky that way.  (It's even worse on mellophone)  Just another reason to play the french horn instead (gotta love those rotary valves)...but I may be a little biased.  ;) 
.
Oh...if they're sticky all the time...then you may want to clean the instrument, and if that doesn't work then try lapping the valve.
http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Unstick-a-Trumpet-Valve (http://hubpages.com/hub/How-to-Unstick-a-Trumpet-Valve)

Quote from: justmeinoz on May 23, 2010, 07:42:08 AM
  My biggest problem is sticky valves, but they seem to be loosening up slowly with use.  I have tried "Ultra Pure" and "Micro" brand oils so far. What do you use Kay and Shaun?
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: lightvi on May 23, 2010, 01:56:26 PM
Piano, used to play guitar but never really got into it. Really want to get a violin I love how they sound :).
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Nathan. on May 23, 2010, 02:19:44 PM
Not yet but I have a bass guitar and want to start learning it soon.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Miniar on May 23, 2010, 02:51:50 PM
I learned to play the piano when I was young, but stopped after two years...
I learned to play the guitar when I was a little older, but stopped after two years...

I have an electric guitar and an electric piano and I "can" read the notes & tabs & chords, and recently got an acoustic (for my birthday) and have been picking it up and playing a little every now and then. I plan to play more this summer, 1-2 hours a day minimum.

I used to sing lots before, but am re-learning the limits of the Testosterone affected voice. It's only been 157 days of T, so it's still shifting a bit, so there's limits to how much I can do with it some days, but I've got decent control so far.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Emmik on May 23, 2010, 04:57:57 PM
I went to music high school, where my main instrument was bass. In (rough) order of skill level I can also play guitar, piano and drums.

I've been thinking about learning to play the violin, but I never get around to buying one.

My singing voice has been described as "stop that!", "ouch" and "what is wrong with you?". Usually by me.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Inkwe Mupkins on May 23, 2010, 05:15:59 PM
lol me too, my singing voice is horrid.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: V M on May 23, 2010, 05:33:17 PM
Played a variety of instruments... Most often guitar and vocals for 30+ years... Even hung out and played with a few now famous people

Allot of folks liked my original stuff

But alas, fame and fortune were not in the cards for me and playing in top forty bands paid the bills in younger days

Pretty much gave up on it all when I decided to transition
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: darkshine on May 27, 2010, 06:27:58 AM
I'm currently playing guitar and using MIDI synthesisers at uni.
Used to play alto sax in the school band for five years, and took piano lessons when I was about four or five.
Oh and I sing too (when no one is around)
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Fenrir on May 27, 2010, 08:49:27 AM
I play classical guitar to a decent standard and recorder pretty darn well. Shame recorder is looked down upon as a child's instrument...
I also played violin for a short time when I was younger, but seeing as all I can remember how to play is 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', I don't think it counts.  :P
I would love to be able to play piano some day! Or something cool, like a harmonica or a sittar.  ;D
Oh yeah, I sing as well. Wasn't sure that counted as an instrumment!
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Sarah_aus on July 08, 2010, 04:51:09 AM
I've played lots, but mainly keys (piano, organ, keyboard etc), flute, sax, guitar (not well - stubby fingers) clarinet, drums, bass guitar, vocals - though I never really gave it a chance.
Mainly keys and flute
-Tali
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Constance on July 08, 2010, 10:44:37 AM
guitar
bass guitar
keyboards
percussion
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Umbrella on July 08, 2010, 11:27:14 AM
I can play keyboard, but that's it. :P Seems like there's a lot of musically talented people here!
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Dark Angel on July 08, 2010, 09:49:44 PM
Started off playing the violin when I was little. As I got older I picked up a few more instruments. Guitar, bass, and piano/synths. Currently saving for an electronic drum kit and would love to learn to sing.  :angel:

Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Hikari on July 08, 2010, 10:15:01 PM
I used to play guitar a bit, I can still do some chords if I need to, but I sold my old guitar ('79 Fender strat) a few years ago. I used to listen to lots of metal, but these days I am more likely to listen to VNV Nation before In Flames (I still like them both though!).

I suppose you could say I play synth but, it is more like USB controller these days. Honestly though, my playing ability is a bit suspect, luckily for me getting a few soft synths working with an arpeggiator, and a virtual drum machine and I can put out something that is somewhat decent.

