Inspiration is like air – you only miss it when you don’t have any. This week has been a struggle finding some, but we have ideas, whether it’s a short on being a freelance professional, a new body-less conga, 5 ideas for finding inspiration, or an essay on how Beethoven was half right. Stay inspired and make great art!

*FIRST*

Dealing With Drama as a Freelance Musician

Making a living as a performing musician is difficult, but the challenges faced by freelance players sometimes are excessive. Julia Richter (@HawaiiFlute) relates a story where she was called out for something she did not do but handled it like a professional. Check out her reel for a peek behind the curtain of a world where if you upset the wrong person you may never get called to play again.

#BoomerMusic #HawaiiFlute #FreelanceMusician #ProfessionalMusician

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C_blYIKyCdp/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

*AND*

5 Things to Find Music Making Inspiration

Sometimes we hit a creative block when making music. How can we overcome this challenge and reignite the creative spark? Drew has suggestions for 5 things that can help get you inspired.

#5Things #BoomerMusic #MusicMaking #Inspiration

https://youtu.be/GnYqT-yR-9Y



*ALSO*

A Drum Without a Body? The Compact Conga

The LP Giovanni Hidalgo Compact Conga is a great way to add a portable conga to your arsenal. This is the 11" Quinto; the 11 3/4" Conga is also available. It features an aluminum frame, is drum key tuned and uses an Evans conga head. Great for drum set players or anyone looking for a less bulky conga drum.

#lpcompactconga #giovannihidalgocongas #congas #practicedrums #practiceconga #drumswestdrumshop
https://fb.watch/ugxF0d8BTX/


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “Beethoven Was Half Right” an Essay Rewind originally published on the Podcasting Store Medium page December 17, 2021

“Ludwig Van Beethoven is quoted as saying “It is the power of music to carry one directly into the mental state of the composer.” I think he is half right.

At the Midwest Clinic in Chicago, I attended a performance by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Brass. Having worked extensively in orchestra production, I’ve been in many of the great concert halls in the United States but never Orchestra Hall. This was a must-attend show.

Finding my seat in the balcony I scanned the program for the evening’s repertoire. Two pieces immediately jumped off the page for the special memories they held: The Queen of the Night Aria from Mozart’s Magic Flute and the Resurrection from Mahler’s Symphony 2.

Junior year at Drew University I started my second brass quintet. We had some performances (including a poorly publicized Christmas tree lighting where we outnumbered the audience) but mostly it was for fun. When the time came to plan my senior recital, I knew the second half had to feature my quintet. We prepared a challenging but fun set which included The Queen of the Night Aria.

Unfortunately, the day before the recital our trombone player had a severe asthma attack and ended up in the emergency room…”

https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore/beethoven-was-half-right-c128d817b29e

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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This week has thrown us some curveballs, especially in the music notation world. We cannot avoid stress and the unknown, but we can manage it, go with the flow, and sometimes find some unexpected benefits. Hang in there and keep on keeping on!


*FIRST*

Compartmentalizing Stress in Teaching

Managing stress as a music educator involves recognizing that stress is inevitable when working with people and accepting that a completely stress-free environment doesn't exist. This article by Don Stinson offers suggestions and insights of how to successfully manage these predictable stressors.

By shifting expectations and preparing mentally, educators can better handle challenges without being overwhelmed. Rehearsing potential conflicts and practicing the "Breathe, Reflect, Respond" method allows educators to approach stressful situations more calmly and thoughtfully. Additionally, planning for a few things to go wrong each day helps in maintaining composure and focusing on effective problem-solving, rather than being derailed by unexpected issues.

#BoomerMusic #DonStinson #Yamaha #MusicEducation #StressManagement

https://hub.yamaha.com/music-educators/prof-dev/self-care/compartmentalizing-stress-in-teaching/

*AND*

Notation Software Finale Suddenly Discontinued!
Music notation software Finale has been discontinued. What are the implications for current Finale users? What does this mean for your existing files? What software should you now use? Tim Buell does not have all the answers, but he has ideas of how to preserve your work and how to weather this unexpected storm.

https://youtu.be/NVp5oEnUmqI?si=eCAVbeTGtIe35g_b



*ALSO*

More With Less – The Cajon

“It’s just a box! That’s not a real instrument!” Give a listen and let Peter change your mind.

