Be ready when musical inspiration strikes
Remove all barriers between you and playing/recording your instrument so you can be ready the moment musical inspiration strikes. Read the post.
rehearsing
How to make the most of your live music shows
How do you sell out your live music shows, especially if you’re just starting out? Here are some low-cost techniques which are within reach of every musician. Read the post.
Find new ways to stretch your musical limits and develop a creative routine
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.
11 tips for better band rehearsals
Band rehearsals are part of playing live music, and there are things you can do to ensure you’re making the most of your time. I’ve got 11 tips to get you on the right track. Read the post.
The transformative echoes of an unplanned jam
How collaborating with the found noise of New York City inspired fresh hope. (Or, how an unplanned music jam saved my summer.) Read the post
The value of taking a break from music
Taking time to practice, perform, learn, and experiment musically will make you a stronger artist, but taking a break from music can be helpful as well. Read the post
Practice music like an Olympic athlete
Whatever your musical style or genre, establishing an effective, consistent practice routine will set you up for musical success. Here are some tips to get you started. Read the post.
Expand your musicianship and career by sight-reading music
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.
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.
Boost your artist brand, musical chops, and revenue from home
For musicians who were the originators of the “gig” economy, music gigs, music lessons, and merch sales are not the income drivers they were just weeks ago. 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.
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.
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.
Deliberate practice helps you become a better musician
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.
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.