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PLEK: The Best Your Guitar Can Be

Whatever your playing abilities are, if you are serious about your playing it is worth asking yourself the question: Is my instrument as good as it could be? And if the answer to that question is not a resounding “yes”, then the Plek Station might be able to help.

Choosing Cymbals: A Guide for the Beginner

In some ways, choosing your cymbals is a more complex endeavour than choosing your drums. While carefully choosing your drums is very important, the types of cymbals you pick will really help you to define your "voice" as a drummer.

Are Exams Right for My Child?

You’ve had your child in music lessons for a little while now and everything seems to be going well. They seem to be more confident while perched on the piano bench, they know that Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge and they practice every day (well, most days). Even their teacher agrees that things are progressing positively and they make a suggestion to you one day: “Have you considered having your child complete their RCM or Conservatory Canada exams?”

50 Countries!

People from 50 countries have given us unsolicited compliments about one of our recordings.  They range from the "thumbs up" or "heart" icon, from places where little English is spoken, to "awesome” and "How come I haven't heard of you?" 

Reeds, Reeds, Reeds!

Have you ever had one of those “bad reed days”? The days where every reed you try just seems to sound awful? Or you’ve just opened a new pack and it seems like each reed is too stiff and your tone is suffering because of this? You are not alone.

Top 10 Reasons for Learning to Play a Musical Instrument

Here are our top 10 reasons why you should start learning to play a musical instrument.

The Benefits of Music Lessons Later in Life

There are multiple benefits to taking music lessons as an adult. This blog will help you reconsider picking up your old instrument or starting a new hobby learning a new instrument.

Cause and Effect – Building a Pedalboard

When it comes to guitar players, gear placement is a topic that pops up on a regular basis.  Whether it’s finding that sweet spot when miking a speaker cabinet, having that amp at the right angle so it projects well, or daisy-chaining effect pedals and rack gear to mold your tone of choice, placement is paramount.

How to Overcome Stage Fright - For Musicians

Many of my music students and fellow musicians ask me, “How do I get over stage fright?” I am a professional musician, and at times I still experience stage fright.  Here are some ideas and strategies which I have used in order to perform to my best ability, despite that primal and familiar fear of stage fright....

Tim Hicks: Rebel With Applause

Stomping Grounds There's something to be said for old stomping grounds. The Golden Horseshoe cities of St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, Ontario may not be known for their cattle farms or rodeos –...

Tip Toe Through the Tulips: A Ukulele Primer by Ian James

The popularity of musical genres, and the instruments needed to perform them, tends to go in waves. But if there is one wave of popularity that musicians have been riding for the last 5 years and more, it’s the one coming out of Hawaii.

Five Ways to Diversify Your Musical Experience

"I'm not getting any worse, but I'm definitely not getting any better...” "I'm bored"..."I don't feel like picking up my instrument...” Sound familiar? Here are a few different trick for avoiding a musical dry spell.