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IN THE KNOW
What Skills Should a Beginner Songwriter Learn First?
Quick Answer: “A beginner songwriter should first learn how to develop a clear song idea, write lyrics and melodies, understand basic song structure, use simple chords and harmony, develop rhythm and phrasing, finish complete songs, and create basic demos....
What Should You Know Before Studying Music Production?
Quick Answer: “Before studying music production, it helps to understand what producers actually do and become comfortable with basic concepts like DAWs, song structure, MIDI, recording, and critical listening. You do not need advanced music theory, expensive...
How Do You Build Vocal Stamina Without Straining Your Voice?
Quick Answer: “Build vocal stamina by increasing singing time gradually, using efficient breath support, warming up before demanding sessions, practicing at controlled volumes, and giving your voice enough recovery between sessions. Vocal endurance should come from...
Which Music Program Is Right for You: Songwriting, Music Production, or Independent Artist?
Quick Answer: “Choose songwriting if you want to focus on lyrics, melody, structure, and the craft of writing songs. Choose music production if you want to build tracks, create sounds, and work inside a DAW. Choose an independent artist if you want to write, record,...
How Do You Choose the Right Summer Music Program for Your Career Goals?
Quick Answer: “Choose the right summer music program by matching the program to the career skill you want most: performance, production, recording, music business, or flexible online study. The best choice should help you build practical skills, test your direction,...
What Can You Study at a Summer Music Program?
Quick Answer: “At a summer music program, you can study performance, music production, recording, music business, songwriting, online courses, or customized training based on your goals. The best program helps you build practical skills, explore a career direction,...
#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!