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.
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The case for playing every style of music
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.
The magic of Nashville tuning
While Nashville tuning uses the same notes as a standard guitar tuning, used by itself and in layers with other guitars, this tuning can bring an articulate presence to a recording. Read the post.
Need songwriting inspiration? Try alternate guitar tunings.
This post explores some common — and some of the more obscure — alternate guitar tunings to inspire you to write your next masterpiece. Read the post.
Can authors quote your lyrics in their books?
For someone to quote lyrics in a book, or liner notes, it requires special permission and is not covered by the set fees or processes of music licensing. Read the post.
Why you should learn another instrument
The first of a two-part series explores how taking time to learn another instrument will help you become stronger at your first instrument and improve your songwriting chops. Read the post.
Stop Playing My Song! Music, Licensing, and the Loss of Control.
By virtue of their paying the standard licensing fees to the Performance Rights Organizations, broadcasters have the right to play whatever music they like from a PRO’s catalog. Same goes for the public appearances: as long as the organizers have cleared the necessary music licenses, which they likely have done if the venue doesn’t already have a blanket license, they can play whatever they want to. For major label artists who find themselves at odds with the use of their music in such situations, they can often cause enough of a PR stir that the folks in question are better off granting the request to cease and desist, even if there are no legal ramifications. Read more.
Musicians and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) — How to Practice Hard and Stay Healthy
For many musicians, physical problems come in the form of repetitive stress injuries resulting from improper technique, over-exertion, or just bad luck. If not dealt with correctly, RSIs can get worse and become debilitating. Read the post.