My Fav Music Blog

Without His Cross on my Azumi 2000 Flute

2011-04-20T09:25:00.001-07:00

Far from perfect, but in time for Good Friday. I think there's some improvement since the last video of me playing my Azumi.

Blessed Easter, everyone!

Without His Cross
By : Joseph M. Martin

Without His tears, there is no comfort
Without His death, there is no life
Without His blood, there is no pardon
Without His cross, there is no crown

Without His shame, there is no glory
Without His grief, there is no joy
Without His stripes, there is no healing
Without His cross, there is no crown

Lamb of God, You bring salvation
And with Your grace, our hearts are sealed
Lord, with Your tears of love, You bathed our sorrows
In Your eyes we stand revealed

Without His tears, there is no comfort
Without His death, there is no life
Without His blood, there is no pardon
Without His cross, there is no crown

In Christ Alone

2011-04-19T09:00:00.001-07:00

The arrangement and his voice are AMAZING!!!

O Great God by Sovereign Grace Music

2011-02-21T06:49:00.000-08:00

One of my fav songs from Sovereign Grace Music. The Valley of Vision is an album of songs inspired by the classic book of Puritan prayers.

Christian YouTube Pianist

2011-01-19T06:49:00.000-08:00

Norm Hastings is a Christian pianist I got to know through YouTube. He's got a whole bunch of hymns in piano posted on his channel, and the good news is they are now available for purchase online! I'll let him tell you a little bit about it:

And here is a sample of one of his pieces:

Norm's YouTube Hymns album can be purchased from here: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/normhastings13

Irish Hymn on an Irish Flute

2011-01-15T02:31:00.000-08:00

Finally recorded something on my M&E Polymer Irish flute. This is my all-time favourite hymn Be Thou My Vision, which dates back all the way to the 6th century A.D.

More information about the hymn here, including the original Gaelic version: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Be_Thou_My_Vision

Home-made Erhu

2010-10-17T07:43:00.000-07:00

Just last Sunday I decided to try making an erhu, which is a Chinese fiddle out of some cardboard paper core and other materials I bought or had lying around.

A new beginner's instrument will set you back over $300 SGD. The cost of this one? Just $15 SGD and 3-4 hours of work.

Materials used:
- Cardboard roll for the soundbox (Free, complements of Alina)
- Wood dowel for the pegs and neck ($6)
- Plastic cotton bud box cover for the front of the soundbox (Free)
- Screw to hold one end of the strings (Free. Swiped from dad's toolbox)
- Scrap felt (Free, complements of Ni Zhen)
- Spare erhu bridge (Free)
- Erhu strings ($3 for both strings)
- Bow (salvaged from a crude gaohu I bought from a roadshow)
- Qian jin, which is a type of string ($1. Not shown in the picture)

Equipment:
- Hand drill
- Screwdriver
- Files

Materials

Soundbox with hole drilled through it for the neck.

Soundbox with neck

Neck with holes drilled for the pegs

Pegs with ends filed down to size and holes drilled for the strings

Screw at the bottom end

Half-assembled. Pegs, neck, soundbox and cover

The bow is strung between the strings. Notice the qian jin tied over the neck and strings below the pegs

Closeup of soundbox with bridge, felt and strings

Finished. Without flash

With flash

And here's a short test of the finished piece:

I'll try to post a full song when I can find the time.

Home-made Flute and Whistles!

2010-10-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

Finally got about to posting some home-made instruments by yours truly!

The first video here is me play testing some Irish whistles made from PVC pipe by a friend for an overseas community project.

The instructions were taken from this fantastic website of Guido Gonzato, who makes his own whistles out of PVC pipe: http://www.ggwhistles.com/howto/.

The article my friend wrote of the project can be found here: http://www.goducate.org/making-music-with-pvc-pipes.html

Photos of her process can be found here.

Way to go, Alina and her elves!

Pitching may not be perfect, but for a first attempt by most who are not musicians or artists, and some materials with different dimensions, I think it's pretty good!

Just in case anyone is interested in the tunes I played in the video, they were (1) Lamb of God, (2) the Butterfly (mistakes and all) and (3) Inisheer.

The second video is of a flute I made out of PVC pipe following the instructions of famed PVC pipe Irish flute maker, Doug Tipple. The instructions are on his website can be found here: http://sites.google.com/site/dougsflutes/makingasimpleirishflute

Doug sells the flutes he makes too, and the reviews have been very positive. Irish flutes can be rather expensive costing several hundreds just for a beginner's instrument and in the thousands for well-crafted wood ones. For starters who just want to try it out without committing too much resources, Doug's instruments are a great choice: http://sites.google.com/site/dougsflutes/

My flute is different from Doug's as it incorporates some design features from the Chinese dizi, namely the membrane hole and the end holes on the underside of the flute. I use a piece of paper to cover the membrane hole when I want to play the flute without the characteristic dizi's buzzy tone.

Doesn't sound great, but still quite in tune and serviceable!

Be Thou My Vision on My Generation Bb Brass Irish Whistle

2010-09-04T01:51:00.001-07:00

My all time favourite hymn, which has survived since the 5th Century. Composition attributed to St Patrick. Taken with my Lumix DMC-TZ15 in my room.

Wonderful Merciful Saviour by Selah

2010-08-03T22:37:00.001-07:00

Kung Fu Panda - Oogway Ascends by Hans Zimmer

2010-07-14T04:01:00.001-07:00

Without His Cross

2010-07-13T20:46:00.000-07:00

English Lyrics:
Without His Cross
By : Joseph M. Martin

Without His tears, there is no comfort
Without His death, there is no life
Without His blood, there is no pardon
Without His cross, there is no crown

Without His shame, there is no glory
Without His grief, there is no joy
Without His stripes, there is no healing
Without His cross, there is no crown

Lamb of God, You bring salvation
And with Your grace, our hearts are sealed
Lord, with Your tears of love, You bathed our sorrows
In Your eyes we stand revealed

Without His tears, there is no comfort
Without His death, there is no life
Without His blood, there is no pardon
Without His cross, there is no crown

At the Foot of the Cross

2010-06-20T09:43:00.001-07:00

My Whistles

2010-06-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Finally a photograph of my Irish whistle collection! (well, short of one though as it's been lent to a friend).

