Making Music Magazine

12/07/2021

Buy a musician a gift (we love those) - https://mailchi.mp/makingmusicmag.com/buy-a-musician-a-gift-we-love-those

11/23/2021

How to do the turkey walk onstage - https://mailchi.mp/makingmusicmag.com/how-to-do-the-turkey-walk-onstage

11/03/2021

Are you ready to make noise in the audio industry? - https://mailchi.mp/makingmusicmag.com/from-classroom-to-a-career-in-audio-in-as-few-as-12-months-13415622

08/26/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/how-zazan-informs-my-music/

In order to be a musician, you need to have a lot of focus. Often, a lack of upright focus is what gets us in trouble in ensembles – from miscounting in orchestras to having a muddy tone. I learned that Zen isn’t just about being calm, it’s about being aware.

My Zen Background I was initially drawn into the idea of Zen when I went to the Toledo [Ohio] Museum of Art in 2017. That was when I saw a collection of ancient miniature statues from Asia. I was particularly drawn to a Tibetan Buddha, with a gorgeous copper-green patina. It took almost three years....

08/25/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/does-music-have-a-future-in-taliban-controlled-afghanistan/

Sarmast, however, remains optimistic. He told the AP: “I’m still hopeful that my kids will be allowed to go back to the school and continue and to enjoy from learning and playing music."

The unexpectedly rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s military forces and subsequent fall of that country’s government to the Taliban do not bode well for Afghanistan’s future. Many aspects of life that we in the “west” take for granted – such as the freedoms of expression and religion, and w...

08/24/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/chemically-treated-wood-makes-a-great-sounding-violin/

A recent article posted on the science website Phys.org offered some interesting research on how famous violin builders Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppi Guarneri “del Gesu” were able to create instruments of such incredible sound quality more than two centuries ago.

A recent article posted on the science website Phys.org offered some interesting research on how famous violin builders Antonio Stradivari and Giuseppi Guarneri “del Gesu” were able to create instruments of such incredible sound quality more than two centuries ago. Turns out, it was not necessar...

08/23/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-aug-23/

KRK Systems has released its new studio-quality headphones, the KNS 6402 and the KNS 8402.

KRK Systems has released its new studio-quality headphones, the KNS 6402 and the KNS 8402. In a press release, the company said, “Building on its renowned KNS 6400 and 8400 headphone models, KRK enhances the durability and comfort of its headphone offerings with these updated models. Delivering an...

08/20/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/what-in-the-world-is-an-mbira/

The mbira is a wooden and metal musical instrument which comes from the culture of the Shona people of the southern African nations of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Shona have played mbiras for at least 1,000 years.

The mbira is a wooden and metal musical instrument which comes from the culture of the Shona people of the southern African nations of Zimbabwe and Mozambique. The Shona have played mbiras for at least 1,000 years. Erica Azim, mbira player, teacher, and founder of The Mbira Organization (mbira.org),...

08/19/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/how-to-practice-rehearse/

First off, let’s define these two terms: Practicing is what individuals do; rehearsing is what groups do. Individuals should always practice in between their group rehearsals.

First off, let’s define these two terms: Practicing is what individuals do; rehearsing is what groups do. Individuals should always practice in between their group rehearsals. Practice Nobody gets better at playing their particular instrument without practice. No one. Even prodigies must practice....

08/17/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/what-in-the-world-is-a-saraswati-veena/

The Saraswati veena is a plucked, stringed musical instrument from India whose origins date back to around 1700 BCE.

The Saraswati veena is a plucked, stringed musical instrument from India whose origins date back to around 1700 BCE. This veena (also spelled vina), a member of the lute family, as are the chitra, vichitra, and rudra veenas. Dr. Tara Rajendran is a classically trained veena player (as well as a medi...

08/17/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/a-physician-musician-thrives-at-the-intersection-of-medicine-music/

When she was only four years old, Dr. Tara Rajendran watched as her grandmother suffered from and eventually succumbed to leukemia. While certainly sad at this loss, she was taken, even at such a tender age, by how her grandmother seemed to feel less anxiety and pain whenever Carnatic music, the classical music of her native Southern India, was played in her presence.

When she was only four years old, Dr. Tara Rajendran watched as her grandmother suffered from and eventually succumbed to leukemia. While certainly sad at this loss, she was taken, even at such a tender age, by how her grandmother seemed to feel less anxiety and pain whenever Carnatic music, the cla...

08/16/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-aug-16/

SAE Institute is looking for people with a passion for audio. “The audio industry is one of the most exciting yet challenging sectors of the creative media business and offers a wide range of employment opportunities for talented, passionate people like you,” SAE said in a recent press release.

SAE Institute is looking for people with a passion for audio. “The audio industry is one of the most exciting yet challenging sectors of the creative media business and offers a wide range of employment opportunities for talented, passionate people like you,” SAE said in a recent press release. ...

