Hi y'all..A children's photographer contacted me yesterday from Canada... ..and wants to obtain a license...for a melody I wrote. She has a beautiful web site and I'm tickled to pieces..as the email came in via my spam filter...and the red flags went up ...and I almost deleted it....GLAD I READ IT

She found my/our children's music via Soundclick. Flutterby Butterfly....is the name of the song. Wy and I have lyrics for this...too...but she wants this as an instrumental. Would you guys and gals...take a listen...and tell me if you hear any dynamics...or speed...or..any recording changes....I should make...on the replaying... ?... Special request... I'm not
technologically astute.. or have recording smarts...
(however...I do have a copy of Recording for Dummies )....please explain clearly...on suggestions...thanks...bunches!!!
sorry for the ramble....just excited!!!!

Flutterby Butterfly
©2007 revised,2004, 2002
Melody, Kaley Willow
Lyrics, Kaley Willow, Wyman Griffith

2nd song
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469


Lyrics, ©2004 revised
Kaley Willow and Wyman Griffith

This was designated for our 2nd CD..but we chose not to put it on...because we had enough ballads..(maybe we're making a mistake...I don't know..)...and replaced it with an uptempo.
Anyhoo... this is a baby squirrel...singing to a butterfly.

Verse
Flutterby butterfly dancing on the breeze
Orange velvet wings flap merrily
If you could would you stop and spend some time
Teach me how to leave the ground and fly

Chorus
Oh flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter butterfly
With magic wings you dip...and then you glide
Oh flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter butterfly
Why can't I fly like you cross the sky

Flutterby butterfly where will you go
When the autumn winds begin to blow
Will you spend your winter by the warm blue sea
When spring comes will you return to me

Chorus
Oh flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter butterfly
With magic wings you dip...and then you glide
Oh flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter flutter butterfly
Why can't I fly like you cross the sky

Tag...Flutterby butterfly floating high and low
Where do you go...I'd really like to know...

trail off with outro music

Hi Kaley

This piece is really sweet and sounds fine to me in its current state. Unless your client had any specific requirements I would keep it as it is.

Your friend across the pond

Nige

Hi Dear Friend across the Pond.... ...thank you on that...
Nige...I'm thinking I sound heavy handed....??...

big hugs...
Hope Hazel is well too....
kk

Hey Kaley,

I'm listening on a computer at the moment and since that's where it's going to be heard, I think it sounds fine. I can't comment on the quality on a proper speaker system but it's coming through the computer speakers loud and clear, and the tune is well played with the dynamics all there. Best of luck with it mate !

cheers, niteshift

Congrats Kaley! Very pretty piece. You are ever improving your playing too! I have a few points to consider.

"Communication with the source".

In all opportunities like this, I would recommend asking what "they" want, for all aspects of the recording. Do they need it "post production mastered"? The better, more pro like,,,of course the better. Then get help if needed for any details after going over all points with the them, ("her" in this case).

If she knows you might be able to put some other instruments to it, for example, she may want that even more.

For the replaying, if you could watch the timing more carefully in those spots that are meant to have a pull back affect, to make them smoother, that would be even better. When playing, if you could relax your shoulders and arms more, I think your expression, (dynamics), would be even better.

Before actually playing "any piece", think of each note as being able to be played at any level from 1 to 100. You can practice this "feel", (interpretation) by playing one note as quietly as you can, and ever so slowly, increasing the strike of the note to have them be 1 percent louder than the last strike, (in theory for most of us of course). But even if getting close and having 50 different volumes for the try of getting 100, your feel for bringing out emotions should increase.

I learned that from the world reknown teacher Carmuta while tuning for him while he was leaving near me at his home base in Medford NJ. He even invented a machine to measure the strikes! (A real stickler for details!) I was amazed at how I thought I was playing something at a certain level, but it was not where it actually was. (like 20% off!). That's when I started to do that 1 to 100 for one note, then chords, on my own a lot and found my "feel" for playing got better with time. He saw my shoulders tense up when I was playing after my tuning. So he pushed down on them, and said "breath through your nose and use your lower diaphragm, and RELAX"! He also said to use my whole body as an tool to play the piano, not just the fingers and wrist. He said to be fluid. Only then can the 1 to 100 ways of playing any note or chord, (with certain fingers of a chord to even be at specific volumes), will be able to happen.

