The transformative echoes of an unplanned jam
How collaborating with the found noise of New York City inspired fresh hope. (Or, how an unplanned music jam saved my summer.) Read the post
Live Performance
A collection of articles from the Disc Makers blog that relate to the live music performance, including advice from top coaches and experienced musicians.
How to sing better right now: Singing tips from an expert vocal coach
Veteran vocal coach Cari Cole shares five singing tips to help beginners and experienced singers sound better during rehearsals and performances. Read the post.
Getting back to performing live after quarantine
The pandemic froze many indie artists’ live concert careers. If you’re ready to start playing for in-person audiences again, the right preparation can set you up for success. Read the post.
Practical strategies to protect your hearing as a musician
Most hearing loss associated with exposure to loud noises, or noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), is permanent, painless, and preventable. If you are a musician, you need to be proactive when it comes to minimizing risks to protect your hearing. Read the post.
Practice music like an Olympic athlete
Whatever your musical style or genre, establishing an effective, consistent practice routine will set you up for musical success. Here are some tips to get you started. Read the post.
Your #1 job as a music artist? Create demand for your music.
There are two million songs released every month. But those artists, those songs, are not your competition. Your success is driven by your commitment and patience. And your great music. Read the post.
Expand your musicianship and career by sight-reading music
The ability to see written music for the first time and play it on the spot is a superpower that will open creative and career possibilities. Here are some tips to expand your skills at sight-reading music. Read the post.
How to prepare for a vocal recording session
As a vocalist, there are techniques you can employ and routines you can follow to make sure you’re sounding your absolute best. Matt Ramsey gives advice on how to prepare your voice for a big recording. Read the post.
Turning popular songs into instrumental covers
Interpreting pop songs as instrumental covers can be a challenge. Here are tips to take your musical transformations in exciting directions. Read the post.
How to organize a set as a vocal warm-up
You might not always have time for a vocal warm-up before a performance, so vocal coach Matt Ramsey explains how to organize your set list to help you warm up. Read the post.
Ready to try live looping? Where do you start?
With the right gear, timing, and technique, a solo performer can summon multi-layered sounds that are worlds beyond the limits of a single instrument or voice. Here’s what you need to get started. 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.
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.
Gigging over Zoom: A case study
Throughout the pandemic, live-streamed performances have been a lifeline for many musicians, but the technical challenges can be significant. Here are some tips to help you share your music via Zoom. Read the post.
Don’t do it alone: Live music event roles
In part two of our DIY music business series, we focus on live music event roles. Learn how to leverage key services and expertise to help you delegate work so you can focus on creating and performing music. Read the post.