Being able to read sheet music is a skill that all musicians should learn over time. By doing so, you’ll be able to pick up instruments more quickly, learn how to play all your favorite songs, and more. Reading sheet music is a lot like reading a book, but it requires that you know how to read the different symbols, among other things. If you’re eager to get started, you’re in the right place!

1. Know the Symbols

The first step in getting started is to make sure you know the different symbols that will appear in sheet music. These symbols represent the pitch, speed, and rhythm of the song, so it’s incredibly important that you know this. 

The different symbols in sheet music include the staff, the treble clef, the bass clef, and notes, just to name a few. 

2. Learn the Beat 

To start playing the song, you first need to know the meter. This is also known as the time signature and looks very similar to a fraction when you are reading it on the sheet music. The top number is used to tell you how many beats to a measure. The bottom number is there to tell you the note value for a single beat. 

When learning the beat, you must also familiarize yourself with the tempo, which is also known as the beats per minute. Your tempo is important because it’s what lets you know how fast or slow to play. 

3. The Melody

To play a melody, you will first need to learn about scales, which are the eight notes. As you move to the right side of your keyboard, the notes tend to get higher. Scales are named after their tonic, or the preeminent note within the scale. The tonic is what determines what key to play in. 

4. Use a Guide

Learning how to read sheet music won’t happen overnight, but using a guide while you learn will certainly make things easier. Simply visit a music store where you can find a variety of helpful books on how to learn to read sheet music. 

The post How to Read Sheet Music first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/how-to-read-sheet-music/
via IFTTT

While there is a goal shared by many to branch out and be the boss, to make the lion’s share of the money, it is a path littered with failure. Being an employee is not a bad thing; there is plenty of room for growth and success.

But how do you truly thrive and be successful at work? How do you avoid blending in with the crowd and becoming just another name and number? Here are a few helpful tips.

Take Charge

No one is going to come along and hand you an opportunity. No one is going to push you up the ladder without good reason. Those who don’t take risks are never going to advance up the corporate ladder.

Look for projects, create ideas and solutions, and look for ways to create opportunities within the business. The most successful employees are the ones looking to grow both themselves and the business.

Constantly Learning

Another trait of truly successful employees is that they know there is never a time when we know everything. Those successful employees are constantly learning and growing, developing and evolving from where they began.

Every business has learning and growth moments. Great employees recognize where they could grow and learn, taking advantage of those situations at every turn. If you think you know it all, strive to learn more because you could undoubtedly stand to learn a thing or two.

Set Goals

Far too many employees are simply happy to skate by with a consistent paycheck. For some, that is enough security to be considered successful. But those looking for a bigger or better position want to not only take initiative but set goals for themselves and the business.

Start by setting small yet attainable goals. Build up and up as you go, making goals loftier and loftier as you go. By having something to work for, you give yourself the motivation necessary to not only achieve those goals but to move up the ladder with a greater level of consistency.

The post How to Be Successful at Work first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/how-to-be-successful-at-work/
via IFTTT

Regardless of your age, it’s never too late to learn how to play an instrument. In fact, there are many benefits to doing so which outweigh the initial struggle you might feel as a first-timer. The important thing is not to give up and to keep pushing yourself until you start to get the hang of it. At the end of the day, you’ll be glad you did. 

Playing an Instrument Can Reduce Stress 

Believe it or not, many studies have shown that picking up an instrument significantly lowers stress in a person due to the fact that music lowers the stress hormone cortisol. If you’re someone who suffers from anxiety or has a hard time handling stressful situations, picking up an instrument may be the solution to all your problems. 

Your Taste in Music Will Become More Developed 

When learning how to play an instrument, you’ll begin to notice that your appreciation for music in general has grown. You may now even begin to distinguish different composers, styles, and genres of music just by listening. 

You know how much work it takes to learn how to play an instrument, so you’ll also have a deeper appreciation for musicians. 

You’ll Have a Stronger Immune System 

Research shows that listening to music or playing an instrument increases the strength of your immune system. This is because the antibody immunoglobulin-A, which prevents you from getting sick, begins to multiply when you play or listen to music. 

You Can Improve Your Memory 

If you tend to be a bit forgetful at times, a simple solution for this problem is to learn how to play an instrument. Studies have shown that those who play an instrument have an easier time recalling things as opposed to those who don’t. 

You’ll Learn Discipline 

Unfortunately, you can’t learn how to play an instrument overnight. It takes a huge amount of dedication and hard work to do so. Without you pushing yourself, you’ll never be able to reach your musical goals. 

The post Why People Should Learn to Play an Instrument first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/why-people-should-learn-to-play-an-instrument/
via IFTTT

Although men have been on top of the business world for many years, women have made strides and can hold their own. Women are having success in many industries, including tech, fashion, beauty, broadcasting, and publishing. Take a look at some of the most successful female entrepreneurs out there.

Sophia Amoruso: Nasty Gal and Girlboss Media

Sophia Amoruso is 36, and she has a net worth of around $5 million. She has worked hard to build her business, and she has seen the highs and the lows. She stepped down from Nasty Gal in 2015 as it declared bankruptcy, but then she developed Girlboss, which is a site dedicated to empowering women in beauty, careers, wellness, and more. She is a great role model for young girls to look up to today.