So when someone says play with feel, or more feel, it's a matter of all those physical techniques being applied, along with having a "soul" sense of where the dynamics could be applied that will communicate a song to most listeners better.

You have an already beautiful piece and played for the most part nicely. It can only get better with just a little of the above applied. We ALL need more time for the details of our instruments. So this is not a knock on you at all. It's like how top pro ballplayers will field ground balls in a specific way over and over, "everyday", to have it all be more fluid and instinctive.

I'm excited for you, as you must be also!

Congrats again Kaley! Let us know when your piece is up and running on that site.
John

Thanks Geoff...for giving it a listen and your thoughts....
and I'm tickled you like this !!!!!....

I keep hearing heavy fingers...or handed...and I'm thinking Butterflies...are light and airy..creatures... If I can replay it soon enough, maybe I can post the replay..... but I will
definitely offer the gal her choice of which she prefers...

Thanks Geoff...
take care......in downunderland...

H,
Kaley

Hi John...What an adorable picture... Look at the babies...
but they're not babies any more...Proud Grandpa!!

I didn't take that as a knock at all....what a fantastic lesson...on the 1 - 100 ..thank you very much!!!!...and on tensing,yep..., because of my hunt and peck style...after 100 plays or more...it's like...I'm going to play this or else..!!!..which doesn't help a bit....I'd do better to walk away from it..... but when I get into a piece..it drives me crazy till I find all the notes....and I can't let go of it...
When I tense.., I'm probably not using my entire body....like you're mentioning...too.... But then again there's times,
if I used my body any more while I'm playing, I'd fall off the bench...

Great points all.... John... I'm trying to 're-find' these notes.... and replay it.... I may or may not play it better on this newer digital.....but I'll try to take all that into
consideration....

Thanks so much for the lesson...John...and for liking the piece..and for investing the time...in me.....

I will let ya know when I sign on that line...

very best to you with hugs.....
Kaley

Hey Kaley,

Very nice piece! I found it soothing and yet bouant as well.

I hope your computer is working better.

I've got to give mine a cleaning, they are like vacuum cleaners, they suck up a lot of dust and it gets into the fans.

Thanks for sharing such a nice airy piece of music on this fine day.

Martin / Accel

How exciting! This is so pretty, Kaley! The only thing I noticed was possibly some slight hesitations in a few spots... and keep in mind my total lack of musical expertise so I may be way off about that ... but the playing itself is really pretty!

Kaley,
I really like what you have written and actually can hear the words (I know you have words but am i close, just wondering as it's interesting to actually hear words when you play the beautiful tune) "Flutterby Butterfly spread your wings, Flutterby butterfly fly away, flutterby butterfly you'll be back some day?. Anything close?.... when you play the piano, it's strange almost as if the piano is saying the words when you play..Really nice piece.

The dynamics i did feel were a bit heavy at times with the high notes and the trill at the beg could have had more feel..just my opinion. I would only change something if they request a newer version.

All in all beautiful piece good luck with the deal!

www.myspace.com/michaelturi

Congrats!

Just a minor semi-related suggestion. Ask them about the possibility of putting a link on thier site that links to your site or your soundclick pages. That way if their visitors enjoy that music and want to hear more they can find your site. You could possibly offer a link on your site that would point to theirs in return.

Hi Martin!!... I like soothing and bouant...thanks... I'm trying hard to replay this...and give it a less heavy touch.... Don't know about you guys..., but if I've let a piece alone for a long time....it's hard to just play...it again without practicing it over and over.... so that's what I'm doing...

best to you with hugs,
Thanks Martin...

Kaley

Hi Kaley,

Did you think I was gonna let you my friend submitt to this project without interfering?

Here is a better version (on the arm) lol... to send in.

Flutterby Butterfly (Subsidized)
http://tinyurl.com/36cw8f

Very pretty song and congrats on this nice opportunity.
Nice playing and wonderful feeling.

I'll put one in your email box so you can save it however you want.
All the Best!

Wow Sub that sounds great!Kaley Loved the piece.I think its great you have a licenceing opportunity.

