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Top Five Toccatas for Solo Piano
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.…
Links to this post5 Best Halloween Songs
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” –…
Links to this post10 Reasons to Support Local Music and 20 Ways to Do It
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,…
Links to this postThe Top Five Greatest Fugues Ever Written
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…
Links to this postThe 10 Most Famous Advertising Jingle Writers
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…
Links to this postTop Five Piano Cadenzas
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…
Links to this post20 Best Day Jobs for Musicians
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…
Links to this post5 Songs in Honor of Shark Week
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” –…
Links to this post10 Child Prodigies That Will Make You Feel Terrible About Your Own Talents
Have you sat down at a piano and played a few notes before realizing that your years of private lessons were completely in vain? Did you ever think about spending $150 an hour to resume the ill-fated trumpet lessons from your childhood? Stop worrying — there are 5 year olds out there who are better…
Links to this postThe 10 Weirdest Music Instruments EVER
Looking to serenade and confuse your love interest simultaneously? Trying to put a little Dr. Suess in your Sousa? Well then look no further than these weird, absurd instruments. I MEAN REALLY, what were they going for here? 1. Thermain The theremin is one of the most difficult instruments to master because its infinite range…
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