Tory Burch: Tory Burch

The fashion icon Tory Burch is 54, and she has a net worth of $850 million. She started out working for Polo Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Loewe, and then she started her label in 2004. She is known for her unique designs that are popular throughout the world. She also founded a Breast Cancer Research Foundation to support women who have breast cancer.

Arianna Huffington: Thrive Global

Arianna Huffington is 70, and she has a net worth of $100 million. She is the co-founder and former editor-in-chief of HuffPost; and after she created it, she moved on to publish books. Her wellness site, Thrive Global, offers a six-week course for people to improve their wellness.

JK Rowling: Novelist

JK Rowling is 55 years old, and she has a net worth of $60 million. She is best known for the Harry Potter series, which was an instant hit and turned into a huge business. There are books, films, merchandise, and more.

Vera Wang: Vera Wang

Vera Wang is 71 years old, and she has a net worth of $70 million. She got her start when she designed her own wedding dress at the age of 40, and she decided to start her own label. She had worked at Vogue, and she had great contacts to help her get started. She has since expanded her label to include fashion clothing and homewares.

The post The Most Successful Female Entrepreneurs first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/the-most-successful-female-entrepreneurs/
via IFTTT

These days, it can be all too simple for kids to get caught up in their screens. Whether it’s video games, YouTube, or binge watching their favorite shows, getting them to do anything else can be a difficult task. That’s why if your child has shown interest in wanting to play an instrument, you should encourage them to do so. If you’re not sure what instrument to start with, keep reading. 

1. Piano 

Piano is a gateway to learning how to play other instruments. It’s a great place to start due to the fact that it’s pretty straightforward and includes all the elements of music. Aside from that, learning to play the piano only takes a few weeks, provided your child puts in the time to learn.

2. Guitar

This is another popular instrument with kids. Guitars come in all shapes and sizes, so finding the right one for your child is easier than you might think. Learning the guitar is also a great way for kids to learn the basics of music and is a great foundation to start on for those looking to continue their musical journey. 

3. Ukulele

Much like the guitar, a ukulele is quite simple to pick up. So much so that your child could be playing some familiar songs in no time at all. The size of a ukulele is also perfect for small children who may have a hard time holding onto larger instruments. 

4. Drums 

Some parents may be hesitant to buy their kid a set of drums due to the noise factor, but the truth is drums are a great way to teach your kids about rhythm. In fact, your child won’t have to know about things such as harmony or other aspects of music theory since the only thing they really need to focus on is the rhythm. Everything else falls into place around them. 

As far as the noise goes, you can always purchase an electric drum kit that tends to be a bit quieter than a traditional drum set.

The post The Best Instruments for Kids first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/the-best-instruments-for-kids/
via IFTTT

There is nothing wrong with being an employee. Even if it is not the end goal, being an employee means that you can still apply yourself and be a valuable part of a team. Moreover, employees who are looking to move up the ladder could benefit from thinking like an entrepreneur.

But what does that entail? What could employees be doing to differentiate themselves, make themselves more valuable, and move up that ladder? Here is how to think like an entrepreneur.

Make Yourself Valuable

The best way to make yourself valuable is to create value for yourself. The best way to do that is to endear yourself to the organization through high effort and a “no excuses” attitude. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset know that there is more than just “putting in work.”

Those people find ways, big or small, to make themselves valuable to an organization. That value is the biggest key to thinking like an entrepreneur.

Take Ownership

There are plenty of employees out there who will pass the buck and refuse to take blame. Nothing is ever their fault. Those are also the employees who tend to lose the most responsibility. They are also relegated to nothingness within the organization or outright fired.

Take ownership of the situation. Even if it goes poorly, it will show that you are unafraid to acknowledge when things don’t work out. Picking yourself up and moving forward is the key to being an effective entrepreneur.

Sell Yourself

The thing to remember about creating value within an organization is that no one is going to step up and go to bat for you. The most successful entrepreneurs are constantly selling themselves and their ideas to those above them.

People in the company are always looking for the edge or the next great employee. The ones who think like entrepreneurs are the ones that are consistently selling their abilities and what they can offer to the company. Never stop selling your ideas, your goals, and yourself.

The post Thinking Like an Entrepreneur first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/thinking-like-an-entrepreneur/
via IFTTT

If your child has expressed interest in wanting to learn an instrument, it’s up to you to help them figure out what instrument is best for them to start out on. Helping your child choose an instrument is also a great way to bond with them over a shared interest of music. Learning how to play an instrument early on has many benefits, so rest assured this experience will be rewarding for both you and your child alike. 

Consider Their Age 

When brainstorming what kind of instrument you want to start your child on, consider their age first. Because of their size, a child may be most comfortable learning how to play an instrument such as the violin, which is small enough for them to hold comfortably. 

A violin is also pretty easy to master thanks to the simple design. The piano is another recommended instrument for starters due to the fact that you can easily see the notes you’re playing, which is great for visual learners. 

