L&M Blog Opens New Tab
Recommended
Health and Safety - Hearing Protection for Musicians
Rhythmic Vocabulary
Drum Muffling Part 1: Gels and Rings and Tape, Oh MY!
NAMM 2016: New Guitar, Bass, and Drum Amps for Stage, Studio, and Home
Five Ways to Diversify Your Musical Experience
5 Tips for Hitting High Notes
Although it's completely false to say that a singer's talent is measured by the number of high notes she or he can belt out, high notes are an unavoidable fact of life, and every vocalist will struggle with them at one point or another. Whether you're a deep-voiced bass, a coloratura soprano, or a humble shower singer, you can improve your voice by mastering proper technique in your upper range. Practice makes perfect, and here are some tips to help you as you ascend the scales. Read More Comments
Stolen Goods – How to Protect Your Gear!
If your Facebook friends list includes musicians, odds are good that you regularly see posts seeking help locating stolen gear. Here are some simple tips to help minimize your chances of needing to write your own sad tale of loss on social media. Read More Comments
The Vibrant Experience of Amateur Piano Competitions
In the world of classical piano, it can often feel like all the opportunities to perform or compete are exclusively for young prodigies and the pros - especially here in Canada, where we don't appear to have any established Amateur Competitions. But if you think you've missed the chance to showcase your talent on stage as an adult, you need to talk to Glenn Kramer! Read More Comments
Beating the “Load-Out Blues” - Ten Tips to Make Moving Your Drums Easier
Nothing compares to the thrill of playing live music in front of an appreciative audience. Similarly, nothing can dampen that excitement as effectively as the thought of packing up your drum kit and hauling it to your car at the end of the night. Here are some tips to help make that job easier! Read More Comments
In Defence of the Stick Spin
Live music is entertainment, and anything you can do to raise the level of excitement for your audience is positive. However adding a visual flair to drum performance is a lot like adding spice to a dish...context is everything and individual tastes vary. Read More Comments
Sounding Your Best on Stage: A Guide for Singers
When you’re singing on stage, you want the audience to hear you at your best. It’s not just a matter of having a great voice: how that voice gets translated into amplified sound is vital to creating a polished, pleasing and professional performance. Here are a few things every singer should keep in mind. Read More Comments
Recitals: A Little Something for Everyone
When you think “Lesson Centre Recital” what’s the first thing that comes to mind? For many, it’s the image of a fun performance opportunity for really young children. While recitals are a great opportunity for youth to foster confidence in a safe, supportive space, it’s worth considering that there are actually benefits for students of all ages and backgrounds. Read More Comments
All About Performing Arts Festivals & Why YOU Should Enter!
Most cities and regions have at least one annual Performing Arts Festival, open to students in the arts. You may have heard about one, but don't know what it is, or realize that it's open for anybody to participate in. We're here to give you the details and explain the benefits of taking part in one! Read More Comments
How to Overcome Stage Fright - For Musicians
Many of my music students and fellow musicians ask me, “How do I get over stage fright?” I am a professional musician, and at times I still experience stage fright. Here are some ideas and strategies which I have used in order to perform to my best ability, despite that primal and familiar fear of stage fright.... Read More Comments
What to do when your child doesn’t want to play in the recital
After shelling out big bucks and a significant amount of time, your child adamantly decides that they do not want to play in the recital. Sound like your house? Don’t worry; this happens to most children at some point. Read More Comments
Improvisation for Everyone
The dictionary offers us this definition: “Improvisation: to compose or sing without preparation....” This definition is misleading and potentially discouraging. Without preparation? If that’s true then what were iconic improvisers like John Coltrane and Sonny Rollins doing during the marathon practice sessions they are known for? Read More Comments
Play Along Recordings for Jazz
If I could, I’d practice every day with a live rhythm section, but this is impossible so I settle for the next best thing: Play along recordings. This is not only handy but also a fun way to learn and practice tunes. Read More Comments
