Our Latest Blog on Music & Instruments

There are several ways of being in a band. One is to join an existing band-whether by invite or through an audition. Joining an existing band can be tricky, as you can never really tell what they’re looking for. They may be looking to maintain their current sound and image, or they may be looking for something new to shake things up and possibly point to a new direction. Power struggles and personality clashes could be lurking behind every decision and you, being the new guy, are caught in the middle.

Learning how to use scales to create solos can be very frustrating sometimes -- especially when the process itself sounds so simple. For example, want to learn how to create bluesy/rock solos? Learn the Minor Pentatonic scale. Here is the shape for it:
 
E Minor Pentatonic: E G A B D

Little did I know how much music would influence my life the day I first set my fingers on a piano keyboard.  I first began piano lessons when I was five years old, my feet barely able to touch the pedals.  Not only did I take weekly lessons, but I also participated in competitions and took annual listening and music theory exams.  Soon, I started playing cello and French horn, as well as taking horseback riding, fencing, and dance lessons.  Although I eventually decided to pause my music education once I entered into high school so that I could focus more on dance, I am still determined to

Sweaty palms. Irregular breathing. Memory lapses. Feelings of fear and dread. What’s happening—marching to the gallows?  Facing a firing squad? Bungee jumping? 

No, you may be about to perform some music in front of an audience. You’ve practiced for weeks (or months, or more) and you may have even done it all before. You’ve got some talent and you’re in perfectly good health, as far as you know. So why the fuss?