Dogs play piano! If you’re one of those people who say something like: “I’d like to play music, but I don’t have any rhythm” then watch this video. Not to take anything away from the intelligence of dogs, but if they can do it then so can you! I’m not saying that you have what […]
Canton
Powerful Music Quote
“I always loved music; whoso has skill in this art is of good temperament, fitted for all things. We must teach music in schools; a schoolmaster ought to have skills in music, otherwise I would not regard him.” -Martin Luther (1483-1546) The above quote clearly expresses […]
Thelonious Monk, A musical genius
The following fantastic list of advice comes courtesy of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk, a musical genius who died exactly 30 years ago, on February 17th of 1982. The list was transcribed by saxophonist Steve Lacy in 1960. Enjoy. Transcript follows. (Source: Heck of a Guy; Image above: Thelonious Monk, via.) […]
Upcoming live music and good times
Hi Everyone, A reminder that Ben Steel returns to Marge’s Bar & Grille on Sunday, February 26th, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. We will resume our regular schedule of the third Sunday of the month on Sunday, March 18th. Other upcoming dates: Sunday, March 4th: The Balduck Mountain Ramblers will perform in concert from 7 pm to 9 pm […]
February 20th – On this Day in Music History
Is February 20th special? Heck yeah it is! Not only is it our own David Bolla’s birthday (Happy birthday Dave!), but all these cool things happened on this day as well: 1745 – The birth of composer Johann Peter Saloman. 1770 – The birth of […]
Is music a higher revelation for you?
“Music is a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy” – Ludwig van Beethoven. Is this a blanket statement by Beethoven or does anyone believe that this is true. Is music actually a higher revelation than all wisdom and philosophy? Is music a revelation […]
Vibration Creates Matter
I’m most definitely not looking to start a debate on creation, religion or anything like that with posting this video. If you want to comment from that point of view then that’s totally fine, but I just wanted to be clear that it’s not my intention. More and more scientists seem to be in acceptance […]
So You want to be President?
US President Musicians President Harry S. Truman, the man in the White House when the United States intervened on behalf of the millions of innocent people who were being displaced and massacred by Hitler’s Nazi Germany, claimed to have practiced his piano lessons for two hours […]
Chocolate Cake vs. Ice Cream: Rethinking Balance at the Keyboard
When you’re creating your sound at the piano, one of the most important concepts is foreground vs. background. Melody vs. accompaniment. However, many pianists erroneously equate the idea of balance at the keyboard as the need to play all voices at the same level. As you play multiple […]
PRINCE DISCOVERS THE CURE FOR BALDNESS… GUITAR PLAYING
According to the Times of India… LONDON: Pop superstar Prince believes playing the electric guitar his entire life has stopped him from going bald. The 52-year-old pop legend, who can play 27 different instruments, is convinced the electricity that flows through a guitar when he strums it is the reason he still has luscious locks, Daily […]
A Common Mistake That’ll Grow Hair on Any Guitarist’s Palms
I see a lot of guitarists making a fundamental mistake in their approach to the instrument. It stunts their growth and holds them back, sometimes for years. The worst part is that, on the surface, the mistake seems completely harmless. That insidious mistake is playing what you already know how […]
Imagination In Instrument Design
Music is an art form that has been experimented with by humans since, quite possibly, before we had even developed the ability to verbally communicate with one another. As music has advanced, changed, and evolved, so have both humans, and the instruments that we have used to create these sounds. First, we banged sticks, and […]
If birds can learn to sing, you can too!
I’ve always that that it is really cool listening to birds imitate the sounds and songs of other animals and especially humans. Anyone who has been in the presence of birds can clearly see that they are extremely interested in music and any kind of sound. I’m pretty sure that most animals on earth have […]
Why Do We Remember Old Pop Songs But Forget Where Our Keys Are?
I’ve been posting quite a few things in the last few days about music and the human brain. If you have any interest in this subject whatsoever then you’ll certainly enjoy this video. Daniel Levitin, Neuroscientist and musician, gives some great example of how music is so absolutely important in our lives. The function of […]
“This is Your Brain on Music”
Director of McGill University’s Laboratory for Musical Perception, Cognition and Expertise and best-selling author of “This is Your Brain on Music,” Daniel Levitin blends cutting-edge scientific findings with his own experiences as a former record producer and still-active musician.
That’s what she said: Quotes from Famous Female Songwriters
Quotes from Famous Female Songwriters: We all have someone to look up to; these can be people who are part of our daily lives, or someone we’ve met briefly but left a lasting impression. They can also be someone famous like a celebrated musician, composer or vocalist. Let’s read and learn from these inspiring quotes […]
Health: Music and the Mind
I seem to hear more and more everyday how music helps to heal people. Maybe one day then musicians and music therapists will be as rich as the drug companies! I doubt that will ever be the case but it seems a little odd to me that music treatments haven’t become more mainstream. The article […]
Make music when practicing
The title of this blog comes from Mark Levine’s very popular Jazz Theory book. I think it is important for musicians practicing all styles to “make music when practicing” rather than just Jazz musicians. It’s common for people to think about playing those dreaded scales over and over again at the piano, guitar, or any […]
Don’t let your children quit playing music
Children will often take up a musical instrument with high hopes of becoming great at playing the instrument or great at singing. Typically the first few lessons are a lot of fun and it’s exciting to learn a few things about how to play and sing. Beginning music lessons need to be set up so […]
Exploring Classical Indian Music
Sitarist Alec Brogan will bring his vast knowledge of Indian classical music to the Grosse Pointe Music Academy in Canton for a workshop exploring Classical Indian Music. Please join us on Monday, February 27th for this unique event and learning experience. Monday February 27th from 6pm-8pm Alec Brogan has studied classical Indian music between two […]