08/09/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-aug-9/

Neunaber Audio of Orange, Ca. has released Illumine, the company’s latest “reverb machine.”

Neunaber Audio of Orange, Ca. has released Illumine, the company’s latest “reverb machine.” In a press release, the company said its new “reverb machine” includes “17 studio-quality reverbs, 50 presets, MIDI and powerful expression control, [and] comes in a low-power, pedalboard-friendly...

08/04/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/back-to-school-choose-your-instrument-and-find-your-voice/

School band and orchestra instruments are divided into four categories: brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Most school choirs have four vocal parts.

Band & Orchestra School band and orchestra instruments are divided into four categories: brass, woodwinds, strings, and percussion. Following is a brief look at each one. Brass: Brass instruments make their sounds through the lip vibrations of the player, combined with the movements of a slide, in t...

08/04/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/back-to-school-participation-in-school-band-orchestra-chorus-offers-countless-benefits-both-in-music-beyond/

As the calendar turns to August, we begin to hear the words “back to school,” much to the chagrin of many students. This is a chance, however, for students to explore participation in their schools’ music programs, be it by playing an instrument in the band or orchestra, or by singing in the choir.

As the calendar turns to August, we begin to hear the words “back to school,” much to the chagrin of many students. This is a chance, however, for students to explore participation in their schools’ music programs, be it by playing an instrument in the band or orchestra, or by singing in the c...

08/02/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-august-2/

Oxford Economics has released an economic report entitled “The Concerts and Live Entertainment Industry: A Significant Economic Engine” highlighting the industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy.

Oxford Economics has released an economic report entitled “The Concerts and Live Entertainment Industry: A Significant Economic Engine” highlighting the industry’s contributions to the U.S. economy. According to a press release, the report was commissioned by Live Nation Entertainment and cond...

07/28/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/how-to-deal-with-stage-fright/

Stage fright is the bane of all performers – musicians, actors, lecturers, even professional athletes can all experience bouts of nervousness or even sheer terror before getting up in front of their respective audiences.

Stage fright is the bane of all performers – musicians, actors, lecturers, even professional athletes can all experience bouts of nervousness or even sheer terror before getting up in front of their respective audiences. The ability to get past stage fright (sometimes called “performance anxiety...

07/27/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/picks-of-summer-namm-2021/

If I learned anything at Summer NAMM this year, it’s that there are more types of picks in this world than I ever imagined. The expo offered a plethora of picks, ranging from your standard flat pick to intensely designed 3-D picks.

If I learned anything at Summer NAMM this year, it’s that there are more types of picks in this world than I ever imagined. The expo offered a plethora of picks, ranging from your standard flat pick to intensely designed 3-D picks. I’m sure some people will always prefer the classic simplicity o...

07/26/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-july-26/

Concert promoter Live Nation announced it will offer concert fans “$20 all-in tickets to nearly 1,000 shows this year” as part of its Return to Live promotion.

Concert promoter Live Nation announced it will offer concert fans “$20 all-in tickets to nearly 1,000 shows this year” as part of its Return to Live promotion. In a press release, the company said, “As Live Nation’s outdoor venues across the U.S. begin to open, the time is here to get outsid...

07/20/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/how-to-get-gigs-and-promote-yourself-or-your-group/

Remember the “P-words”

It can seem to be the ultimate conundrum for the musician who wants to perform – how can I promote myself if I can’t get gigs? Yet, how do I get gigs if I’m unable to promote myself?

Remember the “P-words” It can seem to be the ultimate conundrum for the musician who wants to perform – how can I promote myself if I can’t get gigs? Yet, how do I get gigs if I’m unable to promote myself? Music gigs are not going to appear out of nowhere and just fall into […]

07/19/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-july-19/

Casio recently introduced the PX-S1100, the latest addition to its Privia PX-S series of digital pianos.

Casio recently introduced the PX-S1100, the latest addition to its Privia PX-S series of digital pianos. In a press release, the company said: “The PX-S1100 replaces the PX-S1000, which has become one of the top-selling digital pianos on the market today and earned its reputation for sound and fea...

07/14/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/drummer-plays-collects-restores-ludwigs/

It all started with a pair of drum sticks and a catalogue and Tom Finn was hooked on Ludwig drums. These days he not only plays them in a number of different bands, but also has a basement full of drums of all sizes in various stages of repair.

It all started with a pair of drum sticks and a catalogue and Tom Finn was hooked on Ludwig drums. These days he not only plays them in a number of different bands, but also has a basement full of drums of all sizes in various stages of repair. “My neighbor had a drum kit […]

07/13/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/what-in-the-world-is-a-sitar/

The sitar is a member of the lute family of stringed instruments; it is popular in northern India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and is used to play classical music in the Hindustani tradition. The word sitar is derived from the Persian word sehtar, meaning “three strings.”