Very lovely! Congratulations on the licensing too.

Clint

Hey Kaley:

Beautiful piece - just what I needed after a hectic day. Can see that butterfly in my mind's eye. Sub's enhancement sounds really nice. Best of luck with this opportunity!

Scott

wow, sounds even better with the words. The melody itself floats like a butterfly, with the words it soars.

Hope you guys don't mind I thank you in a group... I hate leaving threads hanging for such a long time... I've been trying to replay it and keep a more consistent beat....

I hope this gal waits for me... On her last email...she mentioned that she was a piano teacher when she was younger...
turned...children's photographer. So maybe my playing reminds
her of her students.....

In any case, Thank you Martin, ML, Turi, Moose, Sub, Mike, Clint,
Scott, Dan and those of you who contacted me via mail....

Sub and Dan...THANK YOU BOTH for Improving my humble offerings... You guys are just the best.....You really are...
I have the feeling....

you all would probably patiently answer some of my dingiest questions....on recording..if I could figure out exactly how to ask them....

Are ya going to shoot me...for replaying it...You both did such a great job....

I'm wondering..if I played it smoother...this time... I'm really trying....

I'll come back...and try to address each of you....I just wanted you all ...I appreciated your efforts...to help me...
and I'm tickled you also liked the lyrics....I'll tell Wy..too..

I may have messed up by trying the reverb section at
Cool Edit... please tell me..if that sounds strange..

Thank you..so much..
Kaley...

Kaley,,,just listened to Take II.

Did you play to a click track? If not, I would see if you can do that, and just slow up for the ending,,,but not too much before the end, as it drags for too long before actually ending, in my opinion.

I would more specifically increase the dynamics in the left hand during those times of being on the same back and forth notes, to have them breath in and out. That technique will give more of a flowing around in the air feeling, as would be great to have with the theme of this piece.

And also build up the strike percents on the melody more, to gradually increase the volume of the notes that run up (the melody). Also the same ever increasing method for whenever the two notes are quickly being played back and forth on the right hand. (say starting around 30% attack going evenly up to about 70%. Don't want to go too high, as this piece should remain light for the most part,,,,but to have it flutter in a sense, much like butterflies. (a airy sweeping sound and feel would be the point here)

Hope this helps...Afterwards,,,,,see if Sub will again do his enhancement.

I think with those "touches", this will be even better!

Keep in mind also, that those quick back and forth notes I mentioned to go from 30 to 70% in attack volume, could be going back and forth in % as you are doing them. I previously said "evenly",,,,but it can go up, pull back then go up more,,,then pull back a little,,,then go up even more, to eventually get the 70% at the end of the flutter notes. Much like how butterflies are not always staying evenly in sound and motion. There "could be" a ebb and flow within any buildup,,,,is my point.

So, you have two choices: To just increase evenly, or to go back and forth in volume while increasing the overall section of those two notes fluttering.

Consider whether to play in the next octave too. Then the higher one still for the end. OR,,,go to the higher octave in the second section, (verse),

John

Thanks John.... I haven't figured out the click track thing yet... I tried using a metronome..in...cool edit a long time ago...and then I couldn't figure out how to get it out of the recordings...so I stopped.

I will try.... adding that type of dynamics... I was hoping it
was somewhat better....which is better between the two....?
It may take me..months..and years...to get to those percentages...but I will work toward it John... The melody part is easy for me...but finding the right notes...and playing consistently is not....

This is great information you're giving me. I took lessons
in first, 2nd and part of 3rd grade...but I don't think I
learned very much technique.....but I'm so glad you're offering this up.

I'll think about the ending.... Did I change it from before...
will go back and listen there too!!!...

thanks John...
best...with hugs
Kaley

Record the click on whatever is your last track, (ONLY), and by itself,,,not playing to it while it is being recorded. Let it go for longer than your song, to allow a count in when you do record the piano to the already recorded click track. When you are ready to transfer, (mix your song to a hard drive or whatever, just simply shut the click track off so it won't be heard at all in the song.

Focus on "all" fingers to stay in meter, Not just the downbeat or upbeat notes.

Figure out what tempo your song feels best at. Then set the clicker to that and play with it first before recording the click track.

