Entering songs in the CMS

Before you can enter your songs to the PimbaPiano-database, you must first request login details. With these details, you can log in via the field in the footer. This give you access to (part of) the CMS, the Content Management System of PimbaPiano.

You will now see two options at the top of the screen. You can log out via the 'symbol'. If you click on <Content> you will enter a page of the Library. This page is (still) empty, because your content is shown here. You will see that you can filter on various characteristics. Hovering over <Content> with your mouse, or select (click) one of the other options, and you'll arrive at the page <Create songs>.

You will then have access to the following items per song:

  1. Title
  2. Artist(s)
  3. Level
  4. Style
  5. Language
  6. Explanation
  7. Sheet music
  8. Video
  9. Image
  10. Example video

Many of these items are self-explanatory. Below is a general explanation, and then a brief explanation per item.

General information
In the first level of PimbaPiano, letters are used to indicate which keys to play. From the 2nd level onwards, songs are written in the rhythm-free Pimba notation. This means that no stems, flags, value lines or bar lines are used. Everything is aimed at making the score as accessible as possible. Repeat signs are also avoided where possible, as are dynamic instructions. The scores are intended for children who have only just begun their musical journey of discovery.

In principle, you can create a Pimba score with most professional music notation software. You have to discover for yourself what the best way of working is for you. After all, you know the software you use best! You can find some general tips on guidelines for rhythm-free songs. Below now is a short explanation per item of 'entering a song' in the CMS.

  1. Title - by this title the song can be found in the search field 'Search by song'.
  2. Artist(s) - usually the performing singer or band that made the song famous. But sometimes also the composer and lyricist. If no name is known, please enter a hyphen (-).
  3. Level 
    1e level letter songs, mainly white keys
    2e level rhythm-free notation white keys only
    3e level rhythm-free notation with easy sharps
    4e level rhythm-free notation with easy flats
    5e level rhythm-free notation, more compled melodies, sometimes with chords.
  4. Style - The division into styles speaks for itself. In principle, the Christmas and Sinterklaas (=Dutch traditional) songs are only shown in the relevant period.
  5. Language -  
  6. Explanation - This is the explanation that comes with each specific song. For example, if a song only has 1 black key, and is very easy, it might be better placed in the white key level. But then additional information is needed for that one black key. Specific tips that make learning a song easier can also be found here. There's no need for an extensive explanation.
  7. Sheet music PDF - Sheet music can only be submitted in PDF format
  8. Video - Paste here the URL of the video where the student can find the original performance of the song. This function needs en external provider (YouTube or Vimeo). Each video can be slowed down. This function is generated automatically by the PimbaPiano site.
  9. Image - YouTube chooses an image from the video mentioned above. You can choose to replace it with the image you enter here.
  10. Example video - Enter the URL of your own example video here. This function needs an external provider (YouTube or Vimeo) as well. So you must upload your video first to YouTube or Vimeo.

All fields are required except 'Image' and 'Example Video'.