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Articles Arranged by Topic!
Music: General Information
The Music Business
Music Promotion for the Internet Musician
Music: Internet Technologies
Music General
Are You Listening?
A Music Appreciation Article
Teaching children the art of listening
is fun and a key to music education in the early years. Article by Deborah Kay Jeter.
Dealing With Tendinitis
The last thing a pianist who has tendinitis wants to hear is "Stop playing and rest." Very often the
pianist will go into denial and keep playing—leading to more aggravation and greater injury. This article by Richard
Prokop, author of Piano Power, offers some encouragement and advice to pianists struggling with this malady.
Added 5/1/2000.
How to Find Sheet Music on the Net!
It's really quite amazing how many requests we get
for help finding sheet music. It takes a lot of time to search, so we thought we'd tell you exactly the process
we go through to find sheet music on the Internet. Then you can use these tips on your own.
The
Music/Violence Connection
Is there a link between music and violence? Here's a great overview
featured at The Mining Co.
New
Piano Helps You Learn to Play...
Imagine a piano that will teach you how to play.
Or one that will notate as you compose. The Van Koevering Interactive Piano does everything but nag you to practice
like your Mom did. (9/20/99)
Scientific Findings Show That Music Making Helps Make Active Older Americans Healthier
A breakthrough study demonstrates that group keyboard lessons given to older Americans had a significant effect
on increasing levels of human growth hormone. Human growth hormone is implicated in such aging phenomena as osteoporosis,
energy levels, wrinkling, sexual function, muscle mass, and aches and pains. This announcement follows the release
of findings last month from the same study that showed significant decreases in anxiety, depression and loneliness
- three factors that are critical in coping with stress, stimulating the immune system, and improving health. Reviewed 3/29/2000
The Music Business
A Delicate Balance
You want a career in music? There's a lot to do. Where do you start? Featured article from FourFront Media.
Courtney
Love Does the Math
Do you want a recording contract? Are you sure? Are you really
sure? This blistering article by Courtney Love may change your mind. Added 6/15/2000.
The Fantasy of Being a Star
Can you separate the fantasy from the reality? Take your fantasy, throw it out the window, and face the music.
Another article in a continuing series of articles by Chris Knab of FourFront Media & Music.
Has
the Time for Copyright Passed?
Copyright laws will soon be irrelevant, and the winners in the new
era will be those who know how to take advantage of that. Added 4/27/2000.
How
NOT to Get Signed
Eugene, Oregon alternative band Marigold was named
one of the "Top 5 Unsigned Bands in America" by Ticketmaster. In spite of this, the band has had difficulties
getting an offer from a major record label. Why? Read and learn
from their experience. From an article appearing April 24th in the
Eugene Register-Guard.
How to Get Into the College
Market in 4 Steps
Want to start touring and performing for the college market? Check out this great, to the point article written
by CDBaby's Derek Sivers
How to Make
Money and Retain Control of your Music
The best way to sell records is to land a big record deal with
a big company, become a superstar, and make gobs of money from maniacally loyal fans. Isn’t that right? Get real.
Article by Paul B. Ungar. Added 5/17/2000.
How to Take Full Advantage of Music
Conferences
How to decided where to go, what your goals should be, and how to make the most of your opportunities. Article
by Carolyn Ballen. Added 5/11/2000
How to Write
and Send a Press Release
In the music business, the press release (or news
release) is a common tool used to bring an artist or business "free" publicity. Find out here how to
write it, and how to do it. Article by Suzanne Glass. Added 07/19/2000.
Indie Labels: Are They
A Viable Alternative?
Today, more and more, the record industry appears to be gravitating
toward the Indie Labels. For the most part, these labels produce niche driven, non mainstream music. Hence, the
most critical factor in an independent record company is to identify and reach the correct niche market for the
kind of music that they are interested in releasing. MusicBIZ magazine spoke with several independent label executives,
who have managed to make a success out of their respective labels. Added 4/27/2000
Interview with Film Composer Chris Kubie
Chris Kubie is a working film composer who has scored music for HBO, The Discovery Channel, The Learning Channel,
and various independent film projects. Find out how he made it in is field in our exclusive rainmusic interview!
Let's Put On A Show!
Need a gig? Can't get a spot in your local clubs? Put on your own show! Featured article from FourFront Media.
Marigold
Finds It's Way to the Light
Eugene, Oregon alternative band Marigold was named
one of the "Top 5 Unsigned Bands in America" by Ticketmaster. In spite of this, the band couldn't get
a record deal. Finally, after years trapped under a poor contract, Marigold sees light at the end of the tunnel.
