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inspiration

sequence an album

How to sequence an album for best results

January 9, 2020June 30, 2020 Scott McCormick

Perfecting your song order when you sequence an album can mean the difference between a great artistic statement and a nice mixtape. Read the post.

mediant chord

Surprise ‘em with the major mediant chord

December 4, 2019December 11, 2019 Scott McCormick

While the mediant (iii chord) isn’t as structurally integral as the tonic, dominant , or subdominant, employing it can provide an unexpected surprise that will make listeners’ ears perk up every time. Read the post.

solo performance

Re-arranging big songs for solo performance

November 20, 2019November 20, 2019 Michael Gallant

Whether you’re dancing on piano keys or dreaming on acoustic guitar, reimagining your favorite songs for solo performance with just you, your voice, and a single instrument can be as fun as it is challenging. Read the post.

style of music

The case for playing every style of music

October 23, 2019October 23, 2019 Michael Gallant

While it might be impossible to play EVERY style of music there is, you can gain confidence, experience, and new ideas playing in musical genres outside of your regular routine. Read the post.

Neapolitan chord

Use the zesty Neapolitan chord in your songs

October 22, 2019March 24, 2020 Scott McCormick

A touch of exoticism could be all you need to lift your song up from the mundane. The flat-second, a.k.a. Neapolitan chord, can be just the ticket. Read the post.

natural vocal effects

Add natural vocal effects to your songs

October 17, 2019March 10, 2020 Matthew Ramsey

From breathy voice to falsetto, vocal fry to belting and vibrato, vocal effects can be used to add variety and spice to your songs. But, be careful not to overuse these vocal effects. There should always be a reason you’re using a specific vocal effect. Read the post.

importance of merch Joey Stuckey

The importance of merch for today’s working musician

October 10, 2019October 10, 2019 Disc Makers

Being blind hasn’t stopped Joey Stuckey from living a life of intention, joy, and music-making. He also helps design and sell his merch, which is a big part of his revenue stream as an indie artist. Read the post.

vocal coach

What do you want from a vocal coach?

October 1, 2019October 1, 2019 Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter

Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter interview Salt Lake City-based A-list vocal coach Mindy Pack to discuss vocal health, vocal technique, and various critical topics that relate to improving your vocals. Read the post.

songwriting tips from the beatles

Songwriting tips from the Beatles’ “Help!”

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 Scott McCormick

Few popular songs meld music, lyrics, and theme as potently as the Beatles’ 1965 hit single, “Help!” Here’s how they did it. Read the post.

natural vocal effects

Falsetto, vibrato, and other natural vocal effects you should master

September 17, 2019November 2, 2020 Matthew Ramsey

Natural vocal effects are one of the best ways to stand out as a singer. These five vocal effects add variety and flavor to your music. Read the post.

songs are great

Stop saying your songs are “great”

September 11, 2019September 11, 2019 Johnny Dwinell and Brent Baxter

If the market decides your songs are forgettable, then guess what? Your songs are forgettable. If the market, the listeners, decides that your new album is not worth their time… they’re right. They get to decide if your songs are great. Read the post.

Close to You

Fifth time’s the charm: The Carpenter’s smash hit, “Close to You”

September 4, 2019July 28, 2020 Scott McCormick

Before and after the Carpenters scored a massive hit with “(They Long To Be) Close To You,” others tried, but they all seemed to miss what Richard Carpenter figured out: When you have a great melody, great lyrics, and a great singer — less is more. Read the post.

suspended chords

Using suspended chords in your songwriting

August 29, 2019August 6, 2020 Scott McCormick

Suspended chords offer more than just a frilly little something to add to your music. They work as substitution chords, they can smooth out chord progressions, and they can add tension to your music. Read the post.

channeling emotions

Channeling emotions: how to play it when you’re not feeling it

August 15, 2019August 15, 2019 Michael Gallant

Just as actors channel emotions and use what they are feeling to enhance and inform their acting choices, you can do the same to enhance your musical performances on stage and in the studio. Read the post.

through the grapevine

Cover to cover: “I Heard It Through the Grapevine”

August 6, 2019August 6, 2019 Scott McCormick

Not only does “I Heard It Through The Grapevine” hold the distinction of the being the first and last number one R&B song in 1968, it is the only song to have been a number one R&B hit for three artists. Read the post.

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