Ikaw Lamang ~ You Alone

A few weeks ago, a Youtube friend and great singer Erwin Lazaro suggested we collaborate on this song "Ikaw Lamang " This song was composed by Ogie Alcacid and made popular by Gary Valenciano.

As I live in Australia, I have not heard this song before and not familiar with it. I told Erwin to give me a few weeks to see what I can do..  I did a search on  Youtube and  found there are other songs with the same title but managed to find Gary Valenciano's recording .  It is a lovely song and decided  to work on it straight away.   Applying the techniques I wrote about in my blog,  " How to learn songs quickly and play it well ",  I was able to get the song ready for recording within 2 weeks. (bit tricky for keyboard players as midway through,  the arrangement trasposes to the Key of  B  (seven flats) . ( I smile as I get through that passage.. )     Erwin's magnificent performance transcend the feelings and emotions of this song.. There is a saying, ' Music is a wondrous gift from God " and I felt that listening to this video.  I did say to Erwin that this song was made for him.  Thank you for sharing your gift and passion for all to enjoy. It was a Great pleasure to collaborate with you on "Ikaw Lamang". 

 Erwin is well known for his music video  covers posted on his youtube channel LazaroLiving Dream.   Erwin  is also passionate about his work and interest .  check out the web site  :  Lazaro Living Dream. 

Erwin Lazaro / Vocalist  & Dennis Dizon / Pianist

Lyrics and English Translation by Erwin Lazaro:

Ikaw Lamang - You alone 

ang tangi kong iniisip - My only thought

ang lagi kong panaginip - I have always dreamt

tayong dalawa ay laging nagmamahalan - We two will always love each other 

pangarap ko - I dream

na kailan ma'y 'di maglaho - It will never fade away

ang pag-ibig kong ito - I love what we have

pagka't hinding-hindi ko makakayang mawalay sa-yo 
                                                            - For I can never afford to be away from you 

ikaw lamang ang buhay ko - You alone are my life

sana nama'y pakinggan mo - I wish you would listen to me

ang puso ko na mayroong sinasabing - My heart has said

Ikaw Lamang - You alone ...

ang tangi kong minamahal - My only beloved

ang lagi kong dinarasal - I have always prayed

sana'y habangbuhay tayong makasama - I hope for our entire lives we will be together

ang puso ko'y - My heart

ibibigay lamang sa'yo - I give it all to you

ito ang aking pangako - This is my promise

mula ngayon hanggang magpakailan pa man - From now until forever

Ikaw Lamang - You alone ...

Ikaw lamang ang buhay ko - You alone are my life

sana giliw pakinggan mo - I wish for you to hear

ang puso ko na mayroong sinasabing - My heart has said

(repeat chorus)

Ikaw Lamang - You alone ...

Here is my instrumental version.of Ikaw Lamang written by Ogie Alcasid.

This is the Karaoke Version with Tagalog lyrics and scenery from the Philippines

Music gives a Soul to the Universe.

Wings To the Mind

Flight To the Imagination

And Life To Everything..... Plato

How To Get A Cruise Ship Gig As a Pianist. (A Pianist's Perspective )

I've been asked what it is like to be a pianist  on a cruise ship and how to go about it.  Let me start by
giving you a brief background.  As a Solo pianist, I've been entertaining  5 nights a week at a classy restaurant for 3 years.  Prior to that I've been doing weddings, special functions and playing for clubs around Melbourne.  So I began to think about other opportunities  with music.   The film  "The Titanic"  gave me the idea of doing a cruise ship gig. (Mind you, the thought of  musicians continuing to play as the ship sinks still haunts me.)   As I write this blog, the news just came out that  they are about to raise the Costa Concordia.

Let me digress a little bit  as  I do feel sorry for what happened specially for the missing crew and musicians.  This accident would not have happened but for the Captain's whim to "show off". 

 On my first ship "Navigator Of The Seas" (pictured below),   I was designated (in the event of an accident ) to be one of the last to leave the ship along with the Captain.  ( I wasn't too thrilled about that   ..just dont let it sink.otherwise I may be singing  " My Heart will go on" ).  Talking about this song, every now and then,  I play it in jest and  often get a laugh from the guests. 

  

"Navigator Of The Seas" : Passenger Capacity 3807  /  Crew capacity  1213  / Length 1020 ft.