I love making music, I just wish I was better at it.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: justmeinoz on July 09, 2010, 08:22:56 AM
Kay, you were right about lapping the valves. I had a second go at it, as I wasn't happy with the results first time. Plays much better now.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Crypt77 on July 11, 2010, 12:39:37 AM
Guitar (Both electric and acoustic), drums and hahaha...'turntables' (It's an instrument to me!)
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: rexgsd on July 11, 2010, 02:08:04 AM
no =(
but i want to learn banjo.
i just don't know where to start...
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: K@I on July 11, 2010, 06:00:57 AM
hmm, i play drums, guitar and piano. all selftaught, i think thats the best way to go :]
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Dylan Michael on July 18, 2010, 09:22:48 PM
drums, guitar, keyboard, bass guitar, and clarinet
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Ghost on the Highway on July 19, 2010, 08:09:47 PM
I played sax for the longest time, first alto, then tenor. Playing tenor ruined the alto sax for me -- it's now up for sale and I have nowhere near enough money for a new tenor  :(.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Lachlann on July 19, 2010, 08:23:12 PM
Huh... thought I already replied in this thread. Might have been a different one.

I used to play the violin, I can play the didjeridoo, though. I also consider my voice to be an instrument and I'm pretty good. It's only gotten better with T.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Nicky on July 19, 2010, 08:40:48 PM
I dabble in a lot of instruments.

Once played clarinet in an orchestra, can pick up most wind instruments and pull a tune. I play an ok classical piano. Bit of guitar, keyboards, harmonica. Not enough to be good in any way. But I am a drummer in a band and I love it. I love playing in a group, never liked practising on my own. I love the performance. I like the drums as I don't need to think too hard, just feel the music and let it out. Yeah, good fun. I don't think I am technically brilliant but I think I have a good groove and play musically.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: glendagladwitch on July 19, 2010, 10:10:11 PM
Guitar, bass guitar, drums, glockenspiel, xylophone, ocarina, harmonica.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: LynnER on July 20, 2010, 01:19:15 AM
I used to play the flute and piano... most recently was a drummer...

Due to a debilitating shoulder injury I'm going to be switching back to piano. *sigh*
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Declan on August 15, 2010, 11:08:23 PM
I play guitar and piano. Piano still isn't going very well, but i'm trying. :)
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: kyril on August 16, 2010, 12:05:23 AM
I used to play trombone...haven't played in years though :(
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: seanstartrunning on August 16, 2010, 02:30:07 PM
Clarinet, alto sax, cello, guitar, piano, and anything percussion. :] I specialize in tympani~ Haven't really played brass, just dabbled around in it 'cause my friend used to play.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Matt Chase on August 17, 2010, 08:00:34 PM
percussion! especially marimba.
also, piano.

i want to learn guitar soon.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: jamesdc on August 26, 2010, 02:02:13 AM
drumsdrumsdrums

I'd post video covers on youtube but I have no good recording equipment and it sounds like ->-bleeped-<- using just a laptop mic. That's on my list to get after top surgery, tattoos, and an apartment hahaha
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Cruelladeville on August 26, 2010, 05:01:56 AM
Dis a pic from my lounge of the gaff I sold off in March...

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fa.imageshack.us%2Fimg214%2F3157%2F84411901.jpg&hash=0c5c49ce5561fd8e0e5734c5572f72f1912fccc0)

For the eagle-eyed here you might spot a Pedulla 5 string.... (it's way lighter than norm)...but strong (like me) made fspecially by those sweet boyz down in Rockland, MA...as lugging it on stage for 2x 45mins.... is a tad tiresome!!

But it's in storage now....as is all my stuff....till I find a home anew....

*sighs*
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Rayalisse on August 26, 2010, 07:45:28 PM
I play piano / keyboards and guitar, and used to play trumpet and harmonica too (just out of practice on those I guess). And I love to sing and can rock a kazoo.

I actually played piano professionally solo at parties, the mall (like in Nordstrom's) and played keyboards in a electronic rock band for a while but haven't had much time to pursue that kind of outlet lately (just been playing music at home.) I've written soundtracks for local video productions and my spouse and I have collaborated on a couple of original musical plays that have been produced by the local theater group.

I love to write music and/or lyrics - it helps me to meditate and get my feelings out in musical form.

Cheers-
Rayalisse
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Bagheera on August 27, 2010, 01:49:43 AM
I'm lovin' the diversity I'm seeing in here.  ;D

When I was in grade school we had to learn 'ukulele but I didn't stick with it. Piano won me over. I also envy all you amazing violinists out there!
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Cruelladeville on August 27, 2010, 02:26:52 AM
You sound like my kinda gal Rayalisse...lol.

I started off with Piano, at the Bucks school of Music.... and to listen to, tis still one of my first desert island choices.

When in Budapest during  June/July I was fortunate on my many wanderings to discover the Franz Lizt academy building... to hear students practising advanced piano play wafting out of the top windows and winding itself down the street....

Was very uplifting, while sitting sipping an iced coffee....

Ditto my hotel which was just down from the main opera house....so on a Sat afternoon you'd hear the Diva's practising too...

Gawd.... where would we be as a species without culture...eh?

If you love gals + piano then you'll know of Diana Krall and the uber-talent that was Shirley Horn...her CD 'You Won't forget Me'...is one of my very favourite discs of all time...

