I do a lot of music research on iTunes. It's easy to find related artists, search for keywords, and browse iMixes or playlists compiled by others. No EVERY artist is represented here but it continues to expand as more make their tracks available.
I posted about this on my blog a while ago, but I checked recently and it is still available: Duke University Dance Department has a number of videos available on iTunes U and offer an entire album of percussion music for ballet by the department accompanist, John Hanks. And, they're free!
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Another awesome tool which I
Another awesome tool which I have on my iPhone is Shazam. How many times have we been out and about and want to know what a track is called. Well with this nice little app you can hold up your iPhone and if the music is loud enough it will give you all the info you need to find the track playing!! Such a great tool. I am sure there are others for non iPhones too. Just get an iPhone I gave you an excuse!!
The new genius tool on
The new genius tool on iTunes, IS cool.
And yes, talking music with other dancers is EXTREMELY helpful in discovering new or unfamiliar artists or albums.
In my opinion the absolute
In my opinion the absolute best way to find music is word of mouth. Ask around. Take a new class and then find out the artist the choreographer used. A lot of choreographers have musician friends who are not on itunes but still have albums out. I find the best stuff when I'm just talking music with other dancers.
I'm loving Pandora, Adam! It
I'm loving Pandora, Adam! It is really helpful in finding new artists. The only thing is many of their results are songs unavailable at iTunes to buy, even if they give the option. Or maybe I'm choosing weird stuff!
The other cool thing is to just let it play like a radio, and if a song attracts my attention, I can at least know the name of it right away; I used to get all frustrated with "normal" radio because of 1. commercials, 2. I'd be like "oh cool! what's that song? what's that song?" and it hops to the next one without any answer. So, thumbs up to Pandora. Now I have to go check out Anthony's suggestions.
Im sure you all have heard
Im sure you all have heard of www.pandora.com but if you havent, you should check that out! Its a great site to find music similar to the music that you like!
This may be helpful for alot
This may be helpful for alot of competition-style teachers/choreographers... How many times do we hear the same song used year after year or from event to event? Itunes has recently added a cool, little tool called "Genius". You can click on a song in your library or while browsing the store - for example "Wild Horses", and Genius will compile a list of songs and artists that are very similar to your selection. This has been very helpful when searching for 'new' music.
Personally, I'm a big fan of remixes and we're limited with some of what itunes has to offer when it comes to B-Sides and rarities. For those who are playing alot of electronic dance music in class, definitely take a look at a couple of my favorite DJ music websites: www.beatport.com and www.stompy.com. I've found alot of great remakes of early 90's R&B tunes and even more updated stuff there too.
Happy hunting!
Cool! I'll check it out-Many
Cool! I'll check it out-Many thanks!!!
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