CREATE AN ATMOSPHERE THAT WORKS FOR YOU:

Creating a practice atmosphere that works for you is one of the most important steps to take when creating a more productive practice environment at home. This consists of removing barriers, getting rid of distractions and being in the right frame of mind to practice. Let’s admit it, being at your own home can lead to a variety of distractions that can take away from playing and practicing music. To combat this, possibly try practicing in an area that you know will offer the least amount of distractions (ie. electronics, conversations, etc.). In addition, being in the right frame of mind to practice is key to creating a practice environment that works for you. For example, you will want to try to rid your thoughts of all stress and worries from the outside world, at least for a little bit. While this can be very difficult, it will most certainly lead to more productive practice sessions.

SETTING GOALS:

Setting goals is also a great way to make your practice at home more productive. It will allow you to envision what you want to accomplish and to have a set idea of where you want your skills to reach. This is also a great tip for beginners because the amount of things to practice can seem overwhelming at first. If you set goals for yourself, it will allow you to tackle one topic at a time. Although these are just a couple of tips for having a more productive practice at home, they will help you greatly in becoming more of the musician that you want to be.

1. Always Warm Up

The key to singing high notes without straining your vocal cords is to think of your voice like a machine…. specifically, like a car. It should be no surprise that few cars (if any) can go from 0 mph to 100 mph instantaneously. It takes time for a car’s engine to warm up and for all parts of the car to work together at such high levels. The same basic concept is true for your voice! The biggest mistake singers make is trying to belt out high notes when their voice isn’t first warmed up or properly trained. The end result is usually nothing but strain and pain (the vocal equivalent of screeching tires). Thankfully, you can avoid that unpleasant scenario by doing a few simple vocal exercises beforehand and gradually building your vocal strength over time.

2. Know Your Vocal Register

In our many years of teaching voice lessons, we’ve seen one too many singers try to reach notes outside of their natural vocal register. The reality is every singer has vocal limitations that prevent them from singing certain notes. While it’s true that singers can expand their vocal register through practice and techniques, eventually there is a cutoff point. In other words, don’t try to belt out a note that’s too far outside your normal range since your voice likely isn’t naturally equipped to reach that high. 

3. Control Your Air Flow

Another critical component to singing high notes is adequate airflow. More specifically, a steady and powerful flow of air. Not surprisingly, it takes a lot of air to not only reach high notes but reach them without running out of steam. To do that, you’ll need the right breath support which stems from the diaphragm. To master your airflow, you’ll need to be mindful of your diaphragm and learn to breathe from it. Ideally, when singing, you should take deep, steady and controlled breaths from the diaphragm (not the chest). Learning to breathe from the diaphragm takes time, but it’s so worth it!

4. Be Mindful of Posture

If there’s one thing singers hear over and over again it’s the importance of good posture! Believe it or not, good posture is critical for hitting high notes. For extra help reaching those elusive notes, be sure to stand correctly: chest held high, shoulders down, back, and relaxed while engaging the core.

Singing high notes isn’t easy by any means but it is doable. To learn even more expert singing techniques and get personalized help from professional singers, contact Scottsdale Music Academy or sign up for vocal lessons today!

That’s right! Music lessons can add some extra fun to your everyday routine and help make the school year a little more bearable. Not convinced? Read on to find out exactly how music lessons and playing an instrument can improve your year!

1. Music Fosters Social Connections

Let’s face it: making new friends can be scary and downright awkward! Luckily, music can take away some of those barriers, making it easier to meet new peers. If you learn to play an instrument, you’re bound to meet other students with the same love of music, either at school or at your weekly music lessons in Scottsdale. Because of your shared interest in music, you’ll easily bond with other musicians and will be planning your future band name before you know it. What better way to start the school year than by making new friends!

2. Music Tames Anxiety

As many students in Scottsdale and Phoenix know, the school year can bring about its fair share of stress. From worrying about grades, homework, and presentations, a student’s stress levels are almost always high. Thankfully, playing an instrument has been shown to help relieve stress and reduce anxiety. Music helps calm the mind and body and allows you to channel your nervous energy into something more productive. By feeling less stressed and more in control, you’ll be able to focus your attention better and not let stress consume you.