You can hear samples here:

http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Me/dp/B000W1WZUU/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid=1282893519&sr=1-4 (http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Me/dp/B000W1WZUU/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid=1282893519&sr=1-4)

And yep long live diversity!!
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Rayalisse on August 27, 2010, 04:30:45 AM
Quote from: Cruelladeville on August 27, 2010, 02:26:52 AM
You sound like my kinda gal Rayalisse...lol.

I started off with Piano, at the Bucks school of Music.... and to listen to, tis still one of my first desert island choices.

When in Budapest during  June/July I was fortunate on my many wanderings to discover the Franz Lizt academy building... to hear students practising advanced piano play wafting out of the top windows and winding itself down the street....

Was very uplifting, while sitting sipping an iced coffee....

Ditto my hotel which was just down from the main opera house....so on a Sat afternoon you'd hear the Diva's practising too...

Gawd.... where would we be as a species without culture...eh?

If you love gals + piano then you'll know of Diana Krall and the uber-talent that was Shirley Horn...her CD 'You Won't forget Me'...is one of my very favourite discs of all time...

You can hear samples here:

http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Me/dp/B000W1WZUU/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid=1282893519&sr=1-4 (http://www.amazon.com/You-Wont-Forget-Me/dp/B000W1WZUU/ref=dm_cd_album_lnk?ie=UTF8&qid=1282893519&sr=1-4)

And yep long live diversity!!

Thanks for the link - From what I can hear, I really like Shirley Horn's voice and phrasing.   Definitely gives me a vibe of "curled up in a cozy sweater in the living room, sipping a nice big cup of steaming hot coffee while sitting by the window next to my lit fireplace, watching the frost form on the window while the snow falls gently outside..."

- My spouse says "good stormy day music".  Well I guess she's into concise descriptions.

And yeah although I like Diana Krall, Jane Monheit's buttery voice takes my breath away every time I listen...  (samples below)

http://www.amazon.com/Taking-A-Chance-On-Love/dp/B00138H7TU/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1282900457&sr=301-2 (http://www.amazon.com/Taking-A-Chance-On-Love/dp/B00138H7TU/ref=sr_shvl_album_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1282900457&sr=301-2)

As far as other new female jazz vocalists -- I also enjoy Madeleine Peyroux, Melody Gardot, and for something different, Regina Spektor plays some great piano.

Also one of my favourites - Tim Minchin rocks the piano - Here's one of my favorite songs of all time.

Not Perfect by Tim Minchin (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dg3PberzvXo#)

Cheers!
Rayalisse

Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Cruelladeville on August 27, 2010, 05:29:03 AM
Thanks for the suggestions of Tim Minchin....

Rayalisse! I'd not heard of him before...and yep....Jane Monheit is someone new for me to investigate further...

Pure keyboard chaps for me are the wonderful.....Lyle Mays, whom I met....once....

Lyle Mays and Alex Acuña - Duo #1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SMP_WXyFhE#ws)

And more recently Brad Mehldau who's quirky time signatures are something else... demo's well here...

Brad Mehldau solo - My favorite things (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X7fVnvJSRb4#)

I saw him at the Barbican in London a few years back....tremendous talent!!

And I apologise to those that aren't piano aficionados here... and for temp' hijacking dah thread...

Toodle-pip...

Auntie Cruella....lol
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Rayalisse on August 27, 2010, 12:55:39 PM
Quote from: Cruelladeville on August 27, 2010, 05:29:03 AM
Thanks for the suggestions of Tim Minchin....

Rayalisse! I'd not heard of him before...and yep....Jane Monheit is someone new for me to investigate further...

Pure keyboard chaps for me are the wonderful.....Lyle Mays, whom I met....once....

And more recently Brad Mehldau who's quirky time signatures are something else... demo's well here...

I saw him at the Barbican in London a few years back....tremendous talent!!

And I apologise to those that aren't piano aficionados here... and for temp' hijacking dah thread...

Toodle-pip...

Auntie Cruella....lol

Wonderful!! Thanks for the share Antie Cruella :) Brad Mehidau is fantastic and Lyle Mays reminds me of ... well ... Me! --  at home with all my keyboards trying to be a one man band.  Great stuff to emulate, and more artists for me to go explore.   I always enjoy meeting my favorite artists in person - generally if you get the chance to just buy em a drink they're very open and friendly and happy to chat about the 'biz and give pointers and tips on technique, and always plenty of interesting stories.

I suppose you're right - we've hijacked this thread enough with offtopic material and could probably continue this exchange for a long time  ;D

Cheers!
Rayalisse
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: KamAus on October 02, 2010, 01:48:27 PM
I play electric guitar and bass. I used to play drums but I wasn't so good. When I was younger I was one of the kid singers for a country band. I can't sing at all now though.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Shana A on October 02, 2010, 02:56:28 PM
fiddle, mandolin, guitar, banjo, lap steel, dulcimer, uke, some percussion, keyboard, harmonica...