From left to right:

Walton's C
Walton's D
Feadog Brass C
Feadog Brass D
Feadog Pro (Nickle D)
Generation Brass Bb
Generation Brass C
Generation Brass D
Generation Brass Eb
Dixon Trad Brass D
Clarke Sweetone C
Clarke Sweetone D
Clarke Meg C
(Not in picture) Clarke Meg D
Clarke Original C
Clarke Original D

My favourites are 3, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 :).

Sea Organ and Singing Ringing Tree

2010-05-21T07:23:00.000-07:00

I like this kind of art :)

Sea Organ, Zadar, Croatia

Singing Ringing Tree, Burnley, Lancashire

Making the Khaen

2010-05-20T22:39:00.001-07:00

I have one of these! (albeit a small one)

Some of My Playing

2010-05-20T19:51:00.000-07:00

Finally recorded some clips of me playing some instruments. First attempt. Will do better next time.

Who Needs Brass Instruments When You Have a Rubber Tube?

2010-05-03T19:10:00.003-07:00

Come to Jesus

2010-03-26T03:32:00.000-07:00

My granduncle (great uncle) passed away suddenly on Monday morning from heart failure. His sudden departure came as a shock to all of us. He just came to my house a month ago to celebrate Chinese New Year. He was a pastor, and though officially retired, was still very active in missions. I have friends in Shanghai who got to know him as well. From the eulogies, I learned that he was a very well loved man and prolific in missions and the Boys' Brigade. In fact he had just come back from a mission trip to Uganda.

Today was the funeral and cremation. His daughter sang this song by Chris Rice and his son, a professional musician, played the piano. It was very moving, and the song is beautiful. I'd like to share it here:

Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus)
Written by Chris Rice

Weak and wounded sinner
Lost and left to die
O, raise your head, for Love is passing by
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus
Come to Jesus and live!

Now your burdens lifted
And carried far away
And precious blood has washed away the stain...so
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus
Sing to Jesus and live!

And like a newborn baby
Dont be afraid to crawl
And remember when you walk, sometimes we fall...so
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus
Fall on Jesus and live!

Sometimes the way is lonely
And steep and filled with pain
So if your sky is dark and pours the rain...then
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus
Cry to Jesus and live!

O, and when the love spills over
And music fills the night
And when you cant contain your joy inside...then
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus
Dance for Jesus and live!

And with your final heartbeat
Kiss the world goodbye
Then go in peace, and laugh on glorys side...and
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus
Fly to Jesus and live!

Be Thou My Vision in OLD Gaelic

2010-03-22T10:26:00.000-07:00

I got this video of my all time favourite hymn, Be Thou My Vision, in old Gaelic from a lady who posted a comment on my original post of the same topic. This is so cool! Thanks, Sheila!!

Lyrics:

Rop tú mo baile, a Choimdiu cride:
ní ní nech aile acht Rí secht nime.
Rop tú mo scrútain i l-ló 's i n-aidche;
rop tú ad-chëar im chotlud caidche.

Rop tú mo labra, rop tú mo thuicsiu;
rop tussu dam-sa, rob misse duit-siu.
Rop tussu m'athair, rob mé do mac-su;
rop tussu lem-sa, rob misse lat-su.

Rop tú mo chathscíath, rop tú mo chlaideb;
rop tussu m'ordan, rop tussu m'airer.
Rop tú mo dítiu, rop tú mo daingen;
rop tú nom-thocba i n-áentaid n-aingel.

Rop tú cech maithius dom churp, dom anmain;
rop tú mo flaithius i n-nim 's i talmain.
Rop tussu t' áenur sainserc mo chride;
ní rop nech aile acht Airdrí nime.

Co talla forum, ré n-dul it láma,
mo chuit, mo chotlud, ar méit do gráda.
Rop tussu t' áenur m' urrann úais amra:
ní chuinngim daíne ná maíne marba.

Rop amlaid dínsiur cech sel, cech sáegul,
mar marb oc brénad, ar t' fégad t' áenur.
Do serc im anmain, do grád im chride,
tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime.

Tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime,
do serc im anmain, do grád im chride.
Go Ríg na n-uile rís íar m-búaid léire;
ro béo i flaith nime i n-gile gréine

A Athair inmain, cluinte mo núall-sa:
mithig (mo-núarán!) lasin trúagán trúag-sa.
A Chríst mo chride, cip ed dom-aire,
a Flaith na n-uile, rop tú mo baile.

Original post: http://favian-music.blogspot.com/2009/11/be-thou-my-vision-in-original-gaelic.html

I Love My Azumi

2010-03-22T10:11:00.000-07:00

I'd like to mess with people and tell them I have a Japanese girlfriend, but too bad most of them already know I was going to get a flute. Well, here's the actual piece, played by the lady who sold it to me (she plays much better than me, of course). Susan took the time to record a flute test for me and answered a load of my questions, and it was great doing business with her! I wasn't planning to get a flute till the end of the year, but 2nd hand Azumis in good condition are rare (actually 2nd hand Azumis are rare to start with), so after some prayer and consideration, I decided to go for it. It's a lovely flute. You can visit Susan's website at http://flutastic.com/. She's got a bunch of other instruments for sale. No more Azumis at this point of writing though.

