sergio

I realize that I come across as a "perfectionist", and I am, but in this case it's serving a different cause... I don't have a teacher nagging me telling me what to do and how to improve my playing, so I nag myself. Don't take me wrong, I enjoy it, and I'm NOT a masochist... It's my way of learning, and I do learn only by pushing myself beyond what I can already do. What I really enjoy is writing songs... I did many years ago, and my Casio has motivated me to continue my hobby. I still need to have enough piano chops to be able to express my music, but I don't pretend to be a pianist. I've enjoyed arranging these songs a lot because they are a way for me to learn. Finding the chords, that's one thing, which is easy sometimes and often not. And looking for a cheat music doesn't help me often because I don't recognize the fancy chords by their names... Anyway, it's a PLEASANT exercise, however painful it is, if you know what I mean... 😀 Maybe I'm wrong, but I think that the folks here are more interested in the technical side of things, and I'm too old to learn too many tricks! 😟

Thanks, m10538. More than missed notes, I don’t think I have the right chord changes around 2:03, and the ending is very weak. And then there’s the Law of Diminishing Returns… I arrange these standard songs because I like listening to them, but also as learning exercises, since I’m kind of teaching myself. I learned a lot from this song, complicated to me with all the chord changes, etc., and I had a hard time getting it together. I had been working on this on and off for the last couple of weeks, and when I was finally able to play the song such that I could actually “enjoy” listening to it later, that’s it! I really want to compose again, so I’d like to explore that more. I think I’ve learned a lot from leaving the rhythm accompaniment behind for a few weeks. Thanks again! Thanks, sslyutov!

I've been working on this song for a while and it was hard with all the other things going on (like carpal tunnel syndrome)... It's a beautiful melody, and I found it difficult to come up with something I would enjoy listening to. There's a couple of errors in it, but I'm tired and want to move on... I think I learned a lot arranging it...

Very nice, Serge! Sounds like a calliope... I'm impressed with your setup. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! Happy Hanukkah!

Very beautiful, T. I think you do a great job with the feeling of the song. I discovered a Michael Kamen song, "Beside You", in an album by the New York Rock Ensemble. Here's the link if you want to listen to it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CKHzFobg0WU BTW, that song became the theme of the movie "What Dreams May Come" with Robin Williams, but I prefer the NY interpretation. Also, NY Rock Ensemble came out with an album with music by Manos Hadjidakis (from "Never on Sunday"), and it's a great "concept" album. Here's the link for that: https://www.allmusic.com/album/reflections-mw0000512647

Thank you very much, skyy38. Since I bought my PX-780, I have been "growing the big ears" you are so right about... My keyboard allows me to create a "system track" and I can add additional tracks, but I haven't experimented much with it. My main goal is to play the piano better, and to compose. But I see how the songs can be enhanced with additional layers. I'll be more aware now of the individual sounds that make a professional production so much more powerful. Thanks again!

Also beautiful! I like the style, and I'd love to learn how to play it. My only other comment is that I prefer a melody that has a definite path. I can get lost in this piece and enjoy every bit of it, but I still need a melody that takes me on a journey. With this free style I get lost but I still need to know where I'm going... I know this is just rambling from a non-musician, so take it with a grain of salt. I totally enjoyed it!

Beautiful! 👍 I'd love to be able to play that smooth some day... The piece is a bit long, but it's easy to get lost in it...

When I listen to my songs, I recognize that some of them sound good with the rhythm, but not all of them... I have two in particular that I'd like to do again, but I just want to move forward and not backward fixing things. But a while ago I felt that I needed to get off the rhythm and play solo... You encouraged me, but I had already decided. I'm still in that phase... The rhythm accompaniment (for me) is a great tool for composing, because it establishes a path, I don't know how to explain it, but it's a crutch. I agree that some songs are enhanced that way, and I'm becoming more aware as I learn (hopefully). I don't think I want to add rhythm to this song, which was so awfully presented in its heyday...

