The parents I think would be the most amazed in a “Grade Your Parents” program are the parents who are too actively involved in their children’s education. The term for them is “helicopter parents” because they hover over their child. I know, because I was one! I didn’t know it at the time, but you know what they say, hindsight is 20/20.

Would you let your child play music in a bar? I’d love to know your thoughts and reasons behind whichever side you stand on.

Why is that just because music lessons are fun they aren’t considered educationally valuable? I would argue that music lessons are so influential in a child’s life, they should come before any other class in terms of importance. They influence a child’s ability to learn math, english, reasoning, listening. In a group environment they teach teamwork, leadership, followership, compromise. And they positively influence a child’s self esteem. What other subject does all that for your child?

If you’ve ever posted an ad on craigslist or backpage to find musicians to form a band, you know how disheartening lack of response can be. But maybe it’s your ad that is the problem. Consider these tips when writing a craigslist ad to find other musicians to form a band with.

Becoming professional musicians is a job. It’s self employment. It’s no different the guy or gal who starts a car repair business or an accounting firm. You must invest in your start up. One of those investments is getting into clubs to play. Here is a step-by-step plan to help you get the hardest gig to get – your first gig.

Musicians who perform live gigs generally spend little-to-no-time thinking about their stage presence. They practice their music. They tune their instruments. They might even know when in the set they’re going to talk to the audience. More often than not, though, they’ll “wing” what they say. And odds are that where to stand, or which direction to face or how to move around the stage has never been discussed among the band members ahead of time. This is an important missing element that separates the good gig from the great gig.

Independent musicians can make a full time living from their music if they learn the business side of the music industry. The New Music Seminar provides the information needed to become successful.