Anyway, without further ado, here's the video:

Dizi Head for Boehm Flute

2010-03-06T08:07:00.000-08:00

Ok. This is weird. I play the Dizi and the Boehm, but the way this tries to make East and West meet takes the cake (and I thought Quena headjoints for Boehm flutes was weird).

I think he ought to play Chinese music instead of classical and see how it sounds.

How to Build a God

2010-03-05T07:08:00.001-08:00

I'm not out of tune. You are!

2010-02-28T02:50:00.000-08:00

Well, that depends on your point of reference, really.

I play the Irish whistle (which in itself isn't always a well-tuned instruments, especially the cheapies) and it's been hard getting the rest of the mini orchestra I play in for church to accept it. Nice as it sounds, I can't seem to match the pitch with the other instruments on a note-by-note basis. Some people tell me that every note is a little "out of tune" and has to be handled differently from other notes in order to play in tune, if at all possible. "Some people", I say, because there are others who tell me that the instrument is not tuned to the Equal Temperament tuning system which pianos and most other orchestral instruments use. There are whistles that come in Equal Tempered tuning, of course, but others use Just Intonation. The latter differs from the former on a note-by-note basis and could be the reason why my whistles seem out of tune with other instruments.

But Equal Temperament is a compromise system, so, in a sense, you can say they are out of tune. In an effort to create a tuning system where music can be easily transposed to different keys without sounding out of tune, Equal Temperament was developed. It is most prominent in pianos, which need to be able to play in all different keys without the need for retuning (which could be helluva lot of work!) between playing different pieces. It is a compromise because in order for it to work, some notes are tuned in a way that they don't sound "perfect" (they may be sharp or flat based on other tuning systems).

So too bad for me. I can't control my whistles that perfectly as to vary my pitch to match the other instruments for each and every note (and my hearing isn't trained to that level yet to be able to tell pitch differences very well), if at all possible. And I can't afford the more expensive whistles that come in the imperfect Equal Tempered tuning. Maybe the problem is everyone else is "out of tune" with me. Haha... But I guess in this case, the majority wins.

(Some information on tuning systems here).

How Flutes Are Made

2010-01-24T02:41:00.001-08:00

Pronomos Flute (aka Complex Flute) - quartertones and all

2010-01-14T07:31:00.000-08:00

Ok, I know I have an interest in flutes, but this one takes the cake.

I subscribe to a flutemakers Yahoo group and often get updates from people who make simple flutes (6-hole flutes, usually Irish flutes). Here is one of the more recent posts:

The newest addition to the Boehm flute world is the Complex Flute designed by Istvan Matuz, improved by Julian Elvira, and built by the British flutemaker, Stephen Wessel. It can be played as a regular Boehm flute, but it also enables quarter-tones, multiphonics, and sound vocabularly of many types of non-western flutes and flute-like instruments. Elvira refers to it as "an advanced instrument, taking the Boehm instrument to its limits." It is now known as the Pronomos flute. For more information about the flute see:

http://www.wessel-flutes.co.uk/complex_flute/a_brief_history/

- Susan Maclagan, "A Dictionary for the Modern Flutist," Scarecrow Press, April 2009.

As if mastering semitones on a Boehm flute isn't hard enough, here's one that offers you quartertones! I'd sure like to see James Galway play this thing. Lol!

Handmade Bamboo Flutes

2010-01-08T08:21:00.001-08:00

How to Make a Carrot Ocarina

2009-12-29T00:59:00.001-08:00

For those of you who like playing with your food and making music, why not make music with your food? Lol!

Merry Christmas (with some broccoli)

2009-12-29T00:45:00.001-08:00

Four days late, but I just came across this, so Blessed Christmas anyway! :)

Quena Headjoint for Boehm Flute??

2009-12-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

Ok. This must be the strangest thing I've seen recently, and yet it makes me go: "Now why didn't I think of it?" The end-blown headjoint at 1:00 of the video is from the South American quena flute. Makes me wonder what other types of headjoints can be attached to a Boehm flute. How about the Chinese bawu flute head, or some single or double reeds? Hmm...

In case you're interested in getting a quena headjoint, here's where you can get it: http://www.educci.de/gb_index.html

Eigenharp

2009-11-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

If you think this is a guitar fingerboard with a mouthpiece, think again. Those are not frets and strings. Those are keys! Check this new instrument out at http://www.eigenlabs.com/!

I Want One of These!! (the flute, I mean)

2009-11-15T08:35:00.001-08:00

Be Thou My Vision in Gaelic!!

2009-11-12T06:59:00.000-08:00

Can't believe I found this. My all time favourite hymn in its original language, and some explanation of its history:

Here are the the Irish lyrics if you can read them:

Gaelic adaptation of 'Be Thou my Vision' by Hugh Brennan
Sung by Máire Brennan

Bí Thusa mo shúile a
Rí mhór na ndúil
Líon thusa mo bheatha mo
Chéadfaí ‘s mo stuaim
Bí thusa i m’aigne
Gach oiche ‘s gach lá
Im chodladh no im dhúiseacht
Líon mé le do grá

Bí thusa mo threorú I mbriathar
Is i mbeart
Fan thusa go deo liom
Is coinnigh mé ceart
Glac cúram mar Athair
Is éist le mo ghuí
Is tabhair domsa áit cónaí
Istigh i do chroí

Be my eyes, O king of creation
Fill my life with understanding
And patience
Will You be my mind every night
And every day
Sleeping or awake
Fill me with Your love

Will You be my guidance
In my words and actions
Stay with me forever
And keep me on the right path
As my Father take care of me
And listen to my prayers
And give me a place
To live inside Your heart

(English translation by Adodh O Dugain)

On another note, I found this at another website. The translation looks very different, but since I can't read it, I'm not sure what the translation means. It's apparently and old form of Irish:

Rop tú mo baile, a Choimdiu cride:
ní ní nech aile acht Rí secht nime.
Rop tú mo scrútain i l-ló 's i n-aidche;
rop tú ad-chëar im chotlud caidche.

