Review Of Logic Pro 8 (Music Production Software)

Hi readers, this post focuses on music production, something I am heavily involved in. In my opinion Logic Pro 8 (Sequencing Software) is the best tool out there for both Film Scoring and Contemporary Production (Pop, Hip-Hop, Techno. Rock, Etc...). So this review is for any of you who use Logic 7 or are interested in switching to a more capable, professional production platform (one that is widely used in the music and film industry).

The biggest incentive to switch to this superior and very user friendly production platform, is the price. I remember when Logic 7 came out, not too long ago, it sold for $1,000, which was much too high for my budget. For a long time I would have to use the computers at school, some of which are outfitted with the software. The new and improved Logic Pro 8 is only $500, a price-drop that was made to widen the consumer base, thereby increasing profit.

Logic is the whole package, just go get yourself a decent microphone, and audio interface to plug it into, and you're all set. You are given all the tools you need to start your adventures in music/film production: a library of loops, a surprisingly impressive array of soft-synths, and the same goes for drum machines. The MIDI capabilities and editor are really nice, you can do anything, transform with multiple function, modify, cut, past, fix... complete MIDI freedom. There are also decent audio polishing, distorting, sampling, and numerous effects to explore. You can also burn your track to mp3, CD, and many other formats at professional quality; there are also much improved templates for songs.

Here is a quick screen-shot of the program:

The program has everything arranged conveniently in a clean user-friendly setup. On the right side you can browse loops, see the audio bin, event editor, presets library, and browser to find files. At the bottom of the window you'll find the mixer, audio editor, matrix, hyper editor, and score editor. The left of the screen holds the channel and track parameters. You can also close any windows you want, to maximize arranging space. The bar at the bottom, called the transport, is also easy to customize in various ways. Another important feature is the capability of opening up Logic 7 files in Logic 8 (for those of you who haven't upgraded to 8). I think that the arrange window has very accurate editing; the cool ability to stretch and compress time; nice right-mouse-click features; easy channel, region and track creation; full capacities for surround-sound; Logic now automatically limits latency; better EXS sampler editor; and a whole lot more sound banks.

Basically, there has never in the history of production been a value like this before, the sheer power completely over-shadows the price! Trust me, it was a shock to many of my friends when the software first came out, we thought the price was meant for Logic 8 Express - the imbecile's version of the program that is halfway between the full version and a demo version (a complete waste of money, either get the full version or not at all). Thanks for reading, make sure to check back here regularly for new posts.

How To Become A Successful Sight Reader

Hello again readers. I think I've decided to continue to pursue "How To..." themed blogs for a bit longer, however, I am a musician, and would like to appeal to my fellow musicians for a moment here. I think for a large majority of serious musicians the idea of sight-reading a piece of music, may be no better than that of getting a root canal. I've surely met a handful of lucky individuals who are naturally blessed with sight reading abilities, yet for most of us we lack a strong enough desire to regularly practice the skill. The task is most often forced upon us, when we find ourselves in a situation of crisis, where we are given scores to perform, with no (or minimal) preparation.

First, you must find a new music book (5-10 pieces) that is slightly below your skill level, preferably music you would enjoy and haven't heard (or played) previously. Once acquired, have a seat and open up the book to the first piece. Go through the notes, say their names, and try to take apart the piece a bit without playing it. Begin the piece at a relaxed pace, saying the notes and learning their place. Try not to stop, and keep the slow pace despite mistakes. Always look for things like note patterns and try to read a measure or half ahead. When you get through the piece, replay it until you can identify all notes (and make sure to check the rhythms!).

It can be useful to be away from your instrument for sight-reading practice; simply take out the score, start naming notes and memorizing their shape and position. It can also be useful to intentionally practice unbroken playing when performing a piece, usually the audience will not understand your musical error if they aren't familiar with the piece (stopping a piece is also very unprofessional). It can help to sight read with others to encourage uninterrupted playing. Also remember, again, that rhythm is of paramount importance! I am privileged to take an ear training class (which practices complex rhythms as part of the curriculum), but you must practicing tapping out rhythms on your own. Some of the most common errors to watch out for happen when confusing, or missing, key changes and shifts of time signature (also avoid confusing large note jumps especially those above and below the staff). Lastly, be easy on yourself through this arduous and wearisome process, you're just trying to get better, and can't afford losing focus. Make sure to treat yourself after reading through a piece. Good luck musicians, this is one of the most tedious musical endeavors, but a most rewarding one... make sure to check back here for new posts.

How To Excel & Be Successful In College

Hey readers, this is a follow-up to my last post. Honestly, it's vital that you remove clutter and organize all aspects of your life, but sometimes school can occupy all your time and energy, something I've commonly experienced. So... I will take a little time focus on the things I have learned and applied in order to be a successful student.

First let's talk about classes and being successful in them. Research which classes you should be taking, and in which order you should be taking them. Make sure to read class descriptions, and talk to other students about the class. Take a look at the textbooks of various subjects to decide which one is right for you (that is of course, if you actually have a choice of classes you may pursue in your Major/Career Field). This could be one of the most important decisions you will make in your life! Research the best textbooks; don't just rely on a required textbook, ask for book suggestions from students, teachers, and search the Internet. Use books that complement each other, and make sure to do difficult problems. Also, many students would be wise to consider getting a tutor.

