Things every musician and songwriter can learn from McCoy Tyner
McCoy Tyner, a giant of jazz piano, embodied powerful lessons that music-makers of any sort can learn from. Read the post.
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Quincy Jones’ tools for success
This excerpt from Q on Producing, by Quincy Jones with Bill Gibson, touches on Quincy’s ideas of what the core skills of a record producer are. Read the post.
How to preserve and protect your voice before a performance (or rehearsal)
There are lots of common-sense things you should do as a vocalist to keep your instrument in top shape to perform, and as performance opportunities will be returning soon, it’s worth reminding ourselves of some of the basics. Read the post.
Why anyone can upload your music to YouTube (and why they haven’t been sued out of existence)
YouTube is the world’s largest music-discovery platform, where indie musicians can monetize their music and anyone can post whatever they want, whether they own the rights or not. What does that mean for you and your music?
Ready to start teaching music lessons?
Musician, author, educator, and music industry consultant Bobby Borg gives advice about starting a business teaching music lessons. Read the post.
Tax write-offs for the working musician
It’s tax season, and if you’re a working musician, don’t forget to write off all of your music-related expenses so you can lower your taxes and keep more of the money you earned. Read the post.
Add drama with a flat-six chord
The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.
You can’t make money if you can’t take money: How to take payments as a musician
Having things to sell requires you to find a way to take your customers’ money, whether by credit card, online payment, check, or cash. Read the post.
The profound healing quality of music
An intense desire to create and share her music helped indie music artist Sarah Fimm recover from a debilitating accident and find gratitude for the lessons she learned. Read the post.
Word-of-mouth marketing: What it is, and how to generate it
Bobby Borg talks to Freddy Nager about word-of-mouth marketing and how to leverage it to boost your music career. Read the post.
10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make
In these videos, I break down the 10 things I see independent artists do — or fail to do — that leads to underachieving in their music careers. Here are the top 10 marketing mistakes independent musicians make. Read the post.
It’s the perfect year to produce an album this February!
We’re still in various stages of lockdown, so this February, why not sign up for the RPM Challenge or February Album Writing Month and create an entire album of new music in 28 days? Read the post.
Sixth chords add moody complexity to your music
Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read the post.
The Flying V: The history of an iconic guitar
Since the first production electric guitar rolled out of its plant in 1936, Gibson has crafted some of the industry’s most iconic guitars — from the Les Paul and SG to the Memphis blues classic. But the lore and design of the Flying V and its modernistic siblings hold a special place in the Gibson catalog. Read the post.
How to use Spotify Canvas to add looping video to your streams
With Spotify canvas, you can include short looping videos that will play while your music streams. It’s a great way to increase shares and engagement, and it’s easy to use. Read the post.
How to plan, perform, and rock your Zoom gigs
Live-streaming has opened new opportunities for many musicians. It has also created new categories of challenges. These prep and performance tips can make your Zoom gigs the best they can be. Read the post.
Setting (and achieving) your music career goals for 2021
Get 2021 started right by adjusting your music career goals and plans to make the most of the continued lockdown. Use this list to get the ideas flowing and help you decide where to put your time and energy. Read the post.