Sweetwater Presents GearFest 2013

Fort Wayne, IN, May 15, 2013 — Sweetwater, the third largest retailer of music instruments and pro-audio in the U.S., will present GearFest ‘13, a celebration of musicians and the instruments and equipment they use to make music. GearFest ’13 takes place on Friday, June 21st from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, June 22nd from 9 a.m. to 5
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5 Things I've Learned About Performing Under Pressure

In a town like Los Angeles, where music must often be digested, processed, and performed in record time, I’ve had to depend on various skills and tricks to keep me in shape assimilating new music over the years. Music school knowledge has helped tremendously, but it’s been the constant barrage of high-pressure, “on-the-gig” training that
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Jazz Arranging for Keyboardists

Keyboard players are naturally good arrangers. We do it every day while we’re writing, tracking, putting chords to melodies, and mixing our music. All of these activities involve selecting textures, achieving balance, and sustaining interest from beginning to end. But arranging jazz for live instruments presents a world of challenges all its
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The Virtual Orchestra Part 2 of 9: Brass

Last month we discussed general methods for getting the most out of software-based orchestral instruments. Now, let’s dig deeper into each section of the orchestra, starting with brass. Getting realistic brass digitally has always been a challenge. Having played trumpet and French horn in school, I can attest to how quickly a player can
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