You are quite right on both counts... First, the strings layer is still too loud. I lowered the setting to -22 or -23 (don't remember) and the lowest you can set it is -24. Also, if I hold the note just a bit long, the strings dominate. How to use this effectively is still work in progress. I like adding the strings, I think they add some depth to the piano sound, but I agree that it must be subtle. The errors in execution are also true, but I haven't really worked on this song (I'm really trying to arrange "On the Street Where You Live"), and why I haven't made a video of it. I still want to "fix" it and upload it to my page, so it's on my "to do" list. I'm not sure what you mean by an "accompaniment piece"... I listened to the Ward song and I still don't know what you mean by "accompaniment burst". I really appreciate honest comments because that's how I learn... I've been busy lately, but I'm still trying to improve my solo piano, arranging other standard songs, and I really learn a lot with each one. This particular song is very simple and it was nagging me because I love the melody. But it needs work, on the list... 😀

That was great, Tsquare! Very contagious beat, and very well executed! 👍 👍👍

Thanks a lot, Tsquare! It's reassuring to know that I have some marketable skills as a backup in case of bad times... I could very nicely work in a cruise ship traveling around the world and getting paid for it! Just kidding...

This song has been in back of my head for a while... Popular eons ago, but I still think that the melody is worth another interpretation. I haven't made a video of it, will probably just do something quick to post it in my web page. I hope you like it. Cuando Calienta el Sol.mp3

You're really funny, guy! You make me laugh out loud every time! I hesitated to post it, but as an old guy of 73 (coming up), who cares... 😀 Really thanks for your comments. Actually, I was surprised that my guitar backing was not that bad... The voice, that's another thing and didn't try it again. It's true it's not for Casio, but the Lounge seems very technical oriented, and it's not my thing right now, anyway. So, I apologize. There is no video... That was during Thanksgiving at my mom's house where we used to congregate. Thanks again, m10538!

This is mildly embarrassing, but I'll post it anyway... Just don't be too harsh, I was young and wild back then (1973)... 😀 Anyway, it's a Carol King song, best interpreted by so many others... Sergio - Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.mp3

You've done very nicely with the course, and you've got plenty of time ahead of you. I can see how the new tech can replace the old-fashioned teachers... Although I would not dismiss AI... I think AI is great and will definitely surpass biological intelligence. I just watched an interview with Elan Musk on AXIOS (an HBO show) and I agree with his observation.

I've been called "strange" many times before, so don't feel unique... 🙂 Just know you are and get on with life.... Many years ago I tried to do a LOT of things, and playing the guitar was one of them. I even started taking classical guitar lessons of all things... I also started taking piano lessons, to read and stuff, but gave it up. I'll try to find a recording but only if it's not too embarrassing, because I actually sing if I remember (I don't sing, but I may have on one occasion).

When I bought my keyboard I explored the possibility of getting some course that would help me "loosen up" and learn jazz methods, etc. I really don't care to learn to read music, or scales or nothing. I didn't like the courses... I've got some good stuff from the internet. Is that how you learned to play? BTW, St. Petersburg is a beautiful city... I've been there a couple of times on a cruise ship. Awesome! 👍

Very strange, m10538! I'm glad the guitar finally came out of its trip at the end... 😀 I like the one with the rhythm and changing chords... Try that again! 👍

Very cool! Interesting interpretation, jazzed up. I like the way you and others use the various layers... Congratulations!

Thanks, Jokeyman! I appreciate that. 👍 Sergio

That was very enjoyable! I'm impressed with all the equipment!!! I'll never get there, so I am jealous (not really, it's really admiration). Congrats! Also, what's the PianoMarver??

Thanks a lot, sslyutov! Boy, am I glad I "destroyed" the lyrics!!! They were so corny and awful!!! 😃

Come on, it's not even winter yet... 😀 Actually, Las Vegas daily temp range now is like 45-68, which is not quite "warm" to people from Florida! If you live in a port city, cruises are not really that expensive, although there is a range of companies from basic to luxury. If you have to travel to get to a port city, like yourself, that's an added cost, of course. Anyway, congrats on your piece, and forward we go!

Very nice, Tsquare! Some day I'd like to explore all the layers that experienced players use....