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A Beginner's Guide to Using a Metronome for Musical Practice

Music is not just about melodies and harmonies; it's also about rhythm, tempo and timing. A metronome is a vital tool for musicians to help them stay in tempo and maintain a consistent rhythm throughout their performance....

Choosing the Perfect Music Stand

In this article, we will discuss what to look for in a music stand, compare the different types of music stands, and provide insights on how to choose the best music stand for your specific needs.

4 Tips to Take Care of Your Ukulele

So you got the ukulele you've been eyeing ... now, let's take care of it. In this guide, we'll go over some best care practices to ensure your instrument continues to bring joy to you and others.

How to Tune a Violin

There are multiple ways to tune a violin. The two most common ways are tuning the violin pegs, and using the fine tuners. This guide will explain how to tune a violin with or without accessories.

The World of Sound Healing

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploring the therapeutic uses of sound. While this development is not exclusive to drums and percussion, the percussion industry has really stepped up to offer a wide array of instruments with sound therapy in mind.

8 Things You Need to Know Before Starting Music Lessons

Before you start your music education, there are 8 things you need to know before starting music lessons to make the most of your musical journey.

Choosing the Right Guitar

Which guitar is right for you? Learn which guitar is the best to buy for beginners between the acoustic, classical and electric guitar. Choose the right one!

Drum & Percussion Month Livestreams

Be sure to check out our online drum clinics that will be featured throughout the month of May!

Band & Orchestra Month Virtual Workshops

Find online workshops for band and orchestral instruments here!

Gibson Month Livestreams

Check out our YouTube livestreams discussing all things Gibson!

Learning Series 2021 - Virtual Edition

With national and international legends poised to present these live-streamed clinics, this year's offerings will be like no other!

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About the Accordion (But Were Afraid to Ask)

Of all the instruments, the accordion is undoubtedly one of the weirdest and most wonderful. Played badly, it can be irrepressibly irritating; played well, it can be enchanting. Keep reading to find out how the accordion came to be, how to acquire one, and how to make it sing!

Great Gift Idea Livestream Series

Find holiday shopping ideas for all of the musicians on your list!

Facebook Live Clinic Series

Join us for an exciting Facebook Live clinic featuring the hottest products presented by a variety of specialists.

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.

The NAMM Show 2020: Day 3

We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 3, we're taking a look at new products from Martin, Empress, Sabian, Zildjian, Nord, Ernie Ball, Marshall, Pearl, Gibson, Yamaha, Line 6, Revv, Two Notes, and Tama.

The NAMM Show 2020: Day 2

We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 2, we're taking a look at new products from Roland, Mapex, A&F Drum Co., American DJ, Pioneer DJ, Sonor, Warwick Music, Dunlop, Ludwig, Hohner, D'Addario, Softube, Audio-Technica, Royer and Taylor.

The NAMM Show 2020: Day 1

We're at the 2020 winter NAMM show! On Day 1, we're taking a look at new products from ART, Yorkville, Mackie, Godin, KRK, Fender, Shure, Avantone, Radial, Warm Audio, Presonus, Aston, Tascam, ESP, Focusrite and Universal Audio.

Learning a Song in Half the Time - Part Two

In part one of this series a “Four Across Map” was presented as an effective tool in learning the chord progression of any song in half the time. In this issue I’m presenting two more techniques that will also help.

The NAMM Show 2019: Day 4

We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 4, we're taking a look at new products from ESP, Roland, Boss, Yamaha, Diamond, JHS Pedals, EarthQuaker Devices, Empress Effects, Eventide and Line 6.

The NAMM Show 2019: Day 3

We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 3, we're taking a look at new products from Cerwin-Vega, Yorkville Sound, Dynaudio, Hughes & Kettner, HK Audio, ART, IK Multimedia, Native Instruments, KRK, Stanton DJ, Allen & Heath, Radial, Tonebone, Warm Audio, Universal Audio, Cranborne Audio, Audient, Nord, Vox, Korg and Novation.

The NAMM Show 2019: Day 2

We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 2, we're taking a look at new products from Martin, Dunlop, MXR, Way Huge, Ernie Ball, Ibanez, Tama, Orange, Electro-Harmonix, Mapex, Sonor, Ludwig, Zildjian, Sabian, Paiste, ProLogix, Rhythm Tech, Remo and Vic Firth.

The NAMM Show 2019: Day 1

We're at the winter NAMM show again this year! On Day 1, we're taking a look at new products from Taylor, Godin, PRS, Mackie, Marshall, Gibson, Epiphone, Pearl, Fender, Jackson, Charvel, Gretsch, EVH, Alesis, Akai, Headrush, Denon and Technics.

NAMM 2018: Keyboards and Synthesizers

Here's a closer look at all the keyboards and synths coming out this year by Yamaha, Novation, Alesis, Korg and Roland from the 2018 Winter NAMM show!

