amateurmusicians.net

input/output: the taste-makers

Most doctors agree: processed music is good for you.

there’s too much goddamn music

Learn about stand-up comic George Carlin's freshest comedy material. Never to be aired on HBO.

genius score scribblings for dummies

Terrible handwriting = genius? I'll say! Any other ways to find out how truly gifted you are?

blog review: music practice tips

(Update: the musicpracticetips.com website is no longer up and running. However, as this review compares web and print media approaches for teaching practice skills, you might find the info below useful for evaluating learning resources.) When I started this blog, I initially had this idea of a web resource for music practice advice. Providing such a service, [...]

take in large doses, three times a day

Can listening to Mozart make you better-adjusted? Philosopher Manly P. Hall says: yes, but so long as you don't get too blissed-out.

musicians: make your own economy!

In the last few years, we’ve seen a rapid increase in social and economic opportunities for DIY‘ers (do-it-yourself’ers), both on- and off-line. I’d argue that changes in our communication technologies are enabling this home brew entrepreneurship revolution. For example, the so-called “Web 2.0” paradigm shift on the Internet, describes a new way of creating wealth with [...]

top 10 reasons why I don’t own an mp3 player

In life it’s often best to keep up with the Joneses. On the practical level, people ask less questions. On the existential level, you’re more well-adjusted. Or betterly-adjusted. So imagine this: I’m a musician, and I just woke up to the fact that I still don’t own an mp3 player. Pow! How could that be? I [...]

why it’s easier to play for strangers

You’re ten years old, it’s Christmas eve. Uncle Fritz (fictitious name) has gotten in disguise: Santa’s about to distribute the gifts. The living room is packed with relatives, in dizzy anticipation at the surprises to come. Alas, before Santa Fritz can grab the first gift, your mom stands up, and blurts out to all ears: “Wait, [...]

how to reset your central nervous system

Don’t have enough vein diameter to feed blood to your virtual avatar in Second Life? Need to relax, but find the practice of meditation too emotionally barren to pursue? Can’t even properly evoke the Slow Movement in your bowel displacements? Listen, friend. Don’t even think about “getting tased”. Rather, consider this quote by classical guitarist Julian Bream [...]

may day! may day! what’s your tune?

There you have it: May 1st is upon us once again, pronouncing winter officially dead! So… Ready to raise your fist and chant in favor of a worker’s paradise on earth? Or will a simple drunken picnic in the midst of a sun-baked crowd do for you? Whatever the case, someone’s bound to break out a tune [...]