Anyway back to the topic.   I contacted an established music agency in Sydney  and they replied  requesting a demo CD as well as Video demo's of  my playing.

 There are various positions a piano player can apply for.  Aside from being a  cocktail Pianist, you may apply as a  piano string duo,   orchestra pianist  or as a Piano Vocalist.
 I prefer being a solo pianist as you have the freedom to choose your repertoire and change it every night or every session to suit the audience.  The orchestra pianist have to play the same sets  2 x for that evening .  The show may change 3-4 times  for the duration of the 6 mth.  contract.   The orchestra pianist did say to me  that he would prefer doing what I was doing as he told me that could play the shows in his sleep.  ( No wonder he slept a lot.)
I digress again, back to the story.  So you need a video demo.  It is as easy as getting a video recorder, record your playing and  post it in youtube.. (That is how the  Youtube Channel/dizzysfingers got started) .
 I kept posting videos in youtube as I wanted to see which songs in my repertoire was popular and which ones were not.  
  Then  one day, totally unexpected,  I got an email from  a music agent in USA asking  me if I was interested in a position as a Cocktail Pianist /Intermissionist.   I checked out the music agent's  web page to make sure they were "legit"  and asked them for more information .    I went through the contract and then went through the procedures step by step.   The music agent takes 10% commission on your earnings per month which is reasonable for the service that they provide.

Major Things to consider and other conditions:
Get to know all of the  conditions and what is required to enable the contract to be finalized.
.  If you deal with a music agent, they can answer all of your questions and assist you with the process.
   (In any case, most  cruise liners get the Agent to do the auditioning and  the selection process for them. )

E

•  The contract is for 6 mths. (or more)  ~ it may not be suitable for those who are married or have partners who can not stand being separated from a loved one  for that length of time .  It also precludes those who have other commitments like caring for a sick family member or elderly parents.  If a member of your family is sick or passes away , you may seek permission to leave at your expense. (for Australians this might cost a bit).   It also make it difficult if you are offered a contract and your daughter is getting married in 5 months time.  On the other hand  if you need to get away from the gf  or the wife,  this might just be the answer . (please let me go. pretty please..)

•   You need to be in Good health and do not suffer from ailments that can affect you at sea. epilepsy, balance etc.  There is a comprehensive medical questionaire which your doctor will need to complete.
  You also need to do a drug tests for certain drugs. 
   Having just achieved my 2nd dan Black belt in Tae Kwondo and do not do drugs, I was confident that I would pass that. However it still surprised me,  how thorough the tests were.
  
  
  

  
  
    
• You need to have a clean police record.
   You can request your police record online and it it will be supplied to you for your application.
  It's good to know that you are going to be working with a crew that are law abiding citizens.

• Sea sickness.   For the first  week or so I was sea sick and had to take seasickness pills
  as well as wear a wrist band which seemed to  alleviate the motion sickness.  
  As an entertainer I believe that no matter what, the show must go on and you forget about being sea sick when you focus on your work.  (Being sick at the Grand Piano does not make a good impression. )  The good news is , after a while you get sea legs and you get used to it.

•  You may need a Visa. - check where the Cruise ship is going and whether you will require a Visa or not.. This is where your music agent can assist you.  If you are from overseas and the Ship will be going to the Bahamas from Miami USA, you may need a  VISA for USA.

After completing the procedures, an "Offer Of Employment" will be sent to you as confirmation of the offer. You will need this to obtain a Working Visa .    The agent will arrange your flight and accommodation details prior to boarding  the Cruise Ship.  In my case I was flown to Barcelona Spain and had a day to look around before boarding the ship the next day.  Having a wide variety of musical styles in your repertoire is a must and select songs that cater for the audience.

What Are the Advantages of working On a Cruise Ship?.

• It goes without saying that you get to travel the world , explore the sights and the tourist attractions.
On the job you get to meet and interact with guest and crew from different countries,  I've met some really great entertainers, vocalist, orchestra musicians and other artists.  I was amazed at how many artists there are that do impersonations of Frank Sinatra, Elvis, Neil Diamond , a fantastic Elton John 
impersonator as well as bands that emulate the Beatles, etc.  

