Wondering how to get over stage fright when singing? Or even just feeling comfortable with singing in front of a small group? Check out these helpful tips from North Hollywood, CA teacher Jackie B...   As a lifelong musical theater performer — and owner of a big, brassy voice — I often hear people complain to me that “they wish they had talent” or lament the fact that they are “tone deaf” and therefore unable to enjoy singing. While I can appreciate the fact that people are bo

Did you know there are ways you can get better at singing... that DON'T involve singing? Find out the ideas in this guest post by professional voice teacher Molly R...   The obvious thing to do when you want to get better at singing is, of course, to sign up for voice lessons! You may have even found that teacher right here on TakeLessons.com. But singing is so much more than what goes on with your vocal cords. We also have to exude confidence and connect with our audience. We c

From going viral on YouTube to touring the world, Walk Off The Earth has made an impressive mark on the music scene, and from the looks of it they are just getting started. Their album Sing It All Away will be released this month, and the band has been touring heavily in anticipation of this release. Singer and guitarist Ryan Marshall gave us a call this week to talk about his inspirations, life on the road, and his complicated relationship with country music.  How did you get st

As teachers, what should you keep in mind as you create music lesson plans for kids? And as parents, how should we be encouraging our children as they're taking lessons? Here, Brooklyn, NY teacher Julie P. shares her ideas...   Music lessons are a great opportunity for any child, no matter what their musical goals are. In fact, goals for music lessons don’t have to be entirely musical. Most children who take music lessons will not grow up to be professional musicians, so it’s gr

If you’ve ever felt confused by unfamiliar singing terms, you’re not alone. As with every specialized field, vocal professionals tend to throw around a lot of jargon or terminology that many people aren’t familiar with. If you’re interested in expanding your musical skills, this singing glossary will help you better understand music instructions and words used within singing communities. Let's get started! 50 Singing Terms and Definitions You'll find some of the most common singing

Want to play all of your favorite songs on bass? Learn where to find the bass guitar tabs you need in this guide by San Diego teacher Justine D... Guitar and bass tablature, or bass tabs, is a kind of musical notation that focuses on fretted finger placement rather than the actual pitches. It can help you sharpen your listening skills, try out new skills and techniques, and — of course — learn your favorite songs’ bass lines! In this blog post, we’ll cover where you can find bass tabs

You might think you've heard "Let it Go" from the Disney hit Frozen at least a million times. However, if you haven't heard the shredding metal guitar version, the Jimmy Fallon and The Roots version, or one fed-up father's take on the song, have you really heard it at all? "Let it Go" has taken over the Internet, with countless covers popping up on YouTube every day. We did the dirty work for you and rounded up the most important versions of "Let it Go" that you need to see. 1. Let It Go -

Have you ever wondered why the exact same note played on two different instruments sounds so different? It’s all because of timbre! Timbre in music is also identified as “color.” It’s the quality and tone of a sound that makes it unique. Understanding timbre is crucial for musicians whether you play an instrument or sing. In this ultimate guide, you’ll learn the timbre definition, timbre examples, and what factors affect timbre. What is the Timbre Music Definition? So, what is

If you really want to advance your piano playing, mastering the art of sight reading can take you far. But if you're struggling, don't worry. Although some people have a more natural ability to pick up a piece of music and play it sight unseen, the good news is that sight reading is a skill you can improve upon with practice--and even teach yourself from scratch. In fact, there are basic things you can do every day that will improve your dexterity and translate to your piano skills. Try t

When you're learning to play drums you will find many artists you want to emulate. This is a great way to get started, but eventually you will want to develop your own drumming style. Here, San Diego, CA drum teacher Maegan W. shares her tips to help you develop your own unique style... When it comes to learning drums, what is style, and how do we develop our own drum style? Read on for the answers to these important questions. When you think about any drummer who has made a name for h