Rop tú mo labra, rop tú mo thuicsiu;
rop tussu dam-sa, rob misse duit-siu.
Rop tussu m'athair, rob mé do mac-su;
rop tussu lem-sa, rob misse lat-su.

Rop tú mo chathscíath, rop tú mo chlaideb;
rop tussu m'ordan, rop tussu m'airer.
Rop tú mo dítiu, rop tú mo daingen;
rop tú nom-thocba i n-áentaid n-aingel.

Rop tú cech maithius dom churp, dom anmain;
rop tú mo flaithius i n-nim 's i talmain.
Rop tussu t' áenur sainserc mo chride;
ní rop nech aile acht Airdrí nime.

Co talla forum, ré n-dul it láma,
mo chuit, mo chotlud, ar méit do gráda.
Rop tussu t' áenur m' urrann úais amra:
ní chuinngim daíne ná maíne marba.

Rop amlaid dínsiur cech sel, cech sáegul,
mar marb oc brénad, ar t' fégad t' áenur.
Do serc im anmain, do grád im chride,
tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime.

Tabair dam amlaid, a Rí secht nime,
do serc im anmain, do grád im chride.
Go Ríg na n-uile rís íar m-búaid léire;
ro béo i flaith nime i n-gile gréine

A Athair inmain, cluinte mo núall-sa:
mithig (mo-núarán!) lasin trúagán trúag-sa.
A Chríst mo chride, cip ed dom-aire,
a Flaith na n-uile, rop tú mo baile.

From http://www.be-thou-my-vision.com/celtic_be_thou_my_vision_old_irish_words.html

More info at http://www.be-thou-my-vision.com/

I Have A Shelter

2009-11-05T07:52:00.001-08:00

I Have a Shelter by Sovereign Grace Ministries:

Foundations for Worship - FREE MP3 set download

2009-09-30T18:53:00.000-07:00

I just happened to come across an audio CD MP3 dowload set on the topic of Foundations for Worship. The speaker is Bob Kauflin from Sovereign Grace Ministries, author of the book (and blog) Worship Matters. I just finished reading his book a few days ago and it has been deeply impacting. It has also revolutionized my concept of congregational worship.

The contents of the MP3 set are:

Worship: What Really Matters
Building a Worshiping Community
The Worship Leader's Role
Why Do We Sing?
Leading and Feeding Your Team
Heart Attitudes for the Worship Team
Worship Leading and the Prophetic Gifts
Closing the Gap: Pastors and Worship Leaders

Best part of all is that the downloads are completely FREE.

You can download the MP3 set here:
http://www.sovereigngracestore.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=A1310-00-51

Worship Song List (1)

2009-09-28T05:24:00.000-07:00

Random post.

Was humming to myself at the bus stop and ended up coming up with a song list for a short worship session. Not that I lead worship or anything, but it's fun to think of these things sometimes :)

1) Intro - "Before we can understand who we are in Jesus, we first need to understand who we are not." - Casting Crowns

2) Who Am I - Casting Crowns

3) Holy, holy, holy (follow immediately from 1 after a few bars)

4) Reading of Scripture and short exhortation - Isaiah 6:1-5

5) Bow the Knee - Wilds

6) Short exhortation - We can only stand before God in Christ

7) In Christ Alone - Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

8) The Solid Rock

9) Close

Probably should have a song or Scripture before (1), maybe from or relating to Psalm 8.

Anyway, that's all for now ;)

Worship Matters

2009-08-26T09:39:00.001-07:00

I recently purchased a set of MP3s that a friend told me about of a worship session in a pastor's conference. It's a live recording, and apparently not pre-planned (the recording, that is). But hearing the congregation sing was rousing! I browsed around and came across a book written by the worship leader/pianist of that session, Bob Kauflin. After reading the first 4 chapters, I can only say a hearty "amen" to what he has written. And a quick search revealed his own blog.

Just wanted to share these resources with those involved in worship ministry. The book is free to read online (though you can purchase it if you want), and his blog shares his thoughts on many different topics regarding worship. Hope you'll be blessed by them.

Online Book: http://www.crossway.org/product/9781581348248/browse

Bob Kauflin's Blog: http://www.worshipmatters.com

Praise You In This Storm

2009-07-27T07:21:00.000-07:00

This song struck a chord somehow. I like the lyrics.

Praise You In This Storm
by Casting Crowns

I was sure by now
God You would have reached down
And wiped our tears away
Stepped in and saved the day
But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls
I barely hear Your whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

And I'll praise You in this storm
And I will lift my hands
For You are who You are
No matter where I am
And every tear I've cried
You hold in Your hand
You never left my side
And though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

I remember when
I stumbled in the wind
You heard my cry to you
And you raised me up again
My strength is almost gone
How can I carry on
If I can't find You

But as the thunder rolls
I barely hear You whisper through the rain
"I'm with you"
And as Your mercy falls
I raise my hands and praise the God who gives
And takes away

I lift my eyes unto the hills
Where does my help come from?
My help comes from the Lord
The Maker of Heaven and Earth

Super Lightweight Boehm Flutes

2009-07-18T02:08:00.000-07:00

I wanted to say 'plastic', but nobody knows the secret formula composite material used to make these things. It's called Grenaditte, and it looks and feels like some kind of polymer. I came across them while paying a music school a visit (which happens to be the only place in Singapore that sells Irish whistles, but only Susatos).

It took a bit of searching, but I finally found some information (and videos!) of these flutes on the web. Check 'em out!

