Is Anyone Out There? Connecting With The Crowd
by Shannon Price

Shannon Price offers tips on what to do if your audience isn't into the music.

A Legend in the Living Room
by Jodi Malone

Jodi Malone looks at video games that provide a rock-star thrill and provide new ways to enjoy skills learned on real instruments.

Accompany Yourself to Easier Playing
by Scott Houston

Scott Houston on a simpler approach to supportive playing.

 

The Power of Teamwork
by Shannon Price

Shannon Price on balancing the group dynamic with an independent spirit.

 

Movin' On
by Gregg Raybin

Every month, I do a fair amount of counseling and conflict resolution with recreational musicians, and it always comes down to this axiom: If you aren't having fun making music, you're doing something wrong.

 

Learning Is Listening
by Scott Houston

Lately I’ve been finding myself responding to questions from viewers of my television series with the same answer over and over. The questions usually go something like this: “Scott, I saw one of your guests playing a tune that I just love. I found a lead sheet to the tune and learned the chords and melody, but what I’m playing certainly does not sound as good as what your guest played. Can you teach me how to play it that way?”

 

It's All About Attitude
by Gregg Raybin

Creating a concise and accurate descriptor for noncareer musicians has been a struggle. Among the choices are recreational musician, musical hobbyist, and amateur musician.

 

Are You a Creator, or Re-creator?
by Scott "The Piano Guy" Houston

The more discussions I have with piano players from all musical genres and backgrounds, the more I realize that there seems to be two “camps” into which the majority of us fall: creators and re-creators.

 

My Trips to Song Camp
by Suzanne Reed

I first heard about SummerSongs, Inc. when I was thumbing through a music magazine and happened to see their ad. I went to their website and found out that although this camp was based on the east coast, they were also starting camps on the west coast. A weekend camp was coming up in January 2005.