General: #1-#7 (update)
About Music Instruments: #1-#5
About Level of Difficulties: #1
Sheet Musics Request #1-#8
Download Problems #1-4 (update)
Affiliations: #1-2
Other Questions: #1-#2
GENERAL
1. What's the meaning of "mitayashi no mae"?
::: There's no specific meaning of it. Mitayashi is just a playful nick from my original name 'yasmita'. Mae means front. So, literally it means "in front Mitayashi".
2. So why now the link is http://mitayashi.blogspot.com but the site's title is j-mAdness?
::: Because I bought a domain and direct it to http://mitayashi.blogspot.com. So all contents are actually still in Blogger.
3. So what's the use of http://www.j-madness.com?
::: Obviously same with http://mitayashi.blogspot. Either you type http://mitayashi.blogspot.com or http://www.j-madness.com, the result will be same.
4. Wait! What is j-mAdness? Are we insane?
Sort of. :D This is the explanation:
j = Japan
m = movie/manga
A = anime
d = dorama
so j-madness = our 'madness' to those subjects drives us to appreciate, collect, and talk about them.
2. So why now the link is http://mitayashi.blogspot.com but the site's title is j-mAdness?
::: Because I bought a domain and direct it to http://mitayashi.blogspot.com. So all contents are actually still in Blogger.
3. So what's the use of http://www.j-madness.com?
::: Obviously same with http://mitayashi.blogspot. Either you type http://mitayashi.blogspot.com or http://www.j-madness.com, the result will be same.
4. Wait! What is j-mAdness? Are we insane?
Sort of. :D This is the explanation:
j = Japan
m = movie/manga
A = anime
d = dorama
so j-madness = our 'madness' to those subjects drives us to appreciate, collect, and talk about them.
5. What is this site all about?
::: Mainly it will be a site that provide you the sheets music of anime, J-dorama, and J-movie and fanarts. It will be supported by reviews about interesting anime/manga/J-dorama/J-movie/Japanese books. Recently, I also review and plan to put up transcribe sheet music of Japanese games. I also put whatever related to anime/manga like drawing tutorials. Whatever related to Japan also can be review here like drawing original character in manga/anime style, artisan craft, just make sure it has a touch of Japanese style.
6. So, this site is about sheets music. What's special about it?
::: Keyword: anime, dorama, movie, japanese, games, music, sheet, chord, piano, pianika, melodeon, guitar, tab, violin, orchestra, mp3, flv
Even further, this site provide you how-to play review and difficulty rank.
7. I saw some anime/drama or even films title that I found it not popular at all. Why bother to work on its sheet music? (NEW)
::: I can give you some reason:
a) The purpose is to open up people's knowledge about various style of music and composers in Japan also this web is more to educate and giving challenge of good music. It is pointless for me, to work on popular title which has no challenge to work and no challenge for you to play.
b) I also worked based on what-feeling-does-the-BGM-wants. Happiness, sadness, anxious, horror, funny/comedy. Music is basically character to play and that's what I want to share.
c) Some of the sheets here are even suitable for "etude" like collection from Iryu. Which really good to sharpen skill. My personal ultimate "etude" that I always use for warming up with my violin is "Sprinting Spirits" from Eureka 7 because it touches 5th to 7th positions.
d) I seek possibility for duet, trio, or group to play. In the end, it's all about perform in front of audience, right?
e) Many of the title I am working that actually I don't even ever watch but by listening to the soundtracks I can get the ambiance of the whole film/show and that rise my curiosity to know more about the film itself.
f) I already had proven that a good music, even though people never heard it and we can deliver it nicely -- even with a minimal instruments; it will be just good! I played on my "Music Demo" at schools where I was a teacher and some informal concert. The result? Audiences are just loving it!
INSTRUMENTS
1. What Instrument can I play with your sheet music?
::: basically, I have no restriction to what instrument to play. Any instrument, as long as it fits the clef and notation range will be ok. For example, piano is mostly has the widest range of octave compare to violin. So check first, if you play violin, is the notes are reachable or not.
