West Ridge Academy – Discover That Delicate Balance Of Taste And Freedom In Music
Did your parents say it to you? On the other hand, have you also said the same to your kids despite the fact that you once promised yourself that you wouldn’t do it to them? Chances are high that your grandparents could have said it to your parents. From Greenday and Oasis to Pearl Jam and the Beastie Boys. From Fleetwood Mac and Queen to Guns N Roses and Bon Jovi. From Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan to Engelbert Humperdinck and BB King. As far as I can remember, parents have been telling their kids “that’s not music” and often end up admonishing their kids while yelling, “turn off that noise!”.”
Of course, parents aren’t the only ones who struggle when listening to another generation’s music. On the other hand, most kids would also tell you how dreadful it is to be caught inside the family car while your parents listened to “their music”. “A total bore.” “It’s mushy.” “It’s not old, it’s just ‘vintage’.” And, just as you likely contested many years ago, they will argue that their parents just don’t get it when they hear the complaints about what they are listening to.
Finding a middle ground when it comes to differences in opinions between parents and teens can be a potential minefield. It’s not unusual for disagreements over music to exacerbate rifts in families. Music can actually unify the family if both parents and teens learn to appreciate each other’s musical taste or learn to set clear but respectful boundaries if in case they really don’t like the other’s preferences. There’s no denying the powerful role music plays in a teen’s life.
Kids have this primal connection with music, that even experts concede that it gives a much needed voice to each and every generation. Reminisce back to your high school days and try to remember the music that you were listening then and how you and your friends truly felt that your favorite songs were describing you or the things you were going through at the time. Chris Woods, West Ridge Academy‘s music teacher says that, “music has the ability to communicate the deepest feelings of our hearts; the feelings of our souls, essentially”. “It has the tendency to make you smile, or cry, experience longing and excitement, anger, disappointment, and yes, even peacefulness. Music is truly an important medium which has proven its adeptness in communicating ideas and emotions between its creator and the listener.”Take a close look at what kind of songs your teen is listening to on his or her iPod, and most probably you’ll learn a valuable insight as to what your teen actually values in life.
There is hope however for parents who disapprove of the music that their teens are listening to. Take note that teens actually listen more to the beats and rhythm of the music rather than their lyrics. “Most of the teenagers today are fans of the hip hop and rap music genre. It is my belief that this can be attributed to the catchy rhythmic structure of hip hop and rap music, ” according to Woods. Further, Woods advises parents to remain patient since musical tastes actually vary over time.
Parents must also be vigilant however, as there are some music which contains negative messages which can be detrimental to the psyche of malleable teens. It is critical for parents to establish clear standards for music, such as avoiding songs with violent lyrics, overt sexual messages, or profanity. Once you have made these boundaries absolutely clear to your teens, then they can have the freedom to listen and be exposed to whatever kind of music that they like. Agreeing to occasionally share and listen to each other’s music can help build bridges and minimize disputes. If parents allow their children to choose, and if clear, respectful boundaries are set and followed, then both parents and teenagers can achieve a more positive relationship.
West Ridge Academy’s students learn from Mr. Woods how to appreciate music and express themselves through different types of music. Once they complete the course, some students are even able to record their own compositions. Being able to give life to their ideas and emotions through music can be a very liberating and touching experience for teens. “I was taken aback by the number of songs that the kids wrote which touched on spiritual subjects, or reflections on life, ” Woods said amused. “I think the music is their acknowledgement that West Ridge Academy has helped them, and they’ve needed that.
