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music in the moment

guitarist at home studio playing when musical inspiration strikes

Be ready when musical inspiration strikes

June 7, 2022June 7, 2022 Michael Gallant

Remove all barriers between you and playing/recording your instrument so you can be ready the moment musical inspiration strikes. Read the post.

pianist stretching her musical limits

Find new ways to stretch your musical limits and develop a creative routine

May 16, 2022May 18, 2022 Michael Gallant

Choosing to turn your creativity into a regular routine can help you stretch your limits, sharpen your skills, and open the door for new career opportunities.

trans-siberian orchestra

What all musicians can learn from the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Michael Gallant

The symphonic metal mashup of “Carol of the Bells” and “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” holds lessons that can elevate music of any genre. Read the post

sight-reading music

Expand your musicianship and career by sight-reading music

June 28, 2021June 29, 2021 Michael Gallant

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.

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.

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.

call and response

Intensify your musical arrangements and solos with call and response

June 3, 2016December 16, 2021 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, 2016December 16, 2021 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, 2016December 16, 2021 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.

Last-minute bandmate

Last-minute bandmate – What to do when your key players can’t play the gig

February 23, 2016September 15, 2016 Michael Gallant

What if, hours before you play the gig of the year, your drummer ends up in the hospital with a stomach flu, or your bass player gets called out of town? Whether the issues are related to health or weather, business or family, life can sometimes interfere to prevent your key band mates from arriving where and when you need them. Read more.

Learn to listen and improve as a musician

Learn to listen and improve as a musician

January 27, 2016March 28, 2016 Michael Gallant

As a member of multiple musical projects, I’ve discovered that even when you feel like you don’t have time, there are ways to move forward musically, steps you can take to put yourself in the best position to deliver a great performance once you step on stage or behind the glass. One of the most effective? Learn to listen. Read more.

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