If a score is written in - for example - Clef of G, while your instrument is played at Clef of F, then you are encourage to request for a proper transcription for your instrument. Just send your request to intiteam@yahoo.com or leave a message at the chat box.
2. Can I just sing it?
::: Again, it depends on your ability and range of octave. Some of sheets here are actually for singer (for example: Sakasama no Chou from Jigoku Shoujo or Tane wo Maku Hibi from Bleach). However, there is no rules say you cannot play it with your instruments.
3. Hey, I see a sheet for piano, but why is it only for right hand?
::: The sheets here are multifunction. Rather than only serving pianist, I want it to be universal use. I assume you are a pop pianist whom able to read the right hand, while you can freely play the left part by only reading the chords.
If you are a classic pianist, then, this is your chance to open opportunity to learn how to play pop. All you actually need to do is listening (hearing) the mp3 (audio) so you can 'track' the left hand style and pattern of playing.
Just FYI, it is common in Japan and SEA countries to sell pop song sheet music that is only contain of tune (right hand - if played by piano) and chords. Generally, it is called as "lead sheet". Wait, what's that mean? Ok, check here on Wikipedia about lead sheet. So.. stop complaining! I'm enough with this. (T__T)
If you really need the complete hands in a transcript, then there are thousand website out there providing it for you. I even list some of good blog or website that provides different way of transcribing. So just check them if you find mine is no good for you :)
4. Are sheets music here support band players?
::: Yes. The way I wrote the notation is actually same with any sheet music for pop sheet music. I do believe if you are singer, guitarist, and bassist, you know where your part. For drummer, I am sorry that I cannot provide any guidance for you.. but I assume you are good on hearing.
However, the chords part for guitarist, when it is played a chord but different bass sound (while no bassist around), the way to play may a bit different. Say, you play C/E (C on E) or Gm7/Bb (Gm7 on Bb). You can request me guitar tabs if you feel it is too complicated for you.
5. What about orchestra?::: Well, I'm sorry I cannot transcript all instrument in detail. As exchange, this is your opportunity to learn how to transcript a lead sheet into orchestra use. As long as you know how to work with the chords, I am sure you're just fine.
Apologies that I also have quite a limited time so I can't waste my time only to work on a score.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTIES
1. What is Music Difficulty Rank?
Difficulty Rank helps you to indicate which sheet music is suitable for your skill. Previously, I only divided it into 3 ranks:
Beginner - Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate - Expert
Expert
A total challenging music to try. Knowledge of music theory (notes, chords, harmony, tempo, dynamic, etc) is a must. Free style, free interpretation, especially for the left hand (if playing piano) are the best part you can enjoy.
SHEET MUSIC REQUEST
1. Can we request? What is the procedure and how long will it takes?
:::Yes you can. Basically, all you need to do is just to write the anime title and music title. If you have specific request like transposition, the needs of guitar tabs, using a different clef, please mention it. You can leave your request at the chat box or send it to intiteam@yahoo.com
The length of working depends on situations I am facing. For example, I once was request to transcribe Avalon's score. This is a rare anime (film) and I could not find the sound samples in popular anime websites. So it took some times before I can study the music. Another thing is,.. the requester wanted me to put up all strings sounds which I tried but then I realized my capability and the limited time that I had. In the end, it took about 3-4 months to put the music on the website. This was also caused by the schedule that I already planned. Like -- I already had some sheets to be online, so the request sheet must on the queue.
2. What is the condition/rules to make a request?
::: Now, this is a good question. Since I have some difficulties previously, so let's make some rules. This is to limit difficulty on the future:
a) Make sure that your request is NOT yet transcribed in any website. How to check? The best place to check is Josh anime music collection. This is the best place to start crawling.
b) The request must be from anime, japanese games, j-drama, and japanese films only.
c) Make sure the sample sound is available so I can download it! It can be mp3 or youtube. Especially if your request is rare 'item' or a very new on air show. How to check that your request is having the sound sample? Check on these websites: We love Asia OST (mostly for J-movie and J-drama), Jdorama.com (for j-drama OST), Tenshi.ru (for anime and small amount of Japanese games. Most of collection are from Nipponsei), Kingdom Hearts Insider (for mostly Japanese games OST). Those places I mention are not a must, if you know where to download it, just directly put the link for me!
d) One person can only request 2 songs.
e) Keep check J-madness REQUEST LIST to make sure your request is accepted or rejected, on progress or even finished.
