The sun is out in full force, the AC is cranked to the max and the ringing of school bells has finally quieted. In other words, summer has officially begun!  If you’re like most people, this means long drives to the lake with the windows rolled down, plane rides here and there to destination spots, or lazy days of vacation bliss at home. But as amazing as summer vacations are, they often throw a wrench in the everyday practice routine of musicians. After all, lugging your guitar with you on your cross country road trip isn’t always feasible.

But, rest easy, fellow music lovers…you can still stay connected to your craft even without your instrument by your side. The next time you’re on vacation and forced to miss out on your regular guitar, keyboard or bass lessons in Scottsdale, hit the books instead!  The long car rides and boring plane rides inherent of summer vacations are the perfect opportunity to crack the spine of a book and catch up on some reading. Below we’ve highlighted some of the best books for musicians that will not only help you get your music fix in while on the go, they’ll give you a new outlook on your craft.

Happy reading!

1. This is Your Brain on Music: The Science of a Human Obsession

by Daniel J. Levitin

For musicians looking to delve deeper into the hows and whys of music and emotions, this is the go-to book. Levitin examines the psyche and science behind music, exploring everything from musical preference to the basic ingredients needed for a hit song, all through the lens of the neurological workings of the brain. Whoever said science and art can’t coexist, clearly never read this book!

2. All You Need to Know About the Music Business

by Donald S. Passman

Passman’s book is considered to be a staple guide for aspiring musicians. Not only does Passman explain the ins-and-outs of the music industry, he does so with a humor that’s so original readers of the book will be both informed and entertained. After reading Passman’s book, you’ll have all the know-how to impress your instructor during your next vocal or bass lessons in Scottsdale and maybe even teach them a thing or two.

3. Do Not Sell At Any Price: The Wild, Obsessive Hunt For The World’s Rarest 78rpm Records

by Amanda Petrusich

Do Not Sell At Any Price will resonate with music lovers who appreciate the rich history of the music industry and like learning about the vintage recording formats of yesteryear.  In this book, author Amanda Petrusich investigates the world of 78rpm records that first became popular in the 1920s, and introduces us to the small group of vinyl record collectors who are working to preserve this forgotten, but important music artifact.

4. The History Of Rock ‘N’ Roll In Ten Songs

by Greil Marcus

There are plenty of good books on the history of rock ‘n’ roll, but none are quite as innovative and original as this one. For starters, this isn’t a chronicle or summary of the most iconic rock performers of all times; instead, it is an exploration of ten songs, their meaning, legacy and reinvention by various performers over time. Overall, Marcus’ book is a fascinating look into the complex inner workings of a song and all of the factors that contribute to its success or failure.

5. Chronicles: Volume One

by Bob Dylan

What better way to get to know a legendary singer-songwriter than through his own words and reflections on his rise to the top. With Chronicles: Volume One, you’ll get to know a whole new side of music icon Bob Dylan. Written by Dylan himself, this memoir not only offers insights into his musical stardom, it gives fans a look at the man behind  the music, and the personal experiences and events that have helped shaped him along the way.

Feeding your inner musician with these music-focused books will give you just the right amount of inspiration and creativity to hold you over until your next jam session during your guitar, keyboard or bass lessons in Scottsdale. Kick off your summer vacation with these books and we promise you won’t regret it!

Nothing is more exciting than when you first learn how to play the guitar, drums, or instrument of any kind. There’s an intense rush of energy that comes with picking up an instrument for the first time or mastering your first piece during your keyboard, bass, or guitar lessons in Scottsdale.

While being a beginning musician is no doubt full of fun, it’s also a super critical time that can have a huge impact on a musician’s future. Cultivating good habits from the very start is paramount to ensuring that beginning musicians grow as artists, and helps set them on the right path for future success. To make sure you’re set up for success, be sure to avoid the following mistakes made by most rookie musicians.

1. Daydreaming Instead of Doing

Envisioning future musical accomplishments is a healthy way for beginning musicians to build confidence, but it can also be detrimental if used in excess. Some beginning musicians get so wrapped up in their daydreams and musical aspirations that they forget to do the work needed to actually get them to that iconic status they long for. Beginning musicians must remember that the only real way to transition from rookie to rockstar is through hard work, patience, and lots of practice.

2. Trying To Fly Solo

It’s no secret that learning to play an instrument is hard, but it’s especially difficult if you’re trying to tackle it on your own. That’s why it’s so helpful, and almost necessary, to get outside help from people who are more advanced in their musical journey. Getting guidance from friends and family is a great start, but to really strengthen your musical skills you may want to consider taking private music lessons. At Scottsdale Music Academy, we’ve been teaching drum, bass, and guitar lessons in Scottsdale for years, so we’ve seen firsthand just how beneficial these private music lessons actually are, especially for musicians who are just starting out. Don’t ruin your musical career before it even begins simply by thinking you can go it alone. Sign up for one of our vocal, keyboard or guitar lessons in Scottsdale to get the help you need to take your skills to the next level!

3. Comparing Your Journey to Others

As a beginning musician it’s easy to find fault with yourself and get discouraged by the fact that you’re not progressing as fast as you’d like or as fast as others you know. But it’s important to remember that everybody learns at a different speed, and that what comes naturally for some might not come naturally for others. After all, being a musician isn’t about beating out the next guy, it’s about being the best version of you. Use your energy to focus on yourself, instead of others. You’ll be a better musician because of it.

While beginning musicians would be wise to avoid the mistakes discussed above, the one mistake that should absolutely never be made no matter what is to lose that first-time enthusiasm and genuine excitement for music. Beginning musicians who hold onto that passion even in their most difficult times of learning are guaranteed to triumph in the long run.

If you need help shaking off that rookie musician status, consider taking SMA’s bass, vocal, keyboard or drum lessons in Scottsdale. We’ll teach you how to become a successful musician and true master of your craft! Call (602) 751-3537 for more information.