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Most people never listen to music from the Renaissance or Medieval eras. It’s no secret why: no funky beats, catchy melodies, or danceable rhythms. The style is completely foreign to contemporary ears. BUT… is it all really so unlistenable and boring? Below are five pieces that are quirky, beautiful, crazy, or just downright weird. 10…

If you’re the ultimate fan to your favorite artist, you’ll appreciate the provocative, intimate look at their lives that only books about them can truly accurately capture. 1. “Weird Al Yankovic: The Kindle Singles Interviews” by Mara Altman The man who basically invented the music video parody as we know it somehow continues to keep…

Everyone knows Bach’s famous Toccata and Fugue in D minor for the organ as soon as they hear it. But what exactly is a toccata? There’s no set structure, and different composers have had different ideas in their compositions they call toccatas, but generally a toccata is simply a difficult piece with a fast tempo.…

With All Hallows’ Eve right around the corner, you wouldn’t want to be caught dead without the best Halloween songs in your repertoire. Learn to play these 5 Halloween favorites today! 5. “Thriller” – Michael Jackson 4. “This Is Halloween” – Danny Elfman 3. “Ghostbusters” – Ray Parker, Jr. 2. “Runnin’ With The Devil” –…

You’ve heard the phrase “Support Local Music,” but may not understand how to apply it in practice. Here’s some ways to get it going! Support local music because: 1. You’re missing out on a great time! Local music is a great way to explore a new part of your city, have some fun with friends,…

There is a widespread misconception that fugues are by their nature academic, stodgy, and soulless. Although there certainly are a lot of insipid fugues out there, many fugal masterpieces exist and deserve more attention. Here are some of my favorites in no particular order: 5. “So You Want to Write a Fugue?” – Glenn Gould…

Turns out that writing music that sticks to the folds of your brain like wood glue is easier said than done. These guys, however, are the kings of the gluey, charming pop. 1. Barry Manilow Manilow’s success story is one for the books. The man just excels at everything musical he tries, and his jingles…

What is a cadenza? Simply put, it’s an opportunity for a soloist to demonstrate their virtuosity, akin to a solo in jazz music. Here are the top five ever written, in reverse order, accordingly to the world’s greatest scientists today: 5. Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – Piano Concerto No. 1, Mvt. 1 No credible list of…

If you’re a musician, you know that gigs don’t always cut it for the bills. If you’re thinking of doing some work on the side, here’s some ideas, with some examples of other artists who have done the exact same. 1. Freelance work If you’ve got a skill you can be commissioned to do, like…

Discovery Channel kicked off Shark Week on Sunday, so here are 5 songs to get you pumped about “Shark After Dark,” “Sharkageddon,” “Zombie Sharks,” “Sharksanity,” and more! 1. “Some of My Best Friends Are Sharks” – Hans Zimmer 2. “Theme from ‘Jaws’” – John Williams 3. “Mack the Knife” – Bobby Darin 4. “Fins” –…