Grenaditte Flute Review @ Chiff and Fipple: http://forums.chiffandfipple.com/viewtopic.php?p=657112

Oh, and I'm told they retail for over $2000 SGD. They're good flutes, I'm told, but I don't have enough experience to appreciate them yet.

DidgeriFlutes?

2009-07-13T04:53:00.001-07:00

People have asked me before if didgeridoos can play different tones. Well, I guess they can if you consider the hoots as a different tone. In fact if you're a brass player you may be able to get several tones by tightening your lips more when you blow. But that's not how you play the didge anyway. They are essentially monotone instruments - until now.

Introducing the Didj Flute!

Created by Marko Johnson, these modified didgeridoos have tone holes! Well, actually they are Didjboxes (also his creations) with tone holes. Didjboxes are compact didgeridoos (I have no idea how he makes them to have that low pitch at such a size. Maybe he winds the air column inside the box).

Anyway, so as to not keep you waiting, here's the link:

http://www.didjbox.com/flute.php

And here are some sound samples:

http://www.didjbox.com/soundclips.php

There-What??

2009-06-28T07:20:00.000-07:00

Theremin! Sounds like some vitamin or mineral? Think again. It's a musical instrument that I just got to know about from a friend. Not your conventional instrument with pipes, strings, skins or those things. It's more like air guitar - with sound! (not guitar sound of course) Or maybe a better description would be making music on TV antennae. And to think it was invented in 1920!

Check out the following post on Wikipedia and the YouTube video!

Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Theremin

Roaring Bulls!

2009-06-08T08:47:00.000-07:00

Just got inspired to post something about an aborigine communication device called the bullroarer. It doesn't have anything to do with bulls or roaring, and I'm not even sure if it can be called an instrument. But here it is anyway.

So what's a bullroarer? Very simply, it's just a block of wood tied to a length of string. How do you use it? Easy! Just swing it around! But be careful where you swing those things!

Some video clips:

And something funny to lighten things up:

And if those are too small, check this one out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WnVUlx_NegY&feature=related

Do You Kazoo?

2009-05-01T03:47:00.000-07:00

Haven't been blogging for a really long time (except for my art blog). I finally managed to take photographs of all of my musical instruments. Unfortunately some of them turned out blur and would need some reshoots. But for those that are sharp enough, they'll go on the blog first.

Today, I'd like to introduce one of my toys. Well, I consider it a toy rather than a serious instrument (though there are probably some who would beg to differ). It's called a Kazoo, and it's a type of wind instrument. These things are available in Singapore. At least a couple of shops in Bras Basah sell them for just a couple of dollars.

Construction
The body of the Kazoo is conical, and open at both ends. In the middle is a resonator where there is a membrane covering a hole, somewhat like the membrane hole on the Chinese bamboo flute (dizi). This gives the Kazoo its buzzing sound.

Playing Method
If you blow into the Kazoo, you get.... NO SOUND! That's right. You don't blow into the thing. You have to vocalize. That means you hum, sing, or speak. There has to be some sound (coming from your voice box) for the Kazoo to work with. So vocalize into the end with the bigger hole. It's that simple

Videos
Check these videos out!

How to Play the Kazoo

Somewhere Over the Rainbow on the Kazoo

More information on the Kazoo can be obtained from Wikipedia at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kazoo

My PVC Flutes

2009-02-07T08:17:00.003-08:00

I've been trying out Doug Tipple's instructions on making PVC Irish flutes, and have tried my hand at 4 pieces so far with slight modifications on 2 of them. One of the flutes was made with a detachable lip-plate and additional end holes and a membrane hole for a flute-dizi conversion. The other one had a lip-plate and end holes to stabilize the upper register.

The tuning seems to be rather flat for me, and I just got myself some more PVC pipe to try some new stuff, namely making tunable flutes with some copper tubing for tuning slides, and spray paint for decor purposes. I also want to try making an E-flat and perhaps an E flute as well.

If you're wondering what inspired me to make my own flutes, it's actually very simple - budget. I spent less than 20 SGD on materials today, which would make me 5-6 flutes. I'd spend the 100 USD on one of Doug's, but that's gonna have to be after I secure a more stable source of income (perhaps from selling flutes??).

Will post some pictures of them soon once I finish the new ones!

The Parable of the Flute

2009-01-26T08:07:00.000-08:00

I wrote about Erik the Flutemaker some time back. I just came across a message given by him titled the Parable of the Flute. It's a great message, and Erik has a great personality to bring it out. Here are the videos:

Part 1

Part 2

Check out his Youtube channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/theflutemaker

How to Play the Shofar

2008-11-09T07:23:00.000-08:00

The Shofar - Expanded

2008-11-09T07:10:00.001-08:00

My earlier post about the shofar was the third video clip in a series of 3. I found the earlier 2 clips, so here they are again - all 3 of them:

If you prefer to see the entire series of clips without breaks, you can do so here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xe3V4t7D8zM&feature=related

Disclaimer: The author of this blog doesn't necessarily share the views expressed in the video clips

Make Your Own Instruments (Part 3) - PVC Irish Flute!

2008-07-20T09:23:00.000-07:00

I posted some time ago on making PVC didgeridoos and Irish whistles. I've tried them both and they appear to work fine. The low D Irish whistle I made seems to be rather out of tune, but it's my first try, and the instructions have been updated.

I also tried making my own PVC Irish flute. There are some really good instructions at PVC Irish flute maker Doug Tipple's website. His flutes have received very good reviews, and they cost a fraction of a normal Irish flute (imagine paying $60 instead of $250 for a great sounding Irish flute! Then imagine making your own for less than 10 bucks!!).

