The Official Blog of Musicians Institute
IN THE KNOW
10 Skills You Need to Be a Successful Session Musician
If you’re wondering how to become a session musician, you’re not alone. Studio work is one of the most in-demand and rewarding paths for today’s musicians. From laying down tracks for top artists to recording for TV, film, and commercials, session players are the...
Why Choose the Musicians Institute Online Degree Over Traditional Music Schools?
In the world of music education, aspiring musicians face a wide array of options when it comes to selecting a program that suits their career goals. Traditional music schools have long been the go-to choice for students pursuing careers in the music industry. However,...
How to Get the Most Out of Musicians Institute’s Summer Shot Program: Tips for Success
The Musicians Institute Summer Shot Program is an excellent opportunity for aspiring musicians to boost their skills, gain practical experience, and immerse themselves in a professional music environment. Whether you're a drummer, bassist, vocalist, or studio...
The Best Music Open Mic Nights in Los Angeles for Emerging Artists 2025
Los Angeles is a city that breathes music—from the neon-lit streets of Hollywood to the artsy cafes in Santa Monica. Whether you're a singer-songwriter, rapper, guitarist, or in a full band, there’s no better way to break into LA’s music scene than performing at a...
How Musicians Institute’s Online Programs Prepare You for a Career in Music
In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving music industry, the demand for skilled professionals in various musical disciplines is growing. Whether you’re aspiring to become a drummer, bassist, vocalist, or audio engineer, Musicians Institute offers online programs that...
Beyond the Piano: Exploring the World of Keyboards
When you think of keyboard instruments, the classic piano may come to mind—but the modern world of keyboards is so much bigger. From powerful synthesizers and vintage organs to digital pianos and MIDI controllers, keyboardists today have access to a wide range of...
#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!