• Another advantage is you don't have to travel  to get to your gig . You get dressed and walk to your gig. There is no setting up as the Grand piano is there ready for your performance. ( There were about 6 Grand Pianos on board the "Navigator of the Seas".)
• As a Cocktail Pianist/Intermissionist , you are a 1 1/2 stripe officer.  It gives you  entitlements like you are able to use the Guest Gym , Sauna and pool deck. etc.  (which are off limits to most crew)
   
• General medical cost , onboard the ship is covered. 

•  Food is provided at the staff dining area.  (You pay a reduced rate when you go to the restaurants.)   

What Are the Disadvantages working On A Cruise Ship?

• Being away from your family and friends for long periods of time is certainly the main drawback.
  This is certainly felt more intensely during the Christmas season.  You see people enjoying themselves and then you see the crew thinking about the families they left behind.
   
•  Sorry to dispel some myth. and forget the picture in your mind of watching the sea by the balcony.  The musicians cabins are small and normally on or below the water line.  There are no windows, and the air is recycled from cabin to cabin.  

• You may be aware that the cruise ship recycles its  water supply.  I noticed that there were a number of  men with receding hair  ( lets not mince words...)  There were officers and crew that were balding or bald,    I thought it was just the "bad boy look "  or guys trying to save on haircuts. It only hit me when on the 5th month, my hair started to recede.  I asked a  guitarist  friend  about it and he told me, it was the water.  He told me he had a full head of hair but after a few contracts on the cruise he said he started going bald.  He was much younger than me and I thought OMG,  maybe I should start using bottled water for showers.   Glad to say my hair  recovered after being back on land after a few months.    I was joking about this to another Cruise ship pianist friend telling him I was glad I didn't have to go to a hair restore center.   He was not amused  as  he was sporting the bad boy look.
  .
• Musicians by nature have a free spirit.  They are  creative people and enjoy their freedom of thought and  expression.   The Cruise Ship , to a certain extent, is run like a military.   If  you can abide by strict rules and conditions, then you will be fine,  if you can not, then it might be best to give it a miss.
  
  
  
  
  

  I went into this with a sense of adventure and gained some valuable insights from this experience.

  
  

  Anyway, I hope this pianist's perspective give you some  idea of what it is like to do a gig on a cruise ship.   All the best .

 

What Music Would You Recommend For A Wedding Ceremony ?

I've been asked this question many times.  You may be interested to know my first job was assistant Church organist when I was just 15 years old .  I continued being a Church organist until I finished college and began my full time job as a trainee Retail Manager.  It got a bit difficult to continue doing both jobs. as I would have to request my lunch hour at a precise time to go to a wedding.  After a while the manager said : gee Dennis you know a lot of people getting married !!!.  Anyway back to the music.  Today some churches in  Australia, have done away with Church organist but have PA systems to play CD's and mp3's.    Selecting the right music play a vital part in the ceremony. Imagine a film without music,  or  music that just was not suitable.  You got the idea.  Just think about songs that you both love and have romantic links to.   Here are a few suggestions.

This is a lovely Filipino Song "Ikaw Lamang" (Only You)

"My dreams came true, when i found you, i found you,my miracle."
Angels Brought Me Here 

"I will be true to the promise I have made . To you and to the One who gave you to me"
I Will Be Here.

"I pray youll be our eyes, and watch us where we go. And help us to be wise in times when we dont know"

The Prayer

You will need music for;

•  entry of the bride
• the signing of the register
• You may also need music if you include the Offertory and Communion as part of your service. 
• the exit procession.

Solo singer or Instrumentalist:
Perhaps you know a friend who sings or can perform an instrumental piece(s)  during the wedding.

They would be more than delighted to help you make your wedding ceremony really special. 
If they have done  weddings before, they would have some great ideas for song selections. 

Get Print Music Books like the ones below and it will help you compile some great music for your wedding.

     

You can look through music books with beautiful collection of songs  perfect for wedding ceremonies and receptions .  Songs like Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now) * Always and Forever
* Beautiful in My Eyes * Can You Feel the Love Tonight * Endless Love * Forever and Ever,
* Never Gonna Let You Go * Open Arms * (I've Had) the Time of My Life * Unforgettable *
* When I Fall in Love * The Wind Beneath My Wings * and more.

Anyway I hope that this has been beneficial for those planning their wedding ceremony. 

Congratulations and wish you all the best. 

Our day Begins And Ends On A Happy Note 

               click on this link to check out dizzysfingers youtube music videos.