Ease of Progression

At a young age, children tend to want to see results right away. If they’re not good at something right away, they might abandon it all together. That’s why it’s important to start them on an instrument such as the piano, where learning a simple song takes just under four weeks to master.

Once your child has gained enough confidence, they’ll feel ready to move on to bigger and better things. 

Put Their Wants First

The last thing you want to do is force your child into playing an instrument they do not want to play. If your child wants to start with a specific instrument, encourage them to do so and find ways to make it work. It might take a little bit of extra work on their part, but do not let them give up. 

A professional may also be able to help you find an instrument that is suitable for their age and size, which may make things much easier. 

The post Helping Your Child Choose Their First Instrument first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/helping-your-child-choose-their-first-instrument/
via IFTTT

While it is important as an entrepreneur to grow your business and attempt to have success, that is not the only goal. Really successful entrepreneurs work hard to help those around them and those within their community.

But how can entrepreneurs help others? Here are a few basic tips for giving back even when you are trying to grow your business.

Mentor Others

If you are running a business that has had some level of success, don’t be afraid to share that success. Look to other entrepreneurs who have just started out and share some of your experience with them in getting started.

They don’t have to be competitors but helping to mentor others within the world of entrepreneurs is a great way to give back and help others. Share your successes but don’t be afraid to share those failures, too. Everything helps in the learning experience.

Sponsor Nonprofit Organizations

There are plenty of organizations, many within a short proximity, that could use some sort of corporate sponsorship. They more often than not need some kind of financial assistance when it comes to hosting an event.

Sponsoring those nonprofit organizations provides awareness of said organization. Not only does that help the nonprofit to get their event off the ground successfully, but it doubles as quality PR for your business. That’s a win-win if there ever was one.

Donate to Charity

If you are looking for a simple yet effective way of helping out and giving back, donating is tried and true. Organizations need money to continue their efforts, particularly nonprofit organizations. Choose one that is near-and-dear to you and donate some of your money.

Even though it is not exactly the most hands-on approach out there, it is effective no less. Organizations will always need funding to continue their efforts and a simple donation can go a lot further than a good-faith gesture. Pick your favorite charity and donate to them on a regular basis if you can. That is a great way to help others.

The post How Entrepreneurs Can Help Others first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/how-entrepreneurs-can-help-others/
via IFTTT

The dream for many is to become their own boss, to be a successful entrepreneur. What is better than getting involved in a successful business at the start and riding it as high as it will go? For that reason, so many attempt to start their own business every year.

There is also a reason why so many fail in that first year. Being an entrepreneur is a lot harder than you may think. That is why it is important to have the basics down before you get started. Here are a few of the most important basics.

Business Plan

If you don’t have a strong business plan, you may as well not bother. Business plans outline everything from projected expenses and revenues to marketing strategies to specific goals throughout the first few years of the business.

Consider the business plan as being the road map for the future. It can’t be perfect because the future is unpredictable. But a good business plan can leave you in the best possible position to answer the questions of what is to come.

Know Your Audience

Another crucial aspect to starting a business is to know the audience for it. Having a great idea may seem like enough to get going, but there is so much more to it. What does the audience look like for that idea or product?

When you know what the audience is looking for, you can tailor your idea or product to fit their needs. That is what a truly successful business does from the jump.

Know What You Don’t Know

As much as some entrepreneurs project that they know everything, no one does. That means getting the right help for starters. It also means acknowledging the things that you don’t know and finding the support to fill in those answers.

Not knowing everything is okay. So is needing help. Far too many entrepreneurs think that they have to know it all or do it all and that is why they fail.

The post The Basics of Becoming an Entrepreneur first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/the-basics-of-becoming-an-entrepreneur/
via IFTTT

These days, working from home has become incredibly common due to the pandemic. As a result, many people may be having a difficult time adjusting to the change. To top it all off, it can be incredibly difficult to stay focused, especially if you have kids or a spouse at home who may also be working from home. Luckily, there are some ways to eliminate as many distractions as possible to make sure you stay on top of your workload. 

Listen to Music 

If you’ve got headphones, use them to your advantage. Put on a playlist that will not only help you focus, but will also drown out any background noise. If you’re tired of listening to the same songs over and over again, consider putting on a podcast or even an audio book. 

Take Breaks 

As much as you may want to get all your work done in one sitting, this will only result in you getting burnt out. Be sure to make a schedule for when you plan on working, being sure to add in some time for you to take breaks in between.

Make a Calendar 

To stay on top of important meetings and dates, be sure to buy or make a calendar where you can jot down things like this. When you write things down, you’ll be able to remember them easier and seeing them often will keep these dates in the back of your mind while you work. 

A calendar can also be a great way to plan out any goals you hope to meet that week. 

Dress for Success

It can be tempting to sit around in your pajamas all day, but doing so will only cause you to get overly comfortable – to the point where you may be tempted to take an afternoon nap in the middle of a work day, thus sabotaging any plans to be productive for the day. Make sure to dress as you would if you were going into the office to help you get in the headspace to work. 

The post Eliminating Distractions While Working From Home first appeared on Carman Dragone | Music & Business.

from Carman Dragone | Music & Business http://carmandragone.net/eliminating-distractions-while-working-from-home/
via IFTTT