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Leah R. Garnett

Keeping a Song (and Yourself) Together

by Leah R. Garnett October 21, 2010

This post is devoted to answering a reader question about singing and emotion. The reader, a man, specifically asks: How do you manage strong emotions that arise when you sing? The question will likely resonate with most anyone who sings (or wants to sing) in public – whether it’s a bar of music in a choir or an entire performance. Judy Rodman, the wonderful singer and vocal coach who contributes guest blogs to Music After 50, graciously provided an answer to this reader’s question. First the reader’s words, and then Judy’s: Read more…

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Daisy Rock Aims to Put a Guitar in Every (Girl’s) Hand

by Leah R. Garnett September 27, 2010

Tish CiravoloWhen I first went looking for an electric guitar I could use for jazz, the weight of the guitar – and not just the sound – was a factor in my buying decision. I ended up with a semi-hollow body guitar, rather than a hollow body, simply because the guitar was lighter. Although few men likely buy a guitar based on its weight, most women probably do.

That’s what Tish Ciravolo, president of Daisy Rock Girl Guitars, did when she bought her first bass guitar in high school. Read more…

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Music Lessons as Life Lessons

by Leah R. Garnett August 4, 2010

woman playing guitarI recently heard an adult guitar student say something that many of us have likely said at one time: “I need to cancel my lesson, because I haven’t practiced.”

The thought of showing up at a music lesson unprepared causes a myriad of emotions in people – shame, embarrassment, anxiety….and outright fear. Read more…

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NARM President Interviewed

by Leah R. Garnett April 14, 2010

Jim DonioJim Donio, President of National Association of Recording Merchandisers, talks about CDs, vinyl, digital downloads, and the modern-day music consumer.

If you’re an independent musician trying to get your music heard by more than family and friends, you’ve likely heard that you need to get on board with social media and the digital marketplace. But you may be completely confused about what many of the newer tools can do for you or how to access them. Read more…

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10-Minute Music Practice

by Leah R. Garnett March 12, 2010

One person may practice an instrument for an hour a day, another for only 10 minutes a day. And yet the person who practices for 10 minutes may make more progress than the one who practices for an hour. Why? Because the person who plays for only 10 minutes may spend that time in focused practice, working on developing new skills.

The person who practices for an hour may spend that time playing songs, pieces, or scales that he or she already knows. Read more…

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Rest Is the Best Medicine, Says “Liverpool Beat” Doc

by Leah R. Garnett February 22, 2010

Stephen L. Cash lives a double-life: Chief hand surgeon at Lankenau Hospital outside of Philadelphia and “George” in the Beatles tribute band “Liverpool Beat.” Dr. Cash graciously agreed to be interviewed by Music After 50 on aches and pains of older musicians. Read more…

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