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Apple Logic Studio [OLD VERSION] $499.00 Logic Studio, Apple’s comprehensive suite of professional music and audio tools, provides musicians with everything they need to create in the studio, on the stage, and for the screen. Logic Studio includes Logic Pro 8, Apple’s legendary professional music production application featuring a new, intuitive interface; MainStage, an innovative new application for music performance; and Soundtrack Pro… |
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Wacom Intuos5 Touch Medium Pen Tablet (PTH650) $369.95 Designed to meet the high performance demands of creative professionals and photo, art, and design enthusiasts, Intuos5 combines Wacom’s finest pen tablet experience with multi-touch input in a single device. Immerse yourself in a natural, intuitive workflow alternating between using multi-finger touch to position and navigate your artwork, and the pressure sensitive pen to precisely sketch, paint… |
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FL Studio 9 – Fruity Edition – Audio Production Software $99 FL Studio is one of the world’s most popular and exciting music production systems. Everything you need in one package to compose, arrange, record, edit, mix and master professional quality music. Fruity Edition is aimed at composers who need Piano roll for complex melodies and to record/play chords. Fruity Edition adds access to the Playlist Pattern Clips for complex and lengthy arranging/sequencing and automation of program/plugin parameters. Piano roll enables unlimited length patterns and the ability to record/play chords for each instrument Channel. Event Automation allows the control of almost any FL Studio parameter or plugin knob using the Event Editor. Record or ‘draw’ automation. This automation data is saved in Pattern Clips. Playlist Pattern Clip arranging so an unlimited number of Pattern Clips can be stacked and or placed end-to-end in series in the Playlist to create complete musical works of unlimited complexity. Pattern clips can hold note (Piano roll / Step sequencer) and Automation (Event Automation) data. Client VST/Rewire support so you can use FL Studio as an instrument in VST/Rewire compatibleFruity Edition Includes: All Express Edition features plus… Piano roll allowing chords and note-slides. Playlist (Pattern Clip) arranging. Full automation of all enabled parameters (as Event Automation). Internal controllers as a modulation source. Used as VST instrument in another host e.g. Cubase, Sonar, Logic, etc. Used as a ReWire & VST client or host. Simsynth Live synthesizer instrument. Drumsynth Live percussion synthesizer. DX10 FM synthesizer. Wasp & Wasp XT synthesizers. Lifetime free updates to Fruity Edition by download. No audio recording |
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Fishman TriplePlay – Wireless MIDI Guitar Controller System $399.95 Unlock your guitar’s potential!TriplePlay is the composing, performing and recording system that puts an unlimited palette of instruments and sounds at your fingertips – all with the freedom of wireless control. Compose music with unparalleled tonal options. Easily share arrangements with your band. Switch between instruments, or play up to four instruments at the same time. Teach or learn faster with accurate notation. Create video soundtracks. Mix your own samples, beats, loops and tracks.Easy to useThe controller’s durable, low profile design fits neatly behind your guitar’s bridge, and it’s wireless, so no heavy 13-pin cables to trip over. The rechargeable Lithium Ion battery has over 20 hours of life – plenty of juice for a full day of composing and a night of gigging. Accessible onboard menu navigation buttons, volume control, and the guitar/mix/synth switch make it easy to change settings or instruments during performances.Easy setup, easy removalTriplePlay can be installed or removed quickly, on virtually any electric guitar, with no permanent installation necessary. Mounting hardward included.Complete Software Suite IncludedTriplePlay comes complete with all the software you’ll need for recording, editing and playing back your music. Take full advantage of powerful MIDI features with your guitar. With the easy and blazingly fast note encoding, preset editor and mixing console, you’ll be mixing your own music in no time. Includes full versions of: Native Instruments – KOMPLETE Elements and GuitarRig LE Notion Music – PROGRESSION 2 IK Multimedia – SampleTank 2 XT and AmpliTube Custom Shop PreSonus – Studio One Artist TriplePlay EditionFeatures: Two input channels with 3-band EQ Includes Wireless Controller, Hexaphonic Pickup, and Wireless USB Receiver, mounting brackets and hardware, fast charge power pack, and USB charging cable Wireless technology eliminates proprietary bulky cables Works with industry standard DAWs and Virtual Instruments Unique “hold” feature and string or fret splits with multiple instruments Simple to install on your electric guitar and can be easily removed Low profile design (less than .5”) can be left on your guitar and still fit in its case Over 100 foot range Operates with rechargeable Lithium Ion battery (included) Menu navigation controls Guitar, Mix, Synth switch easily accessible while performing