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performance tips

flat-six chord

Add drama with a flat-six chord

February 9, 2021February 23, 2021 Scott McCormick

The flat-six chord can add drama to your music, and with some exceptions, is best used sparingly in your songwriting. Read the post.

sixth chords

Sixth chords add moody complexity to your music

January 19, 2021January 19, 2021 Scott McCormick

Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read the post.

ninth chords

Ninth chords add ambiance to your compositions

December 22, 2020December 22, 2020 Scott McCormick

There are many kinds of ninth chords, and they can be used in different ways. This post explores different kinds of ninth chords and how you can use them, with plenty of examples of their use in popular music. Read the post.

substitution chords

Use substitution chords to spice up your songs

December 3, 2020December 3, 2020 Scott McCormick

Jazz musicians know and integrate substitution chords on a regular basis, but musicians who play other genres of music can also employ this concept to great effect. Read the post.

McCoy Tyner

Things every musician and songwriter can learn from McCoy Tyner

August 6, 2020February 23, 2021 Michael Gallant

McCoy Tyner, a giant of jazz piano, embodied powerful lessons that music-makers of any sort can learn from. Read the post.

Gustavo Dudamel classical conductor

What can indie artists learn from a classical conductor?

February 12, 2020July 3, 2020 Michael Gallant

LA Philharmonic’s Gustavo Dudamel embodies principles and practices that will benefit music-makers of any style and genre. 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.

right outfit for the gig

Dress the part: Choosing the right outfit for the gig

April 9, 2019April 9, 2019 Michael Gallant

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

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.

deliberate practice

Deliberate practice helps you become a better musician

December 14, 2018December 14, 2018 Marc Gelfo

Growth as a musician requires a practical approach, which can include the use of programs and apps to help organize and incentivize deliberate practice sessions. Read the post.

A musician demonstrating some slide guitar techniques.

Slide guitar: A tutorial in six videos

October 11, 2018January 15, 2019 Keith Hatschek

If you haven’t ever tried to play slide guitar, all you need is a metal or glass slide, some patience, and to apply a few basic tips, as presented in these six videos. 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.

flat-six chord

Supercharge your music with the flat-six chord

March 13, 2018February 10, 2021 Scott McCormick

Borrowed chords (chords “borrowed” from a key’s parallel minor) are commonly used in music influenced by the blues, including rock, jazz, R&B, even country and folk. Today we’ll focus on the flat-six chord. Read the post.

Sixth Chords

Sixth chords can add subtle complexity to your songs

February 19, 2018January 19, 2021 Scott McCormick

Sixth chords have an inherent lack of identity and purpose that can be riveting — a sixth chord can provide ambiguity, set curiously dark moods, and add a layer of complexity to your music. Read More.

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