Z
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Vanessa_yhvh on October 02, 2010, 03:01:47 PM
I play piano. Terribly.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Silver on October 02, 2010, 03:08:01 PM
I can now play a couple songs on a piano.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Shang on October 02, 2010, 03:09:01 PM
I used to be able to play the guitar, but I sold my guitar so I can't practice anymore.  I could probably still play something if given it.  I also used to be decent at the viola and I can play jingle bells on the piano.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: azSam on October 02, 2010, 03:14:35 PM
I was always fond of the Piano. So I learned to play it when I was 12. 13 years later, I still play it. There is an open mic night tonight that I might go to and do some jazz. But I don't know, I'm reluctant.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Randi on October 02, 2010, 04:00:19 PM
Guitars, Basses, vocals, some keys, drums. I played professionally back in the 70s & 80s. Still play but not making a living at it now.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Zack on October 02, 2010, 05:14:22 PM
Electric guitar and bass.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Robert Scott on October 02, 2010, 05:20:22 PM
So, way back when I was little --- like 5 --- Yamaha came through and tested kids to see where their musical abilities were --- sang, played the violin, played piano, ...etc ....they told my parents ... sports would be the best option for me.  I would love to learn to play the guitar.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: kytheragraves on October 02, 2010, 05:25:38 PM
Vocals, keys, guitars
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Victoria L. on October 19, 2010, 09:17:43 PM
Bassoon, as I'm sure I've said many times on this forum.  :P

I used to play the trumpet, but can't really help on the high notes, I was never an overachiever on the trumpet because I didn't really care for it.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Alex201 on December 05, 2010, 11:53:00 PM
I play the Violin, Native American flute, and soon the Saxaphone!
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: CynthiaAnn on January 08, 2011, 08:01:49 PM
Bass, Guitar, and Keyboards.

Currently in 3 bands as the bassist.

Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: justmeinoz on January 08, 2011, 09:03:58 PM
Now in a relationship with a guy who is learning the piano.
I have an old keyboard and he has been encouraging me to play it.  So far have managed to get both hands working on a slow version of 'Be Bop A Loo La".  I enjoy it but bass is my favourite.

Fenrir, if you are looking for some cool recorder playing, have a look at YouTube for Aussie band "Blackfeather's classic from the late 60's, "Seasons of Change Part1". 
Before he joined AC/DC Bon Scott sang in Adelaide hippie band 'Fraternity', and played a lot of recorder for them. Several videos available also.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Samantha1 on January 10, 2011, 01:17:19 AM
I've played blues harmonica with a few bands, been on a couple CD's, been to a few
festivals.  I'm learning to play mountain dulcimer, Concertina (Irish), and the EWI 4000
(electronic wind instrument).  I have a song I wrote posted on my blog for his week
(but that's not me on the recording -I just wrote the lyrics, I didn't arrange this one).
Mountain Dulcimer is very relaxing - it's hard to be down fingerpickin' "I'll Fly Away".
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Rebekah with a K-A-H on January 10, 2011, 01:20:14 AM
Guitar and mandolin.

Then piano. I'm obsessed. My favorite composer is Joe Hisaishi, of Spirited Away fame.  I've been teaching myself his compositions for the past year or so.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Naari on January 10, 2011, 01:29:30 AM
I play keyboards and hand drums. I love the sound of the piano. I wish I had a real one. I love drum circles too.
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: R3i on February 02, 2011, 03:54:00 AM
piano
recorder in grade-junior high school
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Princess Rachel on February 16, 2011, 04:07:09 PM
I have an acoustic lead guitar, an electric lead guitar and an electric bass guitar :)
Title: Re: Do any of yall play any musical instruments?
Post by: Randi on February 23, 2011, 07:08:04 PM
I have accepted a spot on bass guitar/vocals with a indy rock band (I am using alot of licks from old Uriah Heep tunes or Cream-agressive bass guitar). Learning the tunes has been a welcome distraction from ... you know what I mean. Anyway, I am glad to have a band that will practice every time we're supposed to. Everyone does their homework prior to practice then that makes sessions go much faster than otherwise.
I still do the weekend jam but finding people who want to play ALOT, get a well-rehersed show together- then go the extra mile-na not so much - Irregular at best which won't keep you together as a unit. When I jam there I am usually on lead/rythym guitars & lead vocals-this is my time-but I do cover the bass when I get other guitarists to come and I can't find a bassist. We have three other singers who come in and then not. Then you'll hear from them again when they get back in town and want to play.  It has been nice when we can get a couple of them on the same night  Oh Yes! Music - Love It - Play It but do it regularly!

Randi