#DrumsWest #peterknudsondrums #Percussion #Cajon

https://fb.watch/ugxF0d8BTX/


*FINALLY*

“The Time I Accidentally Joined a Wind Ensemble” an Essay Rewind originally published on the Podcasting Store’s Medium page July 21, 2021

“…one of my music professors started a wind ensemble. I did not have room in my schedule for additional credit hours, so I knew that this was not a group I was going to join. Besides, I was an orchestral trumpet player now. Band was what I did in high school.

I was practicing at the music building one night shortly after I had made this decision. I was just leaving the practice room when I ran into the professor on my way out.

“You’re here!” she said. “Quick, grab some stands and bring them over to the other building!”

I had lost track of time and had inadvertently been at the music building at the exact moment she was setting up for rehearsal. At that point there was no way to bow out gracefully, so I attended that first rehearsal. And then the next one. And the one after that. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed playing in band and being a part of that fledgling group rekindled my excitement for playing that repertoire. I was immediately made trumpet section leader and played with that group until graduation two years later…”

https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore/the-time-i-accidentally-joined-a-wind-ensemble-49b1a42fbbff

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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School is well underway, football games have started, and the marching bands are marching. If you’re still needing gear for the fall, what are you waiting for? Come on into the store and get what you need!


*FIRST*

Graduation Patterns

What is a graduation pattern in a string instrument? It’s the range of thickness of the top and back of the instrument. What effect does this have on the quality of sound? Watch this short from Maple Leaf Strings to get the scoop!

#BoomerMusic #MapleLeafStrings #OrchestralMinute #GraduationPattern

https://youtube.com/shorts/REQq4B6fhzg?si=clzJnKOowIEWdJKi

*AND*

Pencil Holder

What the Heck is it? The Pencil Clip

Do you, your students, or your friends always forget or lose your pencil for rehearsal? If you can spare 11 seconds, we have the solution!

#BoomerMusic #WTHII #WhatTheHeckIsIt #Music #Rehearsal

https://youtube.com/shorts/bM8YGkvXm9U?si=ppC63eHdejD-30iP



*ALSO*

Single Hand Timbao

Single hand timbao! A handy rhythm!
HTSOHTOO
HTSOOBOO

#DrumsWest #peterknudsondrums #Percussion #Conga #Timbao

https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cp20yf_A3kr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “Choosing My Adventure in the World of Music” as published on the Podcasting Store’s Medium Page

“’You lean down and pick up the silvery item. You grab it and, to your amazement, IT GRABS YOU BACK!’

Sam, age 6, was wide eyed with wonder. We were reading The Badlands of Hark, a Gamebook by R.L. Stein in the vein of the Choose Your Own Adventure stories that enthralled me at his age. The story is an exciting sci-fi/fantasy with strange creatures and dangerous pitfalls around every corner.

This time the choice Sam made caused a hidden enemy to attack and now he needed to decide what to do. The rules of the book were clear – there is only one correct path to navigate the story and any wrong choice would end in disaster, not treasure.

As we read and reread the story, altering our choices and taking different paths, it reminded me of my journey to where I am today.

I started college not quite knowing what I wanted to do. I took classes in various subjects, but always ended up coming back to music. The resistance to choosing music was easy to understand – I had no desire to be a professional performer – but finding an alternate path in music was elusive…”

https://thepodcastingstore.medium.com/choosing-my-adventure-in-the-world-of-music-ea2f2b4e9fc7

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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It was a short but full first week back at school. The routines aren’t set yet, but we’re quickly shifting from the lazy days of summer to the fun days of fall.


*FIRST*

Trumpet Mouthpiece Backbore Demystified!

Have you heard the term “backbore” but didn’t quite know what it meant? Our friends at Pickett Brass and Blackburn Trumpets have you covered! And if you’re ready to upgrade your mouthpiece, stop in the store and try out these great mouthpieces!

#BoomerMusic #PickettBlackburn #Trumpet #TrumpetMouthpiece

https://www.facebook.com/BoomerMusic1976/posts/pfbid0WhYVqKoaNvXTwkMxHx6n8NsMdMkyXpF2dWoFhTdbUsLvUYEKQnTwUov1Jhh9YE12l


*AND*

Optimizing Loudness in DaVinci Resolve

Are you worried that your audio is too loud or too soft in your videos? Daniel Batal once again has the answer for finding that Goldilocks level quickly and easily.

