![5 Tips for Hitting High Notes 5 Tips for Hitting High Notes Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/d15e76a3481faa3ba159a361741b57cf_Singer.jpg)
5 Tips for Hitting High Notes
Although it's completely false to say that a singer's talent is measured by the number of high notes she or he can belt out, high notes are an unavoidable fact of life, and every vocalist will struggle with them at one point or another. Whether you're a deep-voiced bass, a coloratura soprano, or a humble shower singer, you can improve your voice by mastering proper technique in your upper range. Practice makes perfect, and here are some tips to help you as you ascend the scales.
![The Heart of Your Drums: A Guide to the Sound of Different Shell Materials The Heart of Your Drums: A Guide to the Sound of Different Shell Materials Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/f48366ca32a306724a1a24e6d6528629_Drum Kit.jpg)
The Heart of Your Drums: A Guide to the Sound of Different Shell Materials
One of the best ways to decide what drum set you want to see yourself behind (aside from which model has the coolest finishes!) is by choosing what sort of materials you want it to be made of. This quick guide gives you a basic rundown of the most common, and even some rarer, materials used, the sort of tone they produce, and the best musical setting to use them in.
![The Vibrant Experience of Amateur Piano Competitions The Vibrant Experience of Amateur Piano Competitions Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/6d8faab387186c519f8b2440eb27a752_Piano Playing 1.webp)
The Vibrant Experience of Amateur Piano Competitions
In the world of classical piano, it can often feel like all the opportunities to perform or compete are exclusively for young prodigies and the pros - especially here in Canada, where we don't appear to have any established Amateur Competitions. But if you think you've missed the chance to showcase your talent on stage as an adult, you need to talk to Glenn Kramer!
![Improvisation for Everyone Improvisation for Everyone Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/651f5327d57ec20df4a7ec097385e176_Improvisation 2.webp)
Improvisation for Everyone
The dictionary offers us this definition: “Improvisation: to compose or sing without preparation....” This definition is misleading and potentially discouraging. Without preparation? If that’s true then what were iconic improvisers like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins doing during the marathon practice sessions they are known for?
![The NAMM Show 2020: Day 4 The NAMM Show 2020: Day 4 Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/59123cd9b292f23c313dbd2779ed2695_NAMM-Blog-Feature-Graphic-Day-4.webp)
The NAMM Show 2020: Day 4
We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 4, we're taking a look at new products from Cranborne Audio, Denon, Numark, M-Audio, HeadRush, Drum Workshop, Pacific Drums, Gretsch Drums, Zoom, Dynaudio, EarthQuaker, Electro-Harmonix, Paiste, Remo, Korg, Vox and Solid State Logic.
![Giving the Gift of Music Lessons Giving the Gift of Music Lessons Image](https://cdn.long-mcquade.com/images/blog_images/data/d3fc783a2571748944fbcb5f63d8e01f_Saxophone-small.webp)
Giving the Gift of Music Lessons
Giving the gift of lessons makes a great present for your loved one, no matter their age or stage. Whether you know someone who wants to improve their existing skills, who wants to pick an instrument up again after a long hiatus, or who has never touched music in their life, lessons as a gift are a perfect place to start.