3. And Consequences for not following the rules...? (NEW)
a) I will reject a request that is already listed on other website.
b) I will refuse to work K-pop, K-drama, K-anime, Western film/drama/animation OST, even J-pop and J-rock! No question about this.
c) From now on, I will not process the request that has no sound sample. Especially if it's a rare item.
d) Your max request is 3 songs. The last one will be listed on the next batch.
e) From now on, I will also no more contacting any of requester that the request was finished. Check j-mAdness website, my tweet, or our Facebook page to get the update!
4. So the "Request List" page on top of the site is...?
::: To track what request I am doing and what's on the future. Request that I am working on will be marked as "on going". Those I finished will be marked as "finished". This is to help both you (requester) and I to know what's going on to your request. Also, if I reject your request, I will write there with or without reason.
5. Can you speed up?
::: Again, it really depends on situation, the song/score difficulty, and the queue.
6. I request you first. How come you work on another request that came later than mine?
::: I usually give a little priority if I have the request sample music within my music collection. I only avoid doing nothing. There are events when the requester do not give me a sufficient sample music and I have to ask back the person to provide me a better sample. While waiting for this, I would push whatever material I have to be done first.
7. Wait, on the "Request List" page, you marked it "finished", but why I didn't see it as an article yet?
::: There are 2 conditions that may happen:
(1) It was finished but not yet for final touch. Means, I still have to work a little more by checking and complete the layout.
(2) Another article was already on schedule and I would not interrupt it. So yours must be waiting for a little more time.
8. Should I pay to boost up your speed?
::: No way I would accept! To respect the copyright and as a moral responsibility, I keep everything in this website FREE. This is to respect the original work of composers, song writers, and lyricists. Please understand that I take care this web completely in my free time. However, though my real life is quite hectic, I now try to be more discipline with all schedule I put for j-mAdness because I love to share what I can with you.
DOWNLOAD PROBLEMS
1. I see your "download page" at your DeviantArt.com, but I don't know where the download button. Where is it?
::: Find the text "Download File" (button). DeviantArt might changing their layout. Last time the download button was far down of the page, but now at the up right.
2. What is "rar"? Why is your file in rar?
::: rar is a 'compiler' software and able to press files inside it, like a ZIP format. But rar can press the files more than zip. Inside this rar, i put the jpg of the sheet music and the audio file (mp3) of respective song/music score. To operate rar is just like zip. You can download the software at here. Don't worry, it's free.
3. Should I become member of deviantArt to download your sheet musics?
::: No. You can directly download it by the links I provided when you read the articlecalled "Download file". Even when you reach the deviantArt pages and want to download the stuff there, you don't have to become a member.
4. I downloaded it but seems error or only half file. What should I do? NEW
::: First, you can report it to me. Tell the detail what happened to your download. I usually will test to download as well.
Second, there's possibility that your internet connection was unstable. You can turn off your connection and turn on, then try to download. Sometimes connection may take long time to recover, so try again after 24 hours.
Third, there is also possibility that deviantart.com's server down. Try to access within an hour or see it after 24 hours.
Fourth, if no of the suggestions above work for you, contact me, and I will provide a backup link for you to get the file.
AFFILIATIONS
1. What does 'sister blogs' mean and purpose?
::: Sister blogs is a category where all sites that listed there have direct relation to my site. We are not only linking one each other but supporting one each other, too. By this way, we promote one each other's website. You will find that we have a big project that will be released in specific time. For example, I release a music sheet of a song. Site B will provide the videoclip in youtube, site C provides the lyric thread, and site D makes an article about how to sing the song.