#DanielBatal #DaVinviResolve #ThePodcastingStore #AudioLevels

https://youtube.com/shorts/9X6cffQyMu4?si=AF5NYdsYvC5v_h5l



*ALSO*

Rudiments! Cascara, clave and more! The Salsa Drum Set Pattern!


In case you missed it the first time around! Check out this short from the Drums West YouTube channel in which Peter breaks down a simple Salsa pattern.

Right Hand – cascara pattern
Left Hand – 2-3 clave
Bass Drum – and of 2 the and of 2 and beat 4

#DrumsWest #peterknudsondrums #Percussion #Salsamusic #SalsaPattern #Drumming #Drums

https://youtube.com/shorts/vfUuy6saONc


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “Fifteen Seconds, Twenty-Five Notes, and One of the Most Violated Copyrights Ever”, a Musical Mystery

“…It began in a cabin in Kentucky. Patty, a schoolteacher, wanted to greet her students with a song each morning, so she penned lyrics while her sister, Mildred, wrote the melody. This version of the song was published in a volume called Song Stories for Kindergarten in 1893.

After publication this teacher led song evolved and, instead of Patty singing it to her kids, they sang it to her. The simple melody was easily adaptable for other lyrics and Patty changed the words to celebrate special occasions with her students. These alternative verses were published in 1924, eight years after Mildred’s death, but did not include an official copyright notice.

Over the next decade one of these alternate sets of lyrics became hugely popular and was included in the 1931 Broadway musical The Band Wagon. This did not sit well with Jessica, Mildred and Patty’s sister, so she did what any aggrieved American would do – she got a lawyer.

Since Mildred and Patty had never officially copyrighted the song, Jessica engaged the assistance of the Clayton F. Summy Company and secured a copyright to an updated arrangement in 1935. This began a string of legal disputes that lasted nearly a century…”

https://thepodcastingstore.medium.com/fifteen-seconds-twenty-five-notes-and-one-of-the-most-violated-copyrights-ever-a-musical-mystery-fefaef399d31

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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The new school year is upon us and we are excited to get back into the “normal” routine. Opportunities abound to try new things, so don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone!

*FIRST*

5 Things to Consider when Choosing Where to Rent Your Instrument

There are many options to consider when choosing where to rent your instrument, but not all music stores are created equal. What are some of the things to know to make an informed decision? Drew breaks down five of them in this short.

#BoomerMusic #5Things #SuccessInMusic #InstrumentRental #CustomerService

https://youtube.com/shorts/70wWWfATmJI


*AND*

We made it to 500!

Our Boomer @YouTube channel just reached 500 subscribers! If you have not yet checked out the videos we have over there take a look and, if you like it, give a subscribe! Thank you to all of you for supporting us!

#500subs #BoomerMusic

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOzqyRDYSe_IebjBJ8-P7hQ



*ALSO*

A Great Snare on a Budget? Heck Yeah!

Need a great snare for under $90 bucks?! The Yamaha Stage Custom all birch snare in Matte Surf Green delivers. 14"x5.5", 8 lugs, 6 plies. Check out Peter’s reel demoing this great snare!

#yamahastagecustombirch #yamahasnaredrum #stagecustomsnaredrum #snaredrums #drumswestdrumshop

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C-TLsZpyQS_/?igsh=cWxobzR5NWhheWJn


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “My Last First Day of School” a, Essay Rewind originally published on the Podcasting Store Medium page August 18, 2022

“I was in my bed at the Madison Hotel in Madison, NJ and the sun was not yet fully awake. The day before I had driven over 250 miles with my parents from Massachusetts, the only state I had ever called home. Now there was one mile left to our destination, Drew University, where I was about to become the first member of my family to attend college.

Growing up in a small-ish town is a bit different. With few exceptions, my kindergarten classmates walked beside me at high school graduation. Our senior class had 162 graduates, so not only was I the only one attending Drew, but I was also likely the only one in the state of New Jersey.

Every face and experience would be new. Aside from camp and summer programs, I had not had a roommate, ate primarily in a cafeteria, or shared bathroom. Everything was going to be different.