Part 2 of 2. By Allison Linn, The Register-Guard
Music Business Conference Reports
Tagyerit, a quirky band from Amhearst, Mass, has posted their detailed
notes and impressions covering both the 1997 Philadelphia Music Conference and NeMO 1998. If you've ever wondered what happens at such an event, these pages are well worth checking
out. You'll find information on web marketing, radio promotion, trends, creating a buzz and more. Heck, it's almost
like being there!
The New Millennium
and Changes in the Music Business
As the new millennium begins there are many changes
facing musicians when it come to marketing their music. Even more daunting perhaps is how difficult it can be for
musicians to keep on top of all the changes and challenges taking place in today's music industry. But, for any
musician wishing to grow their career from the start, or gain a wider acceptance from their existing fanbase, keeping
up on new technologies and changes in music business practices is a necessity for one and all. Article by Christopher Knab. Added 09/07/2000.
Planning A Successful
CD Release
To get the most bang for the buck when releasing a new CD, you
have to do a little advance planning. Article by Suzanne Glass. Added 6/15/2000.
The Problem with Music
Do you really want to sign a recording contract with a major label? This article points out exactly why it's important
to stay independent if at all possible. Although you may have heard a few horror stories about record deals, you've
probably never seen anything in this much detail. Warning: it's brutal! Written by Steve Albini, producer for such
bands as Nirvana, PJ Harvey, The Breeders, The Pixies, Bush, and others. This article first appeared in Maximum
Rock n' Roll #133.
Promotional Potpourri For Gigging
Musicians
The key to succeed in today's music industry is promotion. Here
are several tips that can help you generate the buzz you need. Article by Jeffry Fisher. Added 09/27/2000
Radio Airplay
101
No conversation about music marketing would be complete without
the word RADIO rearing its ugly head time and time again. Few songs sell well at retail without it. None sell millions
without it. You've got your CDs manufactured...now what can YOU do about it? Added 10/05/2000
Radio Airplay 101: Which Stations To Choose?
In the last
issue, we detailed the number and types of radio stations that
play new music in the United States. We now look at which of those stations you should choose to promote your music
to. Artice by Brian Farrish. Added 10/26/2000.
Radio Airplay 101: Non-Commercial
Radio
In the last issue, we detailed the differences between commercial
and non-commercial radio stations. We now focus solely on the "Non-Comm's": Why, and how, they should
be chosen for airplay by you and your promoter. Article by Bryan Farrish. Added 11/02/2000.
Tips For Selecting an Entertainment
Attorney
Sooner or later you will need legal counsel as a musician, songwriter,
label owner or industry careerist and it's important to know how to select the best counsel for your needs. Here
are a few tips to help you with the screening process. Added 10/26/2000.
The Truth about NACA. Gigging on the College Circuit.
This fantastic article by musician Fran Snyder tells
the story one musicians experience making a career out of gigging the college circuit. The article demonstrates
step by step how you can jump start your music career by showcasing your talent at NACA (National Association of
Campus Activities) conferences. Included is a detailed comparison of college and nightclub gigs as well as the
benefits of hiring an agent as opposed to representing yourself. Highly recommended reading.
What's So Hard About Making it as a Musician?
A great article summing up the frustration of a typical musician. Includes 10 things that keep musicians from making
a living with their music. The first in a series of articles by Chris Knab of FourFront Media & Music.
What You Need to Know to Get
a Record Deal
Tips from Michael Laskow of TAXI.
Writing
a Music Business Plan that Works
A good music business plan is the map to the fulfillment of your goals. Whether you're a band, soloist, production
house or some other business, a plan can turn foggy notions into operational strategies, hunches into actions,
dreams into reality. By Peter Spellman.
Music Promotion for the Internet
Musician
Effective Music Industry Advertising
When most people think of promotion they think of advertising. Well, the truth is there are many opportunities
for successfully promoting your music products and services. Advertising is just one small part of the overall
promotional milieu. Article by Jeffrey Fisher. Added 07/06/2000
Managing Your Press Release... Who in the World Cares?
Got something to publicize? A new CD release perhaps? This article discusses who you should tell about it...and
who you shouldn't.
Marketing Music on the Net: An Interview with David
Nevue
Selling CDs on the net: Where there's a will there's a way. One musicians story.
Newscasting and Music Promotion: Quick Hits for
Quick Results
Your next customer may be surfing the net right now looking for
information.
Provide them the information they are looking for and you may find an increase in your overall CD sales. Here's
how. Added 3/25/2000
Online E-Music
Retailing
For bands and artists who are releasing their own records,
the Internet offers many new and exciting opportunities. But getting online retailers to pick up your CDs (and
other music related product) is as much a business as getting offline distributors or brick-and-mortar stores to
carry your records. Article by Christopher Knab. Added 8/16/2000.