Sorry...John, I'm confused. Pretend like you're talking
to someone...who's just found recording software.

I recorded a wave track of this and didn't mix anything.
I have mixed before...but that was when I sang over what I played so I think I know what the word mix means. vocal track mixed with a piano track.....

but where and how do I record a click when I'm only using one wave track.....totally lost there.
If I've already played the song....and used the click afterwards, I don't get it.

I will re-read and see if I get it.....

sorry...and thanks..
Kaley...

Congatulations! This is a really nice melody and to have a
liscensing oppurtunity is a dream that I am still working towards.The next song I am having recorded is a lyric that I wrote called Firefly Rose. I checked out your website and I know that I will have to get some of your music for my grandkids.
Thanks for the listen Ken

Hi Ken... thank you on the melody!!..I think there might be more licensing opportunities than we realize for all of us out there. I know Michael and several others have done the same...and..Bill Wy and I...have been invited to put some of our finished songs up for licensing via a children's licensing house....and I have turned down one licensing deal because I wouldn't have had the say in where the songs ended up....and just wasn't worth the heartache to me.

One of my goals is to have some of mine replayed by someone who can still feel what I'm doing..follow my melody line without changing the melody line itself, ..yet..allow them the freedom to enhance the harmony or extra parts...... I'm hoping that might allow for a few more of these opportunities. ya hear about folks doing regular demos all the time...but I haven't heard of folks doing instrumental demos.... If anyone knows anything there...I'd surely appreciate...some advice...

Tickled you like the children's songs, Ken, Made me really happy to read that....There's one CD for sale on Cd Baby with kids songs....and God Willing, There will be two other Cd's out this year.

This photographer has not signed on the line yet, so I will save my whooping and hollering till then.....

Hugs...and thanks!!!!
Kaley...

Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469

All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/

Kaley, I confuse myself sometimes!

You would need to have two tracks to record on then. I didn't realize you had just one. Worse comes to worse, you could always have a click track in a headset, where you could hear the click, but also hear the piano, depending on the headset of course.

BUT,,,if you have any programs to layer tracks, (2 on up), then record a click track on one of them, then play to the recorded click track on the separate track.

Yes,,,,mixing is for more than on instrument/vocal. Sorry.

Hope THAT helps!!!:)
John

Hi Kayley!
I'm watching TV w/hubby as I type this--so can't listen *today* to all the different takes, BUT I remember this song from your Soundclick before. It's a beautiful song, and my kids really loved it when I played it for them.

Congratulations on this opportunity!
SO excited for you!
I'll come back and listen to your playing later on. Remind me! OK? OK.

Linda

Hi..... again John... I'll pull out the recording book...and see what it mentions about click tracks.... I can't seem to figure it on cool edit... but I thank you for trying to help me. .

..In most of my songs..where I hope they'll be recorded by someone else...I'm mostly concerned about relaying the melody...and words. But in this case, I'd like to nail the counting down.... I can't help but think she must have thought I sounded like one of her former kids taking a lesson.
I 've listened to some of my older playings from 2001 ...and there's been improvement...but not as much as I'd like to see...

thanks bunches!!!

Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469

All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/

Linda Hi gal.... that's curiously insightful....
and made me smile...(I'd just put flutterby butterfly up
this past week) I think the song you and the kids really enjoyed and told me about was Dragonfly...But, It's because of Dragonfly, we chose not to put Flutterby Butterfly on the CD. Their lyrical theme was too close... totally different melodies.., but both more ballad(y)...and
both had a wee animal...mesmerized by the butterfly (in this case)....and the Dragonfly...in the other song....

But THANK YOU....very much.....
big hugs...
Kaley...

Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469

All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/

Hey congrats on the license deal. I couldn't help but thinking how the flutter, flutter, etc. line might sound up a coupla octaves, might make it sound more like actual soft/light butterfly wings flapping do they flap, lol..

Hey Louis Thank you.... At this moment...after emailing me... Stating she wanted this specific melody..
giving me all the details....and then writing me back to
confirm her interest,....I haven't heard anything in the last 2 days...(frustrating..... )

It may need to be replayed by someone a lot better than I....