3. Music Build Confidence

There’s no better way to boost your confidence than by learning to play an instrument. The joy you’ll feel when you master a difficult chord or learn to play your favorite song is beyond unreal. When you put in the practice and work hard during your music lessons, you’ll see your efforts pay off⁠—and there’s no greater feeling than that! Plus, your new fancy music skills are sure to impress others!

4. Music Teaches Discipline

There’s no getting around it…learning to play an instrument involves hard work and discipline. While that might not seem like a super fun thing on the surface, these good habits will be invaluable to you in the long run and will only serve to better your performance at school. Learning to play an instrument will teach you how to structure your time, set goals, and stay dedicated, all of which is useful in every aspect of life. 
All in all, learning to play an instrument can only help to make the school year more fun. To see what you’re missing out on, sign up for one of our drum, bass, voice or guitar lessons in Scottsdale today!

In addition to singing lessons and regular practice, there are several gadgets and accessories that can help enhance a singer’s sound. From the perfect microphone to wireless systems and effects pedals, a singer’s potential toolkit is endless. But for those singers who are just starting out, it can be hard to determine what singing accessories are essential versus non-essential.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of our favorite must-have accessories for singers. These tools are guaranteed to give vocalists the edge they’ve been looking for!

Professional Microphone

There are microphones, then there are professional, high-quality microphones designed specifically for gigs and live shows. The difference between the two is quite noticeable and can even be a factor in whether a performance succeeds or fails. While there are a variety of top notch microphones in existence, we like the Shure SM86 best. It’s one of the most popular microphones on the market…and for good reason! Not only can it be tuned perfectly to an individual’s voice,it also combats outside noise and minimizes feedback.

Voice Effects Pedal

For singers who want to experiment with their sound, a voice effects pedal is the way to go. A voice effects pedal, or a vocal effects processor as it’s sometimes known, helps vocalists sound their absolute best. These digital devices are designed to enrich a singer’s voice by enabling them to layer their sound with reverb, echoing, harmonies, and more. And some devices even assist in pitch correction! No matter how many years of singing experience you have or how many voice lessons you’ve taken, sometimes you need a little extra assistance every now and then!

In-Ear Monitors

Next up on our list of must-have accessories for singers is an in-ear monitor. Being able to hear yourself during a gig is an absolute must for singers. It can significantly impact the quality of a performance. That’s why in-ear monitors are a wise investment. These handy devices, which can be custom fit to your ear, are made to block out external and unwanted sounds, giving musicians a more accurate representation of how they actually sound on stage.

Humidifier

Another essential accessory for singers is a humidifier. Between practicing at home, frequent vocal lessons, and hour-long performances, singers put their voices through a lot! To keep the voice in tip-top shape, singers need to ensure their vocal chords stay fully lubricated. One way to prevent vocal dryness is by regularly using a humidifier. The steam from a humidifier helps hydrate the throat, thereby restoring lost moisture and creating ideal conditions for the voice to thrive.

Next Steps

While quality singing gear is extremely beneficial and can certainly help improve a singer’s voice, the most important thing a vocalist can do to sound their best is to put in the hard work! That means lots of hours spent practicing and taking vocal lessons. To learn singing tips from the best and experience the funnest voice lessons in Phoenix and beyond, contact Scottsdale Music Academy today!

Luckily, the teachers at Scottsdale Music Academy are all professional musicians who not only teach music but also play music for a living. Here are their top tips for booking music gigs.

Tips for Booking Music Gigs

1. Think Locally

While it’s every musician’s dream to go on a nationwide major city tour, that’s not always realistic when first starting out. That’s why we encourage our music students to think locally. Instead of looking for gigs across the US, concentrate on local venues in Phoenix, Scottsdale or Paradise Valley where you could possibly play. And don’t just focus your efforts on concert venues or clubs…think coffee shops, restaurants, museums or private parties, anywhere you could gain some experience and add to your resume.

2.  Use Your Connections

Along the same lines of “thinking locally,” it’s also a good idea to use your connections to find opportunities for music gigs. Chances are you know someone who knows someone who’s looking for a musician! Ask around and take advantage of your network. The more personal connections you can foster with promoters, booking agents or local venues, the better your chances will be at landing the gig.

