Orchestra Central

The banjo is a lively and distinctly American instrument with a history that reaches back to Africa. Though it might seem like a complex instrument to master, there are many easy banjo songs that even beginners can learn. Whether you're interested in traditional folk tunes or more modern hits, there are easy banjo songs out there for you. So, why not give it a try? Buffalo Gas "Buffalo Gals" is a traditional American folk song credited to John Hodges, who wrote...

Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven is one of the most famous songs from the British rock band. But, despite its worldwide success, some music stores have signs that say "No Stairway to Heaven." But, why? Should you also avoid playing this "forbidden riff"? Source: Canva History of the “Forbidden Riff” Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven was released in 1971 and quickly became one of the most iconic rock songs. It's so popular that it is the biggest-selling single in rock history, with about 15,000 copies sold every...

Lists of the greatest guitarists generally focus on performers in the blues and rock eras of the modern guitar. And there are lots of extraordinary blues and rock guitarists! Featured Image Credit: Canva Our team at Orchestra Central has listened to the music of these guitarists and come up with the following list we consider to be the best guitarists of all time based on skill, range of talents, and influence of music. 1. Jimi Hendrix Jimi Hendrix 1967 | Source: Public Domain

Are you wondering who the best guitarists of all time are? Well, we have prepared a list of the best guitar players in the world. Check it out to see if you can spot your favorite guitarist. 1. Jimi Hendrix Top of the list of the best guitarists of all time is Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix was an American singer, composer, and rock guitarist legend. Many musicians consider him one of the best electric guitarists of all time. He is known for fusing...

The bagpipe may have originated centuries ago in Scotland, but it's now one of the most recognizable musical instruments. With a refined, elegant sound, you'll hear bagpipes at weddings, memorials, funerals, and parades. Virtually any song can be given the bagpipe treatment, but there are a few tried-and-true favorites that are universally beloved among bagpipe fans. Here are twelve examples of popular bagpipe songs you will probably recognize instantly. Mairi's Wedding "Mairi's Wedding" is a Scottish folk song composed in 1934 by J.R. Bannerman. His...

Tenuto refers to a visually presented musical notation that directs you to hold and maintain the full or extra duration of a note. In music, elements such as notes, articulations, and voicing play an important role in the outcome of a performance. Consequently, tenuto may direct you to stretch the note or give it a light dynamic accentuation. If you want to learn more about the tenuto definition, its origin, symbol, and meaning in music, you should keep reading! What Is the Meaning of Tenuto in Music? The word tenuto (te-nu-to)...

Despite being blind, this list of pianists defied all the odds, impressing listeners and other musicians with their impeccable piano mastery and talents. These pianists are even household names in the music industry. Here's a closer look at the most talented, gifted, and famous blind pianists. Ray Charles Popularly recognized as the "Father of Soul," pianist Ray Charles is a legend in his own right and one of the most unique and skilled blind black pianists. Charles was born in the Deep South in...

Want to master playing a classic guitar? Start with these classical guitar songs for beginners. They have repetitive patterns, easy-to-remember plucking, and smooth transitions. We've even included a video tutorial so you can get started right away! Andantino in G by Ferdinando Carulli Ferdinando Carulli's 1825 Andantino is one of the easiest classical guitar songs for beginners. You will play the introductory pattern twice and move on to variations of notes while using this same picking pattern. Plus, you don't have to use a capo! 

How many children did Bach have? There are 20 Bach children in all, but only ten lived through adulthood. Four of the surviving ten Bach children became great musicians and composers like their father, J.S. Bach. Here is a closer look at the Bach family and their legacy.  Children With Maria Barbara Bach Johann Sebastian Bach married his second cousin Maria Barbara Bach on October 17, 1707. She also happens to be five months older than him. How many children did Bach have with his first wife? They had...

From far away, it looks a little like a cheese grater. When you get closer, it looks like a dough embossing roller. What could it be? You're looking at a cabasa instrument, an idiophone with a wooden handle, a stainless steel cylinder, and steel beads.  What Is a Cabasa Instrument? The cabasa is a popular hand percussion instrument capable of producing several different and engaging rhythmic sounds. It comes with a wooden handle that you grip with one hand. Attached at the top of the handle is a hollow but textured...