The sitar is a member of the lute family of stringed instruments; it is popular in northern India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, and is used to play classical music in the Hindustani tradition. The word sitar is derived from the Persian word sehtar, meaning “three strings.” Origin and Construction T...

07/12/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/product-industry-news-for-the-week-of-july-12/

Summer NAMM comes to Nashville on July 15 & 16. In a press release, NAMM said, “The show is NAMM’s annual mid-year gathering and will feature the latest in music gear, technologies, and news from Yamaha, Taylor Guitars, C.F. Martin & Co., Gibson Brands Inc., D’Addario, AudioScope, Gretsch, Delicious Audio and more. The show will also feature leading professional development sessions, instrument demos and networking opportunities.”

Summer NAMM comes to Nashville on July 15 & 16. In a press release, NAMM said, “The show is NAMM’s annual mid-year gathering and will feature the latest in music gear, technologies, and news from Yamaha, Taylor Guitars, C.F. Martin & Co., Gibson Brands, Inc., D’Addario, AudioScope, Gretsch, De...

07/07/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/editor-offers-tips-on-acoustic-guitar-maintenance/

Keeping your instrument in good playing condition will prolong its life and will enable you – the player – to get the greatest satisfaction from making music. Following are some simple guitar maintenance tips that I humbly offer to the guitar-playing readers of MakingMusicMag.com.

As we musicians surely know, playing your instrument – in my case the acoustic guitar – is often a source of great joy and happiness. To be sure, mastering a certain technique or learning a difficult piece of music can be frustrating, aggravating, or annoying if your progress isn’t what you de...

07/06/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/virtuoso-pianist-technician-says-monitoring-humidity-will-help-you-stay-in-tune/

James Carney is an award-winning improvisational pianist and composer who has recorded for some of the leading “record” labels and has performed with several of today’s top jazz musicians. He is also a highly sought-after piano technician who restores and sells older instruments from his workshop in Brooklyn, NY. He is, indeed, a “rare bird” – a virtuoso in both realms.

James Carney is an award-winning improvisational pianist and composer who has recorded for some of the leading “record” labels and has performed with several of today’s top jazz musicians. He is also a highly sought-after piano technician who restores and sells older instruments from his works...

07/01/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/long-time-luthier-offers-tips-on-violin-and-bow-maintenance/

It was almost by accident that Tom Hosmer got into the violin repair business. Almost five decades later, he’s still at work. Hosmer Violins in Fayetteville, NY, will be 50 years old in November; his shop is Central New York’s go-to place for the repair and restoration of violins, violas, and cellos.

It was almost by accident that Tom Hosmer got into the violin repair business. Almost five decades later, he’s still at work. Hosmer Violins in Fayetteville, NY, will be 50 years old in November; his shop is Central New York’s go-to place for the repair and restoration of violins, violas, and ce...

06/30/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/versatile-musician-repair-tech-offers-maintenance-tips-for-woodwind-brass-players/
Craig Dougald of Crozet Music LLC urges instrument owners to periodically bring their instruments to a professional for overhaul rather than settling for occasional minor repairs. This will keep the instrument in regulation and will avoid leaks.

A serious, dedicated musician often possesses a passion for music which a non-musician may not fully comprehend. Indeed, this enthusiasm can continue to drive said musician, even though he or she may be forced to turn to non-musical endeavors simply to earn a living. The rare musician who can live a...

06/29/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/what-in-the-world-is-an-oud/
The oud is one of the oldest stringed instruments still in play today. Arabic tradition traces the oud back to Lamech, a descendant of the Biblical figures Adam and Cain. Arabian musicians often refer to the oud as “the king of instruments.”

What in the World is an Oud? The oud is one of the oldest stringed instruments still in play today. Arabic tradition traces the oud back to Lamech, a descendant of the Biblical figures Adam and Cain. Indeed, oud-like instruments have been discovered at archaeological sites in Egypt and Mesopotamia (...

06/28/2021

https://makingmusicmag.com/new-scientific-study-says-music-therapy-can-help-patients-with-mild-cognitive-decline/

More evidence of the power and usefulness of music as a therapeutic tool recently came to light. During its June 25 broadcast, the program “Science Friday,” aired on National Public Radio, discussed a recent scientific study revealing that among people showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) “playing musical instruments, singing, or otherwise participating in making music can have a small but consistent benefit in recall, and other measures of brain health.”

More evidence of the power and usefulness of music as a therapeutic tool recently came to light. During its June 25 broadcast, the program “Science Friday,” aired on National Public Radio, discussed a recent scientific study revealing that among people showing early symptoms of Alzheimer’s Dis...