music PRODUCTION
The recorded music we hear throughout our daily existence on all platforms, whether passively or intentionally, all has something in common – it has been produced. The production is what forces the recording to be palatable to a general public’s ear. The facets of music production are but a few standards that anyone recording music must implement to their recording to have their recording pass the test of being “accepted” by its listeners. This concept is far beyond whether any given person “likes” a song or not. Even the songs we hear that we do not like follow the production standards (in most cases). But it is safe to say that we cannot enjoy even a great song if it does not have a standard production applied to it during the recording process.
music BUSINESS
The business of music makes it possible for people of all stripes to enjoy listening to their favorite songs on any platform. Listening through our favorite playlist on Spotify or Apple Music, we typically are unaware of the inner workings behind the scenes that made it possible. That is where the music business comes in. A song starts its life with the songwriter. No one will hear this song until the music business steps in and does its thing. A Record Label has artists that need songs. The Record Label is the liaison that “places” a song on one of their artists for critical assessment by the general public. The artist becomes the avenue for a song to be heard. The music platforms mentioned above become the destination for the song. The popularity of the song determines the length of life a song has. So, the quest becomes; how can a song become popular? That is the driving force behind the music business. Prior to the modern-day music platforms, radio and albums played a part in delivering a song to the public. The business is changing.
music THEORY
Music Theory can be a scary proposition. The mere mention of the term strikes fear into the hearts of even the most capable professional musicians. Though understandable, it is completely unnecessary. Music Theory can be studied simply by observing the reverse engineering of any given piece of music. Sure, there are countless complex and complicated conundrums when unwrapping the inner workings of a masterpiece penned by Bach, Beethoven, or Brahms. But when you look at a pop song by Blondie, the Beastie Boys, or even the Beatles the music basics are out in plain sight for all to behold.
music COMPOSITION
"Roses are red, violets are blue, rhyming in time a writer must do."
Along with the poetic lyrics, the structure of a song has simple guidelines to be followed to make it a song. Setting aside the abstract, a pop song, although adhering to traditional music theory standards, is built on a simple melody that is designed inside a musical key. And the mood of the song is set based on the complimentary chords from that same musical key. From the outside looking in, songwriting can be intimidating because at first glance there seems to be so many notes and so many chords to use. But realization that only the notes and chords from a single musical key are used quickly puts to rest any unnecessary anxiety.
music INSTRUCTION
Teaching how to play a musical instrument can be an art unto itself. There are many road blocks that can often hinder a student from becoming a fine musician. Navigating students through the early rough waters is key. Producing a great tone is paramount. Learning how to read music is a rewarding challenge. Knowing what NOT to teach can unburden a new musician.