Songwriting is not generally looked at as a lucrative venture. The majority of people writing songs are not doing it to make money. But songs are worth money. People care about music and music has value. So, how do you get paid as a songwriter? As more and more people listen to your music or…
What exactly is it that record labels do? Today, you can go about building a music career in a variety of ways. And, you don’t even need to rely on a label for your ultimate success. There are so many paths you can pursue that don’t involve a label. And, we even hear about artists…
There are plenty of people wanting to learn piano. But there are a variety of issues that can get in the way. Maybe you have a small room and can’t fit a grand piano. Maybe you can’t afford an upright piano. Perhaps noise is a bit of a concern with your roommates or your neighbors…
When starting out on the piano, playing boring sounding classical pieces may not be what you had in mind. But it’s important to learn some songs that sound and feel impressive to play. Knowing that you can pull off some music that will delight others can help keep you motivated to practice and learn. Take…
Many artists dream about one day becoming a full-time musician. In my experience, it’s altogether too easy to envision a rosy future when a humdrum or unwanted future is just as likely. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take a chance. Far from it. Becoming a full-time artist could be better than you’ve ever imagined. But…
Music is important. But it’s still worth asking: why is music important? Making art is a basic human function. For whatever reason, we feel the need to leave a mark on the world. We have a burning desire to create, whether it’s folk songs, rock art, or movies – it’s all human expression. Having a…
Listening to vinyl requires a bit of a commitment on the part of the listener. Typically, you don’t just put on a record unless you plan to sit and listen for a while. But even among younger people, listening to vinyl has become a favorite pastime, and naturally, there are plenty of collectors and vinyl…
Record labels are not dead. Even though people are more connected than ever, labels offer a framework that many independent artists find useful. These days, labels are more than just labels. Some manage artists, promote shows or even have their own streetwear brand – you get the idea! The modern label is about connections, clout,…
You know you’re starting to get a different quality of gig when venues and event organizers start asking for stage plots. This is the moment bands and artists tend to get excited and overwhelmed by at the same time. “Stage plot? What’s that? Why do we need it? Do we even have time to put…
Are you looking to turn your passion for music production into a full-time job? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Many musicians and producers look down upon doing things for money, but the fact is, if you want to sustain your passion, you need to make money. Here are five ways you can make…
Are you feeling burnt out? Or, are you wondering what it looks like in real life? One thing I will say upfront is that burnout is real, and it can happen to anyone. With that in mind, it doesn’t ever need to reach a point where your health or life is compromised or threatened. When…
There’s something about a great country song, isn’t there? I mean, it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but those who love it love it to death. As with many other genres, topics often include love and heartbreak, fun and adventure, faith and spirituality and more. That’s right – contrary to popular parodies, country is not…
Writing songs is both an art and a big business. Artists around the world are making a go of it either playing and recording their own music or writing music for other artists. How do you become a songwriter? How do you make money as a songwriter? What makes a songwriter a professional? In this…
If you’re in the process of buying a piano or keyboard, you may be wondering what a full-size piano is. What’s the difference between a keyboard with 73 keys, and a full-size piano? In this quick guide, I’m going to take you through how many keys are on a piano, why there are that many,…
So, you’re on the hunt for the perfect acoustic guitar. As you are surely aware, there are many to choose from at every price point. Plus, a cheaper guitar isn’t always significantly worse, and an expensive guitar isn’t always measurably better. It depends on what you’re looking for and how you intend to use it,…