3. Come With a Plan

When you’re reaching out to possible local venues, it’s wise to come with a plan. By that, we mean be ready to show them what you can offer. If you’re contacting venues via email, simply send along a link to your website or Soundcloud profile or links to any videos you might have. But your best bet is to visit the venue in person and play a little something for the owner or promoter. As an extra incentive, bring along a few ideas on how you’d personally help promote the concert or event. This will demonstrate how serious and interested you are about playing there.

4. Make Sure Your Music is a Match

Spare yourself future disappointment by doing your research and choosing your venues wisely. For instance, don’t waste your time contacting a venue that specializes in jazz music when your particular style of music is more rock or acoustic. Only reach out to venues where you know your style of music is wanted or make a habit of asking that question upfront. There are plenty of venues in Phoenix and Scottsdale that cater to a variety of music genres, including yours…you just have to look!

Our last tip related to booking gigs is to always be professional. It should be a no brainer, but sending thank you emails, interacting with the crowd after a performance, and showing up on time all go a long way to help ensure a good reputation and guarantee you’re re-booked in the future.

If you’re not quite ready to book your own gig or need some extra help preparing for it, consider signing up for band coaching. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to guarantee your first live performance goes off without a hitch. From stage presence to setup and audience engagement, you’ll learn it all! Contact Scottsdale Music Academy today to get started!

Let’s face it: routines can get boring, especially when it comes to practicing your instrument. While practicing is absolutely vital to becoming a talented, badass musician, it can get dull after a while, particularly when you do the same thing over and over. But before you burn yourself out and ditch practicing altogether, why not try something new instead? Below are four fresh and unique ways to spice up your practice routine and help reignite your zest for music in the process.

1. Take It Outdoors

Mother Nature is a known remedy for a variety of issues, including boredom, so it makes sense that spending time outdoors is first on our list. After all, is there anything better than breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sun on your face? Add new life to your practice sessions by combining them with the splendor of mother nature. Practice in your backyard or find a nearby park in Scottsdale or Phoenix to play for a bit. Sometimes a change of scenery is all you need to break out of your rut!

2. Get Outside of Your Comfort Zone

If you’re feeling bored with your practice routine that means it’s time to change things up. A good way to do that is by getting outside of your comfort zone. For musicians, that usually means playing a more challenging song or playing music in a different genre than normal. Not only will this help you broaden your skills, it will also keep boredom at bay, which is a win-win in our books!

3.  Make It a Group Activity

As the saying goes, “the more, the merrier,” and that’s especially true when it comes to playing music. The next time you’re feeling lackluster about practicing your instrument, gather up a few of your closest musician friends and make it a jam session instead! You’ll have so much fun, it won’t even seem like you’re practicing!

4. Invest in Music Lessons

If you’re looking to spice up your practice routine and develop your skills, music lessons are the way to go. With one-on-one music lessons tailored to your personal interests and needs, you’ll learn all you need to know to become the rockstar musician of your dreams! With music lessons by Scottsdale Music Academy, you’ll get to play the songs you want and you’ll learn something new and different at every lesson. Instead of dreading practice, you’ll be excited and eager to learn the next new thing!

No matter how you choose to spice up your practice routine, the important thing is to stick with it. Any longtime musician will tell you that there will be days when you’re not as into as others, but don’t let that deter you. Look for ways to spice up your practice routine or simply take a little break to recharge…then get back to it with full force!
For help with any and everything related to voice, drums, bass, keyboard or guitar, contact Scottsdale Music Academy today! Or sign up for a free music lesson!

1. Metronome

For many beginning music students, keeping time and playing a song at tempo can be extremely challenging since it’s likely a brand new skill. That’s why a metronome is so useful and one of the most essential music tools out there. A metronome is simply a device that produces a steady audible sound to indicate exact tempo. This helps musicians stay on beat and keep the rhythm of a song. Even better, the speed of the metronome can be easily adjusted to match the time signature of any piece. And today, metronomes come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles from mechanical to digital to apps, clips ons, dials, and more. In other words, there’s a metronome to fit every musician’s own personal style and preference!

2. Tuner

There’s no doubt about it: a tuner is a must-have music tool! As we mentioned previously, having a properly tuned instrument is critical to sounding and playing your best. While there are a variety of ways to tune your instrument, nothing is easier and more accurate than a tuner. Whether you play the guitar, bass, drums, or use your voice as your instrument, there’s a tuner out there for you. Even better, tuners are relatively cheap ($15 on average) and are lightweight and small making them extremely portable and perfect for traveling musicians.

