Living the Freelance Life
There are many career options available to a musician who is skilled at their instrument; some folks create original material at home, some play in bands, others might choose to audition for orchestras or perhaps work in the pit for a show that travels the country. The type of work is as varied as the genres of music in which to work:...
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?
Beating the “Load-Out Blues” - Ten Tips to Make Moving Your Drums Easier
Nothing compares to the thrill of playing live music in front of an appreciative audience. Similarly, nothing can dampen that excitement as effectively as the thought of packing up your drum kit and hauling it to your car at the end of the night. Here are some tips to help make that job easier!
Long & McQuade as an Invaluable Networking Tool
Regardless of your skill set or level of involvement within the music industry, one thing is inevitable if you are a musician in Canada: you have likely crossed paths with Long & McQuade Musical Instruments at one time or another. The following is a list of suggestions of how you might effectively network through Long & McQuade.
A Simple Way to Learn a Song in Half the Time
Most of us learn songs from the internet these days, using a combination of lyrics with chord symbols posted above the words, and YouTube videos of someone teaching the song by breaking down the various sections and demonstrating how to play them on the appropriate instrument. While these may work, here is a more simple way to learn a song in less time!
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....
