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music improvisation

Zoom gigs

How to plan, perform, and rock your Zoom gigs

January 8, 2021January 8, 2021 Michael Gallant

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.

music at the polls

Playing live music at the polls

October 29, 2020October 29, 2020 Michael Gallant

Around the country, indie musicians of all styles and genres are playing live music at the polls as people wait to vote. Here are some tips for bringing your music to the voters. Read the post.

big gig

Ramping up for the big gig

August 28, 2020October 13, 2020 Michael Gallant

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.

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.

rehearsal

Make the most of rehearsal time

August 9, 2019August 15, 2019 Andre Calilhanna

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.

playing at Carnegie Hall

Playing at Carnegie Hall … with five days’ notice

February 14, 2019February 14, 2019 Michael Gallant

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.

elevate your music

Mirror, mirror: How watching yourself perform can elevate your music

January 15, 2019January 15, 2019 Michael Gallant

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.

song structure

Studying song structure can help you learn new material quickly

April 27, 2018April 27, 2018 Michael Gallant

Strategies that involve focused listening and practice are key to learning new material quickly, and looking closely at song structure can lessen the amount of time it takes you to get from first listen to a strong, quality performance. Read the post.

learn new music

8 tips to help you learn new music … fast

April 19, 2018April 27, 2018 Michael Gallant

If you’re in a situation where you have to learn lots of new music in a very short time, these tips can help you develop a strategy so you can tackle the task and perform with confidence. Read the post.

Star-Spangled Banner

The Star-Spangled Banner: how to sing it right

March 5, 2018April 13, 2020 Scott McCormick

A performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” can be a powerful musical experience when done right and a national embarrassment if things go wrong. Consider this advice if you’re ever called to perform it. Read the post.

unplugged gig

More tips to make your unplugged gig a success

June 30, 2016June 30, 2016 Michael Gallant

Playing an unplugged gig outdoors presents challenges if you need amplification – but there are ways to meet the challenges and put on a great show. Read More.

call and response

Intensify your musical arrangements and solos with call and response

June 3, 2016June 30, 2016 Michael Gallant

Whatever your genre, your solos and musical arrangements can come to life in you incorporate call and response between instruments, vocalists, and any combination you can think of. Read More.

transcribing solos

Transcribing solos can help you improvise

May 27, 2016May 27, 2016 Michael Gallant

Transcribing solos that other musicians have played can be a challenge, as it requires significant music notation chops and a sharp ear. Like any musical skill, though, it can be learned, and is well worth the investment of time to make it happen. Read More.

improvisation and soloing techniques

Improvisation and soloing techniques

May 27, 2016April 19, 2018 Lucy Briggs

Our May 24th Disc Makers #DMchat focused on improvisation and soloing techniques featuring pianist, composer, and producer Michael Gallant. Read More.

play a great solo

A great solo can elevate your song

May 13, 2016June 30, 2016 Michael Gallant

Whether it’s a virtuosic guitar, a transcendent piano, or a funky breakdown on bass, a great solo can add power and personality to songs in any genre. Read more.

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