NAMM 2018: Cymbals

Here's a closer look at the new cymbals coming out this year by Sabian, Zildjian and Paiste from the 2018 Winter NAMM show!

NAMM 2018: Guitars

Here's a closer look at guitars coming out this year by Ernie Ball Music Man, Godin, Charvel, Gretsch, Fender and Yamaha from the 2018 Winter NAMM show!

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.

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.

NAMM 2016: Fender Guitars

A tour of the new Fender American Elite Series lineup, including the Fender American Elite Stratocaster with noiseless pickups, American Elite Telecaster and Thinline Telecaster, Jazz Bass, Dimension Bass and more.

The Language of Music – Why Music Theory is Fun

If you learn to ‘speak’ music theory it lets you talk about music without having to say: “remember that bit there that went da, da, da, dum?” It lets you define the particular bit of music you are talking about and the specific component of that music.  

What to do when your child doesn’t want to play in the recital

After shelling out big bucks and a significant amount of time, your child adamantly decides that they do not want to play in the recital.  Sound like your house?  Don’t worry; this happens to most children at some point.

Classical to Country: The Polish Man in Black

Dan is a classically trained singer who often wanders the halls singing Beatles songs and has spent his share of time rocking out. Recently we heard that Julian was commuting to Poland to sing in various venues and were curious about the connection.

NAMM 2016: Line 6 Wireless Audio System and Bluetooth Amplifier

A look at the new Line 6 Relay G10 Wireless system and Amplifi 30 Bluetooth Amplifier. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Soundcraft Digital and Analog Mixers

Soundcraft's latest SI-series 32 x 32 USB interface/digital mixer • Signature Series 10, 12, 16, and 22 analog consoles. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: KRK Rokit Desktop Monitors

Studio monitors showcased by KRK at NAMM 2016, including the 4-inch Rokit RP4 G3 and 10-inch RP10-3 G3 mid-field monitors.This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Yorkville Sound EXM70 Speakers

Today, we take a quick look at the new Yorkville Sound  EXM70 70-watt active loud speaker. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Ernie Ball Expression FX Pedals

Today we take a look at Ernie Ball's latest Overdrive and Ambient Delay FX pedals. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Vocal Processors from Boss and TC Helicon

We now take a look at Boss VO-1 Vocoder Pedal with Sarah Vee and Jordan West. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New Sound Processors from ART, DBX, Manley, and Black Lion

Today we take a look at some new sound processors from ART, DBX, Manley, and Black Lion. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New Yamaha Home and Portable Grand Keyboards

Yamaha's new NP12 and NP32 Piagerro Series keyboards • PSR-A3000 Arranger Keyboard • DGX-660 Portable Grand. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Computer Audio Interfaces

We now get to take a look at some brand new computer audio interfaces by Apogee, Appollo, M-audio, andPreSonus. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New Microphones and Headphones for Stage and Studio

Let's take a look at some new microphones and headphones for stage and studio use. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Keyboards and Bluetooth Controllers from ROLI, iRig, and Alesis

Today we get to take a look at the Roli Seaboard Rise 49 multi-touch sensitive keyboard controller. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New Controllers and Turntables for DJs

A look at the new Denon DJ MCX8000 DJ System, the Pioneer DJ Nexus 2, the Denon DJ VL12 Turntable for professional DJs, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: American DJ Stage Lighting

An in-depth tour of the American DJ booth and new product lineup, including  the XS 600, Stinger 2 IR, WiFly NE1 controller, the Airstream Bridge DMX, Asteroid 1200, Inno Pocket Spot, Crazy Pocket 8, and more.

NAMM 2016: Roland - New Analog and Digital Synths

Roland introduces the new Juno-DS 61 and 88 key synthesizers, Jupiter-8 analog synths, Roland A-01 Controller and Generator MIDI and analog CV (control voltage) interface and step sequencer, and more!

NAMM 2016: Roland TD-25KV Electronic V-Drums

A quick walkthrough and demonstration of the Roland V-Drums TD-25KV electronic kit. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars and Basses

A tour of Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars at NAMM 2016, including the 40th Anniversary Stingray bass, Cutlass bass, James Valentine Signature, St Vincent Signature, JP16 John Petrucci Signature with Floyd Rose tremolo, and more!

NAMM 2016: Gibson USA High Performance & Traditional Guitars

A tour of the Gibson USA lineup at NAMM 2016, explaining the differences between their new High Performance and Traditional lines. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Gibson Guitars

An in-depth tour of the Gibson Memphis booth and product lineup at NAMM 2016. Highlights include the ES Les Paul Special, ES-345 in Frost Blue, ES Les Paul in Pelham Blue, the ES-335 and more!