I'll post some pictures when I have the time, but here's Doug's instructions for starters:

http://dougsflutes.googlepages.com/makingasimpleirishflute

Make Your Own Instruments (Part 2) - Tubes , Pipes and Carrot Sticks

2008-05-09T20:42:00.000-07:00

I've been searching the net for some how-to's on making your own homemade musical instruments. Some of my finds have been really eye-opening. Apart from the carrot panpipes and broccoli ocarinas (see here), there are some stuff that are really worth trying out. Imagine having a set of Irish whistles (including the low whistles which easily cost over 100 USD each) for just a few dollars and a little craftsmanship! Or a playable didgeridoo from materials available at your local hardware store!

The following are some very comprehensive instructions for making your own Irish whistles and Didges. The only difficulty may be trying to find the right materials in your own country.

Irish Whistles

PVC Whistle
Get the sweet sound of the Irish whistle with just some... electrical conduit?? Yes, you can make your own set with some PVC pipe, and with great results! The whistles this guy makes retail for 28 to 75 USD - but only because people asked for them. He gives a very detailed step-by-step guide on making your own whistles with measurements and all! His whistle was even given some good reviews by an online reviewer!

How to make the 'Low-Tech' Whistle guide: http://guido.gonzato.googlepages.com/whistle.html

Listen to the 'Low-Tech' Whistle here!

Read the reviews at http://www.tinwhistler.com/index.aspx. Under "Whistle Reviews", click the High-End pull down menu and look for "Guido Gonzato 'Low-Tech' Whistle".

Copper Whistle
Here's another detailed guide on making an Irish whistle, this time in copper! I couldn't find the copper tubing with the right diameter so I bought me some aluminium tube instead. Maybe it'll work just as well...

Here's the tutorial: http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/6611/makewhis.htm

Didgeridoo

PVC Didges
Now that you've looked at PVC and copper tin whistles (ha... the irony... Methinks Irish whistles shouldn't be referred to as 'tin whistles' if made in other materials), we'll take a look at other stuff you can do with PVC pipe. For this one, you need larger pipe - the type used for water - and a few different materials. This tutorial also steps you through the making of your own didge, this time with photos!

Making PVC Didgeridoos guide: http://www.geocities.com/gangwise/didgeridoo

If you're concerned about the tuning of your didge, check out this chart!

Cardboard Roll Didges
You can make didges out of cardboard rolls too (the long ones used to roll fabrics). I tried making one but haven't finished painting it.

Unlike PVC didges, bending it to shape or making a bell isn't as straightforward. One tutorial stated that you can put a bottle into one end and spray a bit of water over several days to get the cardboard to expand in order to make a bell. I'm a little skeptical, but you can try it. Just be careful your didge doesn't grow mold.

The steps are just as straightforward. You just saw the didge down to the right length (and pitch) and fix a mouthpiece (beeswax or otherwise) then paint it with acrylics. You can spray lacquer over it and use shellac to waterproof the inside somewhat, but I haven't tried it out. I'll post the photos another time.

"If you can't afford a good genuine Didgeridoo, one of the next best things in sound quality is a plastic pipe - and its certainly the cheapest option. There is one source for a Didgeridoo, which can be even cheaper and that is the cardboard rolls used by fabric merchants to roll the material on. You can probably pick those up for free at fabric retailers. It's advisable to give them a coat of varnish or wood glue to harden them and improve the sound of the didgeridoo."

- Excerpt from http://www.didjshop.com/shop1/make_your_own_didgeridoo.html

Christian Flute Maker

2008-05-05T09:35:00.000-07:00

I don't remember how I chanced upon this website, but it was only tonight that I went through it in detail and discovered the story behind this extraordinary flute maker. His name is Erik Sampson, and he is a Christian who is using his flute-making skills to be a blessing to others.

Erik had a tumultuous youth and went through a lot of confusion and rough times in his quest for truth until the day God led him to Himself. He later found his calling in life, which was to make flutes for the glory of God and to be a blessing to others. Today he not only makes flutes, but is actively involved in mission work. Check out his testimony!

Erik makes flutes of a wide range of variety - from Arabian flutes to Oriental Shakuhachi, from Egyptian flutes to walking stick flutes - all from bamboo. His flutes sound great (check out the sound clips on his site) and he takes a lot of care creating them, sometimes making several to get one that works well. You can check them out at his shop. He also makes saxophones, Irish whistles and panpipes.

To top things off, there's a parable on his website that uses his process of flute-making as an analogy for the Christian life.

Little Geese and Dragon's Eggs

2008-05-03T01:06:00.000-07:00

Animals in my music blog?? Not really. In fact the instruments described here are not related to animals at all. They're what are commonly known as Ocarinas - enclosed clay wind instruments with holes.

Wikipedia tells us: The word ocarina is derived from Italian meaning "little goose." Don't ask me why.

Ocarinas are ancient instruments that, like flutes and panpipes, seem to have existed in cultures all over the world for centuries (or perhaps even millenia!). The Chinese have theirs, the Europeans have theirs, the Mesoamericans have theirs. Today I'll introduce a few that I have.

my ocarina collection

The Little Goose

When we use the word 'ocarina', what comes to mind most readily is the kind with a mouthpiece that resembles a whistle. The Chinese call it the "tao di" (陶笛).

Such ocarinas come in all shapes and sizes. Lots of them come in animal shapes too. It's up to the creativity of the maker.

I own 6 ocarinas of this type. The first is a plastic one I bought from Yamaha at Plaza Singapura (the yellow one). It's a 10-hole instrument. I think the piece I got wasn't too well made as some parts don't have a good seal (it's made in 2 halves joined together).

Clay ocarina

The second one is a clay handmade piece made by my friend's uncle who's a potter. It's a nice piece of pottery with interesting texture and a glazed mouthpiece. It's not tuned very well though, and probably needs some tweaking to sound better.