3. Music Lessons

Learning a new skill on your own is TOUGH. Luckily, you can make it easier by taking music lessons. The advantages of music lessons are many: from custom feedback, expert tips, and personalized guidance to a caring, supportive music instructor and a community of like-minded musicians. Generally speaking, the reasons to take music lessons outweigh any reasons not to. Plus, with music lessons like the ones taught at Scottsdale Music Academy, you’ll be an active partner in your musical education with the power to choose your own songs and learn what and when you want.

4. Recorder

They say the key to growing is learning from your past mistakes. What better way to capture those mistakes than with a recorder! Recording your practice sessions, music lessons or live shows will help you figure out what you did right and what you did wrong. It’s a great way to identify your weaknesses as a musician, so you can take the necessary steps to improve.

Last, but not least, it’s extremely important to have a support system to keep you motivated and accountable. At our Scottsdale music studio, you’ll find a whole team of individuals ready to cheer you on when the going gets tough, push you at each and every music lesson, and celebrate every victory with you no matter how small. Sign up for a music lesson at our Scottsdale studio today to find out how we can help you in your musical journey!

Imagine trying to sing with a frog in your throat. For many singers, this feeling is all too familiar. The fact is vocal strain and pain are common occurrences for singers, especially for those who don’t take proper care of their voice.

Whether you realize it or not, your voice is an instrument, and needs care and attention just as much as any guitar or piano. Think about it. A guitar can be stowed in a protective case after an intense jam session, but a singer takes their vocal cords with them no matter where they go. Concert or no concert, a singer’s instrument is always in use, hence the reason why singers are more susceptible to vocal cord disorders and distress, and the reason why regular vocal care is so important.

Singers who constantly push their voice to the extreme without allowing their vocal cords a little R&R from time to time may experience some of the following symptoms:

• Hoarseness

• Low-pitched voice

• Breathy voice

• Loss of vocal range

• Throat pain while talking or singing

Luckily, there are steps singers can take to maintain a healthy voice and ensure a performance (sans “ribbit ribbit”) that will have the audience jumping to their feet with applause.

1. Sing The Right Way

Everyone knows that nothing is more crucial to a singer’s success than proper technique, but did you also know that good technique is the basis for a healthy voice?  While there are many best practices to follow when it comes to singing, knowing how to properly breathe from your diaphragm is essential to avoiding injuries and common vocal cord wear and tear. Essentially, breathing from your diaphragm moves the effort of support to the abdominal muscles, thus keeping pressure away from the vocal cords and the throat.  Learning diaphragmatic breathing can be tricky at first, but once mastered, it leads to better breath control, improved vocal endurance, and superior tone quality.  To ensure you’re singing the correct way, you may want to consider taking voice lessons. Scottsdale Music Academy can teach you everything you need to know to perfect your voice and keep it in tip top, concert ready shape at all times.

2. Drink Up

No, we’re not talking about alcohol! We’re talking about the other liquid wonder known as H20.  Water helps to thin your mucous and lubricate your vocal cords, allowing your vocal cords to smoothly move against one another and vibrate with ease. To keep your vocal folds adequately hydrated and moist, be sure to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. For even better results, consider investing in a personal steamer, especially if you live in a dry environment. The extra steam will help sooth irritated vocal cords and provide an added source of moisture.

3. Take Voice Naps

Just because you’re no longer in kindergarten doesn’t mean you’re too old for a nap…a vocal nap that is! Taking short periods (10 to 15 minutes) of vocal rest from time to time, especially after extended periods of voice use, will help minimize stress and vibrations on your vocal folds. You’ll “wake” feeling refreshed and ready to tackle even the toughest of songs.

Other ways to maintain a healthy voice include:

• Consistently warming up before a performance

• Abstaining from smoking

• Limiting alcohol intake

• Avoiding vocal misuse, such as yelling and screaming or excessively  raising your voice

More than anything else, singers need to remember that their voice is a muscle and must treat it like one. Maintaining a healthy voice takes work and consistency, that’s why regular practice and training is essential. Singers who are serious about perfecting their craft should surround themselves with trusted professionals in order to develop performance skills, master proper techniques and prevent injuries.