NAMM 2016: Grestch Streamliner and Players Edition Guitars

A tour of the new Gretsch guitars lineup at NAMM 2016, including the new Streamliner and Players Edition guitars. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Charvel and Jackson Guitars

A tour of the new Charvel guitar lineup for 2016, including Pro-Mod, So Cal, Hardtails, and brilliant new finishes. A tour of the Jackson guitars lineup for 2016, including the Christian Andreu Signature Rhoads, the Monarch, the Chris Broderick Signature, and more.

NAMM 2016: Yamaha Acoustic Guitars and Active Basses

We preview the limited edition Yamaha 50th Anniversary FG180 Reissue acoustic guitar and the APX Travel Size Acoustic Guitar. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Yamaha Electric Violins, Brass, and Winds

Let's go ahead and take a look at a preview of Yamaha's latest band instruments. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New Guitar, Bass, and Drum Amps for Stage, Studio, and Home

Preview Traynor's Acoustic Master Mini Amp, Traynor DW10 Drum Amplifier, Line 6 Firehawk 1500, Fender Bassbreakers, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Roland EL Cajon

Roland's Jordan West demonstrates the new Roland electro-acoustic EL Cajon. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: New E-Drums from Alesis

Alesis unveils it's latest flagship Strike Pro electronic drum kit, Forge & Command e-drum kits, and Sample Pad 4 module. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Zildjian S Family and A Avedis Collection

A tour of the Zildjian booth at NAMM 2016 with demos of the new Zildjian S Family and Zildjian A Avedis Collection of cymbals. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Vic Firth New Products

Here is the new Signature Drum Set Drumsticks, Marching Drumsticks, the Steve Gadd Practice Pad and Keyboard Mallets. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Sabian XSR and HH Vanguard Cymbals

Product Specialist Mark Love talks about Sabian's 2016 lineup, including the new XSR pro cymbal series. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Yamaha Recording Custom kit, alloy snares, and DTX electronic drums

Sean Browne shows off  Yamaha’s Recording Custom kit re-issue, as well as 7 new metal alloy snares, the new DTX-760K electronic kit with larger tom pads on the toms, and mutable three-zone cymbal pads.

NAMM 2016: Sonor Drums

Take a look at the new Red Oyster Vintage Series kit,  bass drum brackets, burnt walnut limited edition snares, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Paiste Cymbals

Let's talk about the new Black Label Big Beats cymbals, Danny Carrey ride, Formula 602 crash, and more. This article is from our Namm Show series, where we focus on new and upcoming products in the world of music.

NAMM 2016: Mapex Drums – Storm and Saturn V Series Kits.

David Lawrence of Mapex demos the company’s latest Storm Series poplar drums kits, which replaces the Voyager series. Living Colour drummer Will Calhoun talks about what he loves about his Mapex Saturn V drums.

NAMM 2016: Gretsch Drums - New Kits and Snares

Here is the new 2016 lineup, including black hammered steel, bronze, and copper models, Catalina Club and revamped Renown RN2 kits. This article features products from our latest Namm Show series.

Acoustic Guitars 101

Many guitar-making pioneers got their start in the cabinet-making business, raiding old furniture for their materials, and while you aren't likely to find old teacups rattling around inside, an acoustic guitar body is akin to a sealed wooden dish cabinet. 

Classical Guitars 101

When you hear the term "acoustic guitar", it usually refers to steel string instruments, favoured by folk, blues, and rock guitarists. Nylon-string classical guitars produce a soft, smooth sound, and are used to play all sorts of genres.

Why The P-bass Will Never Retire

What is there to say about the Fender Precision Bass that hasn’t already been said? It’s been around since forever, and it is the stuff of legends. If there’s an industry standard for electric basses, the long, lean, P-for-Perfectly-balanced Fender is it.

Portable PAs: Big Sound in a Small Package

When it comes to buying or renting a PA, whether you are looking for a single microphone system for a speaking engagement, or a full rig for a wedding or dance hall dust-up, the less you have to worry about the better.

How To Drum Without Risking Eviction

It is 10 pm. You are bored and there is nothing on TV. You eye your drum kit that is set up in the corner. Your heart rate goes up, palms get sweaty. You grab a pair of sticks and proceed to play the groove from the song Sober, by Tool.

Strings Attached - A Guide to Acoustic Guitar Strings

It's important to choose the right kind of strings for your guitar. This guide is intended to help you understand the different types of strings so you can get your instrument sounding its absolute best while improving playability.

PAs and Sound - Powered VS Unpowered Speakers

When it comes to compact and portable PAs, the simpler the better, and most smaller systems nowadays employ powered speakers, with the amplifiers, crossovers, and other electronics neatly contained the speaker cabinet.

Guitar Care Guide

Guitars require adjustments on a regular basis to maintain proper playability and performance. A guitar setup is a complete adjustment and calibration of the entire instrument to ensure that it is as playable and as responsive as possible.