AMA - How to Be a Full-time Self-Employed Musician

Next in our "Ask Me Anything" series.....Dylan asks:

"What are the most important things to do on the path of wanting to become a “professional musician” in writing, teaching, and performing?"

This is a tough one because, unlike being (for 2 obvious examples) a doctor or a lawyer where there is a single path to the goal (and by "single path" I mean schooling and licensing), there is no such single path in any of the arts. 

I will also assume his question embraces self-employment, as opposed to getting, say, a teaching job as a college professor or high school band director (or other such employment that lends a degree of financial security to the equation)....which is almost another question entirely.

So much of the focus of this discussion will be $$$, but certainly not all. And, as usual, I'll over-simplify much for the sake of brevity, but I'm happy to expand any areas where any of you reading have specific questions....so don't be shy about commenting below or contacting me directly.

AMA - Music Theory for Beginners (part 2)

Howdy!

Our last conversation was the first installment in this series within a series, and discussed the fundamentals of chord progressions (though more on that later).

Today, our task is to look at the fundamentals of chord construction (which will make sense out of those crazy chord names, like Cadd9 or Bm7b5 or Am11 or Gaug or Fmj7 or Emb9 or Dsus4. Sounds scary, but it really isn't.

Just like last time, we're going to start in the key of C (no sharps or flats), so our basic notes are, in musical order, C, D, E, F, G, A, B.

AMA - Music Theory for Beginners (part 1)

Howdy, all! This is the first in my new "Ask Me Anything" series. The idea is exactly what it says: Ask me anything. Presumably, y'all will be asking about music-related topics rather than what I think of the new movie or TV show, or my views on...whatever. But I'm open to most questions, and am happy to respond so long as I think I have something meaningful to say.

These short text entries will often, but not always, be accompanied by videos (just as certain videos will often be, but not always, accompanied by a text entry here). If YOU have a question, contact me in the comments below or via social media or email!

So let's leap right in!

First question - Caitlyn asks (via FB): 

Where does an adult with no grasp of music theory begin, if they want to know more?

Excellent question! Answer? Right here - read on!

New Stuff for 2021!

Just a quick note of possible interest....

1) March sees me with a few PRIVATE lesson slots open and next week we start a new 8-week GROUP session.....so if you or anyone you know is interested in guitar, ukulele, or bass lessons, please get in touch FAST! And be sure to visit SDML Academy of Guitar for lots of information!

2) I'm writing this on a break from outlining & shooting the 8-week songwriting video workshop (and will follow with the 8-week improvisation workshop)....so if you or anyone you know is interested in adding weapons in your songwriting or improv arsenal, contact me for details!

3) I'm pondering doing a weekly or monthly songwriting deconstruction. That is, analyzing some cool songs from a particular point of view (lyrics or chords or melody or rhythm, etc). Please let me know if this interests you so I know it is of use to folks before committing time to it! Here is the first one - check it out and let me know what you think! 

Sonic Sorcery: Exploring the Magic of Music.

4) If you are a past student or client, or someone who has enjoyed my articles, "Guitar Gods" interviews, periodic "Classic Covers" series, product reviews, music/guitar lessons articles, "Jam with Dave" gigs, student showcase gigs, and other free works, please consider reading my recent piece "Music/Art, Digital Tip Jars, & 21st Century Benefactory".

5) I have some really fun projects I'm hoping to unveil VERY soon (some music-related, some not) and hope y'all join me for some of those!

That's it for now! Stay safe out there!