Professional headshots are necessary in many careers – musicians are no exception. If you have been to music school and are surrounded by aspiring professional musicians, you will be pressured into getting a headshot done. In general, getting headshots done is a good idea. In this guide, we will cover whether to get headshots taken,…
These days, there is no magic number of band members or magic combination of instruments that makes up a successful band. There are bands that make it work with just two people and bands that make a success out of touring with entire ensembles and diverse orchestration. It comes down to what you require to…
Pianos are beautiful instruments that require a lot of care and training to build and maintain. Well-maintained pianos can last well over 100 years! Unfortunately, many pianos fall into disuse and eventually, disrepair. Old pianos that are not taken care of properly become a large, heavy thing that people end up wanting to get rid…
People often wonder, should I close the lid (or fallboard) to protect the keys on my piano? Well, the truth depends on your keys and your personal taste! In this guide, we will go over what the piano fallboard is, what it does, and whether you should keep it closed or open. The truth may…
Piano can be a bit of a solitary instrument. Whereas guitar students often end up jamming and playing with their teachers and peers, piano students often practice and perform alone. This can foster a competitive attitude among pianists and some students can even end up bored. Learning and playing duets is a great way to…
Stage names are used by some of the most popular acts of all time, and for good reason. Bob Dylan is a heck of a lot catchier than Robert Zimmerman. P!nk is more memorable than Alecia Moore. In many cases, fans will see your name before they even hear your music. Your name needs to…
Every singer has experienced some scary moments when their voice suddenly gives out. This can be frustrating at the best of times. But if you are out on the road or gigging frequently, it can be damaging to your career and confidence. Why does you voice give out like this? Is it singing? Is it…
It’s normal to come home from a rehearsal or band practice feeling tired and wiped out – singing is hard work! But what kind of work is it? Is it the kind of work where you should treat yourself to pizza and beer after practice? Singing and playing music is tiring, but is that because…
So, you went to the doctor with a sore throat. Maybe it’s your third or fourth sore throat in the last couple months. The doctor says, “I think we should take your tonsils out, because they are getting inflamed so often.” While this surgery is common, it is also scary for those of us who…
Singing can feel like a bit of a mystery, even to those who’ve got a natural talent for it. What is it that makes a good singer? What is the different between a good voice and a bad voice? If you have a “bad” voice, can you make it better? The truth is simpler than…
When you hear the term “indie music”, any number of bands might come to mind. Modest Mouse, Bon Iver, Arcade Fire, The Smiths, Belle and Sebastian, The National, Mac DeMarco – these artists represent the indie music scene, and yet they are all different. Indie can be a bit of a confusing term, because by…
Roll up pianos are designed to be rolled up and put in a suitcase or box for traveling. Piano has always been one of the most difficult instruments to travel with (you can’t just wear them on you back like a guitar) and roll up pianos are designed to solve this problem. Unfortunately, roll up…
Making a music video is something every indie artist should attempt at some point in their career. Whether you want to make the video in a DIY fashion or on a low budget, or spend some coin hiring professionals, making a music video is a fun project that complements your music and marketing. Music videos…
The internet has vast resources for those learning to play music. Students can learn from YouTube, a variety of online courses, and virtual lessons. While all this is helpful, many students still want to learn to read music and be able to play from sheet music. The internet can help with this too! In this…
Music and art are hard to classify. Does music have to conform to a set of expectations or criteria? Are whale songs music? What about trees rustling and cars driving by an open window? In many ways, music is in the ear of the beholder. Academics and researchers, however, have spent a lot of time…