As we approached the main gate these thoughts swirled in my head. Then a new one rose to the surface: everyone else is in the same situation. My new classmates had also left home to be here. None of them had ever done this before. At least for today, we were all equal in our knowledge and experience…”

https://thepodcastingstore.medium.com/the-mile-that-changed-everything-5a8e2a697234

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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We’ve been out of the store most of the week, with various shows and outside events. Most teachers are back in school next week and the kids return soon after. The countdown has begun!


*FIRST*

5 Things You Can Do to Stay Motivated to Practice

Practicing an instrument can sometimes feel monotonous. What can you do to stick with it? In this short we have five suggestions for things you can do to stay motivated to practice.

#BoomerMusic #5Things #Practicing #Motivation #SuccessInMusic

https://youtube.com/shorts/v0tRcsAlnUk


*AND*

Keep It Simple! Recording a Classroom Lecture Made Easy.

The International Horn Symposium was at Colorado State University. Part of this conference is lectures from professionals and academics from all over the world and we were asked to create archival recordings of this audio content.

Was it a challenge? Absolutely not!

With the internal recording capabilities of the R0DE Wireless GO II and Wireless PRO this was a breeze. Braden Explains in this short.

#ThePodcastingStore #RODE #RODEWirelessGOII #RODEWirelessPRO #ArchivalRecording

https://youtu.be/1TkdB2vsjAI



*ALSO*

The Boom-Stand Feature You’re Probably Not Using

Most people don’t know that most boom stands can easily convert into a straight stand. Intrigued? Check out the Instagram Reel showing just how easy it is!

#DrumsWestDrumShop #PeterKnudsonDrums #BoomCymbalStands #DrumHardware #YamahaCS655a

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C40pxd8gy6L/?igsh=bTJwNWNpaTdtZmk0


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “Two Undiscovered Stars and an Unusual Recording Session” a Music Mystery published on the Podcasting Store Medium page

“…Thomas nonetheless persisted in carving out a singing career. He was asked to record a demo of a new song that was intended for singer Sandie Shaw. His demo was exceptional and when Sandie heard it, she refused to take the song saying, “Whoever’s singing this, it’s his song.”

On November 11, 1964, Thomas recorded his song at Decca Studios in West Hempstead. The first take was unremarkable, and producer Peter Sullivan encouraged him to try again, saying “You’ve got a big voice. Nice is not enough. You are not nice.” With this change in approach the song clicked, and a hit was born.

It was not unusual for a recording session to use studio musicians, and this song was no exception. Personnel will change depending on who is available that day and sometimes last-minute adjustments happen. Thomas’ regular keyboard player was unavailable, so his drummer ran across the street to the “La Giaconda” coffeehouse looking for a replacement. Fortunately, he found Reg who happened to play piano, and convinced him to join them. After a successful session they thanked Reg and paid him for his time…”

No one could have known what the song, recorded by a group of studio players and relative unknowns, would become.

https://thepodcastingstore.medium.com/two-undiscovered-stars-and-an-unusual-recording-session-a-music-mystery-2249208d6039

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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The International Horn Symposium was at Colorado State University. Part of this conference is lectures from professionals and academics from all over the world and we were asked to create archival recordings of this audio content.

Was it a challenge? Absolutely not!

With the internal recording capabilities of the R0DE Wireless GO II and Wireless PRO this was a breeze. Braden Explains in this short.

#ThePodcastingStore #RODE #RODEWirelessGOII #RODEWirelessPRO #ArchivalRecording

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Summer music is ending soon, and the new school year is beginning. The world always feels in flux this time of year, but the new normal is just around the corner!


*FIRST*

5 Things You Can Do to Support Your New Musician

Have a student at home just beginning their musical journey? Here's our Five Thing You Can do to Support Your New Musician!

#BoomerMusic #5Things #NewMusician #MusicEducation #SuccessInMusic

https://youtube.com/shorts/41U2oEopnoc?si=ubv264x-cEh0ocCm


*AND*

Color Grade All Your Clips at Once

Did you get just the right color grade on one clip and now need to copy it to the rest of the clips from that source file? Are you dreading all that copy and pasting? Daniel Batal has an easier way!

In this short he shows the way to color grade an entire source with just a couple of clicks.