Guitar synthesizer volume control USB powered wireless receiver interfaces to computer or iOS device Includes comprehensive software suite to get you startedWireless USB Receiver: Processor: 16-bit processing Material: Durable composite Dimensions: 2.7” H (68.6mm) x .82” W (20.8mm) x .36” D (9.1mm) Power: USB PowerSpecifications: Material: Durable composite and metal finish RF Range: 100 feet* Controller Dimensions: 3.25” H (82.5mm) x 2.93” W (74.4mm) x 0.51” D (12.9mm) Power: Rechargeable Lithium Ion battery Battery Life: Over 20 hours Pickup Dimensions: 4.11” L (104.4mm) x 0.34” W (8.6mm) Pickup Height Adjustable Range: .35” min. (8.9mm) to .58” (14.7mm) max. from tallest point between G & D strings * Performance may vary – North American model only.System Requirements: Internet: Standard broadband connection to download and authenticate software Hardware: 4 GB of RAM and 10 GB free hard drive space Platforms: Windows 7 or later , OS X 10.6.0 or later |
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Korg microKEY25 USB-Powered Keyboard – 25-Key $69.99 “microKEY are a compact family of USB MIDI keyboards featuring the velocity-sensitive Natural Touch mini-keyboard; acclaimed on instruments such as the microKORG XL and microARRANGER. In addition to the existing 37-key model, the lineup has been expanded with the addition of a supremely portable 25-key model, and a five-octave 61-key model providing the space to play freely with both hands. Bundled software and discount coupons are more generous than ever; the 61-key model even comes with a license for the Korg Legacy Collection. The microKEY is the ideal USB MIDI keyboard for the musician who wants to assemble a convenient and compact music production system.The microKEY25 features excellent portability, allowing you to enjoy playing and producing with a great-feeling keyboard even when you’re away from home. It features an expressive Joystick, as traditionally found on larger controllers, and provides simultaneous control of multiple parameters at the same time, along with control of the built-in tempo-synced arpeggiator function. That’s not all; the microKEY25 can be powered directly from your iPad via the Camera Connection Kit, and it can be immediately used to control MIDI-capable apps such as Korg’s iMS-20. The microKEY25 also includes a download code for FREE Korg M1Le software, giving you all of the preset sounds and all of the PCM waveforms of the original M1, and a browser/search function that makes it easy to find that “”perfect sound.”"Also included are licenses* for Applied Acoustics Systems’ Strum Acoustic Session, Lounge Lizard Session, and Ultra Analog Session as well as a license for Toontrack’s software drum sound module EzDrummer Lite,* and a discount coupon* for Ableton’s “”Live,”" “”Live Suite,”" and “”Live LE”" DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality. Features: USB MIDI keyboard – thin, lightweight, and USB-powered Velocity-sensitive natural-touch mini-keyboard with excellent playing feel Three models to choose from: the highly portable 25-key model the space-saving 37-key model the 61-key model for the studio musician Octave Shift and Key Transpose features access the full MIDI note range Versatile controls include arpeggiator buttons, sustain/tap button, and joystick (25 key) Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels add expression to your performance (37 key, 61 key) No need to install a driver; just connect it to your computer, and it’s ready for use Great for use with iPad (microKey25 can be powered from iPad, 37 and 61 require external USB power) Dual USB ports; ideal for adding Korg’s nanoPAD2 or other USB devices to your setup (37 key, 61 key) A generous assortment of licenses and discount coupons for popular software titles is included KORG KONTROL Editor is included A license is included for the “”Korg Legacy Collection Special Bundle,”" giving you software versions of Korg’s classic synthesizers (61-key model only) No driver installation needed – the standard USB MIDI driver provided by Windows/Mac OS X is supported” |
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Korg microKEY37 USB-Powered Keyboard – 37-Key $79.99 “microKEY are a compact family of USB MIDI keyboards featuring the velocity-sensitive Natural Touch mini-keyboard; acclaimed on instruments such as the microKORG XL and microARRANGER. In addition to the existing 37-key model, the lineup has been expanded with the addition of a supremely portable 25-key model, and a five-octave 61-key model providing the space to play freely with both hands. Bundled software and discount coupons are more generous than ever; the 61-key model even comes with a license for the Korg Legacy Collection. The microKEY is the ideal USB MIDI keyboard for the musician who wants to assemble a convenient and compact music production system.The microKEY37 is just as comfortable on the road as it is in your living room; providing excellent playability while still integrating nicely into a compact production setup. The Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels help you add dynamic expression to your performances with ease. The microKEY37 also serves double-duty as a USB hub. The two USB ports (Type A) allow you to expand your custom control center