One of the main problems I faced at one point was organizing my time after school. There were many career related extra-curricular activities I was involved with, but I found myself always barely fitting in my studies and HW, still managing somehow to get a good-night's rest. I had to cut back a bit on those important, and career relevant, activities, in order to have additional time for self-study above and beyond my class work.

I talked previously before about organization, but let me be more school specific for a moment. First off, papers and notes for every subject go in separate sections in a binder, with completed homework properly archived. Use database and flowchart applications to record your progress. Label each paper as Classwork, Homework, or Notes. Make sure to go through your backpack, organize loose papers, and throw out junk.

You must have a nice study place; meaning... that it's clean, bright, quiet, and not stuffy. All your materials should be in reach, especially your computer. If this isn't possible, try the library. A nice study area, of course, isn't useful if you don't promise yourself to do well on your tests and do all your HW; you need to make a promise to yourself, and find ways to motivate yourself. Once you get motivated and have a good study space, then, before class, make sure to read ahead I little bit. But first, do extra review questions and always try to find something you would want to ask your teacher about. Make sure to take good notes, and to review old material regularly, so that you are basically always studying for your next test (and then don't have to pull all-nighters!). Make sure to approach big projects the same way, so you never scramble at the end. A big trick to success here, is to set an amount of time you know you are capable of working, and stick to it, then treat yourself and take a short break before continuing again for another period of time.

Make sure to be healthy, pro-active, resourceful, and creative as a student... form a study group with friends, don't skip important classes, join a career related club, make sure to work before play so that playing becomes more rewarding, be on time to things, exercise, make study and review timetables, take short naps to keep going, wear nice clothes for important school events like tests, only get a job that is close to home and flexible, always pay attention, don't ever be unrealistic to the point that reality becomes depressing, and never lose hope. Good luck readers, I think we all could use some. Make sure to check back for new posts.

How To Organize Your Life!

As I become more dedicated to my career, my day-to-day ambitions become more demanding. I am sure any college student who has turned his/her motivational burners to high, has realized that the time in the day seems to feel shorter the more you squeeze onto your plate. So... what to do? Well it's time to take control! Easier said than done, I admit, but totally possible, and something I have managed to accomplish myself.

First thing is first, you need to remove your clutter; get rid of the things your really don't need. The difficult part of this task is realizing that it's not only material things I'm talking about here. Responsibilities clutter your life, so try not to get caught up in things other people have dropped in your lap. Guilt clutters your life, so don't spend time thinking about what you haven't done, or what you should be doing, just hop to it the best you can. Rules clutter your life, so don't clean your room just because it's been a rule enforced at home when you were younger, and a habit you've gotten used to, if there is something much more important you need to do; prioritize! Myths clutter your life, so if there is something that you've picked up from child-hood or from society, and it's not serving you well, then you need to take a long hard look in the mirror, and tell yourself to cut it out because it's just not worth it.

Once you have done the best you can removing the clutter from your life, and figuring out your time management priorities, you can move on to finally worrying about organization; which becomes much more effective after removing clutter, not before! You need to be able to get a hold of your things, thoughts, and projects easily and efficiently.

First you must organize your material things, meaning getting filing cabinets, binders, folders, shelves, baskets, crates, and/or closet organizers. I recommend labeling things well.

If you have an important idea then make a brainstorm web. This is an exercise I have had to do my whole life, throughout elementary school, and high school, and has served me well. Basically you put your idea in the middle of a blank page, circled. Then, related idea bubbles stem from the middle bubble, and from there, anything can stem out to anything else, and things can interconnect. The result is a big web-like brainstorm map revolving around a central idea. It's one of the best starting places for an idea, no matter what it's for, or how it will be used.

These are the basic concepts. They are simple enough, but may take a lifetime to master. Just make sure this is something you are putting effort into, like all the other important things you have piled onto your daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly schedule. Every little thing helps, whether it be getting a calendar/daily planner, a Palm Pilot/iPhone, buying a book like "The 7 Habits Of Highly Effective People By Stephen R. Covey", visiting websites like "http://drgingerblume.com/scripts_cluttered_life.htm", or buying motivational and organizational software. Alright readers, good luck, and smooth sailing, it's a rough ride, but we all just need to be doing what we can, little by little, on a daily basis. Be sure to check in soon for new posts.
-Daniel Shore

Welcome Readers!

Welcome readers and everyone passing through the blogosphere. I think this will be the start of a beautiful friendship. I have created this blog as a personal outlet of many shapes and forms; a place for me to speak my mind, vent, give advice, write reviews, give tips about college life/music, film music, musicianship, and comment on the world as I see it. So, check back here whenever you are in need of some occasionally satirical, perhaps cynical, but always interesting commentary, suggestions, and insight into the college, musicians', and young entrepreneurial life. Check back here regularly for refreshing, honest content, see you all again soon.
- Daniel Shore