Although playing the piano can be music to your ears, it is not always that way for your neighbours – especially if you need to do a lot of repetitive practice. But don’t worry; we’ve compiled some of the top ways to quiet your piano to help you practice without disturbing those around you. There…
The piano is one of the most beautiful and beloved musical instruments in the world. In addition to its unmatched musical potential, there are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play piano and practicing/playing regularly. Whether you’re pressing your first keys or performing for sold-out theatres, I hope to inspire you…
Drums and percussion instruments are the world’s oldest and most widespread instruments. They are found in all cultures and nearly all genres of music. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play the drums and practicing/playing regularly. In this article, we’ll focus mostly on the benefits to be gained from…
The trumpet is a well-respected and popular choice in a variety of musical genres, including jazz, funk, classical, marching band, rock and pop. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play the trumpet and practicing/playing regularly. You may be a complete novice, deciding whether to pick up a trumpet for…
The saxophone is one of the more well-known musical instruments in the world, being a staple in jazz, big band, marching band, some classical and even pop. There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play saxophone and practicing/playing regularly. Whether you’re interested in taking the first steps in becoming a…
The guitar is one of the most popular musical instruments in the world (it’s my main instrument, too). There are a surprising number of benefits associated with learning how to play guitar and practicing/playing regularly. Whether you’re interested in taking the first steps in becoming a guitarist or you’re already proficient with the instrument, I…
The bassoon and contrabassoon are popular double-reed woodwind instruments found in orchestral, concert band, and chamber music, as well as in jazz and pop music (though not as commonly). A proper bassoon reed is essential to play the bassoon to its full potential. Since the bassoon is such a popular instrument, it’s no surprise that there are…
The English Horn (also referred to as the “cor anglais”) is a double-reed woodwind instrument in the oboe family. English horns, like oboes, are commonly used in orchestra and chamber music ensembles or as solo instruments. A proper reed is essential to play the English horn to its full potential. There are plenty of reed options for the student, intermediate…
Undeniably, vinyl records offer an audio experience like no other. However, records, turntables, and various other pieces of equipment can deteriorate over time, resulting in audio crackle. But what are the causes of vinyl crackles, and how do you fix them? What are the causes of vinyl crackle, and how to fix them? There are…
Have you ever felt like your turntables aren’t producing the sound they once were? The phono cartridge is the first component that many new audiophiles appoint the blame. Do phono cartridges wear out? The phono cartridge component itself doesn’t have any deteriorating parts. However, located near this is the stylus. It’s a part that appears…
Popularized in 1948, though invented in the 1920’s, vinyl records have been a staple for listening to music and audio for decades. Whether the records are from the mid-20th century or a modern press, many collectors and turntable enthusiasts prioritize the upkeep of vinyl records for maximum longevity. Do vinyl records wear out over time,…
If you’re a musician, filmmaker, or podcaster, I’m positive you’ve searched endlessly to achieve optimal sound quality to improve the consumer’s experience of your projects. In many conversations regarding this topic, microphone preamplifiers are at the heart of the discussion. Do microphone preamplifiers improve sound/audio quality? A mic preamp will affect audio quality as it…