2. Interesting! How to be your sister blog then?
::: a) your site is on the same theme with me. Doesn't have to fit all themes. Maybe only relate to fanart or Japanese book. Send an e-mail to intiteam@yahoo.com so we can discuss. it b) propose a big theme that at least my site and your site can do together. I may also come up with an idea. c) if we already get an agreement to cooperate and supporting one each other, then I'll put your link to mine, you do the same. I won't force you to make a "Sister blog" Category. It's up to you as long as you link to me, too and credit (and link to me) when we have the big project.
6. So, this site is about sheets music. What's special about it?
::: Keyword: anime, dorama, movie, japanese, games, music, sheet, chord, piano, pianika, melodeon, guitar, tab, violin, orchestra, mp3, flv
Even further, this site provide you how-to play review and difficulty rank.
7. I saw some anime/drama or even films title that I found it not popular at all. Why bother to work on its sheet music? (NEW)
::: I can give you some reason:
a) The purpose is to open up people's knowledge about various style of music and composers in Japan also this web is more to educate and giving challenge of good music. It is pointless for me, to work on popular title which has no challenge to work and no challenge for you to play.
b) I also worked based on what-feeling-does-the-BGM-wants. Happiness, sadness, anxious, horror, funny/comedy. Music is basically character to play and that's what I want to share.
c) Some of the sheets here are even suitable for "etude" like collection from Iryu. Which really good to sharpen skill. My personal ultimate "etude" that I always use for warming up with my violin is "Sprinting Spirits" from Eureka 7 because it touches 5th to 7th positions.
d) I seek possibility for duet, trio, or group to play. In the end, it's all about perform in front of audience, right?
e) Many of the title I am working that actually I don't even ever watch but by listening to the soundtracks I can get the ambiance of the whole film/show and that rise my curiosity to know more about the film itself.
f) I already had proven that a good music, even though people never heard it and we can deliver it nicely -- even with a minimal instruments; it will be just good! I played on my "Music Demo" at schools where I was a teacher and some informal concert. The result? Audiences are just loving it!
INSTRUMENTS
1. What Instrument can I play with your sheet music?
::: basically, I have no restriction to what instrument to play. Any instrument, as long as it fits the clef and notation range will be ok. For example, piano is mostly has the widest range of octave compare to violin. So check first, if you play violin, is the notes are reachable or not.
If a score is written in - for example - Clef of G, while your instrument is played at Clef of F, then you are encourage to request for a proper transcription for your instrument. Just send your request to intiteam@yahoo.com or leave a message at the chat box.
2. Can I just sing it?
::: Again, it depends on your ability and range of octave. Some of sheets here are actually for singer (for example: Sakasama no Chou from Jigoku Shoujo or Tane wo Maku Hibi from Bleach). However, there is no rules say you cannot play it with your instruments.
3. Hey, I see a sheet for piano, but why is it only for right hand?
::: The sheets here are multifunction. Rather than only serving pianist, I want it to be universal use. I assume you are a pop pianist whom able to read the right hand, while you can freely play the left part by only reading the chords.
If you are a classic pianist, then, this is your chance to open opportunity to learn how to play pop. All you actually need to do is listening (hearing) the mp3 (audio) so you can 'track' the left hand style and pattern of playing.
Just FYI, it is common in Japan and SEA countries to sell pop song sheet music that is only contain of tune (right hand - if played by piano) and chords. Generally, it is called as "lead sheet". Wait, what's that mean? Ok, check here on Wikipedia about lead sheet. So.. stop complaining! I'm enough with this. (T__T)
If you really need the complete hands in a transcript, then there are thousand website out there providing it for you. I even list some of good blog or website that provides different way of transcribing. So just check them if you find mine is no good for you :)
4. Are sheets music here support band players?
::: Yes. The way I wrote the notation is actually same with any sheet music for pop sheet music. I do believe if you are singer, guitarist, and bassist, you know where your part. For drummer, I am sorry that I cannot provide any guidance for you.. but I assume you are good on hearing.
However, the chords part for guitarist, when it is played a chord but different bass sound (while no bassist around), the way to play may a bit different. Say, you play C/E (C on E) or Gm7/Bb (Gm7 on Bb). You can request me guitar tabs if you feel it is too complicated for you.
