It’s known by a few names: “Open handed drumming,” playing with a “left hand lead,” playing “uncrossed,” or simply “open.” Whatever you decide to call it, open handed drumming is a way of setting up and playing your drum set so that one hand doesn’t cross over the other while playing the time-keeping cymbals (like the hi-hats, or ride). It can equate to playing time with your non-dominant hand, and it also can mean playing the hi-hats or ride cymbals in unusual lo

There are many reasons why a music student may find themselves learning to play piano on a keyboard rather than on a baby grand: cost, space, or simply lack of access, for example. Versatility on a range of keyboard instruments is also an extremely useful string for any pianist to have to their bow, and can lead to greater practice and public performance opportunities, and even excellent opportunities to earn a little money on the side. The organ, although not the most prevalent or popular musi

You don't have to go to New York or Nashville to pursue a music career. If you're looking for music schools in Los Angeles, you'll find plenty of great options. These schools can help you reach your musical dreams.  So whether you want to study classical music or rock 'n' roll, there's a school for you in LA.  Check out these Los Angeles music schools and start planning your future as a musician! What Are the Best Schools for Music Production? Los Angeles is home to some of the be

If you want to learn how to make your very own homemade capo from scratch, keep reading. In this article, we’ll share four simple steps to put together a DIY capo on the fly - with just two materials! When you’re jamming with friends and there’s a new vocalist in the mix, you might find yourself having to play in unfamiliar keys. If you left your trusty capo at home, no problem! Follow this easy guide and you’ll learn how to make a capo in no time. DIY Homemade Capo Tutorial Yo

What's the deal with guitar technique anyway? Guitar teacher Alexander A. explains a few of the fundamentals and why they are so important... If your teacher is cracking the whip every lesson because your hands aren’t in the proper position you may be asking yourself, “Does my guitar teacher hate me?” The answer is “no” – at least, I certainly hope not! More than likely, your teacher is trying to make you a better player by guiding you to play with good technique. We’ll

It's no secret that drummers are often the butt of jokes. But why do people find bad drummer jokes so funny?  What is it about the drummer in a band that makes them such an easy target for musical humor? Even though the drummer holds the band together and recent studies have shown drumming increases certain kinds of intelligence, drummers often find themselves on the punchline side of a dumb joke. Drumming is an important part of many musical genres, and skilled drummers can create a powe

Thinking about signing up for beginner drumming lessons? Read on as teacher Lauren P. guides you through five helpful questions to help you prepare...   Maybe you are obsessed with your local rock and roll band or maybe you are mandated to join the school band. Whatever your reason, consider asking yourself these five questions before taking beginner drumming lessons. What is my end goal? Before deciding to learn the drums, ask yourself honestly what your end goal is. Do you have to joi

Can't stop singing "Uptown Funk" by Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson? It's been stuck in our heads for weeks! If you covet the amazing vocal skills of Bruno Mars, read on for helpful tips from Glendale, CA voice teacher Ben M…   Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars’ killer new hit, “Uptown Funk”, is all over the airwaves this month. The production is lush and the instrumentation is a perfect mix between classic '80s and the newer influences of pop music. But without a doubt, the standout instrum

Feeling overwhelmed by pages and pages of sheet music? If you're tech-savvy, you might want to consider switching to an all-digital library. Here, Elaina R. reviews the pros and cons of using digital sheet music, the best sheet music apps, and how to make the switch...   Are you still using paper sheet music? If so, you may be wondering if it's time to make the switch to digital sheet music and iPad apps. Here are some pros and cons to help you decide... How Does Digital Sheet Music Wo

Left-handed guitarists of the world unite! When it comes to guitar setup and style, you're kind of in your own world... 1. Some people try to change you... ...but you do your own, awesome, left-handed thing! There is a school of thought that lefties should conform to right-handed ways and learn to play a regular righty guitar. This works for some lefties, like Paul Simon and David Byrne. For other left-handed players, a right-handed guitar can be discouraging and difficult, and switchi