Fish-shaped ocarina from Eastern Europe

The third one is one that a friend of mine purchased for me in Eastern Europe. It's made of red clay and shaped in a piece. This unfortunate one was the victim of my carelessness when I accidentally swept it off my desk and shattered it to pieces. I've since glued the pieces back together, but I think it leaks air and doesn't sound as it once did...

TaoDi

The other 3 are Chinese TaoDi. Two of them were made by a famous ocarina shop in Taiwan. My friends who visited Taipei got them for me. They are 6-holed ocarinas. The last one was given by someone else and made elsewhere.

The Dragon's Egg

It doesn't take a genius to guess why this ocarina is referred to as a dragon's egg. Apart from the shape, it originates from a culture where dragons are symbols of power and good fortune - the Middle Kingdom, China.

This ocarina is known as a Xun (埙). Unlike the TaoDi, it is edge-blown and doesn't have a mouthpiece. You play it the same way you blow across a bottle opening to get a sound.

I bought this Xun at a roadshow in a shopping mall during Chinese New Year a few years back. It has lovely carvings of carp. Paid $50 SGD for it. It's more an ornamental piece than a musical instrument though. While playable, it's not tuned well.

Listen to the Xun here!

Note: You can probably make ocarinas of this type using ostrich or emu eggs. I've seen instructions on this in a library book on making your own musical instruments. That set of instructions included making a fipple (mouthpiece) for the ocarina.

Make Your Own Instruments (Part 1)!!

2008-04-30T08:32:00.000-07:00

I decided to try making my own PVC pipe didgeridoo just a few days back. It's probably one of the simplest instruments to make, being just a simple cylinder. But if you're more adventurous, the possibilities are almost limitless! Here are some things I found on the web about making your own instruments:

Let's start with some inspiration:

Here are some interesting sites:

http://www.philtulga.com/Didgeridoo.html - Didgeritubes?? Where did they get that from? A cross between a panpipe and several didgeridoos!
http://www.philtulga.com/Panpipes.html - Panpipes - something more conventional
http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~dl1s-ymgc/tsukur-e.htm - Yokobue - Some kind of Japanese flute
And a whole load of other odd homemade instruments at http://www.ehhs.cmich.edu/~dhavlena/. This is the guy behind the video above. Hard to read cos it's all in Courier font, but with detailed instructions.

Didge Your Way To A Good Night's Sleep - Why I want to learn to play the Didgeridoo

2008-04-28T05:26:00.001-07:00

Sounds weird? Well, maybe not! A medical journal published a paper several years ago documenting the benefits of didgeridoo playing in managing certain sleep disorders!

I have a family history of sleep apnoea (American: apnea). People with this condition tend to snore, and their airways get blocked when they are in deep sleep. When the airway gets blocked, the body wakes itself up. Usually the sleeper isn't aware of this. Nevertheless it results in interrupted sleep and tiredness throughout the day. Treatment for sleep apnoea can range from operations (which may provide only temporary relief, and are very expensive) or some other expensive sleep equipment, none of which I can afford.

Welcome to Didgeridoo playing! Here's an excerpt from an article in ABC News Online dated 23 Dec 2005:

Researchers in Switzerland have examined 25 patients who suffered from snoring and moderate obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, both common sleep disorders.

Half the group were given daily lessons in playing the didgeridoo.

The study, published in the British Medical Journal's online edition, found those who played the wind instrument over a four-month trial period saw a significant improvement in their daytime sleepiness and apnoea.

Their partners also reported less disturbance from snoring.

The researchers said training the upper airways through the breathing techniques required to play the didgeridoo was behind the improvement.

Here's the link to the article: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200512/s1537218.htm

An operation or one of those sleep machines could cost thousands of dollars. Didgeridoo lessons are about $30 and hour. Learn for a month (at $120) and you can practice circular breathing on your own after that. You do the math.

And oh, did I mention you get to learn a new musical instrument along the way?

The Shofar

2008-04-24T08:54:00.000-07:00

This is an instrument that has deep religious significance. The Shofar, or Ram's Horn, is used by the Jews in their worship. In the past it was also used in battle. One such usage was in the famed battle of Jericho where God ordered the blast of the shofar prior to leveling the walls of the fortified city.

Info on the Shofar: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shofar

When It's All Been Said and Done with Irish Whistle and Uilleann Pipes

2008-04-22T07:29:00.000-07:00

We've been singing this song When It's All Been Said and Done at my church for a while now. I did a search on Youtube for the song and found this one performed by Don Moen and another musician. The other musician played the Irish Whistle and Uilleann Pipes (Irish bagpipes).

The clip starts off a little soft though.

Lamb of God on the Tin Whistle

2008-04-15T07:57:00.000-07:00

I found this wonderful recording of Twila Paris' Lamb of God played with the Irish tin whistle. Enjoy!

Irish Whistles (my new toys!)

2008-04-12T05:41:00.000-07:00

My new toys just arrived in the mail 2 days ago. I ordered several Irish whistles (otherwise known as tin whistles or pennywhistles), 3 nose flutes and an American fife from a US-based online store - the Whistle Shop.

Irish whistles are one of the cheapest, sweetest sounding and easiest to learn instruments. Unlike other instruments where expensive usually means better, some of the best whistles are relatively cheap. You probably have heard its rustic and sometimes haunting sound in Titanic's My Heart Will Go On, and in Lord of the Ring's Concerning Hobbits.

The whistles in the photo are (top to bottom) a Walton's D, a Clarke's Original D with natural finish, and a Clarke's Original C. The Walton's D was a gift from my cousin who visited Ireland. It cost around $30, but that's probably because of the GBP to SGD conversion. The Clarke's were just below 10 USD excluding shipping. Clarke's is a widely recommended brand. Walton's, however, doesn't seem as popular.

My Dizi and I

2008-04-11T08:45:00.001-07:00

Here's a photo of me playing my Chinese flute (dizi 笛子) while dressed in traditional Chinese garb.