Promoting on the Web: The Value of Directories
Web Directories such as Yahoo! and The Open Directory
Project (dmoz.org) aren't search engines. They don't "crawl" your site once given the main url. They
don't automatically catalogue your site at all. They categorize based upon the whims of a human editor. What does
this mean to you, the web site owner? Article by Jodi Krangle. Added 4/6/2000.
The Reality of Reality
When will artists...unsigned, independent, or otherwise, realize that as a business, labels must make sound decisions
they deem first in the label's best interest, if the label is to survive and remain functional in a highly competitive
industry? And, I'm talking about the average independent label with the intention of truly assisting artists in
their careers. Added 08/16/2000.
Secrets of
Successful Email Newsletters
Building and managing an email news service is one small but
important part of running a successful online business. For a musician selling music on the net, it provides a
proven method for marketing yourself to your fans. Here are a few useful tips from ZDNet.
Selling Your Music on the Net: Key Strategies to
Success
So, you've got your own CD and now you want to sell
your music on the net. You probably have two burning questions: Where do I start? and How many CDs will I sell?
Should You Put Your Music on the Internet?
Will you make millions? What should your expectations be? A brief look down that road.
The URL as a Strategic Promotional Keyword
Your web site address can be a powerful keyword if well planned.
Using Contests to Market Your Music
One of the most powerful keywords on the internet is
FREE. Combine that with MUSIC and you have a potential traffic builder to market your music. But, is that really
the way to go? Be careful.
Music: Internet Technologies
The Coming Internet
Music Revolution
Internet music sales are soaring. MP3 use is skyrocketing. Recording
industry execs are seething. The Internet Music Revolution has begun. Come to the site to find out how you can
tap into the technology right now.
Digital Music 101: Laying Down the Law
Despite all the controversy surrounding Napster, it's amazing how many people don't really know what's legal and
what's illegal when it comes to digital music. Is Napster illegal? Is MP3.com? Can you get busted just by visiting
a site? Here's your guide to legalities of digital downloading. Added 07/26/2000.
The History of MP3
With all the controversy currently surrounding the digital-audio format known as MPEG Layer III, or MP3, you might
wonder how the digital-audio industry evolved from tinny-sounding MIDI files into near-CD-quality MP3 files. With
all the technical jargon, it's difficult to figure out why this breakthrough is so revolutionary. The reason is
simple: MP3 dramatically reduces file size with only a small loss of quality. Added 4/19/2000.
How to Create
Your Own MP3 Files
With this easy-to-follow guide, you'll be creating your own MP3 files in just four simple steps! MusicMatch Jukebox
required for this tutorial!
How to Make MP3s
It's easy and fun to create your own MP3s. In this topic, you'll
learn all about how to create your MP3s from CDs and other sources (like your collection of LPs). These tutorials
introduce you to the MP3 creation process, the equipment you need, and tell you how to use several of the best
MP3 creation programs. Added 6/22/2000
The Ins and
Outs of Professional CD Replication
If you're like many independent musicians today, you're probably
thinking of releasing a CD on your own. All too often, musicians go into the process of making a CD without knowing
all the steps involved. This article attempts to explain the basics of making a CD. Added 10/19/2000.
MP3 Rocks the Web
A series of ongoing articles hosted by Wired News
MP... What???
Before there was MP3, there was MIDI. Believe it or not, this old audio format is ready to make a comeback, at
least according to some. Added 3/25/2000
Music, Business and Technology: Adapt or Die
When FM radio began taking away listeners from
the inferior sounding AM band in the late 60's the recording industry viewed that as a threat to their sales. "Why"
they said "People will begin taping off the radio onto reel-to-reel tapes and they will have a near perfect
analog master…people will never buy records again". Article by Christopher Knab. Added 6/7/2000.
Net
Music Will Change
The music industry has embraced digital distribution
in an effort to fight Net piracy. How will this effect you? By Robert Lemos, ZDNN
Online
Music Standards War Brewing
Plagued by standards disputes and recalcitrant
record companies, the online music business is making anything but beautiful music.
Piano Lessons In The Digital Age
If you've ever started a child on piano lessons, it's an experience that requires an embarrassing amount of kicking
and screaming. And that's just the parents. The problem is that many parents have unrealistic expectations. They
fantasize about turning their child into a human jukebox - within a few months, their child will be performing
Beethoven concertos flawlessly in their home hours on end. Can technology save the day? Sounds possible. Added
10/02/2000.
Pressure
Mounts on MP3
Microsoft has announced a new audio format aimed at challenging
MP3's domination of distributing music over the Internet. The launch of its Windows Media Technologies 4.0 beta
came a day after IBM and RealNetworks said they would co-operate on a format to combat online piracy.
Tuning
into MP3
This brief article by Rick Maybury provides a great overview of MP3, including it's history. Great article for
beginners.
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