5. What about orchestra?::: Well, I'm sorry I cannot transcript all instrument in detail. As exchange, this is your opportunity to learn how to transcript a lead sheet into orchestra use. As long as you know how to work with the chords, I am sure you're just fine.
Apologies that I also have quite a limited time so I can't waste my time only to work on a score.
LEVEL OF DIFFICULTIES
1. What is Music Difficulty Rank?
Difficulty Rank helps you to indicate which sheet music is suitable for your skill. Previously, I only divided it into 3 ranks:
- Beginner
- Intermediate
- Expert
But then I divide it into 5 ranks. However, criteria on each rank is not strict. And here they are:
- Beginner
- Beginner - Intermediate
- Intermediate
- Intermediate - Expert
- Expert
Notes are clearly simple. Chords are basic like pure major and pure minor only. Possibly that the composition had moved into easier position like do = C, do = G, do = D, do = F, do = B, but this is a special case. Song/score sample is Grief & Sorrow (from Naruto) and Good Morning (from D.N. Angel)
Beginner - Intermediate
Notes are varied but not hard to follow. Chords are having more variation. More sharps and flats. More challenging songs. Sample: Mosaic Kakera (from Code Geass)
Intermediate
Notes are complicated. Mastering more chords chart. Challenging from many aspects. No more simplifying. Score is restricted as the original sounds.
Intermediate - Expert
Harder than Intermediate. Need a careful reading. Harmony is a must as most of the chords are ornamental. However, free style playing is recommended. Creativity on making your own interpretation is suggested. If not, then at least the sound is pretty close to the original song/score.
Expert
A total challenging music to try. Knowledge of music theory (notes, chords, harmony, tempo, dynamic, etc) is a must. Free style, free interpretation, especially for the left hand (if playing piano) are the best part you can enjoy.
SHEET MUSIC REQUEST
1. Can we request? What is the procedure and how long will it takes?
:::Yes you can. Basically, all you need to do is just to write the anime title and music title. If you have specific request like transposition, the needs of guitar tabs, using a different clef, please mention it. You can leave your request at the chat box or send it to intiteam@yahoo.com
The length of working depends on situations I am facing. For example, I once was request to transcribe Avalon's score. This is a rare anime (film) and I could not find the sound samples in popular anime websites. So it took some times before I can study the music. Another thing is,.. the requester wanted me to put up all strings sounds which I tried but then I realized my capability and the limited time that I had. In the end, it took about 3-4 months to put the music on the website. This was also caused by the schedule that I already planned. Like -- I already had some sheets to be online, so the request sheet must on the queue.
2. What is the condition/rules to make a request?
::: Now, this is a good question. Since I have some difficulties previously, so let's make some rules. This is to limit difficulty on the future:
a) Make sure that your request is NOT yet transcribed in any website. How to check? The best place to check is Josh anime music collection. This is the best place to start crawling.
b) The request must be from anime, japanese games, j-drama, and japanese films only.
c) Make sure the sample sound is available so I can download it! It can be mp3 or youtube. Especially if your request is rare 'item' or a very new on air show. How to check that your request is having the sound sample? Check on these websites: We love Asia OST (mostly for J-movie and J-drama), Jdorama.com (for j-drama OST), Tenshi.ru (for anime and small amount of Japanese games. Most of collection are from Nipponsei), Kingdom Hearts Insider (for mostly Japanese games OST). Those places I mention are not a must, if you know where to download it, just directly put the link for me!
d) One person can only request 2 songs.
e) Keep check J-madness REQUEST LIST to make sure your request is accepted or rejected, on progress or even finished.
3. And Consequences for not following the rules...? (NEW)
a) I will reject a request that is already listed on other website.
b) I will refuse to work K-pop, K-drama, K-anime, Western film/drama/animation OST, even J-pop and J-rock! No question about this.
c) From now on, I will not process the request that has no sound sample. Especially if it's a rare item.
d) Your max request is 3 songs. The last one will be listed on the next batch.
e) From now on, I will also no more contacting any of requester that the request was finished. Check j-mAdness website, my tweet, or our Facebook page to get the update!
