Resources

We want to improve at playing our instruments. We know that practice is essential. We generally know our strengths and weaknesses. We have a place to practice. Is that all we need? Nope. The Five Resource Areas There are a number of essential tools and resource areas for consistent progress. There are...

Many musicians claim to devote their time to practicing their instrument, yet not many can really make it productive. The truth of the matter is, a non-dynamic practice session can become boring. While it is true that engaging in a consistent and regular practice session allows musicians to become better...

With rental season starting soon, you may be wondering whether you should be buying or renting an instrument. The answer is not simple and usually requires weighing not only the upfront monetary cost, but whether the student will continue playing for years to come or stop three months into starting. Buying a...

Learning a new instrument or a new musical piece can be quite challenging. Aside from ensuring that the notes that you are producing are sensible, you also have to make sure that you are playing at the right tempo. This can be quite tricky, especially to those who are...

There is a concept that has been used for a couple hundred years in a variety of fields (Italian real estate ownership, pea plant production, software efficiency, etc.) called a variety of names (Pareto Principle, The Law of the Vital Few, the 80/20 principle, etc.) which we can use...

Motivation Most musicians realize the need for practice, even beginners. That doesn’t mean that they actually do it or that they like to do it. In fact, if you spend any time talking to musicians and music students, you’ll hear: “I really need to practice” “I should be practicing right now” “I wonder...

Practicing is a way of life for musicians. It begins the first time you pick up your instrument as a beginner and continues throughout your entire playing career. Practice takes both willpower and planning. Building the habit of practice early on will ensure steady progress for you over the...

Any time you step out of your comfort zone you are forced to face your fears. Growth on a musical instrument is built on the notion of stretching beyond your current abilities and out into the unknown. Enter fear. Fear comes in all shapes and sizes and hits us...

Buying your first stringed instrument is fun and exciting experience. However, losing your wonderful sounding stringed instrument due to theft or damage can be detrimental. Not only can it cost thousands of dollars to replace or repair, but you'll lose valuable time practicing. That's where musical instrument insurance comes into play....