Pai Xiao (排箫) - Chinese Bamboo Panpipes

2008-04-10T09:29:00.000-07:00

I was given this set of Chinese Panpipes by a friend who visited Tianjin, China. She bought it for a good $30 SGD. I visited a Chinese instrument store in Singapore and was told it would sell here for about $120 SGD.

The Chinese name for panpipes is "Pai Xiao" (排箫). Pai means row, and Xiao refers to a vertical edge-blown flute. Put together, it simply means a row of vertical edge-blown flutes - in other words, a panpipe.

Panpipes have been found in various cultures ranging from Greece to the China, Europe to the Andes. They are made from various materials such as reeds, bamboo, different varieties of wood and even - more recently - plastic. They operate on the same principle. Each pipe is sealed at the bottom and is tuned by setting the length of the pipe and the column of air inside it. Blowing across the top produces the tone. A pipe with a wider bore and longer column will produce a lower note.

My set of panpipes sound quite nice. They're made of purple bamboo, which if I'm not wrong is of a more expensive variety than white bamboo that is more commonly used for horizontal Chinese flutes. The lowest note is E, but it's tuned to C major. It consists of 15 pipes starting with a low E and ending with a high E - a total of 2 octaves. They were broken just below mid C due to mishandling, but fortunately the shop I sent them to managed to repair them and they sound just as nice. It has a carving of a Chinese poem by the renown Chinese poet Li Bai (李白). I can't really read it though. I'm not too good with the panpipes yet, but hopefully I can post a video sometime soon.

How Odd Can Musical Instruments Get?

2008-04-09T05:02:00.000-07:00

Sound (and hence music) is basically created by vibrating air. Different musical instruments create sounds differently, and thus have different playing methods. Most if not all instruments fall in the following categories:

Plucked Strings (eg. guitar, harp, zither)
Bow Strings (essentially friction, eg. violin, cello)
Struck Strings (eg. dulcimer, piano)
Edge-blown (eg. flutes, ocarinas, pipe organ)
Buzzing Lips (eg. trumpet, horns, didgeridu)
Single Reed (eg. clarinet, saxophone)
Double Reed (eg. oboe, bagpipes)
Percussion

Of course, these playing methods can be applied in many ways, for example, plucked string instruments can take the form of the Indian sitar, the Chinese zither, harps, lutes, guitars, banjos, etc. As a result, some inventive people have created their own unusual musical instruments.

Welcome to the Odd Music Gallery: http://www.oddmusic.com/gallery/index.html

Here you will find anything from ancient musical instruments to experimental pieces. Here are some interesting finds:

Aeolian Wind Harp - an ancient Greek instrument. I want one of those!
Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall Organ - world's largest organ - and loudest too!
Glass Armonica - invented by Ben Franklin himself! With Mozart joining the fun!
Hang - what the hang?? No hang ups on this percussion instrument. Wonderful invention!
Sea Organ - an organ played by the sea?? Partly architecture, partly musical instrument.

Erhu Solo by Zhan Li Jun from 12 Girls Band

2008-04-07T08:43:00.000-07:00

Didgeridu Clip

2008-04-07T08:35:00.000-07:00

2 Ethnic Instruments

2008-04-07T08:13:00.001-07:00

Here are 2 of my ethnic instruments. The one on the left is a didgeridu, and the one on the right is an erhu (二胡).

The Didgeridu, or 'Didge' as it is sometimes called (also known by its native name 'yidaki'), is a simple cylinder of wood (often eucalyptus, sometimes bamboo) hollowed out by termites (or artificially, for the hand made variety). It's a native Australian aborigine instrument that uses buzzing lips to play. It's traditionally a man's instrument and women are not allowed to play it. It's often decorated with aborigine art and the mouthpiece is usually made of beeswax. The piece I have was given by my brother and is beautifully decorated. I'm not sure about the sound quality as I'm not very familiar with this instrument. Some didges are made of other materials like metal or PVC tubing, but the wooden ones sound the best.

The Erhu is a bow-string instrument, the Chinese equivalent of the western violin. It has a natural melancholic timbre and can sound very heart-wrenching when played well. This is attributed to its construction, part of which consists of a piece of python skin stretched over the soundbox. A saddle or bridge is placed between the skin and the 2 metal strings to transfer the vibrations. The horsehair bow is strung between the 2 strings (unlike the violin where the bow is a separate piece) and played by pulling it against the strings. Unlike the violin which has a fingerboard, the erhu's strings are floating. I bought my piece at a good $250. The original price was somewhere around $520.

Welcome to My Music Blog!

2008-04-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

I'm not really much of a musician. More of a dabbler actually, and a collector of instruments here and there. I play several instruments including keyboards, flutes and the erhu (二胡), but I prefer to spend more of my time in my primary area of giftedness, which is drawing and illustration.

To date, I have quite a collection of musical instruments that were either acquired by myself or given by others:

Dizi (笛子) or horizontal Chinese bamboo flute in keys of C, D and G
Erhu (二胡) or Chinese violin]
Paixiao (排箫) or Chinese bamboo panpipes
Xun or Chinese egg-shaped ocarina
Taodi or Chinese fipple ocarina
Other ocarinas (one plastic, one from Eastern Europe)
Didgeridu
Irish Whistle - Walton's D, Clarke original C and D
Fife (Yamaha, plastic, 8 hole)
American Fife (6 hole, nickel)
Ukulele
Circular Panpipes (2 pcs)
Recorders (Alto and Sopranino)
Harmonica
Kazoo
Nose Flute
Some other ethnic tribal looking flutes and a reed instrument
A set of ornamental bagpipes

I'll be posting photos of them from time to time, and hopefully videos of me playing them - if I can get a handy cam, that is.