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IN THE KNOW
Unconventional Careers in Music: 10 Unique Jobs for Singers
Many aspiring vocalists and songwriters picture themselves performing on stage under bright lights, but there are other career paths for talented singers who don’t want a career in the spotlight. Many talented artists carve out rewarding and creative careers that let...
How to Book Jobs with Touring Artists: A Musician’s Guide to Getting on the Road
The Reality of the Touring Life Landing a job with a touring artist is a dream shared by many musicians. The allure of performing night after night, traveling across cities or continents, and connecting with audiences is undeniable. But behind every successful touring...
How to Build Your First Electronic Press Kit (EPK)
As an emerging artist, one of the most important tools you'll need in your music career is a professional Electronic Press Kit (EPK). Whether you're pitching to venues, festivals, labels, or media outlets, your EPK serves as your musical resume and first impression....
Music Business Internships: How MI Can Connect You to the Biggest Labels and Music Companies in the Industry
Preparing you for your future in the music industry is something we take seriously at the Musicians Institute. There’s a great deal that goes into that promise, including offering innovative educational programs and staying competitive in course offerings. Music...
Beat Production 101: Live Drums vs. Drum Machine vs. Hybrid Drumming
A great beat can elevate almost any track. Whether you are crafting a raw indie rock anthem or producing an electronic dance banger, the choice of drums can define the energy, groove, and emotional impact of your music. The ongoing debate between the warmth of live...
Unearthed from the Archives: Unpublished Don Mock Guitar Performance at Musicians Institute
Every once in a while, a piece of music history resurfaces. This time, it comes straight from the Musicians Institute archives. We recently uncovered a rare, unpublished video of Don Mock at Musicians Institute. Mock, one of MI’s original guitar faculty members,...
#TBT
#TBT: Jeff Porcaro of Toto
For this weeks #TBT post, we bright back this gem from the Musicians Institute vault, a special clinic from Jeff Porcaro, one of the most revered drummers in modern music. MI is lucky to have this footage, as his life was tragically cut short when he was only 38 years...
#TBT Michael Ruff Visits MI ( With Sheryl Crow as Back-up Singer)
A while back, we shared this pretty sweet find from the MI vault: a performance by Michael Ruff, with a very young Sheryl Crow singing backup! Ruff is a multiple Grammy Award nominated songwriter and producer, who has released many solo albums. He has written, toured...
#TBT Jaco Pastorius
Jaco Pastorius is widely considered one of the most influential bassists of all time, so to celebrate our first #TBT post, here are some Jaco performances that’ll inspire you to get you back into the practice room real quick! Opening for Joni Mitchell. Weather Report...
PROFILES
A Conversation With: Aaron Mercier of Mercier Guitars
Aaron Mercier is a guitarist for Kings Of Carnage, and a Musicians Institute alumnus who is keeping very busy in many areas of the music industry, both as a performer and a man behind the scenes. On a recent visit back to the MI campus, Aaron spoke to The Mix about...
Panelist Spotlight: Adam Blackstone
Musicians Institute is proud to bring some of the best working musicians onto our campus to inspire our students and give them insight into what a career in the music industry holds. With this new series on our blog, we will start to highlight upcoming clinicians or...
The Life And Career Of MI’s Own: Francis Buckley
Grammy Award®-winning record engineer Francis Buckley’s broad range of experience has seen him occupy the studio seat for breakout bands, established chart-toppers and Hollywood films. Buckley started out working at W.E. Studios in Redondo Beach in 1979. He then went...
GUEST ARTIST
Mateus Asato & Fredrik Halland Guitar Jam Session
Alumni Mateus Asato and Fredrik Halland come back to MI for a special jam session. Who do you think killed it? Let us know in the comments!