Rock Music of the 1950s
The 1950s is a musically misunderstood decade. Most people think of "golden oldies," and the birth of rock 'n' roll. But there was also a lot happening in jazz, folk,…
1940s Big Band Era
To tell the story of classic rock radio, we have to go all the way back to the beginning. Not to when we crawled out of the primordial slime, but…
The Essential Listening Series
Expand your musical horizons with Essential Listening. Put on your best headphones, or crank up your Marantz receiver! We're taking a musical journey back through time. Before the days of…
Why Music Lessons Need To Keep Up With The Times
Dr Clint Randles' wrote a great post a few years ago at TheConversation.com, "Why music lessons need to keep up with the times." He compares the skill set of a…
Playing In Church Bands
I'm using “church” as a general term for wherever people worship, not to distinguish from synagogues, mosques, ashrams, or other places of worship. Church bands run the gamut from chamber…
Playing In Cover Bands
Cover bands play songs by other artists. They don't write their own music. Most cover bands play either rock or country music, and most work in bars and night clubs.…
Distance Learning
Here in Houston, schools have had to close several times in years past due to floods, including hurricanes Allison, Ike and Harvey. A couple of years ago, area schools had…
Teaching Guitar Solos From Books
Modern lead guitar contains elements which can’t be notated in detail. Neither staff nor tablature can describe vibrato or string bends, except in very general terms. You can’t read a…
Talk With Your Teacher
When you enroll at a private music school, there are several things you should talk with your teacher about. Do you want to learn to read music? What are your…
Non-Accredited Music Schools
Non-accredited, private music schools are in nearly every city and town. If you need instruction suited to your individual needs, then you are better off with a private teacher who…