Your Lockdown Entertainment Guide: The Music Edition
17 April, 2020
There are plenty of reasons to smile at the moment, despite these uncertain times.
Last week we launched the first edition of our Lockdown Entertainment Guide - the Arts Edition. The Music Edition aims to help connect you with the music you love, of all genres, while staying home.
Everything we have mentioned here can be appreciated from your living room or even your bed. The glossary below is to help you with technical Internet terms. Be sure to come back to our blog each week for a new Lockdown Entertainment Guide.
Glossary
Live stream : Video content which you are seeing live online, as you would on TV.
YouTube: A famous, free website for watching live or pre-recorded video content.
Virtual tour: A tour you can attend thanks to the magic of technology.
Smartphone: A phone with the ability to use the internet, watch videos and see images.
App: A program that you can add to your smartphone to meet a variety of needs.
Social media: Online networking. Perfect for chatting and sharing photos and videos.
Spotify: A website or app that you can play lots of different music from.
Apple Music: A website or app that you can also play lots of music from.
Instagram: A social media app for photo, video and idea sharing.
Watch opera on demand
The Metropolitan Opera, known as Met Opera, is home to some of the most breathtaking performers in the world. Alas, New York City is a long way away, meaning that many of us never get the opportunity to visit for ourselves. While you’re staying at home, you can watch over 700 different performances.
Featured performances include Madama Butterfly and Turandot - and they may very well move you to tears. Please note that Met Opera on Demand requires payment, but you can opt for a free trial. If you sign up, however, you can watch various operas at any time.
Sing along with your favourite musicals
Are you a fan of musicals? If not, you’re missing out. While going to the theatre is usually reserved for special treats, in quarantine, the musicals are coming to your very own home.
It's all thanks to a special YouTube channel called ‘The Shows Must Go On’. You can listen to excerpts and even watch full stage shows of Andrew Lloyd Webber classics. Comedian Tim Minchin and 70s heart throb Donny Osmond are among the artists performing from musicals such as Jesus Christ Superstar and Joseph and the Technicolour Dreamcoat.
You can check out incredible performances by following this link. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall (2011) will be available for 48 hours from Saturday, April 18 at 4am. Check back every week to see what’s next!
Listen to all your favourite artists
Did you know that you no longer have to purchase CDs, tapes or records to listen to your favourite artists? Don’t worry, it’s all completely legal! An app called Spotify has changed everything, allowing you to stream the music you love and listen to it anytime, anywhere.
You can type the name of the song, singer, band or piece that you want to listen to. You'll have access to millions upon millions of tracks, and you can even create your own playlists of favourites to listen whenever you like.
You can download Spotify for Apple phones here. If you have an Android phone, you can download Spotify for Android here. If you don’t have a smartphone, try Spotify Web. If you don't mind listening to adverts, Spotify is free. But you can buy Spotify Premium for $11.99 a month (or $17.99 for a family).
Alternatively, you can choose Apple Music.
Learn a new instrument
Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled musician, the lockdown is the ideal time to improve your skills.
From the guitar to the piano, the violin or even your voice, practice makes perfect. We like this “learn guitar in 10 days” beginner’s tutorial, hosted on YouTube.
Do you want to take lessons? If you have Instagram, you can contact a lovely Sydney local named Lorenzo. He usually works on the Music Bus with children. During the lockdown, he is teaching remote lessons on a variety of instruments over the Internet.
If you would like to talk to him about remote lessons, you can create an Instagram account and message Lorenzo directly here.
Immerse yourself in the Classics
Classical music is clinically proven to improve our health. In fact, it can help with stress, lowering blood pressure and improving our sleep. While it certainly doesn’t substitute seeing a health professional, it’s a relaxing hobby that many of us love.
The Classic FM Music Box offers a beautifully innovative way to appreciate classical music for 2020. It is an interactive book, featuring stunning hand-drawn illustrations alongside bursts of iconic music.
You can order the book from Amazon, or click the “play” buttons on this link for free tasters. It’s a lovely idea, particularly for sharing with family and friends if they’re new to this genre of music.
Relive your wild youth
If you were a bit of a rock’n’roller back in your younger days, we have some concerts for you.
An American music site, Billboard, has collated a list of all of the cancelled concerts that will now be live streaming for your pleasure at home. Instead of having to deal with large crowds, too much noise and queues for the bathroom, you can hear the artists you like while sitting in comfort.
One that you may like is JERSEY 4 JERSEY. Although it’s happening in America, the beauty of a live stream is that you can watch from anywhere. Classic rockers like Jon Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen will be there, as well as Whoopi Goldberg and lots of newer artists. They are all from the state of New Jersey.
JERSEY 4 JERSEY will take place on Thursday, April 23 at 9am . You can hear it on Apple Music.
Watch an inspiring TED Talk
Finally, watch this TedTalk to learn about the transformative power of classical music from one of world's greatest conductors, Benjamin Zander.
If you are an older person or a person with disabilities requiring assistance at this difficult time, you can contact us on 1300 941 750. We offer a wide range of services relating to in home care, including private in home nursing. We can even help you with social activities, including engaging with music online.
Feeling worried? Remember that this, too, shall pass. Right now, COVID-19 is bigger than all of us. Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay home.