Imagine Me Without You ~ dizzysfingers cover including Lyrics and Chords

Imagine Me Without You ~ played by dizzysfingers

 (the Sheet Music is available from)
 Online Sheet Music

This is a lovely song composed by Rudy Perez and Mark Portmann,

 By chance I saw this on youtube two weeks ago, sang by Akama Miki and the song really got to me.

 This was originally performed by Jaci Velasques .  Check out other dizzysfingers youtube videos
 just click on   http://www.youtube.com/dizzysfingers

This is dizzysfingers~ solo piano

 

The MP3's  available from Amazon

 

Learn how to play songs quickly and play it well.

It would be great if it was as easy as waving a magic wand and there you go.  If it was that easy then the challenge and satisfaction of accomplishment is gone.   We all have different levels of skills and learning capacity, but today there are tools and methods we can use to get the learning process speeded up and get you playing at a higher level.

1. Search Youtube:
The first thing to do is select a song that appeals to you.   If it is new or you are unfamiliar with it, listen to it and see if you like it.   Do a search on youtube videos and check out the Piano or instrumental versions.
For example, lets say you want to learn to play the song  "How Did You Know"   Go on Youtube search
How did you know  piano and quite a few videos will come up for you to check out.

                                                     "How did you know" by dizzysfingers

 Watch how the player perform the song, get the timing , watch the fingering, the phrasing and see how the player put feelings into the song.  There is a a lot one can gain from watching the player.  Just like having a teacher showing you how its done.  Plus you have the added ability to replay as many times as you need and when it suits you.

2. Buy the CD and or MP3 music and put it in your MP3 Player.
 When I'm working on a song, I listen to the song as often as possible.   Listen to the song  when you are walking, driving, waiting in line at the bank or post office and even before going to sleep. By listening to it, you will pick up the rhythm, the phrasing and the feel of the song.  It makes playing the song so much easier and more importantly, you let your subconscious mind get into it.

                                       

       Always got my MP3 player with me, even when cruising.                                    

3. Print Music

Print Music are readily available Online and Music Instruments stores keep a comprehensive range of popular Sheet Music .  Print Music gives you the exact notation, timing and chord sequence .  It's like reading a map or a recipe to get from A to B and makes it so much easier to learn the song.
Did you say you can not read sheet music ? There are many ways to develop the art of sight reading.
There are DVD tutorials that you can invest in to give your sight reading a helping hand..   I would thoroughly recommend you learn to sight read  because it just opens up a lot of possibilities.

It does take a lot of time writing the music out.  It is so much easier just to order it online.   Just a click, pay by paypal  and you've got it instantly.  I have purchased music from online stores and from music retailers as I believe in supporting the artists and the people in the music industry. 
I will only write out the music if it is not available. These days there are Computer Software  that will do the Notation for you.  However i will stress that it still is quite time consuming and you do need to have the skills required to make an arrangement.

                                 my arrangement of  "Help Me Get Over " (still working on it)


4. Playing By Ear:

There are people who have the gift or have developed incredible hearing that they can work out the song by ear. Having said that, I have also come across people who say they play by ear, only to butcher the song with chords that the song writer did not have in mind.  Let's just say it was interesting but can be excruciatingly painful  for some listeners.
From personal experience playing by ear, can be developed with practice and through having played lots of different music styles.  It still is much easier, if you have the Print Music, as you have precise notation and timing.

5.  Get a Good Teacher

Music lessons from a great teacher can make a huge difference. The teacher can put you in the right direction straight away, develop good techniques and work on areas that need improvement, ie sight reading,
 Someone did ask me if they can use a book to learn how to play.  Of course course you can, however just think about your experience when someone showed you how to use an electronic device, you picked it up so much faster than just reading the manual.

 A great teacher is like a coach  who make lessons fun and interesting. The teacher can  be a mentor to keep you motivated and monitor your progress.  It takes discipline to practice and when you know you have a lesson coming up,  that will be enough reason for you to practice.   Hopefully you would be so motivated that you can't wait to get to your next lesson.  Take an exam to test your understanding and build a good music foundation to the next level.
Today there are Ebooks, interactive  keyboard programs, DVD and  video lessons. They are all great to be used in conjunction with a teacher.
 
