Duane Shinn
Duane Shinn is the author of over 500 music books and music educational materials for adults. His courses have been written up in hundreds of newspapers and magazines. His course titled "How To Earn More Than Your Doctor Teaching Music" at http://www.home-business-music.com has helped music teachers around the world maximize their incomes.
Articles by this Author
The Life and Songs of American Composer Stephen Foster
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 11/18/2008
- Music
- Unrated
Stephen Collins Foster, the "father of American music," wrote songs in the nineteenth century that live on to this day. He was the forerunner of today's professional songwriter, though he died in poverty. He expanded the musical tastes of America like no other before him.
The Song From Heaven: The Story of the Great Christmas Carol "Silent Night"
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/22/2008
- Music
- Unrated
It was a 'Silent Night' indeed when this beloved song was first composed. If not for a broken pipe organ, the world likely would have been without its most popular Christmas carol.
Dashing Through The Snow: The Story of "Jingle Bells"
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/21/2008
- Music
- Unrated
Many people are surprised to learn that "Jingle Bells" was actually written for American Thanksgiving. The song was originally published under the title "One Horse Open Sleigh." Today there are few who can't sing at least the first verse of "Jingle Bells."
Will You Become Smarter If You Play The Piano? Is Piano Study Good For Your Brain?
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/21/2008
- Music
- Unrated
Will you become smarter if you play the piano? The question is whether there is a correlation between mastering a musical instrument and one's brain increasing in potential.
What is Musical Syncopation And How Does It Work?
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/15/2008
- Music
- Unrated
One of the most common music forms of musical syncopation is in ragtime music where the melody is often syncopated and the bass line isn't. Think of the music of Scot Joplin, and the memorable strains of "The Entertainer" and you've got a great example of syncopated music.
How To Get Started In Beginning Piano Lessons
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/15/2008
- Music
- Unrated
Maybe you've always wanted to learn to play the piano but never had the opportunity. Perhaps you're a parent with a child who has expressed interest in the piano. The question is: where do you begin? How to start depends on your age and your goals.
What Piano Method Does Your Piano Teacher Use?
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/15/2008
- Music
- Unrated
Learning to play the piano is about more than learning the names of notes. Students and parents have a variety of different piano methods to choose from. All teach the basics of playing piano. The differences lie in their respective emphases and their suitability for particular age groups and learning styles.
Piano Playing: Wonderful & Nutricious Food For Your Brain
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/14/2008
- Music
- Unrated
If you're looking for a perfect way to keep your mind sharp, piano playing is the solution. It exercises several different parts of the mind and body, while providing you with years of musical enjoyment. Whether you play piano currently or are thinking about starting, playing piano is great brain food.
Oscar Peterson - Jazz Pianist Extraordinary
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/13/2008
- Music
- Unrated
One of the most influential players of jazz that the world has known, Oscar Emmanuel Peterson was born on the 15th of August, 1925 in Little Burgundy, Montreal. He is considered the dean of jazz piano players by most fans and critics.
Marian McPartland: The Grand Lady Of Jazz Piano
- By Duane Shinn
- Published 10/10/2008
- Music
- Unrated
A born child prodigy, Marian Portland started playing the piano at the age of three. She is formally trained in both the violin and the piano. Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz radio program on which she interviews jazz pianists and plays duets with them is on National Public Radio and has been a favorite of jazz lovers for decades.