Congratulations! You’ve survived Valentine’s Day! Oh, a few of you enjoyed wonderful loving moments before your sugar high wore off. But what about the rest of the suffering songwriters desperately struggling to pen the next breakup hit? Or the lonely prisoners of the practice rooms daydreaming of that big break, that deluxe tour bus. Then they turn back to their scales and wonder, “Why, why, why am I doing this?”
To all you hard working musicians out there, it’s time to take a break.
11 Shades of Heartbreak
Face it: we weren’t all exactly thrilled on Valentine’s Day. If you were one of those songwriters who just wanted to paint it black, here’s something to cheer you up: guess what? You can’t copyright a song title!
Case in point: here are 11 songs by 11 different artists, all titled “Since You’ve Been Gone”. Their take on heartbreak runs the gamut from tragic to comic, and from confused and codependent to celebratory.
Thinking about writing a breakup song?
Readers of Ultimate Songwriting share their best tips on how to write one.
Who says breakup songs have to be sad? Check out this list of happy breakup songs, from Enki Village.
Perhaps you’re too heartbroken to write your own breakup song. Have a look at the chord tabs for “Potential Breakup Song” by Aly and AJ from Hookpad.
Your “Big Break”
Did you ever wonder what would happen if you and your music were “discovered”? You don’t have to wait: there are many proven ways to put yourself “out there”. Make your own big break with these 6 Tips for Making a Name for Yourself as a Musician.
Don’t sit around waiting for your music career to happen to you! The Balance lists five ideas to breathe new life into your music career and build a foundation for music industry success.
Marketing your music is essential if you want to get your name out there and actually make some money. Shaun Letang of Music Industry How To offers these six ways to promote your music that actually work.
How do you get that big break? Digital Music News explains why that overnight success might just be ten years of little breaks.
Breaking Down the Door
Ever since rural jazz aspirants in the early 20th century fled their crowded homes to practice undisturbed in the rickety outbuildings of the farm, musicians have sought to understand the mysteries they unlocked in The Shed. With their revolutionary open-source music theory website, Bob Habersat and Paul Levy have broken down the door of the shed to all who wish to enter in.
In the process, they’ve made a clean break with much traditional music education, combining virtual and visceral experiences in order to teach independent music learners the skills they need to thrive in the real world of professional musicians. Especially notable are their techniques of teaching jazz.
Read more about The Shed: The Free Music Theory Resource for the Modern Musician
Does the classical curriculum educate and prepare them for a career in modern music? Music Garage offers two opposing viewpoints to modernity in music education.
Kids want to rock, according to the NAMM Foundation. Children want to play instruments in music classrooms that are most relevant to their lives, such as the electric guitar and the drum set.
Faced with meager enrollment in music, schools are using digital technology to excite students about creating music on today’s terms. T.H.E. Journal explains how music teachers are getting their groove back.
Take Your Foot Off the Brakes!
The musical life is full of surprises, even for seasoned pros. Yet with preparation and a professional attitude, the unexpected can be transformed into valuable lessons learned. Let’s have a peek into the making of a road warrior as our own Musical U Community Conductor, Stewart Hilton, sets off on an unforgettable journey in Summer of Music: On the Road.
A musician’s first national tour is an exciting time, however, there are things you need to know before you hit the road. Inside Out Presents highlights in this article how you can be ready to make road life easier.
Before you pack all your gear in the back seat, be warned that, on the road, things are not what they seem to be. Drooble lists 40 things you should know before going on a band tour.
Safety on the road is of utmost importance. In this post for Bandzoogle, Darren Gallop, CEO of Marcato Musician, offers some great tips for musicians on how to stay safe while on the road.
We hope you’ve enjoyed this little break from the run-of-the-mill perspective on the musical life, some inspiration, some entertainment… Maybe you even learned something to refresh your musical growth from this week’s articles. And if you’re still feeling lonely, remember to stay faithful to your music, and music will never leave!