6. Enjoy the learning process

Music is meant to be fun. Play along with your CD or  Mp3  on your PC , Ipod , mp3 player or laptop.
Have a lot of fun learning to play new songs.  Before you know it, it all click into place. Share your playing ability with friends and family. You can entertain and be the life of the party. All the best with your music.  

Our day Begins And Ends On A Happy Note 

   check out other dizzysfingers youtube music videos.   

                 

                         

How dizzysfingers Music blog got started.

I've been planning and contemplating doing a dizzysfingers blog for sometime but just wasn't sure how to go about it. Last Saturday , August 24 , Maria Victoria Galang , sent me a link to a blog
  "The Adventures of Miss Chuchubells". It is an informative blog for couples planning their wedding .

To my surprise it featured dizzysfingers music video of "Ikaw"  and some interesting background info.
 here is the link Wedding~Planning~Adventure~Music  It is quite impressive and would recommend you to check it out.
 I expressed my appreciation for her work , mentioned my interest  in doing a blog and might need some help one day.  The next day,  Maria sent me logos that got me inspired to get started.   So I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank Maria Victoria Galang, for her assistance with the dizzysfingers logos used in this blog .  These are the graphic art logos that got it off the ground .

                             logo with the Technics Digital Piano that is used for the music videos. 

logo used as watermark.

Our Day Begins And Ends On A Happy Note

check out dizzysfingers youtube music videos.

Help Me Get Over ~ dizzysfingers cover including Lyrics and Chords

Help Me Get Over~ played by dizzysfingers

Not sure who wrote this beautiful song but I was told the composer is the Great Tata of GMA Network,  (the creator of songs in Encantadia)   This song was recorded by Jonalyn Viray (Filipina singer and actress) .  It is about losing someone you love to somebody else... so its a bit sad with a feeling of acceptance in the lyrics " I know there's no sense In holding on too much to something fading" :(. "Help Me Get Over" is the theme Song  from My Husband's Lover (Philippine Drama ). As I did not have the sheet music (difficult to get in Australia) ,  I did an arrangement by ear and programmed the orchestration on the Technics Keyboard.

I didn't know the song  2 weeks ago, but I applied the techniques in my other blog to learn the song quickly.   Amazing what one can do with technology.  

"Our Day Begins And Ends On A Happy Note "    

This is where  dizzysfingers Music arrangements will be posted.
There will be other features such as
* Lyrics with Chords
* Sheet Music ~ dizzysfingers arrangement  Piano with Guitar chords
* Easy Play Music with notation on notes
* dizzysfingers Mp3's
* Understanding MIDI and applications it can be used for.
* Tutorials on how to play tunes
* Tips on Playing & Performing
* How to get Cruise Ship Gigs and travel the world
* How to get into a music career.
* Arranging orchestration / sequencing and keyboard programming.
* Other suggestions and  notable music links.

Popular "Fly Me To The Moon "     322,663 views

All about Dennis:

Dennis Dizon, the blogger behind dizzysfingers,  is a pianist, arranger and Performer.   Dennis worked in the Australian Music industry as a Keyboard Sales Manager for Brashs/Allans group  for 10 years.

Dennis was the Director of  Dizon's Music. which operated a music school and retail store for 10 years.

Dennis has performed at concerts , played  at 5 star restaurants and  completed 2 contracts with Cruise ships as a solo pianist travelling to several countries in the Mediterranean, Caribbean and Asia.

The youtube channel dizzysfingers began in  June 2007, as a demo for a music agent. As more videos were uploaded,  the channel created a lot of interest  generating over 6,500,000 views and growing.  Here is the link : Youtube /dizzysfingers. 

There are constant request for music for Dennis to do and  the list is now several pages long.

It is good to know that  the music videos have been beneficial for pianist, singers and other musical instrument players to learn from , sing or play along with.   Another channel  dizzysfingers1 was created in 2010 with a view of diversifying the music videos.  Here is the Link: Youtube/dizzysfingers1

Both channels (dizzysfingers and dizzysfingers1 ) are partnered by YouTube.

Subscribers and music lovers, have  asked to use dizzysfingers music and videos for youtube covers, competitions, shows, weddings, relaxation spa's, at a dentist waiting room  and at funeral services.

It really is amazing how far reaching the Gift of Music extends.

Because of the  many requests from subscribers and keen music students for dizzysfingers arrangements and mp3's the idea of the blog came about and  it is time to do it.  here it is.   enjoy