I think it tickled me most that she found the song on soundclick...and that it caught her fancy....Gives us another
ray of hope ya know?...

Thanks on that octive suggestion...Louis... That may work well there... ..I'll try it...

Thank you very much for giving it a listen and your thoughts

best to you with hugs...
Kaley

All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/

Hi Kaley,

Can't comment too much on technical end of things but the melody is pretty. If I understand correctly, this woman in Canada just wants the instrumental part but not the lyrics. If you do keep your lyrics I was thinking maybe in the first verse you might consider changing "merrily" to "gracefully". Just an option there, although merrily works. You must have butterflies in your stomach over the excitement of her interest. Congratulations!

Best,
Lynn

Kaley....Very good....I can see butterflies as it plays.....congrats....how great for you.....good luck....Bob

Sounds good to me.The piano is clear and crisp.Your playing skills are getting better all the time.

Hi Lynn Gal... thanks so very much for your time...and..consideration....

They are graceful for sure...and I can see why you'd pick that..
From a wee animal's point of view..., I can see them thinking it quite a merry little creature too...

We will be getting this one...done up in at least sheet music
as $ permit.... I'm a bit in over my head this year...on what
I want to get done...and am doing.... so we'll sing that
word...and see...which...will work better....Lynn Gal... Thanks hon.

I am bummed at the moment on this.... I rarely ever say anything about something unless I'm sure it's in the bag..because ya learn pretty quickly that what looks for sure...doesn't always happen. A publishing acquaintence told me...Never, until you hear it...or see it...and it's in your hands consider it a done deal.. I've learned to remain calm (at least on the boards ) until ya see the signed signature ,... but this looked like a done deal. This gal ..liked my piano pieces...because she had been a piano teacher...before turning to photography...But after writing me...telling me she wanted this piece... giving me all the specifics... and then..writing again confirming everything.... I haven't heard from her again. ..in now...5 days... so..... I will write one more time...and then...just let it go..... Happy that for whatever reason...she felt the song perfect for her needs... but maybe found something else...that was played well..and had the production..... ( I restrained from using dots and spoke clearly...so I don't think it was that )....

Anyhoo...gives me the motivation...to get this one done...
up ..and hopefully it may be worthy for songbook inclusion.
and I'm tickled you guys liked this even with its rough around the edges performance....

I may investigate instrumental demo artists if there is such a thing.

HUGS.... and thanks....
kk


Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Kayley refrained from dots????
And the world is still spinning.... whatever... will we do??
LOL

Kayley, I feel silly, you are RIGHT it was the Dragonfly song. I was at the computer but not able to LISTEN at the time I posted, and assumed it was the same one. Silly me!!
I can listen now, though, so I'll do that in a second here!
Sorry you haven't heard back from her again. ~sigh~

Linda

Back--YES, it's still a lovely piece anyway. Very relaxing and soothing. I think it would make wonderful sheet music for piano students! If nothing else! But it could be "bigger" than that.
Just keep on trying... something will work out!


Linda

Hey Kaley!

Congrats! That is so awesome!!!

I listened to it today. It reminds me of butterflies floating along in a spring breeze. Very nice!

Charlann

Hi Kaley,

Beautiful piece. I love butterflies so the name got my attention. There's endles opportunities with it.
congradulation!

janice green

Dear Bob and Michael, Thank you SOOOO much for your thoughts on this wee number.... I'm glad you're seeing some improvement...

I have this powerful piano....and I really don't think I've
begun to tap into it yet on the sounds.....because..I just don't know enough about recording....... Anyhoo, I'll let y'all know how this goes.....

HUGS...and thanks...
kk

Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Hi Linda and Charlann

Thanks for stopping by...thanks for listening...Thanks so much
for your thoughts....and encouragement.

I will pursue this a bit farther......
and if it doesn't fly.......than..I'll go another route

thanks bunches...
kk

Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg

Very nice to meet you... Janice...

Thanks so much for your thoughts............ and tickled you thought it beautiful..and that the butterflies...drew you in.

best to you this afternoon with hugs,
Kaley

Songs for Kids:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=6469
All Other Genres:
http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=8404
Kaley and Wy's Songs Put To Animation:
http://www.flashfast.com/kids/
Andy & Friends CD
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/kwwg