4. So the "Request List" page on top of the site is...?
::: To track what request I am doing and what's on the future. Request that I am working on will be marked as "on going". Those I finished will be marked as "finished". This is to help both you (requester) and I to know what's going on to your request. Also, if I reject your request, I will write there with or without reason.
5. Can you speed up?
::: Again, it really depends on situation, the song/score difficulty, and the queue.
6. I request you first. How come you work on another request that came later than mine?
::: I usually give a little priority if I have the request sample music within my music collection. I only avoid doing nothing. There are events when the requester do not give me a sufficient sample music and I have to ask back the person to provide me a better sample. While waiting for this, I would push whatever material I have to be done first.
7. Wait, on the "Request List" page, you marked it "finished", but why I didn't see it as an article yet?
::: There are 2 conditions that may happen:
(1) It was finished but not yet for final touch. Means, I still have to work a little more by checking and complete the layout.
(2) Another article was already on schedule and I would not interrupt it. So yours must be waiting for a little more time.
8. Should I pay to boost up your speed?
::: No way I would accept! To respect the copyright and as a moral responsibility, I keep everything in this website FREE. This is to respect the original work of composers, song writers, and lyricists. Please understand that I take care this web completely in my free time. However, though my real life is quite hectic, I now try to be more discipline with all schedule I put for j-mAdness because I love to share what I can with you.
DOWNLOAD PROBLEMS
1. I see your "download page" at your DeviantArt.com, but I don't know where the download button. Where is it?
::: Find the text "Download File" (button). DeviantArt might changing their layout. Last time the download button was far down of the page, but now at the up right.
2. What is "rar"? Why is your file in rar?
::: rar is a 'compiler' software and able to press files inside it, like a ZIP format. But rar can press the files more than zip. Inside this rar, i put the jpg of the sheet music and the audio file (mp3) of respective song/music score. To operate rar is just like zip. You can download the software at here. Don't worry, it's free.
3. Should I become member of deviantArt to download your sheet musics?
::: No. You can directly download it by the links I provided when you read the articlecalled "Download file". Even when you reach the deviantArt pages and want to download the stuff there, you don't have to become a member.
4. I downloaded it but seems error or only half file. What should I do? NEW
::: First, you can report it to me. Tell the detail what happened to your download. I usually will test to download as well.
Second, there's possibility that your internet connection was unstable. You can turn off your connection and turn on, then try to download. Sometimes connection may take long time to recover, so try again after 24 hours.
Third, there is also possibility that deviantart.com's server down. Try to access within an hour or see it after 24 hours.
Fourth, if no of the suggestions above work for you, contact me, and I will provide a backup link for you to get the file.
AFFILIATIONS
1. What does 'sister blogs' mean and purpose?
::: Sister blogs is a category where all sites that listed there have direct relation to my site. We are not only linking one each other but supporting one each other, too. By this way, we promote one each other's website. You will find that we have a big project that will be released in specific time. For example, I release a music sheet of a song. Site B will provide the videoclip in youtube, site C provides the lyric thread, and site D makes an article about how to sing the song.
2. Interesting! How to be your sister blog then?
::: a) your site is on the same theme with me. Doesn't have to fit all themes. Maybe only relate to fanart or Japanese book. Send an e-mail to intiteam@yahoo.com so we can discuss. it b) propose a big theme that at least my site and your site can do together. I may also come up with an idea. c) if we already get an agreement to cooperate and supporting one each other, then I'll put your link to mine, you do the same. I won't force you to make a "Sister blog" Category. It's up to you as long as you link to me, too and credit (and link to me) when we have the big project.
OTHER QUESTIONS
1. Can I submit fanart? Or... this site is only about your fanart...?
::: Due to heavy work in my real life, now I limit myself to review some fanart or original character from deviantart.com or alike. So yes, you can refer me your art!
2. Yay! You provide free download goodies. Is it really free?
::: Yes. :) All the goodies are my personal work as a fan or as an artist. If you want to share your goodies for free, let me know and I shall link to your site/download URL. For music, it's already free. So I will not tag it to free goodies section anymore :)
Ok, that's all, Folk!