by adding on a Korg nanoPAD2 or nanoKONTROL2 – or any other USB device. The microKEY37 also includes a download code for FREE Korg M1Le software, giving you all of the preset sounds and all of the PCM waveforms of the original M1, and a browser/search function that makes it easy to find that “”perfect sound.”" Also included are licenses* for Applied Acoustics Systems’ Strum Acoustic Session, Lounge Lizard Session, and Ultra Analog Session as well as a license for Toontrack’s software drum sound module EzDrummer Lite,* and a discount coupon* for Ableton’s “”Live,”" “”Live Suite,”" and “”Live LE”" DAW software, widely popular for its sophisticated functionality. Features: USB MIDI keyboard – thin, lightweight, and USB-powered Velocity-sensitive natural-touch mini-keyboard with excellent playing feel Three models to choose from: the highly portable 25-key model the space-saving 37-key model the 61-key model for the studio musician Octave Shift and Key Transpose features access the full MIDI note range Versatile controls include arpeggiator buttons, sustain/tap button, and joystick (25 key) Pitch Bend and Modulation wheels add expression to your performance (37 key, 61 key) No need to install a driver; just connect it to your computer, and it’s ready for use Great for use with iPad (microKey25 can be powered from iPad, 37 and 61 require external USB power) Dual USB ports; ideal for adding Korg’s nanoPAD2 or other USB devices to your setup (37 key, 61 key) A generous assortment of licenses and discount coupons for popular software titles is included KORG KONTROL Editor is included A license is included for the “”Korg Legacy Collection Special Bundle,”" giving you software versions of Korg’s classic synthesizers (61-key model only) No driver installation needed – the standard USB MIDI driver provided by Windows/Mac OS X is supported” |
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T.C. Helicon Harmony-G XT Voice Effect Pedal $279 Kick your vocals into high gear with VoiceTone Harmony-G XT. With improved harmony technology and reverb from its big brother VoiceLive 2, Harmony-G XT will improve your tone and surround your voice with pro effects and vocal harmony. Harmony-G XT; now with Pitch Correction Auto chromatic pitch correction gently shifts your voice closer on pitch, making you sound better. It’s called Auto Chromatic because you don’t have to set anything other than turn it on. It’s like singing with a person who sings perfectly on pitch. The subtle pitch adjustments improve your sound but they also serve as a guide that helps you sing better too. Download this latest version by running the VoiceSupport app that came with your product while connected to the web. If you don’t have VoiceSupport, you can download at the VoiceSupport page. Easy Harmony Generation Harmony-G XT has a good ear for music. It listens to your performance and decides what harmony notes would sound best with your song. Connect your guitar and a mic, choose one of the presets, play guitar and sing. No special guitar pickups, pre-programming, or extensive musical knowledge are required in order to use Harmony-G XT. Choose Your Sound You’re in control of a wide range of useful, exciting sounds. From a standing position you can switch through the five factory presets, each with a unique setting of effects, harmony and doubling and then choose the A or B effect within each preset. If you only need three presets or you want up to ten, this is configurable in Harmony-G XT. The "FX" for each preset can be selected as well. Each of the categories of Hall, Room, Echo, Slap, Combi and SFX has three alternates. These are more than just add-on effects! These are the real deal from VoiceLive 2 including combinations of reverb, delay and µmod (micromod) that will put you and your harmony voices in a professional sounding, immersive space. Harmony-G XT has a USB connection and a free, included web applet called VoiceSupport which allows easy backup and restore of your presets to a computer, fast product registration and up-to-date news on software updates, tips and tricks and demo videos. Features: Improved NaturalPlay guitar-controlled harmony algorithm Front-of-house quality reverb algorithm and selection of styles from VoiceLive 2 Selection of four overdub-style doubling effects with two more doubling voices available Reworked FX presets offer even more utility across music styles USB connection for easy software updates, tips, and preset backup using the included VoiceSupport applet Adaptive harmony gate added to Tone for a cleaner mix Easy manual selection of Scale & Key for singers without an instrument or horn players Listens to guitar and voice to create correct harmony parts automatically Tone switch smooths vocals with adaptive Live Engineer Effects 18 combinations of reverb, delay and µmod shared by vocal and guitar input 10 presets available, each with A/B options Harmony interval selection includes 3rds and 5ths above and below, octave up and down, and the unique Bass interval Stereo or mono configurable output Clean, studio quality mic preamp with phantom power and XLR input Guitar signal can be mixed in and share reverb or passed through to separate amplifier Fast, accurate guitar tuner |
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