Ramping up for the big gig
When you’re planning for a big gig, use these strategies to prepare and practice so you play, perform, stream, and record with success. Read the post.
live music
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.
How to produce a compelling live stream show
Creating compelling live streams goes beyond setting up a camera and performing like you do on stage. Use these techniques to create a better performance, get more viewers, and make more money from your live stream show. Read the post.
What can indie artists learn from a classical conductor?
LA Philharmonic’s Gustavo Dudamel embodies principles and practices that will benefit music-makers of any style and genre. Read the post.
Re-arranging big songs for solo performance
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.
Work To Create A Killer Live Show
To create a show that packs the house, you have to do more than just play your recorded music live. You have an entire stage to create a spectacle that draws people in and makes an emotional connection. Read the post.
Choose the right key for your songs
There are a lot of factors that play into choosing the right arrangement for a song — but choosing the right key for you and the musicians might be the most important. Read the post.
Channeling emotions: how to play it when you’re not feeling it
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.
Make the most of rehearsal time
There are lots of recipes for successful band rehearsals and these tips might help you refocus and prepare to rehearse with purpose. Read the post.
Finding the right digital piano
Need the feel and sound of a great acoustic piano for your live shows? Here are some digital pianos that might fit the bill Read the post.
Acoustic piano on stage and in the studio
While an acoustic piano may be the preference for a studio or live gig, it’s not always the most practical choice. Here are tuning tips and suggestions for alternatives when it comes to providing piano for your next gig. Read the post.
Dress the part: Choosing the right outfit for the gig
When you take the stage, the music comes first — but wearing the right outfit can play a small (or not so small) part in helping you give a performance your music deserves. Read the post.
Playing at Carnegie Hall … with five days’ notice
When I had the opportunity to be playing at Carnegie Hall with the great Wouter Kellerman, I had to say yes. With the gig five days away, thoughtful, strategic practicing helped get the music where it needed to be in a short amount of time. Read the post.
Mirror, mirror: How watching yourself perform can elevate your music
Watching yourself in a mirror while you perform or practice can help you elevate your music and performance, so find opportunities to gaze while you play and learn from what you see. Read the post.
Five ways to make money as a professional guitar player
If earning a living as a professional guitar player is your dream, it means establishing a stable and regular income, probably from multiple sources. Read the post.