#DanielBatal #DaVinciResolve #DaVinciResolvefroNoobs #VideoEditing #ColorGrading

https://youtube.com/shorts/sL7U13O8dVM?si=Pk4pcve8pQcZk2uK



*ALSO*

Custom Hammer Your Own Cymbal!

Peter used a 24oz ball peen hammer and a 70lb piece of round steel to custom shape a Sabian Monarch 22” ride cymbal! If you’ve been looking for just the right sound and have not found it yet, this could be the answer.

#SabianCymbals #Cymbals #SabianXSRMonarch #HammeringCymbals #DrumsWestDrumShop #PeterKnudsonDrums

https://fb.watch/tAciU5lltt/


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “Finding Tribe in a Band I Did Not Want to Join” an Essay Rewind originally published on the Podcasting Store Medium page February 11, 2022

“…I knew I did not want to join my high school marching band. It was a foreign and intimidating activity and would occupy many nights and weekends. Marching had been required to enroll in high school band, so I was considering just dropping it altogether and sticking with choir.
Then something amazing happened. Marching band was made fully extra-curricular, so it was no longer required for participating in band. That was it, I was set. I would stay in my safe concert band and not push myself outside of my comfort zone and march.
Or so I thought.
One of my friends from Boy Scouts was a year ahead of me and played trumpet in the marching band. He would not hear of me opting out and voluntold me that I was going to march the next year.
I am forever grateful that he did…:

https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore/finding-tribe-in-a-band-i-did-not-want-to-join-bc1544893ab2

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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With summer music in full swing and the school year just around the corner, we’re gearing up for the fall! Whether you need help with classroom percussion, tuning strings, or are considering a future career in music, we have you covered.

*FIRST*


Considering a Career in Music?

Do you love music but are reluctant to pursue a career in it because you do not want to be a professional performer? Great news! There are literally hundreds of careers in music that you may not be aware of. Check out the resources from the NAMM Foundation and explore the possibilities!

#NAMM #NAMMFoundation #Music #MusicCareers #BoomerMusic

https://www.nammfoundation.org/careers-in-music


*AND*

What to do if Your Strings Won’t Stay in Tune

You’ve just started playing a string instrument. Great! But your pegs won’t stay put. No problem!

Many beginning players do not realize that they need to push in while turning the pegs to get them to hold. Sound tricky? It’s a breeze! Watch this short from our friends at Maple Leaf Strings to get the scoop on this technique

#MapleLeafStrings #BoomerMusic #Strings #Orchestra #PegTension

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/82Lek0PUzAQ


*ALSO*

It’s Timpani Tune-up Time!

Does your school have a set of timpani? Can you remember the last time it was looked at by a professional to assure it is ready for the fall? If not, drop Peter a line! He’s the drum doctor who makes house calls.

#drumswestdrumshop #peterknudsondrums #Timpani #Music #SchoolMusic #Percussion

https://www.facebook.com/drumswest/posts/pfbid0q5RDURi7MuiEKsRYrdxPPPBME1R3ogTcVdYMczEtcrX2JWShUUyo4xoW56qpdXi9l


*FINALLY*

Excerpted from “The Unlikely Origin of a Timeless Hit”, a Musical Mystery

“Bob was a keyboard player in a band, living in the Hollywood Hills with a bunch of hippies above Sunset Strip. Unwinding after a night out at the Whisky a Go Go, he found himself seated at his piano. In his head was an idea for a riff and after a half hour of messing around it was reasonably fleshed out. Now he needed to add some lyrics.

It was late at night or early in the morning, depending on how you keep time, and he had no idea what the song was about. Inspired by the neon lights outside his window, the impending sunrise on the horizon, and the antique clock in the room, the words he penned were placeholders about the process of writing the song. Final lyrics would come in later collaboration with his band.

The next day he brought the raw ideas to the band and the group worked together to turn a riff into a song. An extended guitar solo emerged and the arrangement evolved into a horn section showcase. Throughout this collaboration the only thing no one bothered to change were the lyrics…”

https://thepodcastingstore.medium.com/the-unlikely-origin-of-a-timeless-hit-a-musical-mystery-df25573bb2b2

Read more essays like this:
https://medium.com/@thepodcastingstore

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