If you’re looking for an all-star team dedicated to helping you reach new vocal heights, look no further than Scottsdale Music Academy.  When it comes to voice lessons, Scottsdale Music Academy knows how to turn even the worst Kermit the Frog voice into singing shape!

Give us a call at (602) 751-3537 today to learn how we can help you.

At Scottsdale Music Academy we wholeheartedly believe in the power of music lessons. We know that all of our drum lessons, guitar lessons and vocal lessons in Scottsdale will pay off big time for our students. But don’t take our word for it. Just look to Leroy Miller who is an undeniable example of where music lessons, passion, and hard work can take you…all the way to a fifth solo album release and so much more.

If you’re not familiar with Leroy Miller, you should be. He has worked with some of the biggest musicians in the industry, including John Mayer, Macy Gray, and Smash Mouth. Encountering a real life musician, like Leroy, outside of Hollywood is pretty rare….but not if you’re a student at Scottsdale Music Academy.  SMA recently had the pleasure of welcoming the blues sensation and bonafide guitar master to the studio where he rehearsed with our very own drum instructor Joe Costello. In fact, the two just wrapped up a weeklong tour together showcasing music from Leroy’s latest album “Temple,” with gigs in Phoenix, Flagstaff, and Jerome.

Living out a Dream

While all musicians dream of the bright lights, the sweet sound of adoring fans, and the rush that comes from rocking out on stage, few can actually say they’ve lived this dream like Leroy can. From the age of ten, when Leroy first saw Chuck Berry on TV captivating a crowd with his guitar, he has known he wanted to do just that. Since then, Leroy has devoted his life to music, mastering not just the guitar, but percussion instruments, the keyboard and vocals, not to mention his work as a record producer, songwriter and electronic beats composer.

Honing His Craft

What sets Leroy apart from other musicians (besides his varied musical prowess) is his deep-rooted devotion to his craft, which began when his parents gave him his first guitar as a Christmas present with instructions to practice an hour every day. Little did they know that Leroy would follow those instructions to a T and then some. Soon their parental chidings turned from practice more to quit practicing so much. But Leroy’s practice paid off in the end.  He quickly became a local star in his hometown of Spokane, Washington, booking gig after gig with his band before finally moving to LA, and then Hollywood, where he found even greater success and attracted the interest of A &R men, resulting in his first record deal, one of many to follow.

Life as a Musician

Thanks to his musical talents, Leroy has lived a “charmed life full of artistic expression” and been carried on grand adventures across the world like playing out at sea with Smash Mouth on the USS George Washington in front of 5,000 screaming fans, which Leroy calls “an experience I’ll never forget.”

Leroy attributes his continued success as a musician to his unwavering belief in himself, even in the face of naysayers and inevitable disappointments.

“For every yes I’ve had, for every green light, I’ve had a hundred no’s at least,” says Leroy, in reference to the rejection he’s faced throughout the years.

But hearing those no’s hasn’t discouraged him in the least. Instead, he’s used every no and every criticism to fuel his journey and focus on what matters most: his music.

“I’ve always had an extreme belief in what I’ve done and that doesn’t come by just sitting around watching Oprah, eating potato chips. That comes from  practicing every spare second you have, investing every spare dime you have into more professional quality equipment to help enhance your natural abilities and dedicating your life to it [music],” says Leroy.

What’s Next

These days, Leroy’s busy working on his latest venture: a new EP entitled “Off The Rails,” which he describes as “blues rock,” but with his own unique spin, as well as setting up more shows around the country and serving as a record producer for other upcoming artists.

After years spent opening for bands like Aerosmith and Dave Mathews Band, getting his music licensed in countless films and TV shows such as “Scrubs,” “Arrested Development,” and “Black Sheep,” and producing hit indie albums through his own record company, Leroy seems like he’s achieved it all.

But don’t expect him to hang up his guitar anytime soon. According to Leroy, he’s “just getting started.”

And we at Scottsdale Music Academy can’t wait to see what’s next!

Be sure to check out Leroy’s new music, which is expected to be released later this spring. And be sure to sign up for one of our bass, drum, or vocal lessons in Scottsdale.  After all, you never know who you might run into.

Call us at (602) 751-3537 to schedule your Scottsdale music lesson at the only place where musicians both big and small come to play!