Engaging Arrangements, Engaging Compositions
Let’s get real about sticks and mallets. There are thousands of INCREDIBLE products! There is a huge variety, and we all have our absolute favorites. But let’s be honest; not everything can make it to every gig. I have approximately 10 stick bags. One of them is huge, and has an obscene number of sticks…
You’ve practiced, performed, and have a great audition prepared. Honor band, check. Solo and ensemble, check. Indoor, maybe drum corps? Check. Private lessons, check. You’re ready for the next step in your musical journey–here are the steps that will help choose a music school! Your first step is to determine the type of school you…
Whether you’ve already been accepted, or are still wondering whether to audition, here are 10 things you should expect as a Music Major. 1.) Time Management is your new catch phrase. Seriously, between lessons, percussion ensemble (including steel drum band), band (or orchestra and jazz band), and classes, you’ll be wondering how to get it…
Your audition is scheduled, your video is in progress, your music is polished, and now you’re wondering: How do I ace this audition? My scholarship audition was a mistake. I delayed the audition, because I didn’t think I was ready. Turns out I was just scared. When I finally did audition, I was nervous as…
Your vehicle choice is critical to your success and well being as a gigging musician. Having a great fit for your instrument, gig type, and physical health has a direct impact on your success at the gig. If you have to rent a truck for every gig, you’re not going to accept gigs as often. …
Sheet Music is just like recorded music, right? I can listen to arrangements on any device, and preview as much as I want? I have multiple options to buy or use the music? Access to arrangements is clear cut, and quickly available, right? Ha! One of my goals is to make Sheet Music easy to…
I’ve played gigs for crowds, for empty rooms, and taught hundreds of students. At times, I have lived for the next gig, that next break through with a student, that chance that there would be a “moment”. I am not in that place any longer. Don’t get me wrong–I teach everyday, and am immensely fulfilled…
Check out the video on how to make a cheap and effective timpani gauge!
Ever wonder what the pros use when the time comes to buy gauges? I’ve seen lots of options, but the Ludwig Standard remains My Favorite Timpani Gauge! The Ludwig Standard Timpani Gauge is a pressure activated gauge, which means the lever is moved by the motion of the rim above it. In other words, moving…
I came across a ’60’s era Jenco Rosewood Xylophone, in rough shape, but the price was right, so let’s see how I rebuilt it.
